What Is a Commercial Gym and 6 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know

Did you know that one in five Australians over the age of 18 have a gym membership? In 2023, Australians spent up to $3.5 billion on fitness clubs and gyms. If you’re one of them, how much do you really know about the gyms you visit? Most people think of commercial gyms as just big spaces packed with fitness machines. There’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

A commercial gym is a fitness facility designed to serve a large number of members. It’s different from a home gym or a boutique gym. These gyms offer a wide range of equipment, group classes, and professional personal trainers to meet diverse fitness goals.

In this blog, we’ll talk about six surprising facts about commercial gyms.

1 – Commercial Gyms Generate More Revenue from Non-Fitness Services

When you think of gym revenue, memberships probably come to mind first. But here’s a surprise: commercial gyms often make a big chunk of their money from non-fitness services.

Many fitness studio gyms offer extras like spa treatments, smoothie bars, and branded merchandise. High-end gyms take it even further with luxury perks like laundry services, towel rentals, and childcare facilities.

Let’s break it down:

• Spa treatments: Massages, saunas, facials, and even pilates and cryotherapy sessions.
• Smoothie bars: Post-workout drinks with premium prices.
• Retail items: Gym apparel, water bottles, and protein supplements.

Why do public gyms invest in these services? Competition. The fitness market is crowded, and new gyms need to stand out. Offering more than just commercial fitness equipment helps them attract and retain members. Gym-goers love convenience, and having everything in one place adds value.

Next time you grab a post-workout smoothie or use the gym’s laundry service, remember that these little conveniences are a key part of the gym’s business strategy.

2 – Gym Equipment Gets Replaced Frequently, Even if It’s in Great Condition

Did you know gyms replace their commercial gym equipment every 3 to 5 years? Even if the machines still work perfectly, they get swapped out.

Because members expect the latest and greatest. Fitness trends change fast, and commercial gyms need to keep up. A gym with outdated machines risks losing its appeal.

That’s why many commercial gyms typically invest in modern and the best commercial equipment, like smart treadmills with built-in entertainment or VR-enabled workout bikes, and a wide range of fitness machines.

Here’s why frequent upgrades matter:

• Safety: Newer machines meet the latest safety standards, reducing the risk of injury.
• Tech-savvy members: People love using apps, touchscreen consoles, and virtual strength training programs.
• Better performance: Updated workout equipment provides smoother functionality, making workouts more enjoyable.

Think about it. Would you stick with a gym if its machines felt clunky or outdated? Probably not. Replacing corporate gym equipment regularly shows that a gym values its members and their experience. It’s a win-win—better workouts for you, more loyalty for them.

3 – Most Gyms Operate on a ‘Breakage Model’

Most gyms count on you not showing up. It’s called the “breakage model.” Gyms rely on a high percentage of members paying for memberships they barely use.

Statistically, around 67% of the gym membership base goes unused after the first six months. That’s over half of the members that pay without ever stepping foot inside again. This behavior keeps gyms profitable. If every member used the gym daily, it would be overcrowded and unsustainable.

So how does this impact pricing?

• Lower membership fees: Gyms can afford to offer competitive rates because they know many members won’t fully utilize their memberships.
• Special promotions: “Join for just $1” or “No enrollment fee” deals attract more sign-ups, knowing that only a fraction of people will stay committed.
• Flexible plans: Monthly contracts with auto-renewals make it easy to sign up and forget.

This strategy works because people overestimate their physical fitness commitment. Gyms profit from your optimism and your absence. But don’t let that discourage you. If you’re paying, make it count. You’ll beat the system and reach your goals at the same time.

4 – Commercial Gyms Use Subtle Psychology to Keep You Motivated

Ever wonder why you feel more pumped at the gym than at home? It’s because commercial gym layouts use subtle psychological tricks to keep you coming back.

Take lighting for example. Bright, evenly distributed light boosts energy and focus. You’ll notice the weightlifting areas often have sharper, brighter lights to enhance your perception of strength and power. Cardio zones, on the other hand, might have softer, warmer lighting to make longer workouts feel more relaxing.

Then there’s music. Gyms carefully curate playlists to cater to HIIT high-intensity interval training. Upbeat tracks in the cardio machine zone energize you, while calmer tunes in stretching areas help you wind down. Ever noticed how the tempo picks up during peak hours? That’s no accident.

Mirrors play a key role, too. They improve self-awareness and help correct your form. Seeing your progress in real-time can be incredibly motivating.

Read Also: Commercial Gym vs Private Gym

5 – Gyms Are Hubs for Diverse Fitness Research and Innovation

Most people don’t realize this, but commercial gyms play a huge role in advancing fitness science. Many gyms partner with research institutions to study human movement, exercise effectiveness, and biomechanics.

Commercial gyms offer the perfect place for gathering real-world data. Researchers use this data to refine training techniques and create better workout plans. They also test state-of-the-art equipment designs that improve performance and safety.

Have you ever wondered how new equipment like curved treadmills or functional training rigs came to be?

It’s because you’re part of this progress. Every time you use a machine, take a group fitness class, or complete a health and fitness test, your effort adds to the pool of data. That data helps improve the fitness industry as a whole.

6 – Commercial Gyms Have Strict Safety and Hygiene Protocols You Rarely Notice

Commercial gyms prioritize safety and cleanliness more than you think. Behind the scenes, they take strict measures to protect members.

Every piece of equipment undergoes daily inspections. Staff checks for loose bolts, worn-out cables, and anything that could cause an accident. Air quality is another focus. Many gyms use advanced ventilation systems to keep the air fresh and reduce the spread of germs.

Most gym machines are coated with antimicrobial materials to kill bacteria on contact. High-end gyms take it further by using UV light technology to sanitize equipment and locker rooms.

Here’s why these measures matter:

• Prevents infections: Clean surfaces reduce the risk of germs spreading.
• Reduces injuries: Regular maintenance keeps machines in top condition.
• Ensures comfort: A well-maintained gym creates a stress-free workout experience.

You may not notice these efforts, but they make a difference.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to build or upgrade a commercial gym, Dynamo Commercial has you covered. As a leading supplier of commercial fitness equipment in Australia, we offer a wider range of equipment. You can browse our collection online or visit our mega showrooms:

Commercial Gym Equipment Melbourne Stores
Commercial Gym Equipment Perth Stores
Commercial Gym Equipment Sydney Store
Commercial Gym Equipment Adelaide Store

We also offer flexible payment options to suit your budget, plus secure Australia-wide delivery and installation services. Our knowledgeable team specializes in commercial gym fitouts, ensuring your space is functional, modern, and optimized for success.