How Much Space Do You Need to Set Up a Gym? (Complete Guide Using Impulse Fitness Equipment)

Setting up a gym whether at home, in a studio, or a full commercial facility requires understanding how much space each type of equipment needs. Many people buy equipment first, then realize they don’t have enough room.

This guide explains the recommended square footage, layout ideas, and which Impulse Fitness equipment fits best based on different gym sizes.

1. Small Home Gym (50–100 sq ft) — Minimalist Setup

Category	Details
Best For	Apartments, condo units, small rooms, balcony gyms, corner gyms
Recommended Space	50–100 sq ft (5–10 m²)
What You Can Fit	Compact, multi-purpose equipment
Impulse Equipment That Fits	• IDB Dumbbell Set 1-10kg + Rack • IF Adjustable Bench • FT Series Functional Trainer (compact) • PS300 Spinning Bike (optional)
What Won’t Fit	Squat rack, large treadmill, Smith machine, plate-loaded machines
Suitable Workouts	Dumbbell strength, bodyweight training, light cardio, core & mobility

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2. Medium Home Gym (120–180 sq ft) — Balanced Setup

Category	Details
Best For	Landed homes, large condos, hobby gym users
Recommended Space	120–180 sq ft (12–17 m²)
What You Can Fit	Mix of strength + cardio
Impulse Equipment Options	Strength: Adjustable bench, dumbbells 2.5–25kg, IF Series machines (1–2 units), IF1860 Multi Gym Machine. Cardio: AC2990 Treadmill, RE700 Bike, RE500 Elliptical
Avoid if Possible	Full power rack + barbell (unless no cardio machine)
Suitable Workouts	Complete strength training, strength + cardio, circuits

 

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3. Premium Home Gym (200–300 sq ft) — Serious Training Space

Category	Details
Best For	Homeowners with dedicated gym rooms
Recommended Space	200–300 sq ft (19–28 m²)
What You Can Fit	Full home gym setup
Impulse Equipment to Include	Strength: Full rack, adjustable bench, barbell + plates, 1–2 IF93 selectorized machines, 1 IFP1 plate-loaded machine OR IF2060 Home Gym Cardio: FGT Treadmill, PS300 Bike, FGE Elliptical (choose 1–2)
Suitable Workouts	Heavy lifting, functional training, HIIT cardio, athlete-level strength

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4. Small Studio Gym (300–500 sq ft)

Category	Details
Best For	PT studios, small fitness rooms, condo gyms
Recommended Space	300–500 sq ft (28–46 m²)
Typical Layout	30% cardio, 50% strength, 20% free space
Impulse Equipment You Can Fit	Cardio (2–3): AC810 Treadmill, HB005 Bike, RE500 Elliptical, HSR005 Rower Strength (4–6): IF Series selectorized machines, Smith Machine, dumbbells up to 50kg, Functional Trainer
Suitable Workouts	PT sessions, strength classes, HIIT, condo/hotel gym usage

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5. Full Commercial Gym (800–1500 sq ft)

Category	Details
Best For	Boutique gyms, hotels, office gyms
Recommended Space	800–1500 sq ft (74–140 m²)
What You Can Fit	Full cardio + strength zones
Impulse Equipment Breakdown	Cardio (6–10 units): 2× AC800 Treadmill, 2× RU700 Bike, 2× RE700 Elliptical, 1 HSR007 Ski&Row, 1 Stepper Selectorized Strength (10–14 units): Chest Press, Shoulder Press, Lat Machine, Row, Leg Extension, Leg Curl, Leg Press, Multi-Hip, Abductor/Adductor, Cable Crossover, Smith Machine Free Weights: Half rack, benches, Olympic bar + plates, dumbbells up to 50kg
Suitable Workouts	Full gym experience, all fitness levels

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6. Hardcore Powerlifting / Bodybuilding Gym (1500–3000 sq ft)

Category	Details
Best For	Strength gyms, athlete facilities, bodybuilding centers
Recommended Space	1500–3000 sq ft (140–280 m²)
Impulse Equipment	Strength Machines: Full IF Series line-up, full SL Series plate-loaded line-up Free Weight Zone: Multiple power racks, deadlift platforms, heavy benches Cardio (low priority): PT300H Treadmill, PS300 Spinning Bike
Suitable Workouts	Powerlifting, bodybuilding, strongman, high-volume training