What Are the Costs Involved in Opening a Gym?

Opening a gym requires a significant upfront investment. While exact costs will vary depending on the size, location, and type of facility, here’s a breakdown of the main expenses you’ll need to account for:

• Commercial leases and studio fit-outs: Securing a suitable premises often involves upfront rent payments, deposits, and lease agreements. You'll also need to transform the space into a fully functioning gym, including specialist flooring, lighting, mirrors, sound systems, showers, and branding. Fit-outs can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds depending on the scope of work.

• Gym equipment purchases: Whether you’re outfitting a general training space, strength gym, or specialist facility, the cost of equipment is substantial. Cardio machines, resistance equipment, free weights, racks, flooring, and functional gear can quickly add up. Equipment finance allows you to spread these costs over time while accessing the best tools in the industry.

• Technology and member management software: Running a successful gym in 2025 requires tech-savvy systems including booking and scheduling platforms, CRM and member engagement tools, point-of-sale systems, and door access control. These tools enhance the client experience and streamline operations.

• Staff and wages: Hiring personal trainers, front-desk staff, cleaners, or facility managers? You’ll need cashflow to support salaries or contractor payments in the early months while you build up your membership base.

• Marketing and brand development: From your initial launch campaign to ongoing advertising, SEO, and social media, building brand awareness takes a smart marketing budget. You may also want to invest in a professionally designed website, signage, branded apparel, and local partnerships.

• Licences, insurance, and compliance: You’ll need to account for business insurance, health and safety compliance, music and performance licences, and professional indemnity cover all of which carry ongoing costs.

How Can Gym Finance Help?

With the right funding partner, you don’t have to drain your savings or delay your launch due to capital gaps. EP Finance offers flexible, tailored gym finance solutions that are built to support your specific vision and business model. Our funding options can help with:

• Start-up costs: From commercial leases and deposits to renovation, branding, and studio setup, we help you secure funding to turn your vision into a functioning gym space.

• Equipment finance and leasing: Rather than purchasing expensive gym equipment outright, we offer asset finance options that spread the cost of cardio machines, free weights, rigs, and recovery tools over manageable monthly payments.

• Cashflow and working capital: We ensure you have access to funds for everyday expenses, such as staff wages, energy bills, software subscriptions, and maintenance, especially in the critical early stages.

• Growth and expansion funding: Already own a gym and looking to scale? Our finance solutions can help you fund a second site, renovate your current space, or increase marketing activity to grow your member base.

• Low-doc and fast-approval lending: We offer a range of funding options with quick turnaround times and simplified documentation, so you can get the capital you need without unnecessary delays or red tape.

Types of Finance Available for Gym Owners

At EP Finance, we offer a range of funding solutions tailored to your circumstances:

• Unsecured business loans: Ideal for those looking for quick access to cash without using property or equipment as security. Repayment terms are flexible, and funds can often be released within days.

• Equipment and asset finance: Spread the cost of essential gym equipment over time. We’ll help you find the most tax-efficient and flexible way to finance the assets your business depends on.

• Working capital loans: Designed to support cashflow and cover day-to-day operational expenses while your business grows.

• Merchant cash advance: Repay your loan based on your card takings, perfect for gyms with variable monthly revenue.

Our team will work closely with you to determine the best fit based on your business goals, financial situation, and timeline.

Why Work With EP Finance?

At EP Finance, we understand the gym and fitness industry inside out. We’ve supported countless UK entrepreneurs with their fitness business ventures from independent strength training studios to large commercial gyms.

We take a personal approach, getting to know your business goals and helping you secure funding that aligns with your vision. Whether you’re looking for £10,000 to get started or £100,000+ to scale, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

We offer:

• Access to a broad panel of UK lenders

• Tailored gym finance solutions with competitive rates

• Fast decisions and flexible repayment terms

• Support with business planning and financial forecasting