Without gym equipment, fitness training centers lack resources to help clients meet their fitness goals. Choosing the right gym equipment involves careful considerations, such as leasing or buying. Explore the differences between leasing versus buying commercial fitness equipment to decide which choice aligns with your facility.
Flexibility and Commitment
When you buy gym equipment, you are committed to it until you sell it or it becomes unusable. With full ownership of your equipment, you don’t have to worry about agreements or requirements from your supplier.
Octane’s xRide XR6000s recumbent elliptical is a versatile machine that is an excellent investment for your gym’s longevity. The xRide is perfect for a range of members, from the young to the active to the aging community. It also offers full-body workouts and lower and upper-body isolations, giving users exercise flexibility that caters to different needs.
However, leasing provides more flexibility with commitment leniency. You can adjust your equipment inventory as needed, changing your machine selection to accommodate new trends or shifts in member preferences. If you invest in the right equipment, you won’t have to worry about switching out machines or upgrading them.
Cost Factor
Deciding between leasing or buying fitness equipment can influence your budgeting. Buying gym equipment requires a significant upfront investment, which might pose a challenge for new or small fitness facilities. However, it also offers long-term financial benefits. Upfront costs mean a one-and-done charge. You only have to worry about paying for your equipment once, allowing you to use other funds on other expenses. Depending on flexible payment options, you can even request a payment plan that breaks up the initial cost.
Leasing, on the other hand, involves lower initial costs and recurring payments. This allows for better cash flow management and potential financial flexibility. It also means constantly budgeting your finances for your rentals. Leasing can also come with additional charges like repairs, insurance, and service fees, which can add up over time.
Equipment Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance and repairs are essential considerations for your gym equipment, as they influence long-term use, costs, and potential business interruptions. Most leasing agreements include a service agreement, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal condition. However, many service agreements have restrictions and limitations to who can service the equipment. Leased equipment also comes with the risks of lower durability, as it might be pre-used. When you buy gym equipment, you receive newly made machines with excellent durability.
Buying equipment also leaves you in charge of maintenance, which can be more flexible yet costly, depending on your servicing options. Durable, high-quality equipment with advanced engineering requires minimal maintenance. For example, rowing machines run the risk of snapped cables and worn seat tracks. Octane’s commercial-grade rowing machine, the Octane Ro, features advanced designs that guarantee high quality and durability, giving you a low-maintenance ergometer for your fitness facility.
The decision between leasing and buying commercial fitness equipment depends on your budget, long-term plans, and the equipment itself. Keep these factors in mind to find the best machines for your business.