Gym & Fitness Business Loans: Rates, Options & Eligibility

Typical Range

£10k – £750k

Average Loan

£85k

for gym & fitness

Decision Speed

24–48 hrs

for unsecured loans

Eligibility requirements

Minimum 6 months trading history (start-ups considered with strong business plans)
Evidence of a signed lease or property ownership for the gym premises
REPs or CIMSPA qualified staff for personal training-led businesses
Monthly recurring membership revenue of at least £3,000 for existing gyms

Loan types available

Unsecured Business Loan

Rate: 7.5% – 24.9% APR
Term: 1 – 5 years
Security: No security required
Best for: Equipment purchases, marketing campaigns, studio fit-outs, and working capital

Secured Business Loan

Rate: 4.9% – 13.9% APR
Term: 1 – 15 years
Security: Property or significant business assets
Best for: Purchasing or leasing premises, large-scale fit-outs, or multi-site expansion

Asset Finance

Rate: 5.5% – 13.5% APR
Term: 2 – 5 years
Security: The gym equipment being financed
Best for: Cardio machines, resistance equipment, functional rigs, and specialist studio equipment

Representative example

Borrow £85,000 over 36 months at 9.9% APR (fixed). Monthly repayment: ~£2,739. Rates depend on your circumstances and the type of loan.

Market context

The UK fitness industry is worth over £5.2 billion and serves approximately 10.7 million members across 7,400 gyms and fitness facilities. The boutique fitness sector has grown by over 30% since 2019.

Common challenges

High upfront fit-out costs for premises and equipment, often £100,000+ for a new gym
Membership churn, particularly in January-to-March sign-up periods with drop-off by summer
Competing with budget gym chains on price while maintaining service quality
Long lease commitments for commercial premises with personal guarantees required by landlords

Bad credit?

Some specialist lenders consider gym & fitness businesses with imperfect credit. You may need a personal guarantee or higher rate, but options may be available. Fundably may use a soft credit check for matching, which does not affect your credit score. A hard check may happen if you choose to proceed with a lender.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan to open a new gym from scratch?

Yes, though start-up gym finance typically requires a strong business plan, evidence of industry experience, and often a personal guarantee or some form of deposit. Lenders want to see your projected membership numbers, pricing model, and a signed lease or heads of terms for your premises. Start-up loans from £10,000 to £250,000 are available. Lendus can match you with lenders who fund new fitness ventures.

What is the best way to finance gym equipment?

Asset finance or equipment leasing is the most popular option for gym equipment. It spreads the cost over 2-5 years, and the equipment itself acts as security so you don't need additional collateral. This preserves your cash flow for rent, marketing, and wages. A full gym equipment package (cardio, resistance, free weights, flooring) typically costs £40,000-£150,000 depending on the size and quality of equipment.

Do lenders consider membership direct debits as income?

Yes, recurring membership income paid via direct debit is viewed very favourably by lenders because it is predictable and contractual. This steady revenue stream makes gym businesses attractive borrowers compared to businesses with irregular income. Lenders will typically look at your last 3-6 months of direct debit collections through your membership management system (such as GoCardless, Harlands, or Ashbourne).

Can I finance a boutique fitness studio or yoga studio?

Absolutely. Boutique studios, yoga, Pilates, and CrossFit boxes are all eligible for business finance. The loan amounts tend to be smaller (£15,000-£100,000) because the premises and equipment costs are lower than a full-size gym. Lenders are increasingly familiar with the boutique model and its higher per-member revenue. A clear niche, strong local demand, and pre-sales or waitlist evidence will strengthen your application.

Equipment finance for gym & fitness businesses

Buying a specific machine or vehicle is usually cheaper than a general business loan, because the asset itself is the security. These are the items gym & fitness businesses most often fund, with the price range we see quoted in the UK.

Equipment	Typical price range	Finance page
Commercial Gym Equipment	£5k to £300k	Commercial Gym Equipment finance
Gym Equipment	£5k to £300k	Gym Equipment finance
Astroturf Pitch	£30k to £900k	Astroturf Pitch finance
Batting Cage	£8k to £60k	Batting Cage finance
Bouncy Castle	£1k to £10k	Bouncy Castle finance
Bowling Equipment	£50k to £800k	Bowling Equipment finance
Climbing Holds	£3k to £45k	Climbing Holds finance
Go Kart	£10k to £250k	Go Kart finance
Golf Simulator	£10k to £80k	Golf Simulator finance
Gym Flooring	£3k to £80k	Gym Flooring finance
Commercial Hot Tub	£6k to £45k	Commercial Hot Tub finance
Inflatable Attraction	£5k to £80k	Inflatable Attraction finance

Browse all equipment finance pages

Understand the loan structures

The table above shows what a gym & fitness business borrows for. These pages explain how each kind of borrowing actually works, what it costs and who it suits.

Business loans for bad credit Government-backed business loans Merchant cash advance Revolving credit facilities Business loans with no personal guarantee Secured business loans Start up business loans Unsecured business loans

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For UK limited companies with at least 3 months’ trading and monthly revenue.

Gym & Fitness Business Loans