The essence of it begins with respect for power - not just the power your machines deliver to your members, but the power you feed them behind the scenes. If you're planning a gym floor, a studio, or a serious home gym, understanding the electrical backbone is as important as selecting the right cardio gear. Getting the wiring wrong can lead to breaker trips, damage to expensive machines, unsafe conditions, and frustrated members.
Whether you're installing treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, or other cardio gear for the first time, or upgrading an existing space, the question of dedicated circuits is not optional - it's fundamental. In this post, I'll break down why a dedicated electrical circuit matters, what “dedicated” really means, and how you can plan correctly so your cardio floor runs smoothly, reliably, and safely.
What Is a Dedicated Circuit - and Why Does It Matter?
A “dedicated circuit” means that a particular electrical outlet draws power only for a specific machine (or a limited group of machines), and nothing else shares that circuit. For many high-powered cardio machines - especially commercial treadmills - the manufacturer and electrical-code guidelines recommend a 120 V / 20 A circuit, with a properly grounded outlet and its own neutral and ground wiring.
Using a shared circuit (one that powers other outlets, lights, fans, TVs, or appliances) risks overloading the circuit. That can cause frequent breaker trips, reduced performance, or even damage to the motor or electronics of the cardio machine. Worse - it can create safety hazards like overheated wiring or low voltage under load.
How Cardio Equipment Draws Power: Variables That Affect Circuit Requirements
Not all cardio equipment draws the same amount of power. Treadmills - with motors to power the belt and incline system - generally demand the highest amount of electricity, usually requiring a full 20Â A dedicated circuit.
Non-treadmill cardio gear like ellipticals, bikes, and steppers sometimes needs less power. In many cases, multiple units can share a lower-amperage circuit (for example, up to four ellipticals or bikes on a 15Â A or 20Â A circuit), provided nothing else shares that circuit.
However - “self-powered” consoles (or units that don't draw external electricity) are becoming rarer, as more cardio machines now include screens, connectivity, and electronic controls. That increases their power draw, pushing many older assumptions about shared circuits beyond what's safe or reliable.
Risks of Ignoring Dedicated Circuits - From Tripped Breakers to Equipment Damage
When cardio machines are plugged into inadequate wiring, you'll likely see one or more of these recurring problems: circuit breakers tripping during peak use; voltage drop under load leading to weak motor performance; overheating wires or motors due to overload; inconsistent console behavior or shutdowns; and accelerated wear on electronic components.
These risks don't just affect operation - they can shorten the lifespan of your equipment, void warranties, increase maintenance costs, and create a liability for your facility. For a professional gym or commercial space, that's the last thing you want. You're not just investing in machines - you're investing in reliability, member experience, and long-term ROI.
Planning Ahead: How to Set Up Proper Power for Your Cardio Floor
Before installing cardio equipment, consult with a licensed electrician. They can evaluate your building's service panel, run proper gauge wiring (often 12-gauge for runs under 100 feet, or 10-gauge for longer runs), and install dedicated outlets with the appropriate breaker.
Consider how many machines will operate at once, and whether your gym includes other high-demand systems - HVAC, lighting, sound, TVs, etc. These all draw current and contribute to overall load. Make sure your panel and sub-panels are sized accordingly.
If you're installing multiple cardio units - for example a row of bikes or ellipticals - plan grouping carefully. Many commercial ellipticals or bikes may share a circuit (depending on their power draw), but treadmills almost always need individual circuits, one per machine.
What This Means for a Facility Stocked With Skelcore Cardio Gear
If you're considering building or upgrading a cardio section with equipment from our cardio line - whether that's upright bikes, spinning bikes, ellipticals, or treadmill-style gear from the Black Series Cardio, Elite Series or Power Series Cardio - it pays to plan the power infrastructure first. A well-designed electrical layout ensures every piece runs reliably and lasts longer.
For a row of ellipticals or bikes you might be fine with shared circuits (if specs allow), but for any treadmill-style or high-power cardio machines, budget for dedicated 20Â A circuits, individual grounded outlets, and proper wiring gauge. That foresight will save headaches, maintenance, and potential downtime.
Bottom Line: Don't Let Power Be an Afterthought
Gym design isn't just about flooring, machines, or layout - it's about systems. Power is one of those invisible but critical systems. Overlooking it might not have immediate consequences, but over time you risk electrical problems, damaged equipment, unhappy members, and higher costs.
By treating each high-draw cardio machine as a serious electrical load requiring dedicated wiring - like you would a motor, HVAC unit, or industrial appliance - you're not just protecting the gear. You're safeguarding your investment, ensuring safety, and maintaining the professional experience your facility promises.
If you're planning a cardio floor or upgrading equipment, take the time now to map out your power layout. Your future self (and your members) will thank you. Let the machines do the heavy lifting - you just need to make sure the power behind them is ready.