TL;DR

A PT studio doesn't need a full commercial gym floor. It needs versatile, space-efficient equipment that lets you train any client for any goal — in a footprint that's typically 80-200m². This checklist covers the essentials, the smart upgrades, and what you can skip. Every product listed is from VERVE Fitness — Australian-owned, Gold Coast-based, 16,000+ commercial fitouts completed, rated 4.9 stars on Trustpilot.

The Philosophy: Maximum Versatility, Minimum Footprint

The biggest mistake new PT studio owners make is buying like they're setting up a commercial gym. You don't need 15 machines. You need 5-8 pieces of equipment that each serve multiple purposes, plus a well-chosen selection of free weights and accessories.

Your clients are paying for your expertise and programming — not for rows of machines they could use at any chain gym. A smart PT studio setup should let you train strength, hypertrophy, cardio, rehab, and functional movement without clients ever feeling limited.

The Essential Equipment List

1. Power Rack or Functional Trainer Rack

This is your anchor piece. Everything else revolves around it.

Best option for most PT studios: The VERVE Tori Functional Trainer Rack. It's a power rack and dual-cable functional trainer in one unit — 75x75x3mm steel uprights, dual 150kg weight stacks with 2:1 pulley ratio, Westside hole spacing, sandwich J-hooks, and full compatibility with every VERVE rack attachment. One piece of equipment; hundreds of exercises.

Tighter budget or smaller space: The VERVE Zen Power Rack paired with a Tori Cable Attachment gives you the same functionality with more flexibility on timing — buy the rack now, add cables later.

Very tight space: The VERVE Wall Mounted Folding Squat Rack folds to 10cm off the wall. 75x75x3mm steel, Westside hole spacing, same attachment compatibility. Fold it away and you've got an open floor for functional training.

2. Adjustable Bench

You need at least one quality adjustable bench — ideally two if you're running small group sessions.

• VERVE Commercial FID Bench V2 — 7 backrest angles, 4 seat positions, decline to 80-degree upright, 400kg weight rating, 3mm steel frame. This is the workhorse.
• VERVE Commercial Adjustable Bench — 6 backrest angles, 2 seat positions, lighter and easier to move. Good second bench.

3. Barbell and Plates

One quality Olympic barbell and a set of bumper plates covers squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, overhead press, and Olympic lifts.

• VERVE Elite Olympic Barbell 20kg — 210,000 PSI, 10 needle bearings, lifetime no-bend warranty.
• A 15kg bar for female clients: VERVE Elite Olympic Barbell 15kg.
• Colour Bumper Plates — easy to identify during sessions. 5-25kg pairs.

4. Dumbbells

The most-used equipment in any PT studio. You need a range that covers your lightest rehab client to your strongest athlete.

• VERVE Premium Club CPU Dumbbells — polyurethane construction (not rubber), 29mm knurled chrome handles, 2.5kg increments from 2.5-60kg. Won't crack, won't smell, 3-year commercial warranty.
• Recommended range for a PT studio: 2.5-30kg to start. Expand to 40kg+ as your clientele demands.
• A dumbbell set with rack is the cleanest setup.

5. Kettlebells

Essential for swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, carries, and circuit training. VERVE Classic Handle Kettlebells come with a lifetime warranty on both home and commercial use. Get 2 each of 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 20kg, and 24kg for a solid range.

6. Flooring

Don't train clients on bare concrete or cheap foam tiles. VERVE EPDM Rubber Flooring at 15mm thickness provides proper shock absorption, noise reduction, and a professional look. 3-year commercial warranty. Budget $45-$59 per square metre tile depending on variant.

7. Cardio (Pick One or Two)

You don't need a cardio floor. You need one or two versatile pieces for warm-ups, finishers, and conditioning blocks.

• VERVE Commercial Air Bike — full-body conditioning in one machine. Automatic resistance, 63kg base weight, virtually indestructible.
• VERVE Commercial Rower — low-impact, full-body. Great for all fitness levels.

Smart Upgrades (When Budget Allows)

• Second rack station — run pairs or small groups without downtime. The VERVE Commercial Half Rack provides a second squat/press station in a smaller footprint.
• Specialty bars — a Hex Trap Bar for accessible deadlifting, a Safety Squat Bar for clients with shoulder restrictions.
• GHD — the VERVE GHD with 60 foot positions handles hip extensions, back extensions, GHD sit-ups, and Nordic curls.
• Hip Thruster — the VERVE Hip Thruster is purpose-built and saves the hassle of rigging up a bench setup every session.
• Recovery equipment — a Mysa Mirage 1-Person Sauna or Elevate Ice Bath adds a recovery offering that differentiates your studio and can generate additional revenue.

What You Can Skip

• Full pin-loaded machine circuit — unless your clientele specifically demands it. A functional trainer covers most isolation exercises machines provide.
• Multiple treadmills — one air bike and one rower give you more training versatility in less space.
• Mirror walls everywhere — one section of mirrors in the free weights area is sufficient.
• Excessive cardio equipment — your clients are paying for coached training, not to walk on a treadmill.

Budget Guide

• Lean startup (bare essentials): $15,000-$30,000
• Well-equipped studio: $30,000-$60,000
• Premium studio with recovery: $60,000-$100,000

For current pricing on all products, check vervefitness.com.au. Finance available via Afterpay, ZIP, and Humm.

FAQ

Creating a Premium Client Experience

A PT studio isn't just about equipment — it's about the experience. Your space should feel premium because your clients are paying premium prices for one-on-one coaching.

• Flooring matters more than you think. EPDM rubber flooring looks cleaner and more professional than standard rubber. The seamless joins and consistent colour create a polished, high-end feel. First impressions count when a new client walks in.
• Lighting sets the mood. Swap fluorescent tubes for warm LED panels. Dimmable lighting lets you create different atmospheres for different session types. Budget $500-$1,500 for a proper lighting upgrade.
• Music system. A decent Bluetooth speaker system or built-in ceiling speakers. Music quality affects the training experience more than most PTs realise. Budget $200-$800.
• Temperature control. Air conditioning is mandatory, not optional. A client paying $100+ per session shouldn't be sweating because the room is hot before they've started warming up.
• Storage and cleanliness. Every piece of equipment should have a designated home. Dumbbells on racks, kettlebells on stands, plates on storage horns. A messy studio signals a disorganised trainer. VERVE racks include plate storage horns and band peg storage as standard.

Growing Beyond Solo PT

Many PT studios start as a solo operation and evolve into small group training (2-4 clients) or even semi-private sessions (6-8 clients). Your equipment choices should anticipate this growth:

• Second rack station: The VERVE Commercial Half Rack adds a second barbell station without doubling your rack footprint. At $1,099, it's an efficient way to run pairs.
• Double your benches: Two adjustable benches let pairs work simultaneously. This is the simplest equipment addition that doubles your capacity.
• Circuit-friendly accessories: Battle ropes, slam balls, plyo boxes, and suspension trainers create additional stations for group circuits without major investment.
• Air bike or rower: A cardio station that clients rotate through during circuits. The VERVE Commercial Air Bike needs zero adjustment between users — automatic resistance scales to effort.

The beauty of VERVE's system is that everything is cross-compatible. Start with one Zen rack; add a half rack later. Start with the rack alone; add Tori cable attachments when revenue allows. The 75x75mm upright system means nothing becomes obsolete.

Insurance and Legal Requirements

Before you open your doors:

• Public liability insurance: Minimum $10 million coverage. Most insurers require it and most landlords mandate it in the lease.
• Professional indemnity insurance: Covers you if a client is injured following your programming advice.
• Equipment insurance: Cover your equipment against theft, fire, and damage. Particularly important if you're leasing a space — your landlord's insurance won't cover your equipment.
• Qualifications: Certificate IV in Fitness minimum for delivering personal training services in Australia. First aid and CPR currency required. Registration with Fitness Australia adds credibility and may reduce insurance premiums.

FAQ

What's the single best piece of equipment for a PT studio?

A functional trainer rack — specifically the VERVE Tori. It gives you a full power rack for barbell work plus dual cable stations for isolation, functional training, and rehab exercises. Hundreds of exercises in one footprint.

How much space do I need for a PT studio?

80m² is the minimum for a solo PT operation. 120-200m² is ideal for running pairs or small groups of 4-6. Factor in reception, storage, and a small change area.

Should I buy commercial-grade equipment for a PT studio?

Yes. PT studios see equipment used all day, every day — often harder than a commercial gym where members pace themselves. Commercial-grade equipment with proper warranties (lifetime on racks, 3-5 years on machines) is non-negotiable.

Does VERVE supply PT studios?

VERVE has fitted out over 16,000 commercial facilities including PT studios, gyms, CrossFit boxes, and professional sports team facilities across Australia. Free 3D design service available — send your floor plan and the team will create a layout optimised for your space.

How do I get clients for a new PT studio?

Equipment alone doesn't build a business — you need a marketing strategy. Start with a Google Business Profile (free, drives local search traffic), build an Instagram presence showcasing your space and client results, run targeted Meta Ads to your local area with a compelling introductory offer, and partner with local businesses for cross-promotion. Your studio space is a marketing asset — a well-equipped, professional-looking studio photographs well and builds credibility. Many PTs find that investing in quality equipment like VERVE pays for itself partly through the perception of professionalism it creates with potential clients.