Quick Answer
Buy core commercial gym equipment from Essentials Appliances. Some exercise items may also be available at IKA BOHAG. Use F1 to search for specific machines to find current sellers and prices.
Equipment Planning
Before buying equipment, plan your gym's capacity. Each equipment piece adds customer capacity, but you also need enough Gym Trainer coverage. Don't buy equipment without a capacity plan.
Where to Buy Gym Equipment
Essentials Appliances (Primary Seller)
Essentials Appliances is the main source for commercial gym equipment. This store stocks the core items you need:
- Workout Machines
- Gym Lockers
- Public Showers
- Fitness Planning Board
- Drinks Fridge
- Treadmills
- Weight Stations
IKA BOHAG (Secondary Seller)
Some exercise items may also appear at IKA BOHAG. Check both stores to compare prices and availability.
Using F1 to Find Equipment
Press F1 and search for the exact equipment name you need, such as "Treadmill" or "Pull-Up Bar." This shows:
- Current seller and location
- Price
- Boxed size
- Item footprint
- Customer capacity added
Search First
Item availability, price, capacity, and gym requirements can change with game updates. Always search F1 for the exact item rather than assuming you know where to find it.
Essential Gym Equipment List
A functional gym needs more than just exercise machines. Here's what to consider:
Exercise Equipment
- Treadmill — Cardio equipment
- Pull-Up Bar — Upper body workout
- Weight Station — Strength training
- Gym Mat — Floor protection
- Kettlebells — Free weights
- Loaded Barbell — Heavy lifting
Facility Equipment
- Gym Locker — Customer storage
- Public Shower — Required for some customers
- Bathroom Stall — Customer facilities
- Modular Sink — Hygiene facilities
Operations Equipment
- Drinks Fridge — Sell beverages
- Fitness Planning Board — Management tool
- Cash Register — Process payments
- Cleaning Station — Maintain cleanliness
Capacity Planning
Each equipment piece adds customer capacity, typically 2 customers per hour per item. However, capacity is limited by:
- Building capacity — Maximum customers the property can serve
- Trainer coverage — Employees needed to staff each station
- Equipment match — Enough equipment to serve building capacity
A small gym in a 15-customer building needs only enough equipment to serve 15 customers. A larger machine count doesn't turn a 15-customer building into a 30-customer one.
Don't Overbuy
One more treadmill doesn't help when the Gym Trainer schedule or building is the lower constraint. Match equipment to your actual capacity, not theoretical maximum.
Transporting Equipment
Gym equipment is expensive and bulky. Before visiting the store:
- Compare vehicle cargo space with box sizes
- Decide whether store delivery is safer
- Clear the destination's delivery area
- Leave enough floor space for each machine
- Preserve cash for trainers, rent, and other requirements
If Gym Still Reports Missing Equipment
If your gym isn't functioning despite having equipment:
- Confirm the object is inside the correct business, not an apartment
- Check that it's unpacked and accessible
- Read the exact requirement—variety and total capacity are different problems
- Search F1 for the named object rather than buying a visually similar item
- Verify the current game build, as patches have changed gym behavior
Gym Profitability
Community reports suggest gyms may not be the most profitable business type compared to others. Their main advantages are:
- Simple inventory (primarily drinks)
- Equipment is a one-time investment
- Easy to manage early game
However, many players find better returns from businesses with higher margins once they have capital to invest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy gym equipment in Big Ambitions?
Core commercial gym equipment is purchased from Essentials Appliances. Some exercise items may also appear at IKA BOHAG. Use F1 to search for specific machines like Treadmill or Pull-Up Bar to find current sellers.
How much does gym equipment cost?
Costs vary by item. A basic setup with essential equipment like treadmills, weight stations, and gym lockers can cost around $8,000. Premium items like commercial-grade machines increase the price significantly.
What equipment do I need for a gym?
Essential items include Workout Machines, Gym Lockers, Public Showers, Fitness Planning Board, and Drinks Fridge. Each machine adds customer capacity, typically 2 customers per hour per equipment piece.
How do I increase gym capacity?
Add more equipment to increase capacity. Each piece of equipment adds to your hourly customer limit. However, you also need enough Gym Trainer employees to cover the stations.
Can I use residential gym equipment in my business?
No. You need commercial gym equipment for your business. Use F1 to search for the specific machine you need rather than buying visually similar residential items.