Fitness Centre

[seoul]

I would like to start my own fitness centre. I think it could be a good business venture if done right. Obviously not having large amounts of capital to invest limits my options. If possible I would like a centre with the following facilities:

Cardio - Treadmills and Bikes
Weights - Benches and Weights
Fitness - Full Circuit
Small Studio - Spinning
Medium Studio - MMA, Yoga, Dance, etc
Punching Bags
Stretch Area
Male and Female shower/locker rooms

Now I know that might sound like a large sized centre based on the facilities but in my mind I can see it being kept to a medium size. To save on startup costs I'd like to use refurbished (like new) gym equipment, but I would still like to have high standard furnishings all round.

If anyone has ideas of startup costs/size of centre I would need/avg number of members gyms sign/etc etc, please share.

[bizdev]

Sounds like you want us to do your leg work. Start researching each aspect. That is the beginning of your business plan.

It would help you tremendously to actually work in a fitness center so you get the behind the scenes low down on how the place is run. You'll also have access to vendors and costs of supplies/equipment and number of members required to cover expenses.

[seoul]

I agree with you.

[Bodge4]

What is your niche, we talk about niches alot on this site. What are you going to do thats different to get members? A gym with used equipment and nice furnishing??? I'm paying to use the equipment not enjoy the setting, your missing the point there.

One of these just opened in my town. I think its a joke but there is some good info if you are serious.


What's the investment? | Top Low Cost Franchise - Anytime Fitness

Most successful gyms, have pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and NEW equipment.

Another thing to worry about is how popular working out at home and body weight workouts are now. Mon-Fri I do pushups, pull ups, sit ups, and cardio. Takes about 45 min. I do it in my house watching tv, talking to my kids, etc. I don't have to be away from home and am in pretty good shape. It has nothing to do with money, I can easily pay for membership.

Also most gyms lease there equipment, treadmills, bikes, etc. This way they say up to date with new equipment and don't have to worry about fixing it. On average its $250,000 a year to lease equipment for a small to med size gym. At $70 a month you need 3571 members to break even on the lease. I use $$70 a month because thats the highest price around. Most gyms are $20 a month around here.

Sorry if I sound negative, this is the info I have found when researching biz opps for myself.

[rabsy]

Fitness Center is really very important..Located in Paisley, Pro Life Fitness Center is one of the most up to date, well fitted out gyms in the West of Scotland.

[HENARRY JAYA]

Of course you can work out alone, but I think you would do much better having a partner.


Working with a partner in the gym has the following advantages;

1. A Synergy of motivation is created. If you are lucky enough to find a partner who shares similar goals then you will be amazed by the level of your motivation. You will find yourself performing more sets and reps.

2. You'll be punctual always. If you are working with a dedicated partner, he will ensure you come on time due to the competitive relationship you have formed.


3. You could actually avoid a lot of injuries when you are working with a gym partner. The most common injuries are caused when you fall or trip with weight on your hand or back. If you had a good partner such types of injuries could be easily avoided.



4. Some exercises can not be performed without a partner. You can for example do arm to arm curls more effectively if you had a work out partner.

]
5. It's also a lot less boring when you have someone to talk to.

[orson.octavius]

That's the best way to go, no distractions, just zone out on what your doing. I go later at night during the week when it's empty.

[seoul]

interesting. thanks for the break-down. the figures you mention are a little on the bleak side though.

when i say used equipment i would be referring to equipment that has been refurbished to "like new" but if you are someone who is really in the know u may not be happy if you expect the latest equipment. maybe it's just a personal thing as i know i wouldn't mind using used equipment so long as it does the job right.

niche... i would aim to attract people who are into martial arts, people into spinning, yoga, and dance. in fact the 2 studios would be the main focus of this fitness centre.

but the centre would also have the standard gym facilities, as mentioned, a weight area, a circuit, a cardio area, and a stretching area.

[Bodge4]

I forgot to add, small gyms with little or no weights are becoming popular here. We looked into a boxing club. Where you offer boxing lessons, group boxing cardio, and basic weights. Cheap to set up and you can make good money with little investment.

I am still thinking about it in my vacancy but I have a few other ideas for the spot too.

[Charger]

To make profit with your idea would be quite hard. I have been to a few gyms, and 2 types had many costumers;

-a low budget gym, with many old equipement, and very basic furnishing.
-And the one which is part of a huge squash center (squash courts, garden with pool, jakuzzi, sauna, aerobic stuff..) This one was pretty high-end, but this center has a lot of posh costumers from town, who can pay the more expensive membership.


Bodge4 idea is pretty good.
You could have a biger room for martial arts classes for adults and kids (kids can make great profit). In this area, you could also have aerobic and other woman stuff. The other could have the all the weight machines.

Bodge4 idea is pretty good.

[KMDAS]

I forgot to add, small gyms with little or no weights are becoming popular here. We looked into a boxing club. Where you offer boxing lessons, group boxing cardio, and basic weights. Cheap to set up and you can make good money with little investment.

I am still thinking about it in my vacancy but I have a few other ideas for the spot too.

This sounds like a good idea and pretty low overhead.

[creditnet]

My good friend is renting out an old cement building with high ceilings to a martial artist who only holds classes 3 times a week. She does very well catering to children. It seems despite the recession, more specialty type gyms like martial arts studios and rock climbing gyms can still get away with charging $50+ per month. So I think including kids in your gym, at least a portion of it, is a great idea.

Using "like new" equipment would be fine, even more so if it's reupholstered and looks new. Even better if you can reupholster it using a different color than the standard gray or reddish material. Where I live, urban gyms are popping up left and right, with exposed concrete ceilings and original wooden floors. People want something different than a 24-hour Fitness. Make it charming and I think people will come.

[creditnet]

By the way, my friend's building is about 1600 square feet in size and the tenant pays around $1500 per month in rent. Cost will of course depend on your city and location within the city.

[HENARRY JAYA]

Of course you can work out alone, but I think you would do much better having a partner.


Working with a partner in the gym has the following advantages;

1. A Synergy of motivation is created. If you are lucky enough to find a partner who shares similar goals then you will be amazed by the level of your motivation. You will find yourself performing more sets and reps.

2. You'll be punctual always. If you are working with a dedicated partner, he will ensure you come on time due to the competitive relationship you have formed.

3. You could actually avoid a lot of injuries when you are working with a gym partner. The most common injuries are caused when you fall or trip with weight on your hand or back. If you had a good partner such types of injuries could be easily avoided.