Overview: How Planet Fitness Sources Equipment Across a National Footprint

Planet Fitness operates one of the largest networks of fitness clubs in the world, with thousands of locations across the United States and beyond. To sustain rapid expansion while keeping costs predictable for members, the company relies on a structured, multi-vendor procurement strategy that emphasizes standardization, durability, and reliable service. Centralized decision-making teams work with regional buyers and a broad ecosystem of distributors to ensure that each club delivers a consistent experience. The supply chain is designed to minimize downtime, streamline installations, and simplify ongoing maintenance, which is crucial for a chain that opens new locations at a fast pace and Retrofit programs at existing sites with minimal disruption to traffic and membership.

From the moment a site is approved for development to the moment equipment is installed and tested, Planet Fitness follows a disciplined sequence. This includes defining equipment specs, evaluating vendor proposals, coordinating logistics, and implementing a phased rollout that respects local permitting, construction timelines, and staff training. Because PF clubs vary in size and footprint, the procurement framework accommodates both smaller neighborhood locations and larger repurposed spaces, while maintaining a core set of equipment standards that support the brand’s value proposition: no-frills, high-uptime machines that deliver predictable results at a low total cost of ownership.

Key factors shaping sourcing decisions include lead times, spare-parts availability, service coverage, and energy efficiency. The cardio segment generally demands higher volume and faster replenishment cycles, while the strength and free-weight areas require rugged, easily-serviceable equipment with long service intervals. The result is a blended mix of manufacturer partnerships and regional distributors that can respond quickly to spikes in demand and provide timely on-site support across multiple markets.

For practitioners and operators evaluating similar multi-club strategies, the following takeaways help align procurement with business goals: consolidated specs to drive volume discounts; a robust network of authorized distributors; standardized installation and training protocols; and a lifecycle plan that anticipates refresh cycles and maintenance needs. These elements translate into smoother openings, fewer equipment outages, and a more consistent member experience across the brand.

Supply-chain structure for Planet Fitness

The backbone of PF’s equipment sourcing is a centralized procurement function that negotiates with vendors on behalf of the entire chain, complemented by regional buyers who tailor orders to local club sizes and layouts. This structure enables economies of scale while preserving flexibility for regional variations and remodels. Typical elements include:

• Centralized specification sheets that describe machine types, footprint, and safety features for cardio and strength pieces.
• A network of authorized distributors who handle warehousing, freight, and local installation teams.
• Standard installation protocols and commissioning checklists to ensure consistent setup across clubs.
• Dedicated service contracts with coverage windows, response times, and parts availability that minimize downtime.

Lead times for bulk gym installations usually range from 8 to 12 weeks for cardio-heavy packages, with strength lines following on a slightly longer timeline depending on space constraints and customization needs. PF also maintains contingency plans such as staged deliveries and parallel installations to prevent project delays if a single supplier experiences a disruption.

Key manufacturers and product mix

Planet Fitness does not rely on a single brand for all equipment. Instead, the mix typically includes cardio leaders and strength specialists that offer reliability and long-term service support at scale. Common brand partners in the industry-aligned segment include Life Fitness and Precor for cardio, with additional collaborations from Matrix, Cybex, Hoist Fitness, and other reputable commercial suppliers for strength lines. The distribution strategy prioritizes equipment that combines robust construction with service-friendly maintenance and easy parts replacement. Free weights, benches, and racks are sourced from established manufacturers known for durability and consistent warranty terms.

• Cardio: treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and stair climbers sourced through Life Fitness, Precor, and comparable brands.
• Strength: multi-gyms, plate-loaded and selectorized machines from Matrix, Cybex, Hoist, and similar manufacturers.
• Free weights and benches: standardized sets that accommodate high-usage clubs, with a focus on safety and space efficiency.

Product mix is influenced by club size, climate, available floor area, and anticipated member demographics. In remodels and retrofits, the procurement plan may shift toward denser cardio layouts or compact strength stations to maximize throughput and minimize noise and vibration in shared spaces. Across markets, PF emphasizes energy-efficient and low-maintenance equipment to reduce operating costs and support sustainability goals.

Procurement processes, contracts, and practical implications

Large-scale equipment sourcing for a franchise network follows a rigorous, repeatable process designed to reduce risk and ensure consistency. The procurement workflow typically involves a clear sequence from initial planning to post-install maintenance. This section outlines the core processes, contract frameworks, and practical steps that drive successful equipment deployment across hundreds of clubs.

Contract models, vetting and procurement steps

To secure favorable pricing and service coverage at scale, Planet Fitness normally leverages multi-year procurement contracts with pre-qualified manufacturers and distributors. The steps generally look like this:

1. Define club specifications, including targeted machine counts, space constraints, and safety standards.
2. Issue a formal RFP to a curated list of cardio and strength equipment providers and authorized distributors.
3. Evaluate proposals on total cost of ownership (TCO), uptime guarantees, spare parts availability, warranty terms, and energy efficiency.
4. Conduct product testing or pilot installations in a representative club to verify ergonomics, footprint, and staff usability.
5. Negotiate multi-year contracts with price protections, service levels, and performance-based clauses.
6. Plan phased rollouts by region, aligning with construction schedules and staff training programs.

Important evaluation criteria include uptime, the breadth of the service network, response times for repairs, and the availability of replacement parts, which collectively minimize downtime and maintain member satisfaction. Contract terms also commonly include standardized bench marks for energy use and durability during peak usage periods.

On-site deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle planning

Successful deployment hinges on coordinated logistics, qualified installation teams, and thorough quality checks. Practical steps include:

• Developing installation windows that minimize disruption to member traffic and club operations.
• Providing staff with equipment operation training and safety briefings before opening to members.
• Implementing a preventative maintenance schedule—often quarterly for cardiovascular machines and semi-annual for strength lines.
• Ensuring a consistent supply of spare parts and rapid service response through a national or regional service network.
• Planning lifecycle refresh cycles, typically every 5–7 years, to keep the gym current and minimize downtime due to aging equipment.

Lifecycle planning also informs budgeting and capital planning, enabling clubs to forecast replacement cycles, allocate funds for upgrades, and manage member expectations during remodels. A well-structured lifecycle program reduces total cost of ownership and aligns with brand commitments to reliability and value.

Case studies and practical takeaways

Case studies from large franchise remodels highlight how a disciplined procurement framework lowers risk and accelerates openings. Example takeaways include:

• Employ multi-vendor sourcing to mitigate single-supplier risk and preserve competitive pricing.
• Standardize critical specs (footprint, weight ranges, and electrical requirements) to simplify ordering and installation.
• Schedule staggered deliveries to align with site readiness, reducing idle equipment space and storage needs.
• Leverage regional service partners to shorten response times and improve maintenance coverage in remote areas.
• Track equipment performance metrics (uptime, service calls, and parts usage) to inform future procurement decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does Planet Fitness source its equipment, and how is the vendor list determined?

   Planet Fitness uses a centralized procurement approach with a vetted network of manufacturers and authorized distributors. The vendor list is determined through formal RFP processes, performance reviews, and regional input to ensure coverage across markets while maintaining cost efficiency and consistent quality.

2. Are there exclusive contracts with a single supplier, or is the sourcing multi-brand?
3. How does PF balance cost with durability in such a large network?
4. What is the typical equipment mix for a PF club?
5. How long does equipment typically last before a replacement is needed?
6. What happens during a remodel or new club opening regarding equipment installation?
7. How are maintenance and service covered across states and countries?
8. Do PF clubs use private-label equipment, or are brands clearly identifiable?
9. How does PF address energy efficiency and sustainability in equipment choices?
10. What can other gym operators learn from PF’s procurement practices?