Must-Know Equipment Prices for Opening a Gym: Top 10 Commercial Picks with Wholesale Costs

I Blew My First Equipment Budget—Please Don’t Do the Same

Let me take you back.

It’s 2017. I’m standing in a warehouse in Guangzhou, wide-eyed, sweating (not from a workout), staring at a shiny row of commercial treadmills that cost more than my car.

I had $35,000 saved to open a small boutique gym—rent, staff, marketing, everything. I figured, “Hey, $15K should be more than enough for gear, right?”

Spoiler: It wasn’t. Not even close.

That’s why I’m writing this—to save you from the same facepalm I experienced. Whether you’re opening your first gym or refreshing an existing space, knowing what equipment actually costs (in wholesale terms) can save your project—and your sanity.

Let’s break it down. Here are 10 essential pieces of commercial gym equipment, what they typically cost when bought smart (a.k.a. in bulk or directly from suppliers), and a few things to consider before you hit “purchase.”

🚴‍♂️ 1. Treadmills – The Heart of the Cardio Zone

(Wholesale Range: $1,800–$4,200/unit)

You can’t open a gym without them. Clients expect treadmills the same way coffee shops need espresso machines.

But the price tag? Oof. Brand-new commercial treadmills, like the ones from Life Fitness, Precor, or Technogym, can cost over $6,000 retail.
Wholesale or refurbished? You’re looking at $2,500–$4,000 depending on motor size, belt quality, and those fancy screens nobody uses.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t overspend on touchscreen displays. They break. Go for durability and incline options over flashy tech.

🏃‍♀️ 2. Ellipticals – Smooth, Low-Impact Burn

(Wholesale Range: $1,200–$3,000/unit)

Ellipticals are cardio’s quiet MVP—especially for older clients or those rehabbing injuries.
They’re also sneakily expensive.

You’ll see names like Octane, Precor, and Matrix dominating this category. While used options exist, be picky—elliptical mechanics are delicate, and repairs ain’t cheap.

💡 Insider note: Avoid units older than 5 years unless the refurbisher replaced the entire drive system.

🚴 3. Stationary Bikes – Spin Studio or Basic Cardio?

(Wholesale Range: $500–$2,000/unit)

Here’s where things get spicy. Are you setting up a HIIT spin class, or just adding a few cardio bikes to the corner?

• Basic upright bikes start around $500–$900
• Studio-grade spin bikes like Keiser M3i or Stages can run up to $2,000, even wholesale

You might be tempted to go cheap here—but trust me, cheap bikes = squeaky nightmares after 3 months of use.

💡 If you’re adding classes, splurge on the good stuff. A smooth ride is the difference between a loyal member and a refund request.

🏋️‍♂️ 4. Cable Machines & Functional Trainers – Versatile Workhorses

(Wholesale Range: $1,800–$3,500/unit)

I once had a client walk into my gym, glance at the functional trainer, and go, “Oh wow, this machine does everything, huh?”

Yup. And that’s exactly why they’re worth the money.

A good dual cable machine lets your clients do everything from tricep pushdowns to chest flys—without hogging half the gym floor. The top brands? Think Hoist, Ntaifitness or Matrix.

You’ll find:

• Basic functional trainers at around $1,800–$2,200
• Deluxe towers with accessories pushing $3,000+

💡 Real talk: Don’t skimp on cable smoothness. If it jerks or drags, your members will complain.

🪑 5. Benches & Racks – Your Lifting Foundations

(Wholesale Range: $250–$900 per unit)

Benches and racks are like salt and pepper in your kitchen. You don’t always notice them—but if they’re missing or terrible? You’ll hear about it.

• Adjustable benches (flat/incline/decline) go for $300–$700
• Squat racks or half racks cost about $500–$900

Please, for the love of all things iron, don’t buy cheap foldable benches meant for home gyms.

One loose weld and someone’s rotator cuff is toast.

💡 My rule? If you wouldn’t feel safe benching 200 lbs on it—don’t put it in your gym.

🏋️ 6. Free Weights (Dumbbells, Barbells, Plates)

(Wholesale Range: $2–$5 per pound)

Let’s break this down, because this category eats a big chunk of your budget.

• Rubber hex dumbbells: $2–$3/lb
• Olympic bumper plates: $3–$4.50/lb
• Barbells (commercial-grade): $150–$350 each

The thing with free weights? It adds up fast. A full dumbbell rack (5 to 100 lbs) can easily hit $5,000+, even at wholesale pricing.

💡 Budget tip: Buy dumbbells in bundles or sets—they’re often way cheaper per pound than buying individual pairs.

🧱 7. Weight Storage & Racks – Keep Your Floor Tidy

(Wholesale Range: $200–$600 per unit)

I once visited a gym where dumbbells were scattered like toddler toys across the floor. Great vibe if you’re into chaos—not so great for safety.

Storage racks may not be sexy, but they’re essential.

• 3-tier dumbbell racks: ~$350
• Vertical plate trees: ~$250
• Barbell racks: ~$400

💡 Bonus perk: Organized gear = faster workouts + fewer complaints from OCD members like me.

⚙️ 8. Functional Training Gear – Small Stuff, Big Results

(Wholesale Range: $1,000–$2,500 for a full setup)

If your gym has even a sliver of space left, fill it with functional gear.

Think:

• Kettlebells
• Medicine balls
• TRX systems
• Battle ropes
• Plyo boxes

This stuff may look small, but it’s what personal trainers love to use—and clients love to Instagram. The best part? You can usually outfit this zone for a few grand.

💡 Pro tip: Buy commercial-rated versions. Home-grade medicine balls won’t last two months in a busy studio.

🧘‍♂️ 9. Recovery Zone Gear – Don’t Skip the Chill Zone

(Wholesale Range: $500–$1,200)

Here’s the part a lot of new gym owners overlook. Recovery gear.

You’re probably laser-focused on treadmills and weights, but hear me out—your members’ bodies need rest just as much as they need resistance.

What’s in a basic recovery zone?

• Foam rollers: $10–$25 each
• Stretching mats: $30–$60
• Massage guns: $100–$300
• Cooling towels or ice packs
• Maybe even a hypervolt station if you’re feeling fancy

💡 Insider tip: A chill corner with basic recovery tools shows your gym cares about longevity, not just beast mode. Clients notice that.

📊 10. Total Cost Summary + Smart Buyer Tips

Okay, let’s talk numbers. If you're outfitting a gym with:

That’s your wholesale baseline—not including shipping, installation, or taxes.

🧠 Smart Buying Tips from Someone Who’s Been There:

• Buy bundled equipment packages when possible (some vendors discount heavily when you kit out a full gym)
• Ask about floor models or lightly-used trade-ins
• Get quotes from multiple vendors—don't just Google and click
• Always factor in warranty + repair policy
• Consider leasing options if cash flow is tight in the early months

💬 FAQs – You Asked, I’ve Lived It

Can I buy some things used and others new?

Absolutely—and honestly, that’s what I recommend for most new gyms. Get brand-new cardio if your budget allows, but consider gently-used weights or benches from trusted sources.

What equipment should I buy first if I’m on a tight budget?

Start with the essentials that can train full-body: cable machine, bench, barbell set, some dumbbells, and a few cardio pieces. Build from there.

How much space do I need for all of this?

You can open a fully functional gym in 800–1,000 sq ft if you use space wisely and skip oversized equipment.

Where do people usually overspend?

Fancy cardio screens, excessive duplication (like three different types of bikes), and branded storage racks. Function > flash.

Can I negotiate on wholesale prices?

Heck yes. Especially if you're buying multiple units. Ask for volume discounts, seasonal promos, or demo floor models.

🤝 Final Thoughts – Build Smart, Train Hard, Grow Fast

Opening a gym is equal parts dream and spreadsheet.

You’ve got a vision for your space—you see the iron plates clanking, the sweat flying, the sound of music bumping during a packed 6AM class. That part? It’s priceless.

But the hardware that makes it happen? That comes with a very real price tag.

My advice? Don’t wing it. Don’t rely on vague “package deals” from suppliers who won't even break down what you’re getting. Use real data, compare apples to apples, and always ask what you’re paying for—because in this business, a few thousand bucks saved on the wrong equipment can cost you ten times more in reputation and repairs.

If this list helped even a little, then I’m glad. Because I’ve been in your shoes—wide-eyed, broke, hopeful—and I know how much clarity matters in the early days.

🙌 Ready to Build a Gym That Makes Sense (and Cents)?
Still not sure which pieces to start with?
Need help comparing brands or negotiating with suppliers?

👉 Shoot me a message or drop a comment. I’ve helped dozens of new gym owners build out their dream spaces without falling into the “shiny thing trap.”

Let’s make your floor plan smart, your equipment tight, and your business profitable from day one.