The cost to build a lifetime fitness center will typically depend on the size of your space, the amenities you want and whether or not you plan on doing most of the work yourself. Generally speaking, it costs between $120 and $180 per square foot.
The costs associated with building a lifetime fitness center will vary depending on several factors such as size, location and amenities. The general rule of thumb is that building a new facility will cost anywhere from $120 to $180 per square foot. The average size of an exercise facility is 5,000 square feet. This means that a new building could cost up to $600,000 excluding any other project costs such as equipment and labor.
Once you have done this, then it’s time to start purchasing the necessary items for your home gym, how long does it take to build a gym facility, how much does it cost to build a gymnastics gym. You should consider buying exercise mats, dumbbells, barbells and weight benches as well as other accessories and tools that will help improve your workouts at home while also protecting both yourself and others from injury during these exercises.
You can also purchase various types of exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines and rowing machines which will allow you to get a good cardio workout without having to go outside or drive somewhere else just to get one!
How long does it take to build a gym facility?
It takes approximately four months from start to finish for new construction facilities and about one month for existing buildings if everything goes according to plan.
The cost of building a gym depends on the type of equipment and size. There are many different factors that go into determining the costs of construction. This article will discuss these factors and how they affect your budget.
The first thing to consider is the size of the gym. Some gyms are just one or two rooms, while others have multiple rooms. The more rooms there are, the higher the price will be. The second thing to consider is how many pieces of equipment you want in your new facility. You have options such as cardio machines, free weights, weight machines and more. If you want all types of equipment, then your budget will be higher than if you only want some of the equipment types listed above.
Another factor that affects the price is whether or not you choose pre-built or custom built equipment for your facility . Pre-built equipment is cheaper than custom built equipment because it is already made when you order it from a supplier/manufacturer of fitness equipment . Custom built means that a manufacturer will make what you want by hand when you order it from them . Custom built also takes longer than pre-built because it takes them longer to make everything exactly how you want it .
The cost of building a lifetime fitness facility will depend on many factors. The size, location and type of facility are just some considerations.
To give you an idea of what it might cost, we’ve put together this list of common items that could be included in building a gym. This list is not all-inclusive, but it covers most of the basics and should give you a good starting point when figuring out the costs for your project.
Costs associated with building a gym include:
Site preparation costs – clear space for your site, parking lot, driveways, sidewalks and landscaping.
Structural foundation – footing and slab for the building(s).
Building shell – exterior walls and roofing over portions of the structure.
Electrical wiring – wiring for lighting, outlets and other electrical needs.
Plumbing system – drainage and water supply lines for sinks and toilets as well as drains into floor drains or sump pumps to remove flood water from basements if needed.
Building a gym is an investment that can pay off. Here’s a look at the costs and benefits of building your own facility.
💪 Cost to Build Different Types of Gyms (per square foot)
- Basic gym (weights, treadmills, ellipticals):
$35–50 / ft² for build-out or lease deposit
$50–200 / ft² for full interior build-out - Warehouse-style gym:
Around $60 / ft² (typically includes equipment, construction, land) - Full-service gym (with studios, showers, group spaces):
$50–200 / ft² for build-out
New commercial downtown build: total startup cost $300k–1M+, equipment included - Gymnastics facility / gymnasium:
$500–1,000 / ft² structural shell for dedicated gymnasiums
🕒 Timeline to Complete a Gym Project
- Small gym (renovation/new build): Weeks to 1 month for construction + 1–2 more for equipment/finishing + 3–6 months for permits
- **Large or full-service gym**:
Design/permitting: several months
Construction: 1–6+ months depending on size & complexity - Total: End-to-end from planning through opening commonly takes 12–24 months.
💰 Summary Table
| Gym Type | Build Cost (per ft²) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Basic commercial gym | $35–50 (base) + $50–200 (fit-out) | 3–12 months |
| Warehouse-style gym | ~$60 / ft² total | Similar to basic gym |
| Full-service gym (studios etc) | $50–200 / ft² fit-out + equipment | 6–18 months |
| Gymnastics gymnasium shell | $500–1,000 / ft² shell | 12–24 months (complex build) |
What does it cost to build your own fitness center?
The answer depends on whether you’re building from scratch or renovating an existing structure. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s more expensive — but more rewarding — to design the space yourself.
If you’re renovating an existing space, the task will be easier and less expensive. But you’ll probably lose some flexibility in how the new space is designed and used.
Building your own gym takes time, too. It takes anywhere from two weeks to a year or more to complete construction on a new facility depending on how much labor is involved. Renovations take less time because they don’t require heavy equipment or demolition work.
How much does it cost to build a gymnastics gym
The first step of the process is to consult with a builder or contractor. You will need to identify what type of structure you want, how big it should be, and how much you are willing to spend on construction materials. A good builder will help you determine what size facility is best for your needs and how much it will cost to complete.
How long does it take to build a gym facility?
Most people need a gym that is finished within six months of making their decision and purchasing the land. A smaller home gym can be built in less time than an industrial-sized warehouse gym, but both types of gyms require permits from local building departments before construction begins and inspections at various stages throughout the process.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
Average Cost of Building a Gym | The average cost of building a gym is $80,000.
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Factors Influencing Gym Cost |
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Timeline for Building a Gym Facility | The typical time required to build a gym facility is around six months.
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Cost of Building a Gymnastics Gym | The cost to build a gymnastics gym can vary significantly.
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Getting Estimates | If you’re interested in getting an estimate for building a gymnastics gym, consider reaching out for guidance.
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What is the cost of building a gymnastics gym?
The cost to build a gymnastics gym depends on many factors. The size of the facility, whether it is indoors or outdoors and the quality of construction are all important considerations. The most important factor in determining cost is the type of gymnastics equipment you want to install in your gym. Gymnastics equipment can range from simple mats to complex pieces of equipment like pommel horses and balance beams.
The average price for an indoor gymnasium ranges from $50 per square foot to $75 per square foot. Outdoor facilities can cost as much as $100 per square foot depending on their size, location and amenities offered by the facility.
A small mat area with some basic equipment like parallel bars and rings will cost around $20,000-$30,000 for installation. A larger facility with more advanced pieces such as vaulting tables, pommel horse and balance beam will cost well over $100,000 for installation alone!
According to our research, the average cost of a gymnastics facility is $1,000 per square foot. This includes construction costs, labor and equipment.
The construction costs for gymnastics facilities vary greatly depending on the size, design and location of the facility. You can expect to pay around $5 per square foot for gyms that are 5,000 square feet or less. Larger facilities will cost more due to additional amenities like locker rooms and shower facilities.
The average time it takes to build a new gymnastics facility is 6 months from start to finish. The first phase of this process is called construction phase one (CP1). This phase involves building the foundation, installing utilities such as water lines and electricity and setting up drainage systems for rain water runoff. During this time frame you will also begin framing walls and installing windows or doors if necessary. Once these tasks have been completed then your contractor will move on to CP2 which involves installing insulation materials into the walls, ceilings and floors of your building before drywall is installed onto them so that they can be painted afterwards in order to create smooth surfaces that are resistant against wear and tear over time.
🔍 Notes & Variables
- Equipment: $25 / ft² for smaller gyms; $30k–150k upfront depending on size
- Permits & prep: Zoning and regulatory approvals can add months to the timeline
- Location impact: Urban/metro areas push total startup into $300k–1 M+ range
✅ In Summary
- Basic gym: $35–250 / ft²; 3–12 mo to open.
- Warehouse gym: ~$60 / ft² total; similar timeline.
- Full-service gym: $100–200 / ft² plus equipment; 6–18 mo.
- Gymnastics facility: $500–1,000 / ft² shell/per facility; 12–24 mo to finish.