How Much Does Commercial Gym Equipment Cost? The Price Guide That Doesn't Bury the Lead
You want numbers, not a sales pitch. Here they are: A commercial treadmill runs $2,800-$4,500. A full selectorized strength station costs $1,800-$3,200. Outfit a 3,000 sq ft boutique gym? Budget $67,000-$95,000. These are Ntaifitness factory-direct prices. Add 40-60% if you buy through a U.S. distributor.
Commercial Treadmill Costs: The Real Breakdown
We shipped 847 treadmills to U.S. gyms last quarter. The average invoice: $3,400 per unit. That includes the machine, shipping to port, and customs clearance. Delivery to your door adds $150-$300 per unit depending on distance from the port.
Component Costs That Drive Price
The motor alone accounts for 22% of a treadmill's cost. Ntaifitness uses 4.0 HP continuous-duty AC motors from Taiwan ($380/unit wholesale). Cheaper brands use 2.5 HP DC motors from mainland China ($120/unit). The difference shows up at month 18 when the cheap motor burns out mid-sprint.
| Treadmill Model | Motor HP | Deck Thickness | Ntaifitness Price | Life Fitness Equivalent | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NT-TM5800 | 4.0 HP AC | 1.0" Phenolic | $3,200 | 95Ti ($8,200) | $5,000 |
| NT-TM7500 | 5.0 HP AC | 1.2" Phenolic | $4,100 | Platinum Club ($9,800) | $5,700 |
| NT-TM4500 | 3.0 HP AC | 0.9" Phenolic | $2,850 | T5 ($6,500) | $3,650 |
EXCLUSIVE TIP: The Spec Sheet Lie
Brands advertise "5.0 HP peak motor." That's marketing BS. Peak HP is the burst a motor hits for 3 seconds before overheating. Insist on "continuous duty HP"—that's the power it sustains indefinitely. Ntaifitness lists only continuous HP. Many competitors don't. Ask them. Watch them squirm.
Full Gym Package Costs: From Studio to Super Gym
Last month, a client opened a 4,200 sq ft strength-focused gym in Austin. Their Ntaifitness package: $89,000 for 28 machines. That breaks down to $38,000 for cardio (10 machines), $42,000 for strength (12 stations), and $9,000 for functional/accessory gear.
Price Per Square Foot Reality Check
Industry veterans budget $22-$36 per sq ft for equipment. A 3,000 sq ft gym at $28/sq ft = $84,000. Ntaifitness clients average $24/sq ft because we skip distributor markups. That $12,000 savings covers your first 3 months of rent.
| Gym Type | Size | Machine Count | Total Cost | Cost/Sq Ft | Ntaifitness Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga/Barre Studio | 1,500 sq ft | 8-10 | $32,000-$48,000 | $21-$32 | Flex Studio Bundle |
| Boutique Fitness | 3,000 sq ft | 18-25 | $65,000-$92,000 | $22-$31 | Performance Plus |
| Traditional Gym | 5,000 sq ft | 30-45 | $115,000-$165,000 | $23-$33 | Full Gym Pro |
| Big Box Gym | 10,000+ sq ft | 60-100 | $220,000-$350,000 | $22-$35 | Enterprise Custom |
EXCLUSIVE TIP: The "Phantom Machine" Cost
When budgeting, add 2-3 "phantom machines" at $3,000 each. Why? You'll expand. Maybe add a rowing zone. Or replace that dead elliptical faster than planned. Gyms that budget exactly always go over. Those with phantom machines finish under budget. It's psychological magic, but it works.
Hidden Costs That Blow Up Your Budget (And How to Control Them)
Financing Commercial Equipment: Lease vs. Loan vs. Cash
Why Ntaifitness Costs 40-60% Less (Without Cutting Quality)
Getting Accurate Quotes: The RFQ Template That Saves You $20K
Need to finance? See our commercial gym equipment leasing guide for real numbers. Or learn how to buy commercial gym equipment without getting ripped off.