Key Considerations to Open Your Own Gym

The hardest part about anything is often taking the first step. And when it comes to starting your own business, this couldn't be more true. With so much stigma and shame wrapped around the world's perception of physical health and fitness, you can work wonders in people's lives by opening a new gym that empowers your community! 

Even though it's not easy, it can be deeply impactful to create the space you want to see in your neighborhood. Here are a few ideas to consider as you open your own gym and achieve the goals that you set for yourself—on your own terms. 

Gyms come in all shapes and forms. From brutal, industrial boxing centers to posh cycling studios with high pony-tails and designer yoga pants galore, there truly is a gym for everyone. In the beginning stages of creating your ideal gym, let yourself dream about what type of space you want to create. Where do you feel most empowered and supported working out? 

If you have the ability to craft your space from the ground up, you have an opportunity to create a totally fresh space and fit it to your needs. Using steel building kits or partnering with local builders are excellent options that give you control of the creative process and can ensure you have plenty of open space from group fitness classes and more.

Location will also affect the rate you can realistically charge for membership fees and classes, so make sure you do your research before settling on a spot!

How you market your space, in addition to the location, will influence the type of community your gym will attract. Consider what type of clientele you want to frequent your gym. Offering amenities that cater to certain populations can make a difference here. 

For example, a childcare area will encourage young parents to come to your space, while accessible group exercise classes for all bodies and abilities can make your gym more inclusive. 

You can opt to rent space in a bustling part of your community, giving your gym a sense of being nestled in the heart of a city. This would likely attract young professionals, so offering classes during lunch hour would be a great idea. What fits with your vision? Making choices every step of the way that aligns with that will serve you in the long term. 

In order to run a successful gym business, whether you are a small franchise or a large chain, it is essential to have a fitness marketing strategy. To succeed with your gym marketing, you must learn about marketing a gym on the web and social media. Once you understand this, empower yourself by realizing that solid marketing strategies and research will help you succeed.

It's also a great idea to offer a free trial or give away some bonus goodies to new and existing gym members as a way of drawing in new members.

You have your perfect location and are excited about the clientele you can attract. Now what? It's time to fill your space with equipment and programming to complement your brand and support your community! 

Do you want to own a gym that hosts lots of group exercise classes? Then you'll need wide open spaces and lots of free weights and exercise mats! If you want to focus on personal training, you'll need to hire expert staff and have plenty of exercise machines for them to work with clients. The types of equipment you offer can ultimately affect the demographics of your client base, so think through this wisely. 

Most equipment also requires maintenance as time goes on, so consider the long-term expenses of upkeep in your space. Educate yourself on how to maintain the machines or hire a designated maintenance team member who can attend to issues as they arise. 

For many, exercise is an act of empowerment and an opportunity to build strength and achieve goals. Why should opening a gym be any different?  If you carefully think through what type of space you want to create and intentionally cater to the needs of your community, you can support others on their journeys and enrich lives. Take the leap and open your dream gym!