Whether you're opening a new studio, modernizing an existing one, or adding additional training areas, at some point the key question arises : should you buy or lease equipment?
Both forms of financing have clear advantages and disadvantages. But what really matters? What are the tax implications? And which is particularly worthwhile for startups or studios experiencing rapid growth?
In this article, we analyze the most important aspects and explain why leasing is often the smarter solution, especially in the fitness sector – especially with a flexible partner like ATLETICA.
1. The starting point: Why financing is even an issue
Fitness equipment is durable, high-quality — and expensive. Depending on the concept, a solid basic setup can easily cost 30,000 to 150,000 euros or more. In addition, there are:
- Flooring & Interior
- Changing rooms & sanitary facilities
- Light, Audio & Technology
- Marketing & pre-opening costs
Few operators can (or want) to finance all of this from their own resources. Therefore, smart solutions are needed – tailored to liquidity , growth targets, and business models.
2. Option A: Buy equipment – Invest with equity
Advantages:
- You are 100 % Owner
- No ongoing installments
- You can resell devices at any time
- No contractual obligation
Disadvantages:
- High capital requirements – liquidity decreases
- No tax advantage on running costs (only depreciation over years)
- Loss of value due to use & age
- Greater planning pressure (budget must be fixed in advance)
Useful for whom ?
- Established studios with a stable equity base
- Operator with long-term strategy & low growth rate
- Smaller facilities with clearly limited equipment requirements
3. Option B: Lease equipment – Flexible financing & scaling
Leasing means you pay a monthly rate and use the equipment for a fixed term (usually 36-60 months). After the contract ends, you can:
- Take over devices (purchase offer)
- Replace equipment (upgrade)
- Arrange return (if necessary)
Advantages:
- No high initial investment required
- Installments are fully tax deductible (business expenses)
- Highest liquidity control
- Technology upgrades possible
- Ideal for growing studios or new locations
- Planning security through fixed term & calculable costs
Disadvantages:
- You are not the owner
- Total costs over the term are usually slightly higher than the purchase price
- Commitment to leasing partners
Useful for whom ?
- Start-ups & young studios with limited seed capital
- Fitness chains with scaling potential
- Companies in the corporate fitness sector
- Hotels or co-working spaces with limited equipment requirements
4. Tax aspects in comparison
|
financing |
Balance sheet effect |
Tax deductibility |
|
purchase |
Activation, depreciation |
linear over 5–8 years |
|
Leasing (operational) |
no activation |
fully deductible as a business expense |
|
Leasing (balance sheet) |
if applicable, accounting obligation |
variable depending on the contract |
ATLETICA tip: Especially with high initial investments, leasing provides immediate tax benefits and improves cash flow – without compromising on equipment quality .
5. Practical example: Comparison of purchase vs. leasing (simplified illustration)
Scenario:
- Equipment for new studio : 80,000 €
- Leasing term : 48 months
- Leasing rate : approx. 1,850 € /month
- Depreciation purchase : 20 % annually
Purchase:
- Capital commitment: 80,000 €
- Annual depreciation: 16,000 €
- Liquidity drops significantly
Leasing :
- Liquidity is maintained
- 22,200 € annually deductible (business expense)
- Option to upgrade after 4 years
Conclusion : Leasing offers greater tax relief, lower capital commitment and flexibility – especially for growing or innovative business models.
6. What to consider when signing a leasing contract
Not every leasing offer is transparent or flexible. Keep in mind:
- Term & residual value model
- Options after the end of the contract (purchase, exchange, return )
- Service & maintenance options
- Delivery & installation costs
- Hidden fees or compulsory insurance
ATLETICA offers:
- Leasing from 5,000 € Net order value
- Predictable monthly installments
- Optionally with equipment service, assembly and employee training
- Personal consultation before completion
7. Leasing for specific target groups
Start-ups & Founders
- Capital is protected
- No risk of bad investments
- Devices can be replaced if the concept changes
Fitness chains & franchises
- Scalable solution for expansion
- Equipment remains up to date
- Costs remain predictable
Hotels & Corporate Fitness
- Operating expenses without balance sheet burden
- Low-maintenance equipment ideal for self-training
- No technical know-how required
8. Conclusion: Buy or lease? The right choice depends on your business
There is no general answer – but clear trends:
|
Goal |
Recommendation |
|
Maintain liquidity |
leasing |
|
Tax relief |
leasing |
|
Prefer ownership |
purchase |
|
Flexibility & Growth |
leasing |
|
Long-term use |
Purchase or leasing with purchase option |
Our conclusion: For 90 For 100% of new studios, boutique facilities, hotels or corporate fitness solutions , leasing is now the economically smarter solution – especially in combination with flexible options such as ATLETICA.
9. ATLETICA – Your partner for financing & equipment configuration
We offer you:
- tailor -made financing concepts
- Leasing contracts with personal advice
- Service, installation & training included
- Reliable partners for fast implementation
Take advantage of our experience from hundreds of studio setups and secure the best conditions for your project.
Ready for your studio upgrade?
Talk to us – we’ll show you how to realize your dream studio with the right financing without a capital bottleneck.
