Are you a gym owner and you wonder what equipment you lack to keep your customers satisfied? Or maybe you are just opening your gym and want to start shopping for appropriate machines?
Stay with us on this article. You won’t find such specific and up-to-date information anywhere else.
Below we provide a list of 20 pieces of equipment needed in a good gym – descriptions of the machines with approximate prices according to your gym size, advancement level of the users, approximate duration of use and how often to perform maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- A gym equipment list is broad, but you need to choose the pieces which are desired by your gym members.
- The most typical are: exercise machines for strengthening, weight lifting, cardio exercise, aerobic capacity and head to toe workout.
- Will you be able to take care of the equipment if you run a 24/7 gym and you are not always there? Yes, introduce a gym management software. Read more about it in this article.
20+ Must Have Gym Equipment
Here is a detailed list of 20 pieces of equipment commonly found in a well-equipped fitness center that you can boast.
We also write about the duration of use and how often you need to check if everything is OK with this piece of gym equipment. Do it regularly – for your members safety and assuring a complete fitness experience.
1. Resistance Bands
Elastic bands used for strength training and physical therapy.
- Price: $10 – $50 each
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 10-20 minutes
- Maintenance: As needed, observe material wear and cracks
2. Kettlebells
Cast iron or steel free weights used for ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.
- Price: $20 – $200 each
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 15-30 minutes
- Maintenance: Quarterly
3. Pull-Up Bar
A bar for performing pull-ups to work the upper body.
- Price: $50 – $200
- User Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Duration of Use: 5-15 minutes
- Maintenance: Quarterly
4. Treadmill
A machine for walking, jogging, or running while staying in one place.
- Price: $1,000 – $5,000
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 30-60 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
5. Stationary Bike
A stationary bicycle is used as exercise equipment for indoor cycling.
- Price: $500 – $3,000
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 30-60 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
6. Rowing Machine
A rowing machine is used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for exercise.
- Price: $500 – $2,500
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 20-45 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
7. Smith Machine
A weight machine used for weight training that consists of a barbell fixed within steel rails.
- Price: $1,500 – $3,000
- User Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Duration of Use: 20-60 minutes
- Maintenance: Weekly
8. Dumbbells
Handheld free weights used for strength training, available in fixed or adjustable types.
- Types:
- Fixed Dumbbells
- Adjustable Dumbbells
- Hex Dumbbells
- Rubber-Coated Dumbbells
- Prices
- Fixed Dumbbells: $1 – $3 per pound
- Adjustable Dumbbells: $150 – $500 per set
- Hex Dumbbells: $1.50 – $2.50 per pound
- Rubber-Coated Dumbbells: $2 – $3 per pound
- Advancement Level
- Beginners: 1 lb to 10 lbs
- Intermediate: 10 lbs to 30 lbs
- Advanced: 30 lbs and above
- Usage Duration: Session Duration: 20 to 60 minutes; Weekly Frequency: 2 to 5 times per week
- Maintenance: Monthly
- Wipe with a damp cloth
- Check for damage
- Ensure adjustment mechanism operates smoothly (for adjustable dumbbells)
- Store in a dry place to prevent rusting
9. Squat Rack
Sturdy frame, adjustable supports, and safety bars. Provides a stable and safe environment for performing squats and other weightlifting exercises.
- Types
- Power Rack (Full Cage)
- Half Rack
- Squat Stand
- Fold Away Squat Rack
- Combo Rack
- Average Price
- Power Rack: $500 – $1,500
- Half Rack: $300 – $800
- Squat Stand: $100 – $300
- Fold Away Squat Rack: $400 – $900
- Combo Rack: $700 – $2,000
- Duration of Use: Session Duration: 20-60 minutes; Frequency: 2-5 times per week.
- User Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced lifters.
- Maintenance: Monthly
- Wipe down
- Check for damage
- Lubricate adjustable parts
- Tighten bolts and screws
10. Functional Trainer
A versatile machine with adjustable pulleys for various strength training exercises.
Pros and Cons of Force USA X-20 Pro Functional Trainer Machine
- Price: $2,000 – $5,000
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 20-45 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
Source: insportline.pl website
11. Push-Up Bars/Stands
Small, portable devices that elevate your hands off the ground, allowing for a greater range of motion and reducing wrist strain.
- Price: $10 – $30
- User Level: All levels
- Maintenance: Minimal, just occasional cleaning and inspection for wear.
12. Push-Up Machine
These devices offer a stable platform with rotating or stationary handles to enhance push ups. Examples: Perfect Pushup, Power Press Push Up, Iron Chest Master.
- Price: $20 – $100
- User Level: All levels
- Maintenance: Occasional cleaning and checking for mechanical issues.
13. Barbells
One of the free weights, barbells are long bars used for performing weight training exercises and strength training. They are actually a metal bar with weight plates added to each end.
Barbell exercises are effective and compound: squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These weights can be used for a wide range of exercises targeting various muscle groups.
- Types
- Standard Barbell: Fixed weight, typically used for general lifting.
- Olympic Barbell: 7 feet long, used in competitive weightlifting.
- EZ Curl Bar: Curved design for bicep and tricep exercises.
- Trap Bar: Hexagonal shape, used for deadlifts and shrugs.
- Prices
- Standard Barbell: $50 – $150
- Olympic Barbell: $200 – $500
- EZ Curl Bar: $40 – $100
- Trap Bar: $100 – $300
- User Level
- Beginners: Standard and EZ Curl Bars.
- Intermediate to Advanced: Olympic and Trap Bars.
- Usage Duration: Session Duration: 30-60 minutes; Weekly Frequency: 2-5 times per week.
- Maintenance: Monthly.
- Clean the bar and weights.
- Inspect for rust or damage.
- Lubricate the bar’s bearings (for Olympic bars).
14. Elliptical Trainer
A stationary exercise machine to simulate walking, running, or stair climbing without causing excessive pressure to the joints.
- Price: $800 – $4,000
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 20-45 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
15. Battle Ropes
Battle ropes are a versatile and effective tool for enhancing cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance. Heavy ropes are used for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional strength training.
They are typically made from durable poly Dacron material with heat-shrink handles for grip.
- Price: $50 – $200, depending on the length and thickness of the ropes.
- User Level
- Beginners: Can start with lighter, shorter ropes.
- Intermediate to Advanced: Can use heavier, longer ropes for increased intensity.
- Duration of Use: Session Duration: 10-30 minutes, often incorporated into HIIT workouts; Weekly Frequency: 2-4 times per week.
- Maintenance: Quarterly.
- Inspect for fraying or damage.
- Clean with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt.
- Store in a dry place to prevent mildew and deterioration.
16. Stair Climber
Another interesting and needed fitness equipment is definitely a machine that simulates the action of climbing stairs.
- Price: $1,000 – $5,000
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 20-45 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
17. Cable Crossover Machine
A versatile piece of gym equipment that uses adjustable cables for various exercises for upper body strength.
Source: yorkbarbell.com
- Price: $1,000 – $3,000
- User Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Duration of Use: 20-45 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
18. Leg Extension Machine
A machine designed to work the quadriceps muscles of the legs.
- Price: $800 – $2,500
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 10-20 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
19. Leg Curl Machine
A machine targeting the hamstrings by curling the legs.
- Price: $800 – $2,500
- User Level: All levels
- Duration of Use: 10-20 minutes
- Maintenance: Monthly
20. Training Bench
This versatile piece of equipment is used for various strength training exercises, such as bench presses, dumbbell rows, and abdominal workouts.
It typically consists of a padded seat and backrest, with adjustable positions (flat, incline, and decline) for different exercises.
- Price: $50 – $500, depending on the features and quality.
- User Level:
- Beginners: Basic flat or adjustable bench.
- Intermediate to Advanced: More advanced benches with multiple adjustment options and additional features.
- Duration of Use: Session Duration: 20-60 minutes per workout session; Weekly Frequency: 2-5 times per week.
- Maintenance: Monthly.
- Wipe down the padding and frame with a damp cloth.
- Check and tighten bolts and screws.
- Inspect for tears in the padding and other damage.
21. BONUS: Also remember about:
It is important to remember about:
- the first aid kit,
- cooling gels and sprays,
- rollers,
- mats,
- fitness cubes,
- exercise ball,
- fitness ladders,
- and more.
What other important accessories are necessary in your own gym?
Tip for the Worried Gym Owners
If you are a 24/7 gym owner and you worry about your expensive equipment, implement a gym management software.
One of its important features for your 24 hour gym is a gym check-in system. This functionality allows members to enter and leave the gym without employee involvement. However, you will receive reports on the training time of a given client in case you need to check when the equipment was damaged or stolen.
In the module of gym membership software you can temporarily or completely remove the customer from using your services. Let technology help you manage your gym!
Try for free:
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FAQ
The most popular equipment found in fitness centers includes a variety of machines and tools designed to target different muscle groups and fitness levels. Here are some of the most frequently used pieces of gym equipment:
- rowing machine
- resistance bands
- press machine
- stationary bike
- treadmill
- adjustable bench
- cardio equipment
- leg press machine
- and others.
The most necessary equipment is the one that people come for. So it can vary according to your offer and speciality. The basic gym equipment is:
- a gym machine for weightlifting
- machines for resistance training
- machines for cardiovascular endurance
- machines for multiple muscle groups.
Use a treadmill or stationary bicycle for resistance training. A sit ups fitness machinery may be useful here. Add a press machine after some time of training.
A perfect piece of equipment for seniors is a flat bench. Use medicine balls but avoid lifting heavy weights. Perform a delicate but full body workout for seniors.
