GYM for office building!

[benzz]

Okay so heres the deal. My dad is in the process of buying an office building. Hopefully everything will work out (and it should).Ill be working with this building alot as a project with me dad. The office building has a gym, complete with shower rooms, lockers, ect. Heres the problem: all the workout equipment is garbage. dumbells up to 25lbs and 1 multi purpose station which looks like ****.

I'm going to be re-doing the gym and will need new equipment. The gym itself is small (maybe 1000sq feet). Equipment i'm thinking of would be:

-Rubber coated dumbells 5-75lb
-1-2 exercise benches to use with the dumbells
-1 Bench press that can adjust to incline/decline (if this even exists)
-1 good multi purpose station
-Mats, a few swiss balls
-And a couple cardio machines (for the women...lol)

I want the top/near the top of the line quality equipment.

My questions are

Is there anymore equipment I would need to have a good basic gym?
What brands of equipment should I look at?
What kind of price would I be looking at?

Thank you

[cgc]

First couple of questions that come to mind are:

1. How much are you looking to spend on equipment?
2. How many people are you thinking will use this gym?
3. What kind of people will be using this gym (seniors, middleage, 20s/30s, teens)?
4. Are you going to be charging a fee?


All that being said, with 1000 sqft I woud think you could do a lot better than that (where question #1 comes into play).

Depending on what you're wanting to do, you coud do:
5-90 lb dbs.
A squat rack and barbell
Flat, Incline, decline and shoulder press benches.
Flat and Incline bench presses (bars)
Oly plates
and you could do the swiss balls, eliptical/bike cardio, and mutil station.

again, it all will depend on the questions I asked...IMO you could have a pretty nice gym with 1000 sqft if you want to put money into it.

[GoTeamVenture]

The best path here is going to be contacting an equipment dealer.

They have relationships with a ton of manufactures and can get you new top quality equipment at a price that will be 10-15% lower than any retailer can offer.

All equipment will also carry a 1 to 5 year warranty.

PM me for dealer contacts.

[benzz]

First couple of questions that come to mind are:

1. How much are you looking to spend on equipment?Around 10k, give or take
2. How many people are you thinking will use this gym?It's not a small building, but not extremely huge, this also depends on the rate that it is rented. Id say fully rented could range from 20-50 people using it every day, but im not 100% sure. The building, fully rented, can have a population of 1000+, but who knows how many out of those people would workout
3. What kind of people will be using this gym (seniors, middleage, 20s/30s, teens)?Most likely people in their 30s and 40s
4. Are you going to be charging a fee?Undecided but most likely not


All that being said, with 1000 sqft I woud think you could do a lot better than that (where question #1 comes into play).

Depending on what you're wanting to do, you coud do:
5-90 lb dbs.
A squat rack and barbell
Flat, Incline, decline and shoulder press benches.
Flat and Incline bench presses (bars)
Oly plates
and you could do the swiss balls, eliptical/bike cardio, and mutil station.

again, it all will depend on the questions I asked...IMO you could have a pretty nice gym with 1000 sqft if you want to put money into it.

Answers in bold. I like the idea for a squat rack, but as much as I hate what i'm about to suggest to myself, I think people would find more use for a smith machine lmao. I'm going to double check the space I have again and maybe I could even have both. 5-90lb dbs would be good, maybe id have some people using those.

The best path here is going to be contacting an equipment dealer.

They have relationships with a ton of manufactures and can get you new top quality equipment at a price that will be 10-15% lower than any retailer can offer.

All equipment will also carry a 1 to 5 year warranty.

PM me for dealer contacts.

The transaction hasnt gone through yet so right now i'm only looking for ideas, not going to buy right away. But im going to PM you anyways to have the contacts for later

[STR8OUT]

I would go with a power rack, adjustable bench, a dumbbell setup like you said, and a leg press.

And dont contact an equipment dealer, contact a USED equipment dealer in your area... Someone like Christian Fitness Factory or someone else like him in your area. I can think of at least 5 dealers like this within driving distance of me.

So many gym's buy brand new stuff and their monthly bills on the stuff are most likely outrageous and before long they are going out of business.

[Mega_Man]

Your office gym should focus on 2 things (in no particular order):

- Your customer
- Reducing your liability for a lawsuit

Given that this is an office gym, your potential gym-goer is a 50/50 ratio (guesstimate) of men to women. While having free weight equipment is optimal, it is not ideal for an office setting. When presenting the office building to a potential leasee, a gym with strength machines and cardio equipment would be more appealing than a gym with barbells and squat racks. Remember, you are not only selling the office space, but the amenities and features that the building has to offer to all employees.

I hate to say it, but you should plan your gym around a "Planet Fitness" type environment where machines rule. This not only accommodates males and females, but also lowers the risk of someone getting injured as opposed to using free weights. Too many things can go wrong if you introduce squat racks, heavy dumbbells, and different benches with barbells..........especially since you are using the gym as an amenity and not as a revenue generator. Do not get sued because some amateur wants to impress their co-worker with a 100lb over their max bench/squat and gets seriously hurt doing so.

[cgc]

Your office gym should focus on 2 things (in no particular order):

- Your customer
- Reducing your liability for a lawsuit

Isn't this why every gym (that I've been to anyways) make you sign a release waiver before you join or use the gym? If they charge or not...I would hope they woud have some paper work (waiver) to fill out so that they didn't have joe blow come in off the street and act like an idiot.


Also, with $10K (give or take ) I would think you could get a nice balance between what a woman and man would look for in a gym with 1000 sqft.

[benzz]

Your office gym should focus on 2 things (in no particular order):

- Your customer
- Reducing your liability for a lawsuit

Given that this is an office gym, your potential gym-goer is a 50/50 ratio (guesstimate) of men to women. While having free weight equipment is optimal, it is not ideal for an office setting. When presenting the office building to a potential leasee, a gym with strength machines and cardio equipment would be more appealing than a gym with barbells and squat racks. Remember, you are not only selling the office space, but the amenities and features that the building has to offer to all employees.

I hate to say it, but you should plan your gym around a "Planet Fitness" type environment where machines rule. This not only accommodates males and females, but also lowers the risk of someone getting injured as opposed to using free weights. Too many things can go wrong if you introduce squat racks, heavy dumbbells, and different benches with barbells..........especially since you are using the gym as an amenity and not as a revenue generator. Do not get sued because some amateur wants to impress their co-worker with a 100lb over their max bench/squat and gets seriously hurt doing so.

Well I want to have a couple cardio machines for sure and a multi purpose station because most likely everyone will use those. Then I want dumbells going up to at least 75s and a couple exercise benches. I dont think ill get a squat rack because theres too much potential of injury with inexperienced people, but its something else i'll consider. I think a smith machine would be good because its hard to get injured on that. The majority of people however only workout to maintain health, not to get jacked like us here lol

[Jimbo.]

Well I want to have a couple cardio machines for sure and a multi purpose station because most likely everyone will use those. Then I want dumbells going up to at least 75s and a couple exercise benches. I dont think ill get a squat rack because theres too much potential of injury with inexperienced people, but its something else i'll consider. I think a smith machine would be good because its hard to get injured on that. The majority of people however only workout to maintain health, not to get jacked like us here lol

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=122653771

Not a Smith machine but very similar. People can and do injure themselves on Smith machines, they are not safer than a squat rack with heavy duty safety bars.

[urbanlifter]

If I had to build a gym that would suit a variety of people it would look like this (estimated values based on how cheap you are):

1) Standard Hex Style DB's 5-50lb (with rack) $1000
2) Benches (Flat, Stool, 2 FID) $1000
2) Mid Range Power Rack $500
3) 300lb Olympic Plate Set (w/Standard Oly Bar and weight tree) $500
4) Functional Trainer or Cable Crossover (with attachments) $1200
5) Hack Squat / Leg Press $1200
6) Lat Pulldown/Low Row with stack $1000
7) Ab Bench $200
8) Roman Chair $250
7) Multi-Station (Chest, leg extension, shoulder, knee raise) $1500
6) Cardio Equipment (1 elliptical, 1 treadmill, 1 recumbant bike) $2500

Total: $10,850

Edit: Will probably need more olympic weight than that, upgrade that to 500lb.

[benzz]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=122653771

Not a Smith machine but very similar. People can and do injure themselves on Smith machines, they are not safer than a squat rack with heavy duty safety bars.

Damn lol.Yeah i think id most likely get a squat rack now

If I had to build a gym that would suit a variety of people it would look like this (estimated values based on how cheap you are):

1) Standard Hex Style DB's 5-50lb (with rack) $1000
2) Benches (Flat, Stool, 2 FID) $1000
2) Mid Range Power Rack $500
3) 300lb Olympic Plate Set (w/Standard Oly Bar and weight tree) $500
4) Functional Trainer or Cable Crossover (with attachments) $1200
5) Hack Squat / Leg Press $1200
6) Lat Pulldown/Low Row with stack $1000
7) Ab Bench $200
8) Roman Chair $250
7) Multi-Station (Chest, leg extension, shoulder, knee raise) $1500
6) Cardio Equipment (1 elliptical, 1 treadmill, 1 recumbant bike) $2500

Total: $10,850

Looks good brah, thanks. Although the gym had 2 tradmills or bikes already (i dont remember exactly) and dbs from 1-25lb. Maybe I can get dumbells from 25-75lb

[urbanlifter]

Looks good brah, thanks. Although the gym had 2 tradmills or bikes already (i dont remember exactly) and dbs from 1-25lb. Maybe I can get dumbells from 25-75lb[/QUOTE]

Perfect, that would free up plenty of money to take the db's up to 90lb!

[ctgblue]

take a look at this place, if I were going new, I'd look here
but first I'd hit every craigslist I could looking for a gym closing

http://www.promaximamfg.com/default....ookieSupport=1

If you want to go with a real flooring product
http://www.magnumfitness.com/templat...ber%20flooring
4' wide rolls as long as you need them to be

[Mega_Man]

Isn't this why every gym (that I've been to anyways) make you sign a release waiver before you join or use the gym? If they charge or not...I would hope they woud have some paper work (waiver) to fill out so that they didn't have joe blow come in off the street and act like an idiot.

In a simple and perfect world, yes, the liability waiver should protect the business from being sued. However, we live in a world where individuals do not want to be held accountable for their actions (whether right or wrong), regardless of anything they have signed, and look to the legal system for help. Lawyers will, can, and have successfully sued gyms regardless of liability waivers.

Insurance premiums are determined by the types of activities being conducted in the building; the higher the risk of activities being performed, the higher the premium. Why increase your liability exponentially when you are not capturing any revenue to offset this risk? This is why I brought up the issue of amenity vs. revenue generator.

[cgc]

In a simple and perfect world, yes, the liability waiver should protect the business from being sued. However, we live in a world where individuals do not want to be held accountable for their actions (whether right or wrong), regardless of anything they have signed, and look to the legal system for help. Lawyers will, can, and have successfully sued gyms regardless of liability waivers.

Insurance premiums are determined by the types of activities being conducted in the building; the higher the risk of activities being performed, the higher the premium. Why increase your liability exponentially when you are not capturing any revenue to offset this risk? This is why I brought up the issue of amenity vs. revenue generator.

I mean, I get all that....but unless you have a gym where you only do body weight exercises, you're kind of screwed. Shoot, even then I'm sure you could find some idiot who wanted to sue because you bought the wrong light bulbs and it cause a reflection off of a mirror that resulted in a sprained eyeball.

If you have any equipment that moves or you move, you're going to be at risk....a safty waiver is the best thing you can do all things condiering. Ya know?

[Mega_Man]

Shoot, even then I'm sure you could find some idiot who wanted to sue because you bought the wrong light bulbs and it cause a reflection off of a mirror that resulted in a sprained eyeball.

Haha!

Yea, I am in total agreement with you. Having a liability waiver is better than nothing.

[benzz]

take a look at this place, if I were going new, I'd look here
but first I'd hit every craigslist I could looking for a gym closing

http://www.promaximamfg.com/default....ookieSupport=1

If you want to go with a real flooring product
http://www.magnumfitness.com/templat...ber%20flooring
4' wide rolls as long as you need them to be

Thanks bro ill take a look at that site.

For the flooring, there is already polished hardwood. It looks pretty damn nice so I think I will keep it there. The gym in general is very luxurious, 10 ft doors to enter, bathrooms are black marble. The only part that really needs upgrades would be the equipment lol.

In a simple and perfect world, yes, the liability waiver should protect the business from being sued. However, we live in a world where individuals do not want to be held accountable for their actions (whether right or wrong), regardless of anything they have signed, and look to the legal system for help. Lawyers will, can, and have successfully sued gyms regardless of liability waivers.

Insurance premiums are determined by the types of activities being conducted in the building; the higher the risk of activities being performed, the higher the premium. Why increase your liability exponentially when you are not capturing any revenue to offset this risk? This is why I brought up the issue of amenity vs. revenue generator.

Yeah bro, thats all true. But here in Canada, its much harder to sue than in America lol. In the usa, people can sue each other over any small thing lmao. Maybe I could have the tenants fill out some kind of form that eliminates the liabilities on my side if they happen to be an idiot and hurt themselves in the gym?

I mean, I get all that....but unless you have a gym where you only do body weight exercises, you're kind of screwed. Shoot, even then I'm sure you could find some idiot who wanted to sue because you bought the wrong light bulbs and it cause a reflection off of a mirror that resulted in a sprained eyeball.

If you have any equipment that moves or you move, you're going to be at risk....a safty waiver is the best thing you can do all things condiering. Ya know?

Yeah, for the potential tenants, a good gym is a big plus. Especially if they have everything they want that could be found in a big commercial gym. That way they could just workout on their breaks or before/after work. Much more convenient for them. Plus they have the lockers/showers, ect.

[CFF]

Okay so heres the deal. My dad is in the process of buying an office building. Hopefully everything will work out (and it should).Ill be working with this building alot as a project with me dad. The office building has a gym, complete with shower rooms, lockers, ect. Heres the problem: all the workout equipment is garbage. dumbells up to 25lbs and 1 multi purpose station which looks like ****.

I'm going to be re-doing the gym and will need new equipment. The gym itself is small (maybe 1000sq feet). Equipment i'm thinking of would be:

-Rubber coated dumbells 5-75lb
-1-2 exercise benches to use with the dumbells
-1 Bench press that can adjust to incline/decline (if this even exists)
-1 good multi purpose station
-Mats, a few swiss balls
-And a couple cardio machines (for the women...lol)

I want the top/near the top of the line quality equipment.

My questions are

Is there anymore equipment I would need to have a good basic gym?
What brands of equipment should I look at?
What kind of price would I be looking at?

Thank you

Hands down, I would go with a Functional trainer (Short Cable Crossover)!

[benzz]

Hands down, I would go with a Functional trainer (Short Cable Crossover)!

Just googled that, looks good. something else to consider

As i said before, right now im just getting ideas, hopefully ill make this happen within a few months when the transaction goes through

I tried to rep all you guys who gave me advice, ill get the rest of you tomorrow

[Curbside_Quiche]

Yeah, for the potential tenants, a good gym is a big plus. Especially if they have everything they want that could be found in a big commercial gym. That way they could just workout on their breaks or before/after work. Much more convenient for them. Plus they have the lockers/showers, ect.

If you want the gym to attract potential tenants then don't worry about getting weight training equipment. Just get some swiss balls, treadmills and pink 2lb dumbbells.

That is the reality.

Unfortunately we are in the minority.

Also factor in theft. If there is anything decent, that can be carried, it will grow legs and walk. That is why you see cable multi stations in most facilities of this nature.

[CFF]

Just googled that, looks good. something else to consider

As i said before, right now im just getting ideas, hopefully ill make this happen within a few months when the transaction goes through

I tried to rep all you guys who gave me advice, ill get the rest of you tomorrow

The cool thing about the functional Trainer is now you can get them with 310 lb stacks for around $1700. As far as I know, most cable machines only come with 200 lb stacks. Make makes that so unique is that you can use it as a cable crossover, press, row, lat, and unlimited only to your imagination.

[benzz]

If you want the gym to attract potential tenants then don't worry about getting weight training equipment. Just get some swiss balls, treadmills and pink 2lb dumbbells.

That is the reality.

Unfortunately we are in the minority.

Also factor in theft. If there is anything decent, that can be carried, it will grow legs and walk. That is why you see cable multi stations in most facilities of this nature.

I'm sure that many guys actually do lift weights but just dont get the diet and other factors right. Women are always insecure and will want to do their cardio/toning ****, ect. So I think a well equipped gym will def be a plus. Of course it wont be the deciding factor lol but it will show that we take care of the place and keep everything updated. But the building has a gym, so I want to make it nice . hell, I may even lift there once and a while lol.

[cgc]

benzz -

I just want to add this....when you get done, I want to see pictures or I'm negging you


Not really...but seriously...I do want to see pictures...

[Squeebo]

As mentioned, it's a really good idea to have a functional trainer. They're one of the hot things right now, and people notice it.

Kettlebells are hot right now too and pretty cheap for a set of singles in 5lb or 10lb increments.

Many women love the leg adductor/abductor machines. It may be worth getting a stand alone unit.

You'll need at least as many cardio machines as you have weight machines/stations. Including treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. There will be a lot of pissed off users when the only thing they come to do (walk on the treadmill or elliptical for 45 minutes) they can't do because the only two other users of the gym at the time are on them.

[benzz]

benzz -

I just want to add this....when you get done, I want to see pictures or I'm negging you


Not really...but seriously...I do want to see pictures...

Lol Ill get pics for sure brah, but it really depends when the transaction goes through for the place. I'm really hoping it will go through this summer so I can get started asap. But ill make sure I get pics, before and after

As mentioned, it's a really good idea to have a functional trainer. They're one of the hot things right now, and people notice it.

Kettlebells are hot right now too and pretty cheap for a set of singles in 5lb or 10lb increments.

Many women love the leg adductor/abductor machines. It may be worth getting a stand alone unit.

You'll need at least as many cardio machines as you have weight machines/stations. Including treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. There will be a lot of pissed off users when the only thing they come to do (walk on the treadmill or elliptical for 45 minutes) they can't do because the only two other users of the gym at the time are on them.

Yeah I like the functional trainer alot. A few kettlebells are a good idea, maybe get them for some variety. The adductor machines are a possibility, maybe if I can get them built in a multi purpose or if they wont take up too much space. Ill most likely have 3 cardio machines. Remember, this is much smaller space than a commercial gym and I cant have everything . I pretty much need to have the basics

[OutKlast]

Personally, I'd do a circuit setup. Paramount (I believe) and I'm sure others make dual function machines. A used equipment dealer near me had a 5 piece dual function circuit that takes up about 200 sq ft. It had a bicep/tricep, high/low pulley, abs/back, flat/incline/shoulder, leg extension/curl.

Found the link on it: http://m.b5z.net/i/u/10040451/f/Para..._Line_2004.pdf


Do that and probably 2 of each for treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike. Depending on the space left over you could do a function trainer or cable cross multi-station setup. And also potentially a small free weight area and smith machine. How about a leg press, btw? I have the bodycraft F600 leg press in my home. It's a really compact model and offers leg press, hack squat, donkey, calf workout.

[CFF]

Dual pieces aren't bad, but you usually loose out on one of the movements. For instance, a leg extension/curl will work great on the extension movement, but will be a piece of junk on the curl movement. Dual pieces are a great concept, but not for someone who wants to get a serious workout. I am not trying to knock them down, just my experience in selling gym equipment. I hate to see people through away money. Definitely try what ever you are going to get out first before you buy it and know it will work for you!

[benzz]

Thanks for the other great suggestions guys

Still deciding on what i'll be doing