Of all the different types of people who need gym equipment, there are many fitness verticals and categories of facilities, each requiring unique equipment based on available space, user experience levels, and traffic.
Whether you’re building a home gym, outfitting an apartment complex fitness center, gathering equipment for tactical training, or creating a privately owned gym, it can be challenging to know what equipment to prioritize.
We’ve divided gym facilities into four groups based on space requirements, commonly used equipment types, and user experience levels.
Whichever category fits your needs, start there—or read through each section to get inspired and learn what larger or smaller gym facilities might have that you can strive for.
Let’s begin with the smallest and generally most compact space: the home gym.
A home gym—whether it’s in your garage, basement, or spare room—can be equipped well enough to get you into great shape.
However, since space and budget are often limited, you’ll need to prioritize versatile and essential equipment first. Once the basics are covered, you can add your favorite specialty pieces if you have room left over.
Small garage/basement gym: 200–400 sq. ft. (single-car garage size)
Larger home gym: 500–700 sq. ft. (double-car garage or large basement space)
1–2 large equipment pieces (e.g., power rack, multi-functional trainer, or selectorized machine)
1–2 pieces of cardio equipment (if cardio is part of your regular routine)
Free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells) + storage
Space for bodyweight exercises and stretching
Optional: Your favorite cardio equipment (treadmill, bike, rower, or stepper)
Incline/Decline/Flat Adjustable Bench with leg extension/curl attachment
Adjustable dumbbells or a complete dumbbell set
Wall-Mount Folding Squat Rack + Functional Trainer OR Power Rack with Functional Trainer Attachment
Lat Pulldown/Low Row Machine or Multi-Station Gym (if space allows)
Pro Tip: Focus on space-saving, versatile equipment like folding racks, adjustable benches, and machines with multiple functions. Prioritize the equipment you’ll use for a handful of exercises or more.
Related Article: Complete Gym Equipment Buyers Guide
Apartment complexes, hotels, and personal training studios typically have between 500 and 1,500 sq. ft. for their fitness spaces.
These gyms are designed to accommodate a broad user base with varying fitness levels. Prioritizing beginner-friendly, low-liability equipment is key to creating a safe and functional environment.
Small amenity gym: 500–800 sq. ft.
Mid-sized gym: 1,000–1,500 sq. ft.
Cardio area: 3–5 treadmills, ellipticals, or upright bikes
Strength area: 1–2 multi-functional cable machines, smith machine, and free weights
Open space for stretching or group exercise
Cardio: 2 treadmills, 2 upright bikes, 1 adjustable elliptical machine
Dumbbell Set (5–75 lbs.) with rack
2 Flat/Incline/Decline Adjustable Benches
Yoga Mat Rack with Bosu Balls, Medicine Balls, and Foam Rollers
Functional Trainer + Cable Attachment Set
Smith Machine + Rubber Coated Olympic Plates
Lat Pulldown/Low Row Machine + Leg Extension/Curl Machine OR Commercial Multi-Station Gym
Pro Tip: Use durable, light-commercial equipment or higher quality with a focus on accessibility, user safety, and longevity.
Related Article: How To Make Your Equipment Last Forever
Tactical fitness spaces for fire stations, police stations, and military training facilities require rugged, heavy-duty equipment.
These spaces are built for functional, high-intensity training that mimics real-world physical demands.
Small tactical fitness space: 600–1,000 sq. ft.
Mid-sized tactical training area: 1,500–2,000 sq. ft.
Heavy focus on strength and functional fitness equipment (racks, barbells, kettlebells, sandbags, battle ropes)
Space for HIIT and functional movement drills
2–3 pieces of HIIT cardio equipment (rowing machine, air bike, manual treadmill)
(2) Commercial Power Racks or Half Racks
(2) Olympic Barbells + Cast Iron Or Bumper Plates
(2) Heavy-Duty Adjustable Benches
Dumbbell Set (5–100 lbs.)
Plate-Loaded Leg Press + Selectorized Lat Pulldown/Low Row
Commercial Treadmill + Upright Bike
Pro Tip: Focus on rugged, multi-purpose equipment that can withstand high-intensity use. Equipment like sleds, plyo boxes, and non-motorized cardio machines are great additions.
Corporate gyms and privately owned facilities typically have 2,000–5,000+ sq. ft. and require full commercial-grade equipment to withstand heavy traffic and extended use.
These gyms offer a comprehensive experience, with equipment for strength training, cardio, and functional fitness.
Mid-sized facility: 2,000–4,000 sq. ft.
Large, full-scale private gym: 5,000+ sq. ft.
Multiple cardio stations (5–10 treadmills, ellipticals, bikes)
Full strength area with multiple racks, dumbbell sets, plate-loaded machines
Functional fitness area (turf strip, sled, battle ropes, stretching space)
Locker room or storage areas for larger setups
(3–4) Commercial Power Racks + Deadlift Platforms
Selectorized Weight Station Circuit (leg extension, leg curl, chest press, lat pulldown, low row, etc.)
8-Station Jungle Gym Cable Crossover
5 Treadmills, 4 Ellipticals, 4 Upright Bikes, 2 Recumbent Bikes, 1 Assault Bike, 1 Rowing Machine
(1–2) Dumbbell Sets (5–100 lbs.) with racks
5 Heavy-Duty Adjustable Benches + 2 Flat Benches
Olympic Benches (Flat, Incline, Decline)
Pro Tip: Prioritize full commercial-grade equipment for long-term durability and heavy usage. Leave room for open functional space for group training and bodyweight exercises.
Related Article: Understanding Gym Equipment Warranties | Home Vs Commercial
To give you an idea of how much space a piece of equipment takes up:
Treadmill: ~30–35 sq. ft.
Power Rack: ~40 sq. ft.
Functional Trainer: ~50–60 sq. ft. (including workout area around it)
Open space for bodyweight exercises: ~30 sq. ft. per person
No matter the size of your gym or facility, planning and prioritizing the right equipment is key to creating a functional, enjoyable space.
Each vertical has unique needs, and understanding them will help you build a gym that meets those demands while staying within your budget.
If you’re ready to build the perfect setup, our team can help with equipment packages and floor plan layouts. Chat with us, email info@selectfitnessusa.com, or call 888-995-4450 to get started.
Matt Gemkow, the author of this content section at Select Fitness, boasts more than 15 years of fitness experience. He started out in sports and athletic training for many years and has since 2014 transitioned into heavy-weight training and bodybuilding. As a result, he has become one of the most experienced fitness equipment experts out there, and a valuable source of information.
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