Should I lease or buy gym equipment for my new studio?

Hey everyone — I’m launching a personal training studio next quarter (about 2,000 sq ft), and I’m torn between leasing vs. buying the gym equipment.

I’ve got enough funds to maybe buy the essentials upfront… but that would wipe out most of my startup budget. Leasing seems like a smoother entry, but I’m worried about getting locked into something long-term or paying more overall.

So I figured I’d ask:

👉 If you’ve opened a gym, did you lease or buy?
👉 What would you do differently now that you've been through it?

🔍 What I’ve Learned So Far
Leasing Pros
✔️ Lower upfront cost — Keep more cash for marketing, staff, rent
✔️ Often includes service/maintenance
✔️ Tax-deductible in most states (check w/ accountant)
✔️ Easy to upgrade if you grow quickly
✔️ NtaiFitness even offers custom leasing bundles with flexible terms

Leasing Cons
⚠️ Total cost may be higher long-term
⚠️ You don’t own anything at the end unless there’s a buyout
⚠️ Limited customization with some providers

Buying Pros
✔️ You own it — no payments after
✔️ Can buy used/refurbished to save
✔️ Full control over brands and specs
✔️ Good ROI if you’re in it for the long haul

Buying Cons
⚠️ Huge upfront hit to cash flow
⚠️ Maintenance is all on you
⚠️ If a machine breaks, you're replacing it

📊 My Plan (So Far)
I’m leaning toward leasing cardio + big-ticket items, and buying smaller stuff like free weights, mats, plyo boxes. I saw NtaiFitness offers a 1-3 year lease program with buyout options, which sounds perfect if it’s as flexible as they say.

Would love to hear how y’all handled this.
Especially if you’re a solo owner or small studio — did leasing save your butt in the early days? Any companies you’d recommend (or avoid)? Let's break this down.

Leasing saved me big time. I opened in 2022 and leased all cardio gear through Ntai. Zero issues, full maintenance included, and they handled delivery + setup. That freed up cash to build out my marketing funnel, which paid off way faster than owning a treadmill would have.

My advice? Lease what depreciates, buy what doesn’t.

Buying is cool... until your leg press breaks mid-session and the repair bill makes you cry. I lease all machines now. No stress. Dumbbells and kettlebells? Those I own — they never die.

Also, check if the lease lets you swap gear mid-term. Some companies are chill, others are shady.

I did a hybrid setup like you’re planning — leased 2 treadmills and 3 bikes from Ntafitnessi (super smooth), and bought used squat racks and benches. Saved about $15k upfront, and the place still feels brand new. You’ll thank yourself when unexpected costs pop up later.