Riding a gym from scratch may seem like a huge task, but understand how to set up a gym with planning and knowledge can make the difference between success and failure. Whether you dream of opening your own CrossFit box, a boutique gym or a functional training room, there are many factors that you must consider before you get to work.
From the initial budget to the choice of the sports floor, through the essential equipment and the necessary legal permits, this guide offers you a complete and practical vision for your project to be cost-effective, functional and attractive to your future customers. If you're thinking about starting in the world of fitness, here's the starting point you need.
01How much does it cost to set up a gym from scratch?
One of the first steps to understand how to set up a gym is to be clear how much money you need to invest. The total cost can vary a lot depending on the size of the premises, the type of training you offer (functional, force, CrossFit, etc.), the quality of the equipment and the design of the space. However, there are general estimates that can be used as a starting point.
- Facilities conditioning
Works, painting, electrical installation, ventilation, lighting, changing rooms
Approximately: €5,000-20,000 - Sports floor
Rubber, artificial grass for functional and CrossFit, vinyl pavement, tatamis, etc.
Between: 25 €/ m ² and 60 €/ m ² per type - Force equipment
Racks, Olympic bars, disks, banks, mancers
From: €5,000 and beyond - Functional and cardio equipment
Kettlebells, ropes, sled, sacks, bikes, running tapes, oars
From: €3,000 and beyond - Reception, furniture and signage
Desk, lockers, banks, decoration, branding
Estimated range: €1,000-5,000 - Access management and control software
Apps for reservations, payments, registration, CRM
Cost: €50-200 / month or €500-1,000 in single payment - Initial marketing
Website, social networks, photography, launch campaigns
Recommended budget: €500-3,000 - Licences and insurance
It will depend on your country or city (opening license, liability insurance, etc.)
Cost: Variable
Estimated total budget for a medium-sized gym (200-300 m ²):
Between €25,000 and €80,000depending on the quality of the equipment, type of floor and space design.
02 What do you need to open your own gym?
In addition to the budget, opening a gym requires planning, vision and intelligent selection of equipment and materials. Let's break it down by key parts:
Basic equipment: strength, functional, cardio
To offer a full experience to your customers, you will need to have a mix of areas and equipment that meet different training objectives.
- Zone of force:
- Cages or racks for seats and presses
- Olympic bars and bumper weight disks
- Adjustable banks
- Masks (usually from 2.5 kg to 40 kg or more)
- Impact-resistant floor
- Functional area:
- Kettlebells
- Battle belts
- Medicinal balls
- Trinkets for drag (especially if you install functional artificial grass)
- Plyometric boxes and multi-purpose workstations
- Free space for mobility and circuits
- Cardio zone:
- Air or static bicycles
- Running belts
- Row machines
- Elliptics or climbers, if you have more budget or space
The choice will depend on your type of gym (functional, boutique, personal training, CrossFit, etc.), the profile of your customers and the space available.
03 Sports floor: types, advantages and prices (including artificial grass)
Choose the adequate sports floor It's essential to set up your gym. It affects safety, aesthetics, durability and type of training possible. Here are the most common options with your prices:
1. Rubber floor (in flakes or roll)
- Ideal for areas of force and free weight.
- Boring down of heavy weights and equipment.
- Price: 20 €-40 €/ m ² , according to thickness and format.
2. Artificial grass for gymnasium and functional areas
- Perfect for CrossFit areas, functional and high intensity circuits.
- It allows exercises with sled, displacements and sprints.
- It has a modern and professional look.
- High impact resistance, non-slip grip and prolonged durability.
- Price Heroturfs:
- Basic range to measure: €98 / m ² (VAT included)
- Specific models of high performance lawn with marking (sprints, functional areas): from €395
3. Vinylic or PVC soil
- Common use in areas of pilates, yoga or recovery.
- Comfortable and aesthetic, but not suitable for heavy loads.
- Price: 15 €-35 €/ m ² .
4. Tatami or EVA foam
- Suitable for floor training, martial arts or directed classes.
- Economic and easy to install.
- Less durability in high-use spaces.
- Price: 10 €-20 €/ m ².
Heroturfs Council:combines surfaces by area. For example: rubber in force area, artificial grass in functional area and vinyl or tatami in changing rooms or quiet classes.
04 What kind of floor is better to set up a gym?
The choice of soil depends on the type of training you will offer, the intensity of use and the equipment you have. Here is a guide to make the best decision according to space:
- Free weight zone or halterophilia:
The ideal is a large rubber floor (30-40 mm) or special platforms. It absorbs the impact of weights and protects both soil and equipment. - HIIT functional or training area:
The high performance artificial sports grasslike Heroturfs, it's an excellent choice. Resist displacements, sprints, jumps, sled work and Russian weight. It improves aesthetics and provides versatility. - Machinery or cardio area:
You can use vinyl floor, fine rubber or even artificial grass if you look for a more modern and uniform look. It requires a stable and leveled base. - Area of classes directed or body:
Here they work well the EVA (tatami), vinyl floor or technical carpet. They are comfortable, easy to clean and cushion the impact of smoother movements. - CrossFit Box or Intensive Training:
You will need to combine artificial grass in the displacement area with high density rubber in the lifting area. The entire floor must be resistant, non-slip and safe. - Reduced spaces or gymnastics at home:
Compact artificial grass or puzzle type rubber are easy to install, resistant and offer a good solution within a few meters.
In short, the type of floor you choose for your gym must be aligned with the type of training you will offer and the level of impact that exercises will have. While rubber losets are ideal for heavy lifting areas, and vinyl surfaces work well in cardio areas or machines, the artificial grass for gymnastics stands out for its versatility and strength.
It is an increasingly common option in functional training centers and CrossFit boxes because it allows to drag sleigh, dynamic displacements or pliometric exercises without deterioration. In addition, it requires little maintenance and provides an attractive visual touch. If you are looking for a durable, easy to install solution and with good value for money, the artificial sports lawn is an excellent alternative.
05 What taxes and licenses do you need to open a gym in Spain?
If you are going to set up a gym from scratch in Spain, it is essential to meet legal and fiscal requirements to avoid sanctions or delays. Here are the main ones:
1. Opening or activity leave
You must apply to the relevant town hall. This procedure shows that the premises meet the technical and safety conditions for sports activities. Some aspects to be assessed:
- Acoustic insulation
- Emergency departures
- Accessibility
- Appropriate electrical installation
In many cases, you will need a technical project developed by an architect or engineer.
2. Work license (if you make reforms)
If you are going to make major modifications to the premises, you will need this license before you start any work.
3. Censal and High Statement in the Treasury
In order to operate legally as a company or self-employed, you must present model 036 or 037 to the Tax Agency. This gives you a discharge as a contributor and defines your economic activity (AE).
4. High in Social Security
You must register as an autonomous or form a society and join the Social Security. If you have employees, you should also release them.
5. Prevention of occupational risks
A risk prevention plan and compliance with labour regulations are mandatory, especially if you are to hire staff.
6. Liability insurance
It is not mandatory in all cases, but is highly recommended to cover possible accidents or damage to third parties during the activity.
7. Additional leave
Depending on your autonomous community, you may need additional licenses if you offer services such as nutrition, massage or therapeutic activities.
06Riding a gym is possible (and cost-effective) if you plan well
Opening a gym from scratch requires a major investment, but with good planning, it can become a cost-effective and sustainable business. Knowing how much it really costs, what equipment you need, how to choose the right floor and what licenses are required will allow you to move more safely and avoid expensive contingencies.
Whether you want to set up a CrossFit box, a functional training gym or a boutique space, success will be in the details: efficient distribution, quality materials and an experience that invites your customers to return.
And if there's something you can't neglect, it's the floor. Because in addition to providing security and comfort to those who train, it also defines the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
Looking for a strong, functional floor and what difference does it make?
In Heroturfs We help you choose the best artificial grass for your gym, whether it is high-impact or functional training. We have solutions ready to install and others fully customizable, with advice included.
