TL;DR

F45-style and group fitness studios run high-intensity circuits that need versatile, durable, space-efficient equipment built for constant rotation. This guide covers every equipment category — from rigs and bikes to kettlebells and battle ropes — with layout tips for smooth class flow. VERVE Fitness supplies equipment to group fitness studios across Australia, with over 16,000 commercial fitouts completed and same-day dispatch from the Gold Coast.

How Group Fitness Studios Differ From Traditional Gyms

A group fitness studio is fundamentally a different business model from a traditional gym. Instead of members wandering the floor at their own pace, you're running timed circuits with 15-40 people rotating through stations every 30-60 seconds. This changes everything about equipment selection:

• Quick transitions — equipment must be simple to adjust. No complicated pin settings or long setup times.
• Multiple units of the same equipment — you need 8-20 of the same item, not one of everything.
• Durability under volume — equipment gets used 20-40 times per day across multiple classes. Budget gear fails within months.
• Compact footprint — floor space generates revenue. Dead space is wasted money.
• Easy to clean — between classes, staff need to wipe everything down quickly. PU dumbbells over rubber. EPDM flooring over standard rubber.

Core Equipment Categories

1. Functional Training Rig

A wall-mounted or freestanding rig serves as the anchor for pull-ups, TRX suspension, battle rope anchors, and band work. VERVE's build-your-own rig system uses 75x75mm steel uprights with Westside hole spacing:

• Wall-mounted rig — starts at $814 for a single bay. Ideal for studios where floor space is premium. Mount pull-up bars, suspension trainers, and battle rope anchors directly to the rig.
• Multi-bay freestanding rig — $1,386 (2-bay) to $5,054 (6-bay). The 2-bay or 4-bay is the sweet spot for most F45-style studios. Lifetime structural warranty.

Every VERVE rig component is cross-compatible with the full rack and attachment range, so you can add storage, cable attachments, and accessories as you grow.

2. Kettlebells

Kettlebells are the workhorse of circuit training — swings, cleans, snatches, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, farmers carries. You need multiple sets across a range of weights.

• VERVE Classic Handle Kettlebells — single-piece cast from 99.9% first-run iron ore, powder-coated finish, flat base. Lifetime warranty for both home and commercial use. Available 4-40kg.
• Competition Kettlebells — identical dimensions regardless of weight with colour-coded handles. Useful when coaches need to quickly identify weights across a busy class.

Recommended for a 20-station studio: 4-6 pairs each of 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 20kg, and 24kg. Lighter weights (4kg, 6kg) for warm-ups and less experienced members.

3. Dumbbells

Used for lunges, thrusters, shoulder press, rows, and dozens of other circuit staples.

• VERVE Premium Hex Dumbbells — commercial-grade rubber, friction-welded, deep-cut knurling. Hex shape prevents rolling between stations. Won't roll off benches or across the floor during transitions.
• Premium Club CPU Dumbbells — the premium option. PU construction won't crack, chip, or develop odour. 29mm knurled chrome handles. 3-year commercial warranty.

Recommended range: 5-20kg in 2.5kg increments covers the vast majority of group fitness participants. Stock 4-6 pairs of each weight.

4. Air Bikes and Rowers

Cardio stations are integral to most circuit programming — typically used for high-intensity intervals between strength stations.

• VERVE Commercial Air Bike — 63kg base weight, Poly-V belt drive, automatic resistance. No settings to change between users — resistance increases with effort. Perfect for circuits where users rotate every 30-60 seconds with zero adjustment time.
• VERVE Commercial Rower — full-body conditioning. Damper adjustments are quick and intuitive. 5-year frame warranty.

Recommended: 4-8 air bikes and 4-6 rowers for a 20-station circuit format.

5. Barbells and Plates (For Hybrid Studios)

Not all group fitness studios include barbell work, but hybrid studios (think F45 mixed with strength programming) increasingly do. Keep it simple:

• VERVE Zen Olympic Barbell 20kg — 28mm shaft, 160,000 PSI. A solid mid-range bar at $219 that handles the lighter loads typical of circuit training.
• Colour Bumper Plates — IWF colour coding for quick weight identification. Essential when coaches need to call out weight changes across 20 stations simultaneously.

6. Benches

Used for step-ups, box jumps, dumbbell work, and hip thrusts in circuits. You need benches that are easy to move and store.

• VERVE Commercial Flat Bench — handle and wheels for rapid repositioning between classes. 1,230kg tested load capacity means it handles any exercise thrown at it.
• Satori Adjustable Bench — lighter at 34kg with wheels, adjustable backrest and seat. Good for studios that need incline options but also need to clear the floor quickly.

7. Functional Accessories

The variety that keeps classes interesting:

• Resistance bands — warm-ups, mobility, banded exercises. VERVE offers loop bands and power bands.
• Slam balls and wall balls — throwing movements are a staple of functional circuits.
• Battle ropes — mount to your rig. High-intensity conditioning with zero impact.
• Plyo boxes — box jumps, step-ups, elevated push-ups.
• Suspension trainers — anchor to rig uprights for rows, push-ups, pistol squats.
• Ab rollers, skipping ropes, agility ladders — low-cost stations that add variety.

8. Flooring

Group fitness floors take constant punishment from dropped weights, jumping, and heavy foot traffic. VERVE EPDM Rubber Flooring is the go-to — 15mm thick, easy to clean between classes, seamless joins for a professional look, and a 3-year commercial warranty. Standard rubber at $50/tile works for budget-conscious studios but won't last as long under extreme volume.

Studio Layout for Circuit Flow

Layout can make or break your class experience. The goal is smooth rotation with minimal congestion:

• Numbered stations — every station clearly numbered, matching the screen/whiteboard. Members move from 1 to 2 to 3 without confusion.
• Circular or horseshoe layout — stations arranged around the perimeter with open floor in the centre. Coaches can see every station from one position.
• Cardio stations evenly distributed — don't cluster all bikes together. Alternate cardio and strength stations so members get active recovery between high-intensity efforts.
• Storage integrated into the layout — kettlebell racks, dumbbell racks, and plate storage along walls. No equipment loose on the floor between classes.
• Transition space — allow 1.5m between stations. Members need room to move during rest periods.
• Timer/screen visibility — every station must have a clear sightline to the timing display.

Budget Guide

• Small studio (12-15 stations, 100-150m²): $25,000-$50,000 equipment.
• Mid-size studio (16-24 stations, 150-250m²): $50,000-$100,000 equipment.
• Large studio (25-40 stations, 250-400m²): $100,000-$200,000 equipment.

For current pricing, check vervefitness.com.au. Finance available through Afterpay, ZIP, and Humm.

FAQ

Branding Your Studio Through Equipment

Your equipment aesthetic is part of your brand. A cohesive, professional-looking studio builds member confidence and photographs well for social media — which is how most new members discover you.

• Consistent colour palette: VERVE's matte black powder-coated racks, black kettlebells, and black EPDM flooring create a unified look. CPU dumbbells in black and chrome add a premium accent. Avoid mixing equipment brands with clashing colours and finishes.
• Branded elements: Your rig is a natural spot for branding — mount your logo on the crossbeam. Many studios wrap rig uprights or crossbeams in branded colours.
• Social media readiness: Think about how your studio photographs. Clean lines, consistent equipment, proper lighting, and no clutter create a space that members want to share online. Every member photo is free marketing.

Programming Considerations That Affect Equipment

Your programming style determines your equipment mix:

• Cardio-heavy circuits (F45 Hollywood/Brixton style): More air bikes and rowers, lighter dumbbells, bodyweight stations. Fewer barbells and heavy implements.
• Strength-hybrid circuits (F45 Romans/Angry Bird style): Heavier dumbbells, barbells, racks, sleds. Fewer cardio stations.
• Balanced circuits: Equal mix of cardio, strength, and functional stations. The most common format and the most equipment-intensive.
• Specialty classes: If you plan to offer Pilates, yoga, or recovery classes alongside functional training, consider a dedicated space with appropriate equipment. The VERVE Flow Pilates Reformer adds a premium offering that differentiates your studio from competitors.

FAQ

What's the most important equipment for an F45-style studio?

Kettlebells, dumbbells, air bikes, and rowers. These four categories cover 70%+ of typical circuit programming. Add a rig for pull-up and suspension work, benches for step-ups and dumbbell exercises, and battle ropes and slam balls for variety. Barbells are optional depending on your programming style.

How many stations do I need?

Standard F45 format uses 27 stations for 36 members (some stations are doubled). For an independent studio, 16-24 stations comfortably serves classes of 20-30. Each station needs approximately 4-6m² including transition space.

Do I need machines in a group fitness studio?

Not typically. The whole point of functional circuit training is free movement with free weights and bodyweight. However, some studios add 2-3 cable machines or functional trainers for exercise variety and member retention. The VERVE Tori Wall Mounted Functional Trainer works well — minimal floor space, maximum exercise options.

How quickly does group fitness equipment wear out?

Budget equipment lasts 6-18 months in a group fitness environment. Commercial-grade equipment lasts 5-10+ years. VERVE kettlebells carry a lifetime warranty. CPU dumbbells carry a 3-year commercial warranty. Air bikes carry a 5-year frame warranty. Investing in quality upfront dramatically reduces replacement costs.

Does VERVE supply F45 and group fitness studios?

Yes. VERVE has fitted out functional training and group fitness studios across Australia. The commercial team handles bulk orders, the free 3D design service optimises your layout for circuit flow, and same-day dispatch (before 12pm AEST) means fast turnaround on equipment orders.