Business loans for gyms

• Cash flow challenge: Gym owners often needing significant upfront funding for equipment and premises before membership revenue becomes consistent.

• Perfect for: New gym founders, fitness studio operators, and established gyms investing in equipment, refurbishment, or expansion.

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What is gym finance?

A business loan for a gym is funding designed to support fitness businesses with the high upfront costs of equipment, premises, and expansion. It can be unsecured, secured, or asset-backed depending on your funding needs and stage of trading.

Unlike general SME lending, gym finance often considers:

• Equipment-heavy investment

• Membership-based recurring income

• Seasonal revenue fluctuations

• Growth through expansion or additional locations

How business loans can support gym owners

Business loans may be used for:

• Lease deposits and rent

• Full gym fit-out

• Cardio and strength equipment

• Specialist studios (spin, yoga, CrossFit)

• Marketing and launch campaigns

• Hiring and staffing costs
• Managing early-stage cash flow gaps

Clear planning helps ensure the loan structure matches projected membership growth.

Funding options for gyms

Unsecured business loans

Suitable for established gyms needing flexible funding without securing assets. Often used for refurbishment, expansion, or working capital.

Asset finance for gym equipment

Asset finance is particularly useful for:

• Treadmills
• Resistance machines
• Functional rigs
• Specialist equipment

Merchant cash advance

For gyms with strong card-based membership income, repayments are linked to a percentage of daily card sales. Merchant cash advances can offer flexibility during slower months.

Secured business loans

May allow access to larger borrowing amounts for multi-site expansion or property-backed funding.

Start Up Loans

For first-time gym founders, government-backed Start Up Loans can support smaller-scale launches alongside mentoring support.

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How much can you borrow for a gym loan?

Starting a gym in the UK typically costs between £80,000 and £250,000+, depending on location, size, and equipment levels. Smaller boutique studios may start around £80,000–£150,000, while larger full-service gyms can require £300,000 or more including fit-out and working capital.

Borrowing capacity depends on:

• Projected membership revenue
• Trading history
• Lease structure
• Equipment investment level
• Security offered (if applicable)

Equipment-heavy gyms may require higher funding levels than many other startup sectors.

Alternative funding considerations for fitness businesses

If traditional term loans are not suitable, gym owners may also consider:

• Equipment leasing
• Revenue-based finance
• Working capital loans

Understanding the differences helps you select the most appropriate structure.

How Novuna Business Cash Flow can help

At Novuna Business Cash Flow, we support leisure and fitness businesses with structured funding aligned to their stage of growth.

Get in touch with our experts today and we will find a great fit for your situation.