North American Edition
Starting a new gym? Expanding? Replacing your old equipment for fitness ? Whatever phase you’re in, you can benefit from knowing which wholesale fitness equipment suppliers best fit your business’ needs and your budget.
Do the wholesale equipment suppliers you’re looking at or currently working with provide what you need for your niche? Do their prices fit into your budget? Are they close enough to your location to avoid lengthy shipping times or high fees?
Finding the right suppliers is one of the most difficult parts of starting or maintaining a fitness business and at times it can be a bit like the story of Goldilocks and The Three Bears.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together the ultimate list to help you find the wholesale fitness equipment supplier that’s “just right” for you
You’ll also see that at the end of the list we’ve put together top sourcing and outreach information to take into consideration when looking for your wholesale fitness equipment suppliers
Fitness Equipment
LifeSpean Fitness LifeSpan makes health and wellness part of your daily life! With the right fitness equipment in the right place, you work on your fitness step by step.
Location: Missouri
TITLE Boxing Training equipment from Reebok, Adidas, Under Armour, and Muhammad Ali.
Location: National
Fitness Superstore Fitness Superstore was founded in . They specialize in selling brand new home grade, remanufactured commercial grade equipment, and shipping throughout both the United States and the rest of the world. Looking for weights or equipment for your home gym? Need to outfit your fitness facility? Fitness Superstore can serve you. We really have 2 types of equipment:
Location: New York
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. The world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of fitness equipment.
Location: Arizona
Samson Equipment At Samson Equipment, our weight rooms have the power to not only envision success but achieve it by providing core values that encompass versatile, customized
Location: New Mexico
Hi-Temp, Inc. Solid rubber weights with stainless steel sleeves in the center for proven durability (no steel core to create weak points).
Location: Mississippi
PowerBlock, Inc. Products and accessories are needed to complete the perfect home gym.
Location: Minnesota
360 Fitness Superstore The San Francisco Bay Area dealer of quality treadmills, ellipticals, home gyms, rowing machines, bikes, and fitness accessories for over 36 years.
Location: California
Octane Fitness The mission is to create zero-impact training equipment that customers love and rely on to fuel their lives.
Location: Minnesota
HOIST Fitness A San Diego, California USA based company producing premium strength training products for the commercial and home markets. Home products can be purchased through specialty fitness retailers throughout the world.
Location: California
VACUACTIVUS Manufacturer of cryotherapy chambers, cryo saunas, localized cryotherapy machines, vacuum treadmills, infrared bikes, cryo facial equipment
Location: Texas
HydroWorx HydroWorx® pools are trusted worldwide for aquatic therapy, rehabilitation & exercise. they offer underwater treadmills & resistance therapy jets in all our therapy and fitness pools. Location: National
NuStep Inc. NuStep sells inclusive recumbent cross trainers which are the preferred exercise machine at health clubs, senior living, and physical therapy centers.
Location: National
Jacobs Ladder Exercise Jacobs Ladder cardio machines offer an efficient, high-intensity workout that users love to hate.
Location: New York
Total Fitness Equipment Stores As a local, family-owned business, Total Fitness Equipment is committed to becoming your “fitness partner.”
Location: Massachusetts
AlterG, Inc. Change the way patients can recover mobility, maintain health, and enhance physical performance with the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™.
Used Fitness Equipment Used fitness equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, steppers, weights, benches, and racks for bodybuilding, and strength training.
Location: California
ProMAXima The preferred fitness equipment supplier for customers in markets, such as hotels, residential complexes, professional teams, government and military bases, universities, schools, and health clubs.
Location: California
Scifit Scifit equipment makes it easy for people of all ages and abilities to get moving, stay motivated and see results.
Location: National
Show Me Weights A premium provider of new and used fitness, cardio, and strength training equipment. Corporate gym installations are available upon request.
Location: Missouri
MoveStrong Manufacturers of a unique line of high-quality functional fitness equipment. Designed for health clubs, fitness studios, schools, and the military.
Location: New York
Strength Industry, Inc. Committed to steering fitness forward with a keen focus on customer satisfaction. We offer complete and custom fitness solutions to a wide range of clients all over the world.
Advanced Exercise Founded in , Advanced Exercise is one of the leading fitness equipment and facility design suppliers, combining more than 30 years of design expertise with access to top fitness, wellness, and recreation equipment brands to help clients create fitness experiences specific to the needs of their distinct communities.
Location: Arizona
Adamant Barbell Top-quality strength training and free-weight equipment, suitable for garage gyms, personal trainers, schools, and firehouses.
AME Fitness Equipment A wide range of all types of fitness equipment to get your body in shape. The organization was established in to provide easy access to all types of gymnastics equipment.
Location: North Carolina
H2O For Fitness H2O for Fitness introduces a hydrotherapy product to supercharge your rehabilitation and workouts. We offer a new line of water treadmills for both humans and dogs.
Location: Indiana
ExerTools A leader in manufacturing and distributing Functional Fitness and Rehabilitation equipment for Gyms, Private Clinics, Sports Training and Home Use.
Location: California
JUMPUSA.com Open access to some of the best, most advanced, affordable, and easiest to use products anywhere plus all the information, advice, and guidance needed to put a fitness plan into action.
Location: California
Charleston Fitness Equipment South Carolina’s largest supplier of top brand treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and all other fitness equipment used for home and commercial purposes.
Location: South Carolina
Pro Fitness Exercise Systems Entire gym packages of commercial quality gym equipment at affordable package pricing for people who are starting their new gym.
Location: National
Workout Sandbags Workout Sandbags, made in the USA from stronger materials & original design.
Location: Arizona
Kettlebell Kings Provides you with the kettlebells you need to transform your mind and body.
Location: National
Sporting & Outdoor Goods
Academy Sports Academy Sports + Outdoors offers sporting and outdoor goods at competitive prices.
Location: National
Sun Company, Inc. Sun Company is an active outdoor brand that designs and builds unique accessories for the great outdoors. Family-owned for more than 45 years, our goal has never changed—to design and deliver innovative and intelligent products to you, while providing the highest level of service and product quality.
Location: National
Premier Promotions USA An excellent selection of promotional items, apparel, and corporate gifts.
Location: New York
Fitness Clothing and Workout Accessories
Fitness Clothing Manufacturer The wholesale workout clothes collections near you are trendily capped with nice features and churned out of lightweight fabric.
Location: Tennessee
Twister Fight Wear LLC This supplier understands what it takes to be an athlete, an artist, and a fighter. The spirit that drives the maddening hunger for glory and greatness is directly proportional to the need for self-improvement.
Location: National
SL Diversified Printing High-quality Custom Merchandise - Custom Apparel and Custom Environments from Los Angeles to New York.
Location: California
Pioneer - General Leathercraft Manufacturing, Inc. Top-quality Leather Weightlifting Belts and Accessories by Pioneer Fitness and General Leathercraft Mfg. Lifetime Guarantee. Made in the USA.
Location: Texas
Maintenance & Cleaning
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance HD Supply Facilities Maintenance supplies maintenance, repair & operations products to multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, commercial & government facilities.
Location: Georgia
Zogics
For over 15 years, Zogics has been a leader in our industry, providing customers with the right products and services they need. Our team has the expertise and resources to help your business thrive.
Location: Massachusetts
Parts and Customization
Sportsmith Proudly in our 20th Year of keeping fitness facilities and enthusiasts going strong with over 100,000+ Parts and Products.
Location: National
Mark IV Metal Products, Inc. From carbon and stainless steel to aluminum and other alloys, Mark IV works with a variety of materials to achieve your fabrication goals.
Their tube bending capabilities span round, rectangular and square tubes. From 1/2″ OD to 6″ OD, we have the tooling to handle it all!
Location: California, United States
Vectra Fitness Inc. An excellent source for Original Vectra Fitness Cables & More.
Location: National
PTI, LLC An ISO Certified innovative foam manufacturer and designer of custom-engineered foam extrusions for packaging, pipe insulation for HVAC and plumbing, mattresses, furniture, recreational, toys, and fitness products.
Location: North Carolina
Crest Bending Inc. Crest Bending Incorporated, located in New Washington, Ohio, is an American metal fabricating company devoted to customer service and quality. We are a manufacturer of custom and customer-designed tubing and sheet metal products.
Location: Ohio
TriState Belting Inc.
Top Quality Commercial & Residential Treadmill Belts, Treadmill Decks, and Industrial Conveyor Belting
Location: Delaware
Colby Metal Inc. Colby Metal is a proud metal manufacturing company providing industry-leading metal fabrication, powder coating & precision machining services since !
Location: Wisconsin
Thomas Bilt
Custom Fitness Systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. Our commitment to excellence is shown in the quality of materials and workmanship that goes into the production of each unit designed and manufactured.
Location: North Carolina
UniversalPromo, Inc. Universal Promo specializes in the best ink solutions for medical device pad printing and pad printing for pharmacies. We are also foil stamping experts for any market.
Location: Minnesota
Weighing and Measuring Equipment
Carolina Scales Inc. Carolina Scales offers a wide variety of industrial weighing and measuring equipment.
Location: South Carolina
Tips Before Finding A Wholesale Fitness Equipment Supplier
- Create a budget specifically for your equipment
- Create a timeline for when you’ll buy or rent the equipment
- Create a clearly defined map of your facility and the equipment you’ll need
- Use our handy Ultimate Guide to find the equipment you need
Did you know that China produces over 60% of the world’s athletic footwear and sports gear? From dumbbells and yoga mats to protective gear and performance apparel, China has long been a manufacturing powerhouse for the global sports industry.
With a mature supply chain, competitive pricing, and a vast variety of suppliers, sourcing from China can offer your brand a strong competitive edge—if done right. Whether you’re an Amazon seller, a gym brand launching your first product line, or an established retailer diversifying your SKUs, understanding how to work with Chinese manufacturers is crucial.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why China remains the top choice for sourcing sports equipment
- Where the main production hubs are located and what each specializes in
- Which global brands already rely on Chinese manufacturing
- Key export trends and emerging innovations
- The risks and how to avoid common pitfalls when sourcing from China
Why Source Sports Gear from China?
1. Cost Efficiency at Scale
One of the biggest reasons companies source from China is cost. Chinese manufacturers have spent decades optimizing their production processes—building scale, automating systems, and training labor at a volume that few countries can compete with. This makes it possible to produce sports gear at significantly lower unit costs without sacrificing quality (when managed well).
For instance, a basic yoga mat that might cost $7–9 to make in the U.S. could cost as little as $2–3 in China. When you multiply that savings across hundreds or thousands of units, the profit margins become impossible to ignore.
2. Massive Product Variety
Chinese factories are equipped to handle an enormous range of sports-related products. This includes:
- Personal fitness items like resistance bands, foam rollers, and kettlebells
- Team sports gear like basketballs, shin guards, and goalie gloves
- Outdoor gear such as hydration packs, tents, or trail shoes
- Sportswear, compression garments, and performance footwear
This range makes it easy for businesses to diversify their product lines without engaging multiple countries or vendors.
3. Strong Export Infrastructure
Exporting is deeply ingrained in China’s manufacturing culture. Most mid-to-large factories already have English-speaking staff, export licenses, and relationships with freight forwarders. They understand the documentation requirements, packaging standards, and compliance regulations for Western markets.
In addition, regions like Shenzhen and Ningbo are home to major international ports, which makes global shipping more reliable and often faster than from newer manufacturing countries.
Key Sports Gear Manufacturing Regions in China
1. Fujian Province – Footwear & Activewear Capital
Fujian is famous for sports shoes and athletic apparel. The cities of Jinjiang and Quanzhou are known as China’s sneaker hubs, housing manufacturers that produce for both local and international brands. Fujian also has a strong textile and printing ecosystem, which is great for customized activewear and sports uniforms.
Many OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and ODM (original design manufacturer) providers here offer fully integrated services—from design and prototyping to bulk production and packaging.
Ideal for sourcing:
- Athletic shoes and insoles
- Performance apparel
- Team jerseys and uniforms
2. Guangdong Province – Fitness Accessories & Smart Sports Tech
Guangdong, especially in Dongguan, Foshan, and Guangzhou, specializes in smaller fitness equipment and tech-integrated gear. This includes everything from jump ropes and yoga blocks to Bluetooth-enabled smart devices like digital skipping ropes or posture trackers.
Because of the proximity to Shenzhen’s electronics industry, manufacturers in Guangdong are also ideal for brands looking to create connected fitness products.
Ideal for sourcing:
- Yoga mats and bands
- Smart gym equipment
- Fitness bags and wearables
3. Zhejiang Province – Team Sports & Outdoor Equipment
Zhejiang Province, with Yiwu and Ningbo as key cities, offers a wide array of sports equipment and outdoor gear. Yiwu is home to the world’s largest wholesale market, where businesses can find suppliers for everything from soccer balls to camping gear.
Suppliers here are often willing to work with smaller MOQs, which is great for new brands testing market demand before committing to large-scale orders.
Ideal for sourcing:
- Team sports gear (balls, cones, pads)
- Outdoor equipment (sleeping bags, backpacks)
- Budget and wholesale items for e-commerce
Brands That Import Sports Gear from China
Large International Brands
Many top brands use China as part of their global sourcing strategy. While some companies are moving specific production lines to Southeast Asia for diversification, China remains a critical manufacturing partner.
- Decathlon: Sources a wide range of its in-house brands—especially low- to mid-tier sports gear and fitness items—from factories across China.
- Nike and Adidas: Though diversifying, they still rely on Chinese manufacturers for shoes, accessories, and parts of their apparel lines.
- Under Armour: Produces much of its performance apparel and gear components through Chinese OEMs.
These companies typically work through long-term supply agreements and conduct regular audits to maintain standards.
DTC and E-Commerce Brands
Startups and e-commerce brands—including Amazon FBA sellers and Shopify-based stores—frequently source white-label or private-label products from China. Suppliers often offer customization options for branding, packaging, and colors, making it easy to create a distinct product without starting from scratch.
Some examples include:
- Resistance bands branded for influencer-led fitness startups
- Smart skipping ropes with app integrations for connected fitness apps
- Branded recovery gear like massage guns and foam rollers
Trends Shaping China’s Sports Gear Exports
1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials
As global demand for sustainable products rises, Chinese manufacturers are stepping up. Many now offer products made from:
- Recycled TPE for yoga mats
- Organic cotton for apparel
- Biodegradable plastics for packaging
Factories are also investing in water-saving processes and non-toxic dyes, which is a huge win for eco-conscious brands.
2. Integration of Smart Technology
Smart gear is gaining momentum in China. Manufacturers are embedding sensors, Bluetooth chips, and NFC tags into workout products. This opens up possibilities like:
- Smart skipping ropes that track calories and reps
- Posture-correcting sensors embedded in compression shirts
- Connected resistance bands that link with fitness apps
This is especially appealing for startups in the connected fitness space, allowing for innovation without huge upfront R&D costs.
3. Support for Low MOQs and Dropshipping
To meet the needs of smaller brands and TikTok/Instagram-based stores, more Chinese suppliers are now offering:
- Low minimum order quantities (as few as 50–100 units)
- White-label and print-on-demand services
- Warehousing and direct shipping (sometimes even within China)
This flexibility makes it easier for businesses to test products without heavy investment.
Challenges of Sourcing Sports Gear from China
1. Inconsistent Quality
Quality can vary significantly from one supplier to the next. Even factories with the same product listing might differ in material quality, durability, and finishing. Always:
- Request detailed product specs and certifications
- Ask for physical samples before placing a bulk order
- Use third-party QC inspectors to verify the goods before shipment
Working with a sourcing agent or trusted partner in China can help you catch red flags early.
2. Intellectual Property (IP) Concerns
Protecting your brand and designs is critical. While some suppliers are highly professional, others may replicate your design or sell it to competitors.
- Register your trademark and product design in China through the China Trademark Office.
- Use NDAs and contracts with clear IP clauses.
- Avoid suppliers who also sell your product on marketplaces unless agreed in writing.
3. Communication Barriers
Although English proficiency is improving, miscommunication remains a common issue. Many problems arise from unclear instructions or assumptions made on both sides.
- Use visuals like spec sheets, drawings, and videos.
- Break communication into steps—product, packaging, timeline, logistics.
- Confirm everything in writing, especially changes or updates.
Time zones can also slow down discussions. Try to align key meetings during your supplier’s working hours (typically 9 AM–6 PM China Standard Time).
4. Logistics and Tariffs
Shipping bulky or heavy sports gear (like weights or large fitness sets) can be expensive. Fluctuations in sea freight prices, port delays, and customs changes all affect your bottom line.
- Work with a reputable freight forwarder who specializes in sporting goods.
- Understand your destination country’s import taxes and safety regulations.
- For U.S. importers, keep an eye on potential tariff shifts (e.g., from ongoing U.S.-China trade policy developments).
How to Source Reliable Sports Gear Suppliers from China
Finding the right supplier is often the hardest—and most important—part of sourcing. While platforms like Alibaba or Made-in-China offer thousands of options, not all suppliers meet international standards, and product quality can vary significantly.
Step 1: Start with a Clear Product Specification
Before reaching out to suppliers, create a detailed product spec sheet. This should include:
- Dimensions, materials, and color options
- Packaging requirements
- Safety or compliance standards (e.g., CE, CPSIA, ASTM)
- Expected order quantity and target price
The more precise you are, the more likely you are to get accurate quotes and filter out unqualified suppliers.
Step 2: Use Trusted Sourcing Platforms
B2B marketplaces are useful, but they can be overwhelming and filled with trading companies rather than manufacturers. That’s where specialized sourcing tools can help.
SourceReady, for example, is an AI-powered supplier search engine that helps businesses find high-quality, vetted manufacturers across China and other countries. Instead of digging through thousands of listings, you can filter suppliers by:
- Product type (e.g., yoga mats, boxing gloves)
- Certifications
- Manufacturing scale
- Match score based on your unique needs
SourceReady also uses data from global trade records, factory audits, and third-party certifications to ensure transparency—giving you confidence before making contact.
Step 3: Validate and Compare
Once you’ve shortlisted a few suppliers:
- Request product samples
- Ask for recent inspection reports or client references
- Check for export licenses and factory certifications (like BSCI, ISO, or Sedex)
- Confirm if the supplier is a manufacturer or a trading company
Step 4: Start Small and Scale Up
Place a small trial order first. This allows you to evaluate product quality, consistency, and communication. If the supplier meets your expectations, you can gradually scale up to larger orders with more customization.
Conclusion
Sourcing sports gear from China offers a powerful combination of affordability, variety, and scalability—key advantages for growing brands and retailers. With established manufacturing clusters, a wide range of supplier capabilities, and strong export infrastructure, China continues to be a global leader in sports gear production. Whether you’re ordering custom boxing gloves or launching a new yoga product line, understanding the landscape can help you avoid costly mistakes and build long-term supplier relationships.
That said, success doesn’t come from price alone. Quality control, clear communication, and supplier due diligence are critical to ensuring you get what you pay for. Stay on top of industry trends—like sustainability and smart tech—and work with suppliers who align with your brand’s values and standards.
Now’s the time to take action: start by defining your ideal product, identify target manufacturing regions, and begin conversations with vetted suppliers. With the right approach, sourcing from China can unlock serious growth for your business.
FAQ
1. How do I find reliable sports gear suppliers in China?
Use platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, or SourcReady. Filter for “verified” suppliers with export experience. Ask for references, samples, and factory audit reports before placing large orders.
2. How much does shipping cost when importing sports gear from China?
Shipping costs depend on weight, size, and delivery method. Bulky items are best shipped by sea. Lighter items can be air-shipped. Work with a freight forwarder to get accurate quotes and optimize your shipping method.
3. What certifications should sports gear have when importing?
This depends on your destination market. For the U.S., consider CPSIA or ASTM standards. For Europe, CE marking and REACH compliance may apply. Always check local safety regulations for sports or fitness equipment.
