The Value of a Fitness Center: Evaluating Stay Fit Gym Equipment

When we talk about the value of a fitness center, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the space in which it operates. In reality, the investment in a modern fitness center goes far beyond the leased or purchased premises. Fitness machines, cardio equipment, air-conditioning systems, televisions, lockers, furniture, installations, and other facilities are assets with significant economic value that also need to be properly assessed.

In the case of a network undergoing continuous expansion, such as Stay Fit Gym Romania, movable asset valuation becomes part of the professional management of the investments made in each center.

What does movable asset valuation mean in a fitness center?

Movable asset valuation involves determining the value of machinery, equipment, and installations that are not part of the real estate property itself. In a fitness center, this category may include strength-training machines, treadmills, exercise bikes, functional training equipment, audio-video systems, televisions, air-conditioning systems, lockers, furniture, and other assets required for the operation of the facility.

The valuation process may be required in several situations, including financial reporting, securing financing, transactions, corporate reorganizations, or determining the updated value of a company’s assets. Activ Property Services notes that movable asset valuation may cover anything from assets with a well-defined market to complex equipment and installations, with the valuation process varying depending on their nature and characteristics.

For more than three years, Ovidiu Iulian Manu, valuer within Activ Property Services, has been working with Stay Fit Gym on the valuation of movable assets across the network’s fitness centers. As new equipment is purchased, new centers are opened, or existing locations are upgraded, the valuation process needs to reflect these changes.

Stay Fit Gym, one of Romania’s largest fitness networks

Stay Fit Gym is a Romanian fitness brand undergoing continuous development. The network currently operates more than 75 fitness centers and is present in numerous cities across Romania. According to information published by the company, Stay Fit Gym has more than 80,000 active members and an extensive national presence.

Depending on the location, its fitness centers offer gym and cardio areas, functional training, cycling, group fitness classes, boxing, Pilates Reformer, personal training services, and other facilities. Some premium locations also feature specialized equipment, InBody Health Corners, recovery areas, and dedicated studios.

The development of such a network requires continuous investment not only in premises, but also in equipment, technology, and fit-out. For fitness club members, the quality of the equipment and the comfort of the locker rooms are natural parts of the overall experience. From a company’s perspective, however, every machine, installation, or fit-out element represents an asset that needs to be managed, recorded, and, whenever necessary, valued.

Why is fitness equipment valuation important?

The value of a fitness machine is not determined solely by its original purchase price. A valuation may take into account its technical specifications, manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, physical condition, level of wear, remaining economic life, and the available market information regarding comparable assets.

This is why fitness equipment valuation is more than a simple inventory of the assets within a center. The valuer analyses the characteristics of each asset and selects the appropriate approach for determining its value. Depending on the circumstances, movable asset valuation may rely on the market approach, the cost approach, or, in certain situations, the income approach.

In the case of a fitness network with numerous locations, the process becomes even more complex. The number of assets is significant, the configuration of each center varies, and investments are made in different stages. Proper asset records and valuations carried out when required help the company maintain a clear overview of the assets it owns.

Activ Property Services: real estate consultancy and valuation services since 1993

Activ Property Services is a Romanian real estate consultancy company operating nationwide since 1993. The company is headquartered in Bucharest and has two regional offices in Timișoara and Cluj-Napoca. Its activity covers the main segments of the commercial real estate market: retail spaces, office properties, industrial properties, and valuation services. Since 2020, Activ Property Services has also been a member of the international TCN Worldwide network.

The Valuation Department of Activ Property Services provides valuations for real estate properties as well as movable assets, equipment, machinery, and installations, depending on the client’s requirements. The team includes ANEVAR-authorized valuers, and valuation reports can be prepared for various purposes, including lending, financial reporting, and transactions.

A partnership that goes beyond equipment valuation

The relationship between Activ Property Services and Stay Fit Gym is not limited to movable asset valuation. When the fitness network analyses new development opportunities, Activ Property Services’ consultancy teams can also support the company in identifying suitable premises for the lease or acquisition of new locations.

For a fitness operator, choosing the right location involves assessing several criteria: the size and configuration of the premises, accessibility, visibility, catchment area, occupancy costs, the possibility of installing the necessary equipment, and the commercial potential of the location.

The partnership therefore brings together two important components in the development of a fitness network: identifying suitable locations and evaluating the investments made within those locations.

What can be valued in a fitness center?

A fitness center valuation can cover gym and cardio equipment, functional training equipment, installations, air-conditioning systems, audio-video equipment, furniture, lockers, IT equipment, and other movable assets used in the operation of the facility.

Who can carry out the valuation of fitness center equipment?

The valuation is carried out by authorized valuers qualified for the specific category of assets being assessed, in accordance with the applicable valuation standards.

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