Overview: Who makes Planet Fitness equipment?

Planet Fitness operates a vast network of suburban and urban gyms, and its equipment roster is the result of a sophisticated, multi-brand procurement strategy rather than a single in-house factory. The corporate procurement team negotiates long-term contracts with established global brands to ensure consistency, reliability, and a uniform user experience across more than 2,100 U.S. locations and 2,500+ clubs worldwide. Rather than relying on one supplier, Planet Fitness combines cardio suites, resistance lines, and free-weight zones from a curated set of manufacturers that offer extensive service networks, scalable parts availability, and consistent warranties. This multi-brand approach helps PF deliver familiar, easy-to-use equipment at scale while adapting to local market conditions and renovation cycles.

In practice, the equipment ecosystem at Planet Fitness can be described as a blend of cardio specialists, resistance manufacturers, and functional training vendors. The result is a modular fleet that can be refreshed in stages, aligned with club economics, and synchronized with the brand’s emphasis on safety, accessibility, and a low-stress user journey. The procurement process typically includes category definitions (cardio, selectorized strength, free weights, cable machines, and functional training), testing and pilot deployments, and standardized installation and commissioning protocols. The outcome is not only equipment that looks cohesive but equipment that performs consistently across locations with predictable maintenance needs.

Corporate procurement framework and long-term partnerships

The heart of Planet Fitness’ equipment strategy is a formal procurement framework designed to optimize cost, maintenance cycles, and uptime. Key components include:

• Cardio (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair climbers), strength (selectorized machines, plate-loaded systems), free weights, and functional training rigs.
• The corporate team issues requests to benchmark top manufacturers with proven service networks, energy efficiency, and reasonable parts availability.
• A subset of clubs test new models to evaluate durability, maintenance needs, and user satisfaction before broad rollout.
• Once approved, a standardized equipment kit is deployed across new builds and major remodels to preserve a consistent PF look and feel.
• Long-term maintenance contracts, spare parts inventories, and service level agreements (SLAs) are negotiated to minimize downtime.

This framework balances the need for brand reliability with the practical realities of operating tens of thousands of workouts per week, ensuring that both standardized aesthetics and equipment performance are maintained across a diverse real estate footprint.

Cardio equipment ecosystem: major brands used by PF

Cardio equipment typically defines a large share of a gym’s front-end experience. Planet Fitness often sources cardio lines from globally recognized brands that offer robust service networks and predictable maintenance costs. Common players include Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix Fitness (a Johnson Health Tech brand), Technogym, and occasionally other established manufacturers depending on regional availability and renovation timelines. The reasons for this mix are practical:

• Large brands maintain nationwide or regional service teams, spare-part availability, and quick response times—crucial for minimizing downtime in busy PF locations.
• Modern cardio machines emphasize energy efficiency and reliability, reducing energy bills and maintenance visits over time.
• Consistent dashboards, display interfaces, and seating ergonomics help ensure a familiar user journey across clubs.

Typical cardio configurations include a mix of treadmills, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and cross-trainers, with models selected to balance space, throughput, and maintenance windows. A common rollout approach is to replace a subset of cardio banks at a time, coordinating with remodeling schedules to avoid service gaps. Cardio fleets are often complemented by on-site digital displays or app integrations that support class-free access and member check-ins, reinforcing PF’s approachable, non-intimidating environment.

Strength and resistance gear: manufacturers and selection criteria

Strength equipment at Planet Fitness spans selectorized machines, plate-loaded systems, and functional training rigs. The suppliers in this segment typically include well-known strength brands that offer reliable machines, intuitive weights, and consistent parts availability. In many cases, PF teams prefer models with straightforward adjustment mechanisms, wide accessibility, and compact footprints suitable for high-traffic locations. Common manufacturers in this space include Life Fitness, Hoist Fitness, Technogym, and Body-Solid, among others. The selection criteria emphasize:

• Heavy-use environments demand steel frames, reinforced joints, and user-friendly safety stops.
• Standardized weight stacks, simple cable routing, and widely available replacement parts reduce downtime.
• Machines with compact footprints maximize the number of stations per club floor plan.
• Machines should accommodate a wide range of body sizes and abilities, aligning with PF’s focus on safety and non-intimidation.

Across locations, strength zones often feature a mix of selectorized machines for targeted muscle groups and free-weight areas to support versatile workouts. PF’s approach is to present a cohesive, easy-to-use strength floor that appeals to first-time gym-goers while still serving more experienced members who want a broad range of options.

Maintenance, lifecycle, and implementation strategy across locations

With thousands of clubs, Planet Fitness treats equipment maintenance as a strategic capability rather than a reactive function. The lifecycle plan includes routine preventive maintenance, scheduled replacements, and a phased approach to remodels that minimizes downtime while delivering enhanced user value. The impact of this strategy is measurable: predictable maintenance windows, optimized total cost of ownership, and improved member satisfaction through consistently available gear.

Rollout case study: mid-size market remodel

Consider a hypothetical mid-size market remodel in a 40,000-square-foot PF club. The project entailed updating 14 cardio machines, replacing 12 selectorized strength stations, and reconfiguring the free-weight area. The rollout followed these steps:

• On-site survey to map current equipment age, usage patterns, and failure history.
• Shortlist two to three manufacturers per category to ensure compatibility and service continuity.
• A single zone updated to gauge throughput, noise, and user feedback.
• Phased replacement over 6–8 weeks to minimize downtime, with on-site technicians and a dedicated project manager.
• Member surveys and maintenance data analysis to tune future cycles.

Typical budget ranges for such remodels in the PF portfolio can vary from $250,000 to $450,000 depending on the mix of cardio and strength gear, permit requirements, and the extent of space reconfiguration. Downtime is minimized by scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours and by delivering multiple machines in staggered waves. This controlled approach helps PF maintain gym availability while delivering upgraded equipment and a refreshed layout.

Service models, warranties, and after-sales support

Planet Fitness relies on comprehensive service agreements to keep equipment up and running. Core elements include:

• Standard manufacturer warranties typically cover mechanical components with varying durations; PF negotiates extended coverage on high-use items where possible.
• Regular PM visits are scheduled based on usage intensity and equipment type, with digital logs to track service history.
• Centralized parts inventory at regional hubs reduces downtime, with regional technicians trained for rapid field repairs.
• Some lines support remote diagnostics, enabling proactive maintenance before a breakdown occurs.

For franchisees, the service model is a key success factor. It ensures a uniform experience for members and predictable operating costs for the brand. The combination of a strong service network and standardized equipment reduces unexpected downtime, which is critical for clubs that operate 24/7 or have high member turnover.

FAQs

1. Who makes Planet Fitness equipment? Planet Fitness sources equipment from multiple established brands rather than manufacturing its own gear, prioritizing reliability, service networks, and consistent upgrades across locations.
2. Which brands are most common for PF cardio? Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix Fitness, and Technogym are frequently used, chosen for service networks and performance reliability.
3. Does PF use the same equipment in all clubs? PF aims for a consistent look and feel, but regional supply and remodel timelines can lead to some variances in exact models used.
4. How long does equipment typically last in PF clubs? Cardio and resistance gear are designed for high-usage environments; typical replacement cycles range from 5 to 7 years for major items, with many clubs updating during remodels.
5. Who pays for equipment maintenance? Maintenance is usually covered under negotiated service contracts between PF and the equipment manufacturers or distributors, with club-level support as needed.
6. Can franchisees influence equipment choices? Yes, within the scope of corporate guidelines and approved vendor lists, franchisees can provide feedback and request certain models or configurations during renewals and remodels.
7. Are there sustainability considerations in PF equipment? Yes. Equipment suppliers are evaluated for energy efficiency, long-term reliability, and parts availability to minimize waste and downtime.
8. How quickly can a broken machine be repaired? Service SLAs typically aim for prompt response times; remote diagnostics help anticipate issues and expedite on-site visits.
9. What should a member do if equipment is uncomfortable or unsafe? Members should notify staff or submit a maintenance report; PF emphasizes safety and accessibility and will address concerns promptly.
10. Where can I learn more about PF equipment strategies? Corporate procurement and operations teams often share high-level information through official PF press releases and investor materials, while franchisers can access specific program guidelines through their operating manuals.

Closing thoughts: why multi-brand sourcing works for Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness’s equipment strategy reflects a deliberate balance between scale and fit. By partnering with a curated set of respected brands, PF can offer reliable, easy-to-use machines that resonate with a broad audience—ranging from first-time gym-goers to more seasoned members. The multi-brand approach supports robust service networks, easier maintenance, and flexible remodels, enabling PF to keep thousands of locations vibrant and approachable while maintaining operational efficiency. As the fitness industry evolves with new training modalities and digital integrations, PF’s procurement framework positions the brand to adapt with fewer disruptions, ensuring members consistently find familiar, user-friendly equipment at neighborhood locations.