What Equipment do I Need for my Sports Facility Start-Up?

If finding and paying for a great location is the biggest issue facing new sports facility owners, the next biggest hurdle is finding and paying for the equipment for that facility.

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To figure out what you really need and how you should pay for it, start by reviewing your business plan.

1. Make a List of Sports Facility Equipment You’ll Need.

Take a another look at the activities you described in the “products and services” section of your mission section. What equipment do you need, minimum, to offer those products and services? Make a list, and keep it simple. Upgrades and new features can always be added later. Stick to the essentials and save your cash for operating expenses and emergencies.

If you’re opening a baseball and athletic training facility like mine, your list will probably include some combination of these things:

• turf
• netting
• pitching machines
• baseballs
• computers and other technology for staff
• desks and furniture
• weight room, weights, fitness equipment
• signage

Review your list. Each piece of major equipment should have a clear spot in your business plan, but it should ALSO have its own mini-business plan. That basically means if a piece of equipment can’t easily cover its own costs, you need to re-think whether you should invest in it. (Click here to read more about how to create those “mini-business plans.”)

2. Find the Best Ways to Buy

Now that you have your list of essential equipment, you need to find the best and most affordable way to get each piece.

Here are some guidelines:

• If you’re not a “do-it-yourselfer,” consider buying new. Are you good with home projects and construction? This is NOT the time to try to become a handyman. The professional installation costs and warranties included in the price of new equipment can be well worth it. Don’t take risks with the important stuff.
• If you ARE a “do-it-yourselfer,” buying used is usually the way to go. I’m not exactly Bob Vila, but I’m pretty comfortable with hands-on stuff. This allowed me to get great deals on used pitching machines and fitness equipment and enlist staff and friends to help me move it and re-assemble it at DNA Sports Center.
• Can’t afford new? Consider financing. Remember, cash is king. If you can’t afford the full cost of new equipment, look for a financing deal. Your rates will depend on the current market, your own credit score and on the type of equipment you want to finance. (For example, it’s easier to get a good rate on equipment that a bank could sell on if you defaulted – such as a pitching machine.)
• Be careful and get referrals. Many of my sports facility software clients have had to delay their openings because of problems with the suppliers they chose to work with. Don’t choose based on price alone; get referrals from people you trust. (If you want to talk to me about my own supplier for equipment like turf and netting, just me via this contact form. My guy’s name is Matt and I’ll put you in touch with him.)

3. Save as Much as you Can

Here are some ways I saved on equipment when I was starting out:

• Craigslist. This is a gold mine for deals on used weights and strength training equipment.
• Turf fragments. If your turf area is small enough, you may be able to use leftover fragments instead of paying full price. I used a turf fragment for our running track.
• Comparing offers. Quote as many manufacturers as you can for the big items, and don’t forget to consider the cost of shipping, installation, and maintenance when you get the quotes.
• Negotiation and patience. When I was searching for a home for my sports performance center, I found a space that had previously been a sports training center and had closed down. I knew that the owners were anxious to get rid of the responsibility of the building and get back some of their investment. I offered them an easy out; I’d get them out of their lease AND take all of the equipment off of their hands … but I was only going to pay pennies on the dollar for the equipment. They didn’t agree right away, but after a few weeks they realized they would lose more by paying for another month of rent and utilities on a building they were no longer using than by giving me a great price. Patience pays off!

If you have any advice or questions on buying sports facility equipment, please leave a comment below.

A prior version of this article appeared on the blog in .

Functional training is a popular exercise style that many fitness facilities are still working to effectively accommodate. This particular type of training involves exercises designed to ready and strengthen the body for everyday tasks and natural movements. When it comes to buying the right equipment, you want to ensure you find the right solutions for your gym or fitness center. We have put together a complete functional training equipment buyer’s guide with 9 considerations you need to make informed decisions.

Functional training is a popular exercise style that many fitness facilities are still working to effectively accommodate. Functional training involves exercises designed to ready and strengthen the body for everyday tasks and natural movements. When it comes to buying functional training equipment, you want to ensure you find the right solutions for your gym or fitness center. We have put together a complete functional training equipment buyer’s guide with 9 considerations you need to make informed decisions.

1. Understand Your Gym’s Functional Fitness Goals

Before you dive in, ensure you fully understand your facility’s goals and needs. Consider asking yourself a few questions:

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Which equipment stations need an upgrade?

Is this functional training equipment intended for your group fitness classes or independent gym goers?

What gaps are there in your existing equipment selection?

You might consider surveying your exercisers for input on the most desired equipment in your facility. This insight will help guide your upgrades and prioritize functional training purchases.

2. Assess Your Available Fitness Space

Consider the space you have available in your gym for new equipment. Functional training equipment can starkly vary in size, ease of storage, and portability — so you will want to ensure you have the space needed to accommodate new purchases. There are surprisingly compact solutions available, and gym planning and design experts can help you make the most of your available space.

3. Professional Equipment Delivery and Assembly

Evaluate the delivery and assembly needs of each new piece of functional training equipment you are considering. For functional fitness frames, it is worth hiring professionals for equipment delivery and installation. For instance, our in-house team of installation technicians have the tools and experience needed to safely deliver, place, and assemble new equipment.

While it might require some upfront allocation in your budget, this investment in professional installation can be crucial in saving you money. Avoid financial losses or liability if your team breaks new equipment, damages your facility during delivery, or experiences any injury.

4. Maintenance of Functional Training Equipment

Some functional training equipment requires regular maintenance to protect equipment performance, longevity, and any applicable warranty. Before you buy pieces that require ongoing care, understand that you will need a reliable gym equipment maintenance professional in your area. Here’s the good news — if you work with ASF, we will connect you with certified service technicians local to you!

5. Equipment Adjustability and Versatility

As you know, fitness is not a “one size fits all” journey — and this is especially true for functional training. By nature, many functional training routines tailor exercises to an individual’s greatest needs outside of the gym. Unlike a more traditional strength training routine, almost every functional training circuit will look different for equipment users. Find equipment that is adjustable and versatile, allowing exercisers to modify workouts and target different muscle groups.

6. Functional Safety Features

Ensure your functional training equipment meets your gym’s safety standards. Some features to look for include:

• Non-slip gripping surfaces
• Sturdy frame construction
• Durable materials
• High weight capacity ratings

7. Equipment Brand and Warranty

You want to invest in functional training equipment that will last. Choose reputable brands known for quality materials, design, and equipment durability. Additionally, check if the equipment includes a warranty for defects or issues. Escape Fitness is a leader when it comes to functional training equipment brands. When you invest in Escape Fitness functional, strength, and group exercise accessories at your gym or fitness center, you can draw in more exercisers and upgrade the workouts of anyone who walks through your doors. From complete functional frames to smaller accessory sets, they have it all.

8. User Reviews for Functional Training Equipment

You want to ensure your exercisers will enjoy the functional training equipment you buy. Read user reviews and seek recommendations from fitness facility design professionals to get insights into the equipment’s performance and user experience.

9. Professional Gym Planning and Insight

You can help your functional training investment go further with professional insight. Expert support can help you understand the latest gym industry trends so that you don’t waste money on equipment that falls apart or quickly becomes yesterday’s news. Professionals can also help you avoid costly oversights and mistakes when making your fitness center visions come to life.

Functional Training Equipment from ASF