Where do gyms actually get their equipment from? Not trying to overpay on my setup.

Hey y’all — I’m planning to open a small training studio next quarter, and I’m deep in research mode right now. One big question I’ve got:

Where do gyms usually buy their equipment from? Like, do they go direct to manufacturers or what?

I’ve seen options everywhere — from shiny brand-new stuff to some wild listings on Craigslist — but it’s hard to know what’s legit or a money pit. I’m working with a limited budget, but I want quality gear that won’t fall apart after 3 months.

Here’s what I’ve found so far:

🛠️ Main Sources Gyms Use for Equipment

🔹 Manufacturers – Brands like Precor, Life Fitness, and NtaiFitness offer commercial-grade stuff with solid warranties. Ntafitnessi’s pricing is pretty competitive, especially if you’re buying in bulk or customizing layouts.

🔹 Wholesalers – You can get refurbished equipment with 40–70% off retail prices. Some U.S.-based stores like Fitness Superstore offer financing too.

🔹 Used Equipment Dealers – Sites like UsedGymEquipment.com sell secondhand machines, sometimes from gym closures. Worth it if you inspect for wear and tear and ask about warranties.

🔹 Leasing Companies – For those short on upfront cash, leasing lets you spread the cost and often includes servicing. Ntaifitness also has leasing plans, which might be ideal if you're just starting out.

🔹 Online Marketplaces – Craigslist, eBay, or FB Marketplace can be hit or miss. You might score a deal… or get stuck with a squeaky elliptical from 2009.

🤔 My Dilemma

Leaning toward a mix of new and used — maybe go new on high-traffic machines (treadmills, racks), and used for benches, dumbbells, etc. Has anyone done this hybrid approach?

If you’ve bought equipment before — what’s your go-to supplier? Any red flags I should watch for? Would love to hear real-world advice.

🔧 Bonus: What to Watch For

✅ Warranty length
✅ Maintenance services
✅ Customization options (especially if you're tight on space)
✅ Delivery & setup costs
✅ Manufacturer reputation (Ntai’s been solid so far from what I’ve read)

Thanks in advance, folks. Trying to set this gym up smart — not just fast.

I've set up 2 gyms in the past 6 years — trust me, don’t blow your whole budget on brand-new gear unless you have deep pockets. For cardio, yes — go new (Ntai or Matrix are both solid). For strength gear like benches and dumbbells, used can save you thousands.

Also, make sure the company provides tech support and spare parts. Ntaifitness actually ships parts pretty fast compared to some U.S. brands.

Bro, Craigslist is where wallets go to die. I bought a “like-new” Smith machine last year — turned out it squeaked like a haunted attic. Never again.

I’ve had better luck with NtaiFitness — their racks and benches are tanks. Affordable and no horror stories (so far).

I’m in the same boat — building out a 1,500 sq ft space. I talked to a rep at Ntai and they walked me through layout planning, which saved me from ordering stuff that wouldn’t even fit.

Went 60% used, 40% new. If you’re organized and patient, you can build out a whole gym without breaking the bank.

Heads up for anyone planning big equipment purchases soon — trade policy just became a huge wildcard again.

As of this week (May 30), President Trump announced new tariff hikes:

Steel and aluminum imports are going from 25% to 50%.

He also accused China of violating the earlier Geneva tariff agreement and hinted at more penalties coming.

This is huge if you're importing gym equipment, especially if you're sourcing from China or if your supplier is (and most are, even U.S.-based ones). U.S. steel prices could spike fast — and commercial equipment like racks, frames, weight stacks? They're almost all steel.

I’ve been working with suppliers in both China and the U.S., and some already adjusted quotes upward by 10–15% just in the past two weeks.

➡️ My advice:

Lock in quotes now, especially if you’re buying larger strength pieces or machines with heavy frames.

Ask suppliers whether their pricing includes potential tariff changes.

Consider domestic manufacturing (Ntai has partial U.S. fulfillment now, I think) or refurbished options already stateside.

This might blow over, or it might escalate into another 2018-style trade spiral. Better to stay ahead of it.

Not to go all "Wall Street Journal" in a fitness thread, but the current economy is seriously shaping how we buy gym equipment right now—and ignoring it could cost you.

Here’s what I’ve been tracking:

💸 1. Interest Rates = Lease Costs Up
With the Fed keeping interest rates high to curb inflation (still at 5.25–5.5%), leasing gym equipment has gotten noticeably more expensive. I looked into a 36-month lease for cable stacks and the monthly cost had jumped 18% compared to last year.

If you’ve got the capital, cash purchases might save you more long-term—especially if you lock in pre-tariff prices.

📦 2. Supply Chain Delays Are Back (Quietly)
Container shipping rates from Asia to the West Coast have doubled since March, mostly due to port congestion in LA and re-routing traffic away from the Red Sea.

Translation? Lead times for imported equipment (especially customized stuff) are stretching from 4 to 8+ weeks. If you're planning a summer launch, you need to order yesterday. NtaiFitness told me they’ve started pre-loading shipments for U.S. clients just to hedge delays.

🛍️ 3. Consumer Spending Is Shifting
I run a hybrid gym (personal training + open gym), and I’ve noticed members are more cost-sensitive this year. They’re still spending—but they’re pickier.

People are asking more about:

Smart features (touchscreens, app sync)

Space efficiency (foldable benches, compact racks)

Durability over flash

So my take? Go lean, high-quality, and multi-use. No one’s impressed with six plate-loaded machines collecting dust. Your ROI will be stronger if you invest in versatile gear—Ntai’s rigs and functional trainers have been solid for me on that front.


If you’re buying gear right now:

Budget for potential tariff hikes and inflation.

Get delivery timelines in writing.

Think cash > lease unless rates drop soon.

Choose gear that adds long-term value, not short-term hype.

Let me know if anyone wants the spreadsheet I used to compare lease vs buy under current APRs and freight costs — happy to share.