When choosing fitness equipment, match your budget with your personal preferences and your needs. You might be tempted to spend less on residential equipment, but that might come back to bite you if you're running a high-use facility. Knowing the differences between residential and commercial equipment can help you stay on track during the purchasing process.
Purpose
Commercial fitness equipment is designed for a commercial fitness setting, like a gym or recreation center. The manufacturers know many people will be using the equipment, and it needs to stand up to the wear and tear. Generally, manufacturers make commercial equipment with sturdiness and quality in mind. To offer a three- to five-year warranty, they have to stand behind their product and feel confident it can handle use by hundreds of people each day.
Residential equipment, on the other hand, is designed for use in your home. Manufacturers create a range of qualities to meet a range of budgets. Because it doesn't have to stand up to abuse from as many users, it's usually built with lower-quality materials.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The sturdiness of commercial equipment is one of its major benefits. You know the manufacturer built it to last, and you can feel confident it will withstand use in line with its intended purpose. Commercial equipment tends to be on the forefront of fitness technology -- like treadmills with personal TVs, MP3 docks and USB ports. They're not necessarily necessary, but they can pique the interest of potential members. With commercial equipment, you can also purchase a variety of equipment in variable conformations that meet the needs of your facility and your members. For example, if you have a smaller fitness facility, you could purchase a multistation gym that offers six or eight cable pulleys in a compact form. The big drawback to commercial fitness equipment is the cost. Because it's built so well and offers fancy features, it costs more to make, and that cost is reflected in the price.
For the benefits and drawbacks of residential equipment, reverse the benefits and drawbacks of commercial equipment. Residential equipment generally won't last as well under heavy use, it doesn't always offer the features or the flexibility of commercial equipment, but in return, it costs a lot less.
Cost
Depending on the manufacturer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 for a single piece of cardio equipment. Weight machines and benches will vary based on the style and function, but you can generally expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for each piece of weight equipment and between $500 and $2,000 for benches and other free weight stations. Even dumbbells cost a bundle, ranging from $2 to $4 per 1 lb. of weight. If you're trying to outfit an entire gym, those costs can add up quickly.
Residential fitness equipment prices also range widely, but you can pick up a basic treadmill for a couple hundred dollars, and a weight set for about the same. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Just because you can buy a treadmill for $250, doesn't mean you should, notes the American Council on Exercise.
Purchasing
When buying commercial equipment, you generally have to call a sales consultant from the company, and she will provide you with a quote for the equipment. Most commercial equipment has to be built after it's purchased, so once you've accepted the bid, you can expect to wait anywhere from four to 12 weeks to receive the equipment.
Generally, you can purchase residential equipment from any sporting goods store or big-box home goods store. You can buy in-store and have the equipment delivered within a few days, or you can purchase online and have it shipped. In either case, you'll probably have to do some home assembly once you receive your equipment purchase.
Considerations
Whether you decide to purchase commercial or residential equipment, always make sure you test the equipment before you put money down. Commercial vendors often have a list of facilities that offer the equipment you're interested in buying, and residential equipment is often set up in the store for testing. Choose something that feels sturdy and offers the functionality you're looking for.
References
- ACE: How to Design Your Own Home Gym
- Denis Bruntmyer, Maintenance and Operation Coordinator, Kroc Center; Salem, Oregon
- Amy Loomis, Sports and Fitness Coordinator, Kroc Center; Salem, Oregon
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