Loans for Gyms and Fitness Studios
Gyms combine expensive equipment with recurring membership revenue. Lenders like recurring revenue; they worry about high upfront costs and members who cancel.
Typical costs
- Equipment: cardio, racks, weights, flooring, sound.
- Build-out: locker rooms, showers, HVAC.
- Franchise fee, if you open a franchise. See franchise loans.
- Pre-opening marketing and presales.
- Working capital until membership grows.
Financing options
| Need | Options |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Equipment financing or leasing |
| Build-out and opening | SBA 7(a) |
| Smaller studios | SBA Express, Microloan |
| Buying an existing gym | SBA 7(a); see buying a business |
Build membership-based projections
- Presale members before opening (strongest proof you can show).
- New members per month after opening.
- Monthly cancellation rate (churn).
- Average monthly dues plus personal training and classes.
- Break-even membership count.
What lenders look for
- Fitness industry experience: trainer, manager, or studio owner.
- A location with parking and visibility.
- A lease that fits the loan.
- Presales and a marketing plan.
Choose Arts, fitness & entertainment in our lender finder and estimate payments in our calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best proof of demand for a new gym?
Presale memberships sold before opening.
Should I lease or finance gym equipment?
Both work. Equipment financing or leasing keeps the SBA loan focused on build-out and working capital.
What numbers belong in gym projections?
New members per month, monthly cancellations, average dues plus training revenue, and break-even membership.
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Educational information, not legal or financial advice. We are not a lender and are not affiliated with the SBA. Disclaimer