How to open a gym from scratch in Spain: complete guide, machines and budget
How to open a gym from scratch: first steps to get started
Opening a gym can become a very attractive business project, but it is also a significant investment that has to be planned properly. Choosing the premises, laying out the spaces, buying the professional gym machines that are right for you and defining the type of client you want to attract are decisions that can make the difference between a facility that is merely equipped and a gym that is truly competitive.
If you are thinking about how to open a gym from scratch, you probably have a lot of questions:
which machines do I need?
how many square metres do I need?
how much money do I need to invest?
is it better to buy a lot of machines or start with a smaller selection?
which equipment do members value most?
In this guide from Levanta Tu Gym we review the main points you should consider before you start your project.
1. Define the type of gym you want to open
The first mistake to avoid is buying equipment before you have defined the business concept.
A large commercial gym does not need the same equipment as a personal training studio, a boutique gym or a hotel fitness room.
Before you select the machines, define points such as:
Target audience.
Estimated number of users.
Available square metres.
Type of training you want to offer.
Opening hours.
Level of specialisation.
Available budget.
Room to expand the gym later.
For example, a gym focused on bodybuilding and hypertrophy will probably need a substantial free-weight zone, specific machines for legs and glutes, racks, benches and strength stations.
A centre aimed at a more general audience may need a more balanced layout between cardio, strength machines, free weights and functional training.
2. Choose the premises correctly
The premises will shape almost the entire project.
You should not only look at the available square metres. You also have to study the layout, access, ceiling height, ventilation, climate control, changing rooms, common areas, the position of columns and the real options for placing the machines correctly.
Good space planning is essential.
Filling every square metre with machines does not necessarily create a better gym.
Members need to be able to move comfortably between stations and have enough space to perform the exercises safely.
That is why, before you buy the machines, it is worth preparing a layout proposal for the floor.
3. Which zones should a gym have?
It will depend on the concept, but a professional gym can be split into several main areas.
Strength machine zone
This is where you will find machines designed to work the main muscle groups.
Some examples are:
Chest press.
Shoulder press.
Lat pulldown.
Row.
Leg extension.
Leg curl.
Abductors.
Adductors.
Glute machines.
Biceps.
Triceps.
Abs.
The selectorised machines are especially useful in commercial gyms because they let you select the weight quickly and make it easier for users with different experience levels.
Legs and glutes zone
Lower-body training plays a huge role in today’s gyms.
Depending on the space and budget, it can be worth adding machines such as:
Leg press.
Hack Squat.
Leg extension.
Leg curl.
Abductors and adductors.
Dedicated glute machine.
Hip thrust.
Calf machines.
A strong selection of leg machines can help a strength floor stand out considerably.
4. Multipower, racks and strength stations
The Multipower or Smith Machine is one of the most versatile machines you can install in a gym.
It lets you perform a wide range of guided-bar exercises, including squats, bench press, lunges, hip thrust or shoulder press.
Alongside it, racks and power cages allow free-weight exercises and open up a wide range of training options.
To make better use of the space there are also multi-station setups that combine different stations in a single structure.
This can be especially useful when you want to open a small gym without giving up a wide range of exercises.
5. Do not forget the free-weight zone
Machines are essential, but a modern gym also needs a proper free-weight zone.
Basic equipment can include:
Dumbbells in different weights.
Olympic bars.
Plates.
Flat benches.
Adjustable benches.
Racks.
Plate storage.
Dumbbell racks.
The quantity you need will depend on the expected number of users.
One of the key points when designing this zone is avoiding bottlenecks. If the gym has many members but few benches or training stations, waiting times can damage the member experience.
6. Which cardio machines does a gym need?
Another important decision when equipping a professional gym is deciding how much space to dedicate to cardiovascular training.
The usual options include:
Professional treadmills
They are a classic in any gym and let you walk, run and train at different intensities.
Bikes
You can install upright bikes, recumbent bikes or bikes designed for indoor cycling.
Ellipticals
They provide cardiovascular work that involves both the lower and upper body.
Rowers
Rowers are an interesting alternative for users looking for a more complete cardiovascular workout.
The number of cardio machines should be defined according to the client profile and the planned capacity of the centre.
Buying ten treadmills because other gyms have ten treadmills is not necessarily the right decision.
Every project needs its own analysis.
7. Functional training zone
Functional training lets you offer a wide range of options without filling the gym with large machines.
You can include items such as:
Kettlebells.
Medicine balls.
Plyo boxes.
Resistance bands.
Mats.
Suspension systems.
Sleds, when the space allows.
Functional rigs.
This zone can complement the machine and free-weight areas perfectly.
8. How much does it cost to open a gym?
This is probably one of the most frequent questions any entrepreneur asks:
How much money do I need to open a gym?
There is no universal figure.
The budget can vary enormously depending on factors such as:
Size of the premises.
Number of machines.
Quality of the equipment.
New or refurbished equipment.
Fit-out work required.
Changing rooms.
Climate control.
Electrical installations.
Technical flooring.
Access systems.
Management software.
Furniture.
Delivery and installation.
Brand image and signage.
That is why looking only at the price of the machines can give an incomplete picture of the investment.
The best approach is to split the project into different budget lines and set priorities.
9. Is it better to buy a lot of machines or choose fewer, better ones?
When the budget is limited, it can be tempting to buy as many machines as possible.
Quantity and quality, however, are not the same thing.
A smart selection of professional fitness equipment can offer far more training options than a floor full of rarely used machines.
A good initial strategy can be to prioritise:
Essential machines for the main muscle groups.
Equipment that is especially in demand with the target audience.
Versatile stations.
Free weights.
Cardio matched to the number of users.
Functional equipment.
Later on, the gym can grow based on the real demand from its members.
10. Machine layout matters
Two gyms can have exactly the same machines and offer completely different experiences.
Why?
Because of the layout.
A good layout should let the member identify each zone easily, circulate comfortably and find a logic in how the equipment is placed.
For example, you can group machines by muscle or create clearly differentiated zones for cardio, strength, free weights and functional training.
You should also consider the distances between machines and the space needed to load plates, perform exercises and access each station comfortably.
Levanta Tu Gym: machinery and equipment to open your gym
If you are thinking about opening a gym from scratch, renovating an existing floor or expanding your equipment, choosing the right machines is one of the most important decisions in the whole project.
At Levanta Tu Gym we work with machinery and fitness equipment solutions designed to create professional training spaces adapted to different needs.
The goal should not be simply to fill a space with machines.
It is about creating a balanced, attractive, functional gym that is ready to offer a good experience to its members.
Analysing the space, selecting each piece of equipment correctly and planning the layout before you invest can help you make far better use of your budget.
Frequently asked questions about how to open a gym
What do I need to open a gym from scratch?
You will need to define the business model, find suitable premises, study the applicable legal and technical requirements, design the layout, select the equipment, prepare changing rooms and common areas and develop a commercial plan to attract members.
How many machines do I need to open a gym?
There is no exact number. It will depend on the square metres, the target audience and the expected number of users. It is better to have a balanced, well-planned selection than to fill the space with machines.
Which machines are essential to start with?
A solid base usually combines machines for the main muscle groups, leg equipment, cable machines, a Multipower or racks, benches, dumbbells, bars, plates and a selection of cardio machines.
How much does it cost to open a gym in Spain?
It depends enormously on the size, the condition of the premises, the fit-out, the equipment and the gym concept. That is why, before you buy machines, it is worth preparing a complete budget split by line item.
Where should I buy machines to open a gym?
The best approach is to go to a supplier specialised in professional gym equipment who can help you select the right equipment according to the space, budget and type of project.
Are you going to open a gym?
If you have premises or you are developing a new project, Levanta Tu Gym can help you select the machinery and equipment you need to create your gym.
Before you buy machines one by one, study the full project: available metres, target audience, budget, layout and room to grow.
Contact Levanta Tu Gym and ask for advice on equipping your gym with professional machinery.
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