Essential Cardio Equipment for Commercial Gyms in 2025

Latest Treadmill Innovations with Enhanced Connectivity Features

When you have been in the fitness industry, as long as I have, often you think of ideas before they are implemented and kick yourself. I’ve seen treadmills evolve from basic running platforms to smart fitness hubs over my three decades in this business. Back in the day, we thought a basic LCD display showing speed and time was cutting-edge tech! Boy, were we wrong.

I remember installing my first “connected” treadmill around 2015. The darn thing took me two hours to set up because I couldn’t figure out how to sync it with the customer’s phone. Talk about a learning curve! The poor guy was standing there watching me fumble with Bluetooth pairing while I pretended to know exactly what I was doing.

These days, connectivity has become the name of the game. The latest treadmills now feature built-in Wi-Fi that actually works consistently – something we definitely couldn’t say ten years ago. Trust me on that one. I’ve had countless frustrated calls from customers whose treadmills would randomly disconnect mid-workout. Not fun for anyone involved.

One of the most impressive innovations I’ve seen recently is the integration of live training programs through HD touchscreens. NordicTrack and Peloton led this revolution in the residential arena, but now we’re seeing these features trickle down to more affordable models from brands like ProForm and Horizon. Most all manufacturers, and certainly all of the ones we promote and offer, provide great connectivity. The screens have gotten bigger too – some premium models now sport massive 32-inch displays that make you feel like the instructor is right there with you.

Another game-changer has been automatic incline adjustment based on virtual routes. This feature syncs with apps like iFit or Zwift to adjust your treadmill’s incline in real-time as you virtually run through the Swiss Alps or along the beaches of Hawaii. I tested one several months back and felt challenged when it suddenly inclined to simulate a steep hill! Unexpected challenges are often a growing experience.

Data tracking has gotten ridiculously sophisticated. The newest models track not just basic metrics like distance and calories, but also stride length, foot strike patterns, and even heart rate variability. Some can even suggest recovery times based on your workout intensity. My customers absolutely love this stuff – especially the data geeks who want to analyze every aspect of their performance.

Voice control is another feature that’s finally becoming reliable. I was skeptical at first (had a few embarrassing demos where the machine wouldn’t respond), but the latest models actually understand commands like “increase speed to 6 mph” or “start hill program” without you having to touch the console. Super helpful when you’re in the middle of a run and don’t want to mess with buttons.

Connectivity with the broader fitness ecosystem has improved dramatically too. Most premium treadmills now seamlessly sync with Apple Health, Google Fit, and virtually every fitness app out there. No more manually logging your workouts – hallelujah! Some models even connect to your smart home system, so your lights can automatically adjust during your run or your smart fan can kick on when your heart rate hits a certain level.

Battery backup features have been a welcome addition, especially after I had a customer lose three months of data during a power outage. Many new models now have enough backup power to safely end your workout and save your data if the electricity goes out. Seems like a small thing, but believe me, it matters when it happens to you.

The subscription model has been somewhat controversial with my customers. While the connected features are amazing, many require monthly subscriptions ranging from $15 to $44. I’ve had to have some awkward conversations explaining why their expensive new treadmill needs additional payments to access all features. Not always an easy sell, but the value is usually worth it for serious users.

If you’re in the market for a new treadmill in 2025, connectivity should be at the top of your checklist. Just make sure you understand which features require subscriptions and which work right out of the box. Your future self will thank you when you’re not calling someone like me to figure out why your virtual classes suddenly stopped working!

Commercial Ellipticals with Advanced Resistance Systems

Here’s a learning experience about commercial ellipticals that I learned the hard way. Back in the early 2000s, I installed a whole row of basic magnetic resistance ellipticals in a mid-tier hotel gym. Huge mistake! Six months later, half of them were constantly out of service, and the maintenance costs were eating them alive.

The thing about commercial settings is that these machines take an absolute beating. We’re talking 12+ hours of daily use, users of all sizes and fitness levels, and often folks who aren’t exactly gentle with the equipment. Your standard home elliptical resistance system just won’t cut it.

These days, I exclusively recommend electromagnetic (eddy current) resistance systems for my commercial clients. They’re virtually maintenance-free compared to the old friction-based systems I dealt with in the 90s. Remember those felt pads that would wear down every couple months? What a headache those were!

The durability factor alone makes the higher price tag worth it. One of my university clients has been running the same set of commercial-grade ellipticals with electromagnetic resistance for almost 9 years now. They’ve needed minimal service calls, mostly for video console issues rather than resistance problems.

Now, let’s talk about user experience, because that’s where the advanced resistance systems really shine. The self-powered regenerating systems are crazy impressive. They create resistance based on the user’s movement, which means they don’t even need to be plugged in! I installed these in a wellness center in Alabama that had limited electrical outlets, and they’ve been a game-changer.

The smoothness of the resistance change is another major factor. Ever used an elliptical where changing levels feels like hitting a brick wall? That jerky transition is a dead giveaway of inferior resistance mechanics. The high-end commercial models transition so smoothly between levels that users barely notice—except for the increased exertion, of course!

I’ve found that hybrid resistance systems are worth the extra investment for facilities that cater to serious athletes. These combine battery and plug-in versions to create variable resistance that responds to the user’s effort level. One college athletic department client swears by them for their cross-training programs.

Something I don’t think enough people consider is the noise factor. The old magnetic resistance systems were quiet, sure, but they couldn’t handle heavy use. The more recent versions handle loads well and offer that challenging variable resistance that serious users love. The best commercial models now use hybrid systems that balance noise with performance.

I made the mistake once of installing budget models in a high-end fitness center to save the owner some cash. Big error! Their members expected that buttery-smooth resistance feeling, and they complained constantly until he upgraded. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

For maintenance schedule reference, electromagnetic systems typically need professional calibration every 2-3 years, while friction systems need replacement parts every 3-6 months depending on usage. That difference adds up quick when you’re running multiple machines!

The bottom line? Don’t skimp on resistance systems for commercial settings. Your users will notice, your maintenance team will thank you, and your budget will be healthier in the long run. After three decades in this business, that’s one lesson I’ve learned to relay to my clients.

Stationary Bikes: Upright, Recumbent, and Indoor Cycling Options

When I first started selling exercise equipment back in the early 90s, stationary bikes were pretty basic affairs. I remember installing a fleet of upright Johnny G Spin bikes in a corporate gym that were basically just frames with pedals and a basic tension knob. Fast forward to today, and the technology differences blow my mind!

Let me break down what I’ve learned about the three main types of stationary bikes after installing thousands of them in commercial facilities. Each exercise bike has its place, and choosing wrong can cost your facility members and money.

Upright “spin type” bikes remain the workhorses of most commercial settings. They’re familiar to most users and don’t take up much floor space, which is why I typically recommend them for hotels and smaller corporate facilities. I learned a valuable lesson about space planning when I crammed too many recumbents into a university rec center years ago. The maintenance team couldn’t even access the rear components!

The modern commercial uprights have come a long way from those old manual resistance models. The biomechanics have improved dramatically, with adjustable handlebars and seats that accommodate users from 5’0″ to 6’5″ comfortably. I always tell my clients to look for micro-adjustability in seat height—those small increments make a huge difference for user comfort.

Recumbent bikes might look like lazy options to the uninitiated, but don’t be fooled. These machines provide crucial accessibility for users with back issues, older adults, or those recovering from injuries. The biggest mistake I see facilities make is tucking these away in corners. Your recumbents should be front and center if you’re servicing an older demographic and or athletes in recovery!

I once had a retirement community client who initially passed on recumbents to save money. Six months later, they called me back because their members were complaining about not being able to use the uprights comfortably. We had to swap everything out, costing them double in the end.

The back support on quality commercial recumbents is critical. Look for models with lumbar adjustment and breathable mesh backing. Those vinyl-covered seats from cheaper models become maintenance nightmares after about a year of heavy use. Trust me, I’ve replaced dozens of them!

Now, indoor cycling bikes (or spin bikes as most folks call ’em) are a whole different animal. These aren’t just exercise machines—they’re the centerpieces of some of the most profitable programming in fitness facilities. The return on investment for a fleet of 20 quality spin bikes can be remarkable if you run popular classes and have a great instructor.

The belt drives on modern indoor cycles have been a game-changer for maintenance. I remember the days of constantly tensioning chains and dealing with that inevitable metal-on-metal squeaking. These days, I can install a fleet of belt-driven models and sometimes not hear from that client for maintenance for over a year!

Resistance systems matter hugely for commercial indoor cycling. Magnetic systems provide that smooth, consistent feel that instructors love, but they typically cost more upfront. Friction resistance is more affordable but requires regular pad replacement—usually every 6-8 months in busy facilities. I’ve got clients on both systems, and it really comes down to budget versus long-term maintenance planning.

For facilities just getting into group cycling, I always recommend starting with 15-20 bikes rather than the 40+ some ambitious owners want. It’s better to have a waitlist for popular classes than empty bikes gathering dust. I’ve seen too many facilities overinvest initially and then struggle to fill classes.

Console technology varies dramatically between the three styles. Recumbents typically offer the most programming options and entertainment features, while indoor cycles often focus on performance metrics like watts and RPM. Before investing, consider your demographic—seniors generally prefer simple, readable displays while performance-oriented members want data, data, and more data!

Whatever style you choose, remember that commercial-grade truly matters with bikes. The difference between 8 hours of daily use and 16+ hours is huge in terms of component durability. I’ve had clients learn this lesson the expensive way after installing residential-grade uprights in a 24-hour facility. Within three months, they were replacing them all!

Rowing Machines and Their Rising Popularity

Back in the mid-90s when I first started outfitting commercial gyms, rowing machines were basically an afterthought. We’d stick a lonely rower in some corner, and it would collect dust except for the occasional hardcore athlete. Man, how times have changed! These days, I can barely keep commercial-grade rowers in stock. Crossfit helped expose the benefits of rowers.

The rowing renaissance really kicked off around 2015 from what I saw. Suddenly, CrossFit boxes were calling me desperate for multiple units, and even traditional gyms were creating dedicated rowing areas. I remember being totally caught off guard by this shift. I had to scramble to build relationships with manufacturers I’d barely worked with before!

Let me tell you something about commercial rowing machines that most people don’t realize—the maintenance profile is wildly different between types. Water rowers look gorgeous with their wooden frames and that satisfying swooshing sound, but they require way more upkeep in high-use environments. I learned this lesson the expensive way after installing eight beautiful water rowers in a luxury condo facility. The maintenance calls for consistent water changes and leaks nearly drove them crazy.

Air resistance rowers (like the Concept2 models) and now most upper-end manufacturers have become the commercial standard for good reason. They’re practically bombproof! I’ve got clients with units that have logged over 20 million meters and are still running strong with just basic maintenance. The only real wear items are the chain and handle, which even a non-technical staff member can manage.

The magnetic resistance models fill an interesting middle ground. They’re quieter than air rowers, which makes them popular for group fitness areas where instructors need to be heard. The downside? The resistance just doesn’t feel as natural to experienced rowers. I’ve had facilities swap these out because their serious rowing members complained about the feel.

The programming side of rowing has exploded in recent years. Remember when rowing was just this boring, steady-state exercise? Now we’ve got gamification, virtual racing, and interactive programming built into the higher-end models. One college rec center I work with runs monthly rowing challenges on their connected machines, and participation has tripled their rowing area usage!

Space planning for rowers requires some careful thought. These machines have a much bigger footprint when in use compared to their storage footprint. I’ve seen so many facilities cram them too close together, only to have members banging elbows during workouts. I always recommend at least 3 feet between units and 8 feet behind for full extension.

The price range for commercial rowers is surprisingly wide. You can get a basic air rower that’ll last forever for around $900, or spend up to $3,000 for the fanciest magnetic models with all the interactive bells and whistles. In my experience, the middle-tier units around $1,500 hit the sweet spot for most commercial facilities.

For facilities just dipping their toes into rowing, I typically recommend starting with 2-4 quality $800-$900 units rather than 6-8 budget models. Better to have members waiting occasionally for a great experience than always having access to a mediocre one. I made this mistake with a YMCA installation years ago—I provided them as requested, six cheap rowers that all needed replacement within 18 months.

The demographics for rowing have shifted dramatically too. It used to be mostly men in their 20s and 30s using these machines. Now I’m seeing incredible adoption across all age groups for men and women. One of my retirement community clients has a waitlist for their “Silver Rowers” program! The full-body, low-impact nature of rowing makes it accessible and fun to almost everyone.

If you’re planning to add rowers to your facility, consider creating a dedicated “rowing zone” rather than scattering them throughout. When members see others rowing with good form, it encourages proper technique and creates a sense of community. One of my most successful university installations grouped eight rowers facing a large mirror wall, and they’ve become the most-used cardio equipment in the facility.

Stair Climbers and Stepmills for High-Intensity Workouts

When I first started selling fitness equipment, stair climbers were these clunky, hydraulic nightmares that broke down every other month. I made the mistake of installing a row of them in a corporate gym, and I swear I was there fixing chains and sprockets more often than I was in my own office!

Fast forward to today, and modern stepmills and climbers are completely different beasts. They’ve become some of the most sought-after pieces in commercial gyms, and for good reason. Nothing quite matches their intensity-to-joint-impact ratio. I’ve installed dozens in the last few years alone as facilities and fire stations scramble to meet member demand.

Let me tell you about the difference between steppers and stepmills, because this confusion costs gym owners thousands in wrong purchases. Traditional stair climbers have those two independent pedals that move up and down. They’re more compact and generally more affordable, but they don’t deliver the same workout as a true stepmill. I explained this distinction after a hotel client was disappointed with their purchase—they wanted the “escalator experience” but got pedals instead.

Stepmills—those mini-escalators—deliver the most brutal, however very effective, cardio workout in the gym, hands down. I’ve watched seasoned athletes humbled by five minutes on these machines. The revolving staircase forces a consistent movement pattern that’s biomechanically natural but incredibly demanding. One university strength coach I work with calls them his “humility machines.”

The maintenance profiles between these two options couldn’t be more different. Modern pedal-based climbers have gotten remarkably reliable with their electromagnetic resistance systems. I’ve got units in 24-hour facilities that have needed nothing but basic cleaning for years. Stepmills, with their more complex mechanical systems, typically need preventative maintenance every 6 months in busy commercial settings. Those rotating stairs take serious abuse!

Space considerations are huge with these machines, especially stepmills. They’re tall! I once had an embarrassing installation where we had to remove a ceiling tile because the stepmill was about an inch too tall for the space. Always measure your ceiling height, folks! Most commercial models need at least 9 feet of clearance, and you’ll want additional space for comfortable entry/exit.

The calorie burn on these machines is off the charts. I’ve got the data from facilities with connected fitness tracking, and stepmills consistently rank at the top for calorie expenditure per minute. One corporate wellness program I work with reported their participants averaging 12-17 calories per minute on stepmills compared to 6-10 on treadmills at moderate settings.

Placement within your facility matters more than you might think. I always recommend putting these high-intensity machines near good air circulation or cooling. One multi-club chain I work with reported significantly higher usage rates when they moved their stepmills underneath ceiling fans and away from other heat-generating equipment. Users are already generating tons of heat on these machines—help them stay comfortable!

For all commercial settings, I absolutely recommend models with side handrails rather than just the front rails. The side rails provide crucial stability for interval training when users need to briefly recover while keeping the machine moving. I made the mistake early on of not pushing for these on a university installation, and they ended up retrofitting them later at considerable expense.

The console technology on premium models has gotten pretty impressive. The high-end Life Fitness, Matrix, and StairMaster units have these awesome pre-programmed HIIT workouts that automatically adjust speed based on interval timing. My boutique gym clients love this feature because it delivers a coached experience without requiring staff intervention.

Something nobody talks about enough is the flooring underneath these machines. With stepmills especially, you want seriously heavy-duty flooring—I’m talking 3/4 inch rubber minimum. These are heavy machines that create substantial vibration. I’ve seen beautiful hardwood floors damaged within months when facility owners tried to save money on proper flooring solutions.

The user demographics for these machines are fascinating. Ten years ago, they were primarily used by serious athletes and bodybuilders. Now I’m seeing much broader adoption, especially among the 30-50 age group looking for time-efficient workouts. They’re still intimidating to many beginners though, which is why I always recommend facilities include proper instructional signage nearby.

After 30+ years in this industry, I can tell you confidently that investing in quality stepmills is one of the smartest moves a commercial facility can make. They’re not cheap—expect to spend $5,000+ for commercial-grade units—but their popularity, effectiveness, and relative durability make them worth every penny. Just budget for that regular maintenance, or you’ll learn that lesson the hard way like I did back in the day!

Emerging Cardio Equipment Trends (Air Bikes, Ski Machines, etc.)

When I first started in this business, cardio equipment meant treadmills, StairMasters, and bikes. The fitness world has now changed! The explosion of “functional” cardio equipment over the last decade has completely transformed what commercial gym floors look like. I’ve gone from rarely selling anything outside the Big Three to installing specialized cardio zones I now love with equipment I never would’ve imagined back in the day.

Air bikes (or fan bikes) have made perhaps the biggest comeback I’ve seen in 30+ years. These things were basically extinct in commercial settings by the early 2000s! I remember laughing when a CrossFit gym owner asked me about ordering Air Bikes in 2013. I wasn’t laughing a year later when I couldn’t keep them in stock! The beauty of these machines is their mechanical simplicity paired with brutal effectiveness. There’s almost nothing to break down—just a fan, some moving arms, and a basic drive system.

The problem with the first generation of these revived air bikes was durability of the drive mechanisms. I learned this lesson after installing six early models in a high-volume facility. Within months, we were dealing with bearing failures and bent cranks. Today’s commercial models have beefed-up components that can handle the abuse. I typically recommend the belt-driven versions for commercial settings—they’re quieter and require way less maintenance than chain drives.

Ski machines (like SkiErg) represent another fascinating trend. They use similar resistance mechanics to rowing machines but in a vertical, skiing motion. I was skeptical when a college athletic department first requested these, but now they’re standard in my athletic facility packages. The zero-impact nature combined with full-body engagement makes them oddly accessible despite their intimidating appearance.

One of my busiest corporate clients created a “winter sports zone” with six SkiErgs and saw amazing engagement, even from beginners. The machines are remarkably durable—just watch for wall damage from enthusiastic users! I learned that lesson after a particularly enthusiastic user put their pole right through the drywall during an intense interval session. Always recommend proper wall protection behind these units!

The Jacob’s Ladder and other self-powered climbing machines have carved out a dedicated niche and will be my next addition in my home gym. These aren’t for everyone—they require a certain fitness level to use effectively—but their fans are incredibly loyal. The self-paced nature creates a unique workout experience that’s both intense and customizable. The maintenance on these is surprisingly minimal considering their mechanical complexity. I’ve got units with over five years of commercial use that still run as smooth as day one.

Manual curved treadmills represent one of the most significant innovations I’ve seen. These totally human-powered units offer a completely different running experience compared to motorized treadmills. The first batch I installed for a boutique HIIT studio had members complaining about the strange feel, but within weeks they were the most popular equipment in the facility. The key is proper instruction—the learning curve is steep but worth it.

From a dealer perspective, these self-powered trends are fantastic since they often require no electrical connections, simplifying installation dramatically. I’ve outfitted entire “unplugged” cardio sections in facilities with limited electrical capacity. The maintenance profile is completely different too—no motors or electronic control boards to fail, just mechanical components that typically only need lubrication and occasional adjustment.

Versaclimbers have made a surprising resurgence in the commercial space. These vertical climbing machines were popular in the 80s, nearly disappeared in the 2000s, and now they’re back with a vengeance! The newer models have improved ergonomics and more intuitive resistance controls. I recently installed a row of six in a firefighter training facility—they love them for the cardiovascular and functional strength benefits.

The latest trend I’m seeing is the integration of cardiovascular and strength training in single pieces. The rower/ski erg combos and bike/strength hybrids are starting to gain traction in facilities where space is at a premium. I’m still on the fence about their long-term durability in commercial settings—the added complexity seems like a maintenance headache waiting to happen, but so far, so good.

What’s driving all these trends? From talking with hundreds of facility owners, it seems to be a perfect storm of social media influence, desire for time-efficient workouts, and a move toward more functional fitness approaches. These “specialty” cardio pieces deliver massive bang for buck in terms of calories burned per minute and muscular engagement. Plus, they photograph well for Instagram, which never hurts!

If you’re planning to incorporate these trending cardio options in your facility, start with a small number and gauge member response. I’ve seen too many owners go all-in on a trend only to find their specific demographic doesn’t embrace it. These machines aren’t cheap, but when matched with the right users, they deliver incredible value and member retention. That’s something that never goes out of style!

When investing in commercial cardio machines please call on us for competitive commercial fitness equipment pricing for your specific fitness facility equipment. We will work together to insure you receive the exercise equipment to help your wellness facility provide your members the equipment they need and want.
Thanks for reading this fitness blog. I look forward to working with you soon.
Walter,
Prov 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.