Cost to Open a Second Gym Location: Equipment, Build-Out and Financing
Cost to Open a Second Gym Location: Equipment, Build-Out and Financing
The cost of a second gym location depends mostly on its size and how much build-out the space needs. Equipment alone typically runs $50,000–$150,000 for a 1,500–3,000 sq ft boutique studio, $150,000–$350,000 for a 3,000–6,000 sq ft independent gym, and $350,000–$700,000 or more for a facility over 6,000 sq ft. On top of equipment, budget for the lease and deposit, build-out, flooring, installation, signage, pre-opening marketing, and cash reserves to cover the months before the new location breaks even. Owners opening a second location usually have an advantage over first-time owners: proven systems, a known equipment mix, and revenue history that improves financing terms.
At Repetition Fitness, we design, equip, install, and help finance gyms and training studios from our offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and New York. This guide breaks down the costs we see owners plan for.
Equipment cost by facility size
| Facility type | Typical size | Equipment budget |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique training studio | 1,500–3,000 sq ft | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Mid-size independent gym | 3,000–6,000 sq ft | $150,000–$350,000 |
| Large commercial facility | 6,000+ sq ft | $350,000–$700,000+ |
What moves a project within these ranges:
- Training focus. A strength-focused gym needs more racks, platforms, and plate-loaded machines. A general membership gym needs a larger cardio row.
- Brand tier. Premium and mid-tier commercial brands can differ significantly in price for similar equipment. For strength equipment, we often recommend Skelcore as a strong value option.
- Redundancy. A busy gym needs multiples of popular stations. One squat rack becomes a bottleneck quickly.
- Specialty zones. Turf lanes, functional training rigs, and recovery areas add cost and can add revenue.
For recommended equipment by facility type, see our commercial gym and training studio guide.
The full cost list
Lease and deposit. Security deposit, first months' rent, and any rent owed during build-out. Negotiate for free rent during construction where you can.
Build-out. Walls, restrooms, locker rooms, electrical, HVAC, and finishes. This varies more than any other line, depending on the space's current condition. A former gym or retail box with open floor space costs far less to convert than a space that needs plumbing for showers and restrooms. Get a contractor's estimate before signing the lease.
Flooring. Rubber flooring in strength areas, plus turf or other surfaces where needed. We supply flooring as part of our equipment packages.
Freight and installation. Commercial equipment ships by freight carrier, and we often include freight at no charge, depending on the order. Installation can be done by a crew of 5–10 people in 1–2 days, or by a smaller crew over 4–7 days.
Technology. Membership software, access control, cameras, sound, and TVs.
Signage and branding. Exterior signage often needs landlord and city approval, so start early.
Pre-opening marketing. Selling memberships before the doors open reduces the time to break even. Our 90-day gym launch program is built for this.
Staffing before opening. Hiring and training a manager and staff before launch.
Operating reserves. Cash to cover rent, payroll, and payments until the new location's membership covers them. This is the line owners most often underfund.
Where second locations save money
Your first location has already taught you a lot, and that knowledge reduces cost:
- You know your equipment mix. You know which stations your members fight over and which sit unused, so you can skip the guesswork.
- Your systems exist. Software, pricing, programming, and hiring processes carry over.
- Your revenue history helps financing. Lenders can evaluate real numbers, which usually means better terms than a first-time owner gets.
- Equipment can move between locations. Some owners send newer equipment to the new site and refresh the original.
Financing a second location
Most owners combine several sources: equipment financing or leasing for the floor, an SBA or bank loan or a landlord improvement allowance for the build-out, and cash for reserves. Through our partner Equinox Funding, an equipment finance company, established operators with two or more years of revenue typically qualify for the best terms, often with 0–10% down. With complete documentation, approval can come in as little as 24 hours.
For the full breakdown, read how to finance a gym expansion when you already have revenue or visit our commercial financing page.
This section is general information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a second gym? Equipment ranges from about $50,000 for a small studio to $700,000 or more for a large facility. Total cost depends heavily on build-out, which varies with the space's condition.
Is a second location cheaper than the first? Often, yes. You already know your equipment mix and have systems in place, and your revenue history improves financing terms. Build-out and lease costs depend on the new space.
How much cash should I keep in reserve? Enough to cover rent, payroll, and loan payments until the new location's membership covers its own costs. Your accountant can help model this from your first location's ramp-up.
Can I finance equipment for a second location? Yes. Your first location's performance supports the application.
Should the second location have the same equipment? Keeping equipment consistent gives members the same experience and simplifies maintenance. Adjust quantities and layout for the new space.
Get a cost estimate
Send us the size of the space you're considering and your first location's equipment list. We'll build a 3D layout and an itemized quote you can use for financing. Start here. Still deciding? Read expand in place or open a second location.
