Quick answer (TL;DR)

Yes — gyms commonly obtain leasing for cardio machines, strength rigs and studio AV when fitting out a new site. Options include operating leases, finance leases and hire purchase. UK Business Loans will use the details you provide to connect your company with lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial equipment finance (from roughly £10,000 and up). Get a Free Eligibility Check to see which options are realistic for your business.

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Types of leasing and equipment finance that apply to gym fit‑outs

Asset finance & equipment leasing — the main routes

There are several common ways to fund gym equipment:

• Operating lease – similar to renting: the lender owns the equipment and you pay fixed rentals for the contract term; typically good for rapidly evolving technology or where you want upgrades at the end of the term.
• Finance lease – more like long‑term hire with an option to take ownership at the end via a final payment (balloon) or transfer of title arranged separately.
• Hire purchase – payments split until ownership transfers after the final payment; often used where ownership is desired.
• Commercial rental or short‑term hire – useful for temporary needs (pop‑ups, events).
• Asset refinance / sale and leaseback – for existing equipment to free up cash.

Typical equipment covered

Most lenders cover new and used commercial equipment, including:

• Cardio: treadmills, cross‑trainers, indoor cycles, rowers
• Strength: weight stacks, plate‑loaded machines, racks, platforms, functional rigs
• Free‑weight kit: bars, discs, kettlebells, benches
• Studio AV & tech: sound systems, speakers, mixers, projectors, TVs, LED lighting, cabling and control systems
• Specialist additions: biometrics, booking kiosks, member check‑in systems

How leasing works in practice for a gym fit‑out

Typical process:

1. Obtain a supplier pro‑forma or quote for the equipment and installation.
2. Submit an enquiry so we can match you with lenders/brokers suited to gyms and fit‑outs.
3. Selected finance partners run credit and affordability checks (some do soft checks first).
4. Once approved, you sign a lease or hire purchase agreement; equipment is delivered and installed.
5. During the lease you make monthly payments; some agreements include maintenance or warranty packages.
6. At lease end you typically return the equipment, renew, or pay a balloon/residual to purchase outright (depending on the product).

VAT treatment: VAT on equipment can be handled differently depending on lease type and supplier arrangements. For example, on hire purchase the VAT is usually payable up front, whereas many leases include VAT in the monthly payments. Always confirm VAT treatment with the finance provider and your accountant.

Who can get gym equipment leasing? Eligibility & what lenders look for

Most limited companies, gym groups, franchisees and LLPs (but not sole traders for our service) can apply. Lenders assess:

• Trading history — longer trading generally improves access and rates.
• Turnover & profitability — demonstrates ability to service payments.
• Credit profile — both business and directors’ records can be considered.
• Deposit or margin — some lenders require 0–20% depending on risk and equipment age.
• Purpose & collateral — commercial fitness equipment is recognised collateral.

Start‑ups and newer operators can often still be financed — specialist lenders and brokered packages exist — though terms may require higher deposits, guarantors or short initial terms.

Example: a new 40‑station gym quoting £80,000 of equipment might secure a 36–48 month lease with a 5–10% deposit or a slightly higher monthly rental if trading history is limited.

Typical terms, deposit & costs (illustrative)

Common features you’ll see:

• Contract lengths: usually 24–60 months
• Deposits: 0–20% (lower for established businesses)
• Maintenance packages: optional, may add to monthly cost
• Insurance: lessee usually responsible to insure equipment
• Early termination: charges often apply

Illustrative monthly costs (example only):

Figures above are illustrative; actual rates depend on lender pricing, business profile and any deposit or maintenance bundles chosen.

Benefits and drawbacks of leasing vs buying

Benefits

• Preserves cashflow — spread the cost over months or years.
• Access to higher quality or current equipment — easier upgrades.
• Budget predictability — fixed monthly charges.
• Possible tax advantages — lease payments can often be treated as allowable expenses (check with your accountant).

Drawbacks

• Potentially higher total cost than buying with cash.
• Contractual obligations and early termination fees.
• Residual/return conditions — equipment must meet fair wear standards on return.

How UK Business Loans helps gyms secure equipment leasing

We are not a lender. Instead, UK Business Loans connects your company with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑outs and equipment finance. Our role:

• Match your enquiry to the most suitable finance partners in our network
• Reduce the time you spend contacting multiple lenders
• Help you receive quotes quickly so you can compare terms

To start, complete our short enquiry — it’s not an application; it’s information suppliers and lenders use to provide tailored quotes. Get Quote Now

For more background on fit‑out specific options, you can also read our guide to fit‑out finance.

How to prepare before you enquire

Gathering the following will speed the process and improve quote accuracy:

• Supplier pro‑forma or detailed quote (including installation & AV cabling)
• Recent business accounts (or management accounts) and business bank statements
• Company registration number and VAT information
• Brief business plan or projection if you are a new operator
• Details of other finance/leases on your balance sheet

Tip: ask suppliers to itemise equipment and installation separately — many lenders will finance installation and cabling if shown on the pro‑forma.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry to UK Business Loans is a matching step and does not affect your business credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you choose to progress an offer.

Can a start‑up gym get leasing?

Yes — specialist brokers in our network work with start‑ups. Expect closer scrutiny, possible deposits or director guarantees, or shorter initial terms, but finance routes exist.

Can installation, AV cabling and warranties be included in the lease?

Often yes. Many finance providers will include installation and ancillary costs if quoted on the supplier pro‑forma. Confirm details with the lender you’re matched to.

Do leases include maintenance?

Some packages include maintenance and service plans; others offer maintenance as an optional extra. Including maintenance can simplify budgeting but will increase monthly payments.

What happens at the end of a lease?

Options typically include returning the equipment, renewing the lease, or buying the equipment by paying a residual/balloon payment. Exact options depend on the contract type.

Next steps — get a tailored quote

Ready to see real numbers? Complete our two‑minute enquiry and we’ll match your gym to lenders and brokers who specialise in equipment and fit‑out finance. Expect contact by phone or email — usually within hours.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice or loan funds. Submitting an enquiry is free and does not commit you to any product. We only share your details with partners to obtain quotes and will treat your data securely.