Business Opportunities and Ideas

[JohnChristianvlad]

Hi, I posted about 3 weeks ago about deciding what sort of business I could operate/set up with my skills, I am thinking currently and still doing brainstorming about a small gym and mabie focus on a neiche in the area depending on ideas, does anyone have any ideas and what is your opinion on gyms, bear in mind my idea would have to be limited on the luxarys you get at the well known gyms, I would just like any ideas and information, Im 25 years old now. Thanks

John

[Matty25]

Hello John,

I'm no expert, indeed I'm far from it, but I will try to help the best I can, and hopefully my response here will prompt others to pitch in their ideas too.

I assume that you have thought about most if not all of the following:

Site location / premises
Building maintenance
On site car parking
Advertising (local newspaper or magazine? flyers? website?)
Rental costs
Startup costs
Running costs
Equipment costs (have you received quotations from suppliers?)
Potential customer base
Membership fees
Customer requirements (what do they want/expect from a gym?)
What level of equipment do you intend to start with?

I could probably list 100's of other things but I guess that you get my jist.

I assume that you will want to start reasonably small scale with say a couple of treadmills, rowing machine, plenty of free weights, a bench press etc. TV / stereo system? Showers and changing rooms (male & female) on site? Plenty of mirrors. Health & safety.

Have you thought about separating the free weights section from the running machines etc - depending on the type of customer (and I dont mean to stereotype, only going from experience, but the ladies tend to use the tread mills more than the free weights and the men vice versa, sometimes walking into a gym full of men can be a little intimidating for women, I guess you just need to provide the right atmosphere/separation if necessary. I know one gym that did this have their gym over two floors and this worked very well.

You also need to think about the figures and come up with some membership fees. Perhaps not straight away but once you get bigger you could give some kind of classification to the fees e.g. gold, sivler, bronze etc on what level/times they can use the gym e.g. off peak or peak hours etc - as I say, this will be more applicable in later stages of the business.

Is there decent on site parking/lighting? Is it in a good location, easy to get to? Sign board on outside of building easily identifiable etc.

Are you wanting to supplement your income by selling protein shakes/bars, accessories, equipment etc - this could also evolve online.

I am assuming that you would start a small gym business with minimum equipment and build over time. The ultimate goal of course (or at least my goal) would be to do so well that you are then able to buy bigger premises, more equipment, more staff, personal trainers? with possibly a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi etc - I suppose similar to the JJB Health & Fitness Centres. Although it may be difficult to compete at this level, but you never know, if you get a prime location in a developing area - one of the big boys may come along to buy your business. Think about exit strategy.

Even if only part of the above has helped it has certinaly been worth writing. Good luck with your future endeavours, and if you get this up and running please come back and tell us.

Sorry if some of that is utter garbage, just trying to help.

All the best
Matt

[jaan]

go for a niche gym like gym for lady's only. the point being it is easier to manage and more successful as those lady's will bring their friends with them.

J

[John]

I tend towards Jaan's advice - is there a niche you can target? From past experience serious body builders/power lifters aren't all the well catered for in some towns (the gyms suffer from a serious lack of free weights).

Regards, John
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Editor of Business Opportunities and Ideas

[jaan]

[JohnChristianvlad]

[JohnChristianvlad]

[moyo]

Hi John,

If your very much serious about taking this path, why dont you do a fitness course and heath and a heath and safety course? Just to get the ball rolling. Sure they might be expensive but it will definatly be handy in the future. If you do not work, there are places out there that can help you get on the courses.

I dont really now much about the industry indept, but would you be needing these cerficates? either way if its needed or not needed you will benefit in the future.

Have you thought about obbesse people, with that its mainly about cardio right? and loosing weight, less of the profesionall gear needed, big market to target.

The only problem with dealing with experienced body builders in my own opinion is that they will need more up dated equipment which means more expenses. In my opinion that will be throwing yourself into the deep end. Then again im no expert in this industry lol

Ladies only gym is a very good idea!

Kindest regards,

Moyo

[jaan]

showers are essential ... believe me ... you will lose customers else ...

[rassman]

Ask yourself what is wrong about the other gym's already in your area. I agree with some other posters about gaining accreditation, also seek out liability insurerance.

Another thing to think about is breakdown of machinery, will you have a service contract with the supplier, will equipment be 2nd hand, will you have the new breakthrough in technology to entice new customers in.

What about after work out, will you have a bar, or fitness chill zone, smoothies/massage.

You have age on your side which is great, go for it, but work it all out and keep asking questions here.
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