Can You Buy Planet Fitness Equipment? The Reality Behind the Brand's Gear

Planet Fitness operates one of the largest gym networks in the world, with thousands of clubs and a business model centered on accessibility and affordability. Because the equipment inside Planet Fitness locations is purchased specifically for use in commercial facilities, there is no straightforward, ongoing consumer storefront for Planet Fitness-brand gym machines. In practice, the gear you see in PF clubs—cardio machines, selectorized strength stations, and cable-based systems—comes from commercial suppliers and is sized and installed for heavy, long-term use under stringent maintenance standards. This distinction matters if your goal is to outfit a home gym or a smaller commercial space with Planet Fitness-grade equipment. The bottom line is that direct, official retail channels for PF equipment are not typically available to individual buyers. However, there are practical paths to access similar gear, whether you want to replicate PF-style workouts at home, or you’re a gym owner seeking to equip a club in a responsible, cost-conscious way.

Several realities frame the equipment landscape for Planet Fitness gear. First, PF locations upgrade or refresh equipment on cycles that reflect commercial depreciation and service contracts rather than consumer retail events. Second, most equipment is sourced through large, recognized vendors (such as Life Fitness, Precor, Technogym, Cybex, and others) that offer institutional warranties and service networks. Third, when clubs renovate or close, some machines may be liquidated through auctions or licensed brokers, but those opportunities are sporadic, location-specific, and subject to terms that differ from ordinary consumer purchases. With this context, readers should approach equipment acquisition with a clear view of availability, warranty, and total cost of ownership rather than expecting a simple “PF store” purchase.

Direct purchase from Planet Fitness: is it possible?

Short answer: rarely. Planet Fitness does not run a consumer-facing equipment store, and it does not offer a general public catalog of machines for sale. Corporate ownership of equipment is tied to club operations, maintenance contracts, and typical franchising arrangements. If a PF club is closing, undergoing remodel, or liquidating assets, one might encounter the opportunity to purchase decommissioned or surplus equipment through stock liquidations or auctions. But these avenues are not guaranteed, and the availability depends on local market conditions, contract language, and logistics. Individuals should not expect to navigate a simple online checkout for PF gear.

• What to do if you’re interested: contact the Planet Fitness corporate office or your regional developer only to inquire about any sanctioned liquidation events.
• Be prepared for non-disclosure agreements, inspection windows, and delivery arrangements that are typical of commercial equipment sales.
• Expect variability in models, configurations, and maintenance history, which affects price and reliability.

Buying PF-like equipment on the open market

For most buyers, the realistic route is to source equipment through the open market from reputable commercial gym equipment vendors or refurbishers. This approach yields several advantages: access to proven commercial brands, documented warranties, spare parts availability, and robust customer support. When shopping for PF-style gear (equipment that suits high-traffic, multi-user environments), focus on brands with strong service networks and easily accessible maintenance parts. Common, reliable options include Life Fitness, Precor, Cybex, Technogym, and Nautilus for commercial-grade machines.

Practical steps to acquire PF-like gear on the open market:

• Define the scope: number of cardio machines, weight-stack stations, cable machines, benches, and racks needed for your space.
• Identify core models that replicate PF experiences, such as multi-gyms and leg-extension/curl stations, or commercial treadmills and ellipticals that tolerate heavy daily use.
• Compare brands across price, warranty, and service. Prefer refurbished units from reputable vendors with a warranty (usually 3–12 months) and clear serial-tracking.
• Inspect condition: check frames, upholstery, electronics, weight stacks, cables, and moving parts; request service history and load-test results if possible.
• Plan for installation, shipping, and on-site assembly. Commercial equipment often requires professional installation to meet safety standards and electrical requirements.
• Budget for ongoing maintenance, spare parts, and potential future upgrades. A conservative rule is to reserve 5–10% of equipment cost annually for maintenance and parts.

Building a Home Gym that Mirrors Planet Fitness Quality Without the Planet Fitness Price

Outfitting a home gym with commercial-grade equipment that resembles the PF gym experience requires careful planning around layout, durability, and total cost of ownership. The Planet Fitness model emphasizes spacious cardio zones and durable selectorized machines that support high-energy, group-friendly workouts. To recreate a similar feel at home, you should balance functionality with space, safety, and long-term reliability. Commercial home setups are increasingly common, but prices and logistics differ significantly from consumer-grade gear. The aim is to achieve a durable, user-friendly environment that supports routine, full-body workouts without the complexity or footprint of a full commercial club.

Choosing equipment that aligns with PF-style workouts

When selecting gear for a PF-inspired home gym, prioritize versatility, ease of use, and safety. Consider these categories and guidelines:

• Cardio essentials: a commercial-grade treadmill, stationary bike, or cross-trainer with strong warranty coverage and service support. Look for models with large displays, reliability ratings, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
• Strength circuit: a compact multi-gy m that combines leg extension, leg curl, and press/pull stations, or a well-rated cable-stack machine for varied pressing and rowing moves.
• Free weights and racks: durable dumbbells (covered by protective mats), a sturdy adjustable bench, a power rack or squat stand for safe squats and presses, and a durable barbell with bumper plates for versatility.
• Storage and safety: adequate rack space, non-slip flooring, and clear pathways to mimic PF’s open layout.

Practical tips for layout and usability:

• Plan for traffic flow: arrange cardio machines along the perimeter and strength stations in the center to emulate PF’s open-concept feel.
• Leave adequate clearance around each machine (at least 2–3 feet) to ensure safe operation and easy maintenance access.
• Prioritize maintenance access: place machines so technicians can service power cords and cables without moving other equipment.

Budgeting, warranties, and provider options

Costs vary widely, but a robust home-gym package with commercial-grade nodes can range from roughly tens of thousands to low six figures depending on scope and brand choices. When budgeting, include:

• Price of each machine and assembly costs
• Shipping, import duties (if applicable), and insurance during transit
• Warranty terms and extended protection plans
• Maintenance contracts, spare parts, and potential upgrades every 5–10 years

Where to buy: start with authorized distributors for the brands you choose, look for refurbished options from reputable dealers with warranties, and compare with new units to determine the best total value. Always verify that the vendor offers after-sales service in your region and has trained technicians available for installation and routine maintenance.

For gym owners and franchisees: procurement and best practices

If you operate a Planet Fitness franchise or another commercial gym, procurement is a strategic function that affects member experience, uptime, and operating costs. The best-practice approach combines clarity on requirements, vendor relationships, and lifecycle planning. Key considerations include vendor approval processes, maintenance agreements, and the total cost of ownership across the equipment lifecycle. Franchise programs often provide preferred suppliers and negotiated terms; aligning with these programs can help secure favorable pricing, coordinated maintenance, and faster service response times during peak hours.

Franchise-specific procurement: what to expect

Franchisees typically access equipment through corporate-approved vendors or negotiated national contracts. This structure ensures standardization across clubs, simplifies maintenance, and supports centralized warranties. When evaluating procurement options as a franchisee, consider:

• Contract terms: volume discounts, service windows, and parts availability.
• Product compatibility: ensure machines integrate with existing facility systems (electrical needs, software interfaces, and safety standards).
• Downtime planning: schedule upgrades so that daily operations experience minimal disruption to members.
• Escalation paths: know who to contact for urgent repairs and how to access replacement parts quickly.

Budgeting for equipment and maintenance: ROI and lifecycle

Effective gym procurement balances upfront cost with long-term value. Consider a lifecycle approach: most commercial machines deliver 7–12 years of service with regular maintenance; plan for periodic replacements in batches to avoid sudden capital outlays. A practical budgeting framework includes:

• Annual maintenance budget (often 5–8% of equipment value)
• Reserve funds for unexpected repairs or part obsolescence
• Depreciation and tax benefits associated with business equipment
• Replacement horizon and phased upgrades to maintain a fresh member experience

11 FAQs about buying Planet Fitness equipment

1. Can I buy Planet Fitness equipment directly from Planet Fitness? – Generally no; PF does not operate a consumer equipment store. You may find decommissioned gear only through sporadic liquidations or auctions, not a standard sales channel.
2. Is there a PF-store or official PF equipment catalog? – No; Planet Fitness does not offer a public catalog of equipment for sale. Merchandise is typically branded apparel or accessories, not gym machines.
3. Where can I buy commercial gym equipment that resembles PF gear? – Reputable commercial vendors, refurbishers, and distributors offer new or refurbished machines from brands like Life Fitness, Precor, Cybex, Technogym, and Nautilus with warranties.
4. Are used gym machines from PF clubs safe to purchase? – They may be available through liquidation channels, but you should insist on a full inspection, test run, documented maintenance history, and warranty where possible.
5. What should I look for when buying used commercial equipment? – Check frame integrity, upholstery wear, cable and pulley condition, weight stacks, electronics, safety features, and verify service history and load testing if available.
6. What is the typical warranty on refurbished gym equipment? – Refurbished commercial equipment commonly carries shorter warranties than new units (often 3–12 months), depending on the vendor and model.
7. Can I outfit a home gym with professional-grade, PF-like equipment on a budget? – Yes, by selecting a mix of refurbished units, new essentials, and budget-conscious brands while prioritizing safety, warranty, and service availability.
8. Do franchised PF clubs share procurement details? – Franchisees typically follow corporate-approved vendors, which helps standardize equipment, maintenance, and parts availability across clubs.
9. Is it worth buying used commercial machines for a small studio? – If you value durability and a consistent user experience, used or refurbished commercial gear can be cost-effective, provided you secure warranties and reliable service.
10. How do I estimate the total cost of outfitting a gym with PF-like equipment? – Include machine costs, delivery/installation, annual maintenance, warranties, and potential upgrades over 5–10 years; run several scenarios to compare total cost of ownership.
11. What if I want PF-branded items for a showroom or fan space? – PF-branded apparel and accessories may be available through official channels or licensed retailers, but not the gym equipment itself.