For a long time, going to the gym has been associated with leading a healthy lifestyle. It’s often regarded as one of the most effective ways to lose weight and stay in shape. Nothing beats the feeling of working out in a fully equipped gym with all the latest and greatest fitness equipment.
The level of motivation and accountability that comes with being in such an environment is tough to replicate at home, with many people finding it much easier to make excuses when they’re not surrounded by like-minded individuals. So, if you want to get serious about your up-and-coming fitness centre, you should make sure you have all the basics to give your clients the best possible experience.
What Equipment Should a Gym Have?
Most booming gyms have certain key features and equipment in common. Of course, the type of gear you’ll need will ultimately depend on your budget, the size of your facility, and your target clientele. But in general, any well-equipped training centre should have the following:
Weight Benches
Source: garagegymreviews.com
The sturdy commercial weight bench is one of the most versatile and commonly used items in any workout routine. Essentially, it consists of a flat surface supported by a frame which creates the perfect space for performing a variety of exercises like chest presses, shoulder presses, and triceps extensions.
Some of the crucial features to look for in a weight bench include height, adjustability, and weight capacity. In terms of height, you should ensure it can accommodate users of all sizes, as not everyone will be comfortable working out on a bench that’s too high or low for them.
Additionally, the ability to adjust the backrest and seat of a commercial weight bench is important for ensuring comfort and proper form during different exercises. It’ll give you more flexibility in terms of the types of workouts you can offer, and allow your clients to really customise their routine to meet their specific needs.
You’ll also want to make sure the padding is comfortable yet firm enough to provide support, as this can be a make-or-break factor for many fitness enthusiasts. Foam padding is a good option as it offers both comfort and durability.
Lastly, always check the weight capacity before making a purchase – you don’t want your bench to buckle under the pressure of heavy lifting. Most commercial gym benches on the market can accommodate weights of up to 300kg or more, so this shouldn’t be an issue for most users.
Dumbbell Sets
No gym is complete without a good set of dumbbells. These free weights are essential for strength training and toning and can be used for a number of exercises like bicep curls, overhead presses, and rows.
When choosing dumbbells, you’ll need to decide on the weight range and material. For weight, it’s important to have a broader scope so that everyone, from beginners to advanced lifters, can find a pair that’s suitable for them.
For the most part, dumbbell sets start at around 2kg and go up to 50kg, which should cover the needs of a diverse range of users. Of course, if your gym caters to a specific demographic – like athletes or bodybuilders – you can always invest in heavier weights.
As for material, the two most common options are cast iron and neoprene. Cast iron dumbbells are incredibly tough and offer a classic look, but they can be quite expensive. In contrast, neoprene models are more affordable and have a soft, comfy coating that’s easy on the hands.
Pull-Up Bars
Much talk about fitness and weight loss revolves around cardio, but strength training is just as important for achieving the desired results. That’s where a pull-up bar comes in – it’s one of the best ways to tone your back, arms, and core all at once.
Perhaps the most vital aspect of a pull-up bar is its build quality. After all, every time your clients use it, they’ll be putting a lot of strain on the frame. If it’s not up to the task, there’s a risk of it giving way and causing serious injuries.
As such, you’ll want to make sure the bar is made from tough materials like steel or aluminium. Both metals are incredibly strong and can support a lot of weight, so you can rest assured your clients will be safe when using the bar.
It’s also important to consider the overall design. Having a bar that’s easy to grip is essential for comfort and safety, so look for one with a textured or padded surface. Moreover, you should look for one that’s easy to install and remove, as this will come in handy when you need to clean the area around it.
Treadmills
source: thomasnet.com
The classic treadmill is a staple in most gyms for a reason – it’s a universal piece of equipment that has a variety of applications. Whether your clients want to run, walk, or even just stretch their legs, a treadmill is a perfect tool for the job.
You should keep an eye on the belt size of your device. It should be wide enough for most users – around 45cm is a good rule of thumb – but not so wide that it takes up too much unnecessary space.
The belt should also be long enough to cater to various stride lengths. Most people will be fine with a belt that’s around 130cm, but if you have tall clients, you might want to consider a longer model.
Of course, the speed range is another important consideration. A good treadmill should be able to reach at least 10km/h, but if you have space for it, a higher top speed will give your clients more options.