Starting a Gym Business

There are millions of people worldwide who actually hit the gym everyday to exercise and maintain their physical fitness. This growing trend can be an advantage on your part most especially if you consider the idea of starting a health and fitness business.

With the number of people consciously aware that they need to flex and stretch their muscles regularly, investing and starting a fitness business is surely a good idea. If you do not have an idea about gym business plans, here are some of business ideas to help you with.

Choosing a good location for gym business

Choosing a good location to build a fitness center business is of utmost importance when you are planning to start a gym business. This is to ensure that you have a location that is accessible for people who want to exercise and use gym equipment. You have to therefore determine whether a location that you are eyeing for your fitness gym business is accessible to the majority of the population who are actually conscious about physical fitness. Students and the young people, for example, are among those who frequent the gym health clubs and they are potentially good clients. You would therefore find it feasible to place your gym business in places that are accessible and visible to this target market such as near the malls and schools. Being able to choose a good location can ensure you of a good number of clients who will use your gym facilities.

Choosing better services and facilities for gym

There are already a bunch of fitness center businesses that exist and offer the same service that you have. It is therefore to your advantage if you can stand out from the rest of them by offering your clients newer and better gym equipment and gym facilities. Few of the equipments you might want to include in your gym are bike, elliptical, stepper, treadmill, home gym and multi function trainer, rubber flooring and weight benches. You can check out from the internet the latest in gym equipment to know whether the facilities that you are planning to buy are compliant to the demands and needs of your clients. In addition to this, you might also want to consider giving more services that are targeted to the interests and needs of your clients. You may, for example, offer your clients stress management and job application classes that many of them might be interested to participate in. You might also want to give your clients the option to request for pop or rock music that they want aired while exercising in your fitness center.

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Offer packages and promos

The best thing to jumpstart your gym operation is to entice people to work out in your gym. You will find it helpful to offer special packages, promos, freebies and even fitness business cards so people will be interested to exercise in your gym. Giving your clients big discounts for referring other gym buffs, for example, can help in boosting the number of clients that will patronize your health and fitness business.

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373 Comments

  • Alan Spiers said on April 28, 2009
    Shop for quality flooring and equipment. Best company for price I found was www.rubberfloor.com, they did a nice job of sending me custom cut rolled rubber flooring. ALN Fitness
  • Rob Hall said on May 12, 2009
    I really would like some help on starting my own hard core gym. What ever you have on any of this, would be helpful. Thank you!
  • barney said on June 1, 2009
    Hi I'm looking to start a fitness center. I would love to know what group should I target first. High, low income or both. thanks a lot
  • Adrian said on June 9, 2009
    Guys, I am starting my own gym, can anyone give some advice? or a copy of a business proposal? Thanks.
  • Alexius said on June 28, 2009
    Hello, I am planning to start my own gym. please give me some advise and a copy of a business proposal. thanks a lot
  • Travis said on June 29, 2009
    hey everyone, I am starting my own gym, can anyone give some advice? or a copy of a business proposal? Thank you so much for any info you can give.....
  • Ian Ehlers said on July 6, 2009
    I would like to open a gym or fitness centre but i don't know where to start with my business plan or where to begin. Will you please help me?
  • Janis said on July 12, 2009
    I am planning to open my own gym and need advise in writing a business proposal. I also need help in researching the market i would like to target.
  • kolade said on July 17, 2009
    i am planning to start my gym/fitness centre but i don't know how to start. i would be grateful for some advice and a copy of business proposal. thanks
  • Melanie said on August 14, 2009
    Hi, I would like to start a fitness/weight management club for ladies. I would like anyone to give me info on where to start? Thank you.
  • delobklyn said on September 1, 2009
    Hi, I am highly interested in opening up a gym studio, more of a spin studio but we would offer all aspects of fitness, classes and nutrition can you send me a copy of a business proposal? and help me with some stuff i may not know that i need? Thanks soooooo Much!
  • Gabriel said on September 18, 2009
    Does any one have a business proposal template for a boxing gym that could share? I am having a little problem trying to convince the city to let me open the gym. Thanks.
  • mike said on September 23, 2009
    I want to start a fitness gym and need guidance on a business plan / proposal. Also, I would like to know what information I would need to research to begin on the right track. Thanks in advance.
  • Lisa said on September 25, 2009
    My husband and I are interested in starting a gym more of a weightlifters gym. We are really lost on where to start. If you have any advice or a proposal we can look at would be great. Thanks
  • Quinita said on September 27, 2009
    I am interested in opening a gym, but don't know exactly where to start. Any would be appreciated and a copy of a business proposal. Many thanks!
  • Botlhale said on October 4, 2009
    Hi i am starting my gym business. I have already began my research but i am short on capital, how can i get money. In need of financial advice.
  • Charity said on October 27, 2009
    I am interested on starting a gym business, I will like anyone who have an idea how to go about starting a business and about financial support.
  • Nina said on November 7, 2009
    Hi i need tips on opening up a fitness center in africa Any tips? please?
  • chad said on November 11, 2009
    I have the money to purchase all the equipment, but I don't know what type of space to lease. A store front in a strip mall, or a storage facility like a warehouse. I am unsure of what type of place would be good for a gym with loud music and grunting clients and clanging metal.
  • Jonathan said on November 30, 2009
    Hi I would like to open a gym in a rural area (Thaba Patshwa, Free State, South Africa) with low income clients. I have the necessary start up capital but would like to know if it would be a great idea. There are no other gyms for km's.
  • Jason said on December 1, 2009
    Hello All, If anyone is in need of a gym NAME I have the answer. GymCEO. I own GymCEO.com and it is a short brandable name that would do well in any sort of advertisement as it easy to remember. Let me know if anyone wants to buy it. Thanks, Jason jgendr2@gmail.com
  • Norris Gross said on December 7, 2009
    I really would like to open a gym in my home town of mississippi. The state of Mississippi is last on the pole when it come to health and fitness. i would like to change this. I have a nonprofit program call strive 4 fitness that i am working on. This program will help kids with over weight problems in my state. I think a gym would be a good platform for me to begin. In other for this to be a good program i need great ideas. Do you have any ideas on a business plan for a gym that would get me off on the right foot. Money is one problem.
  • babu narayan singh said on January 4, 2010
    i am from bilaspur. i want to open a gym, i've only 5 lakh so please help me to open gym. bilaspur (chhatisgarh) india
  • calvin said on January 13, 2010
    Baltimore, MD, USA. I am in the process of putting together a boxing program inside an all boys school and need a template for a business proposal.
  • sat said on January 21, 2010
    plan to open fitness center in nearby housing area in kajang. kajang selangor malaysia
  • Denis Cronin said on January 24, 2010
    i want to start a gym. In researching this i have been unable so far to come across a successful Business plan and i am looking for an edge to offer potential clients in Cork Ireland.
  • Olumide said on February 12, 2010
    I would like to start a gym/fitness center. I need help on a sample business plan. Thank you. Lagos, Nigeria
  • dingle said on February 12, 2010
    I'm 27 things have really started going for me, i decided to have my own gym last year. it takes a lot of work, planning, lease negotiating. I have the equipment bar a few items and am currently renovating the building. You gotta just go for it and have good support from your partner and never give up. I really hope it works out for me as well as anyone else taking the plunge or already have. Facebook me - Dingle lad. if you need help or share your knowledge.
  • Jaret said on February 22, 2010
    Hi. I am interested in opening a weightlifting / bodybuilding gym in the northeast (NY, PA). If anyone could help me out with a rough estimate of start-up costs, ideas about where to search for financing, and a model written business proposal for loan applications, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. And good luck to all of you who strive as I do for a taste of success.
  • Betsy Mukiama said on March 4, 2010
    Hi, am planning to start a gym business in a small but rapidly growing town in Kenya. majority of the town occupants are not into working out or gyms but i think if i create awareness and demand it will work. Any ideas from someone who has already done it? thank you.
  • mazvi said on March 19, 2010
    hi, i'm planning to start a fitness centre can anyone help me with a copy of a good proposal i know i can get a place and the funds if i put my plan together. thanx
  • Bret said on March 27, 2010
    hi, I am interested in opening a gym that focuses on speed and strength training for high school and college athletes. I am needing help with a business proposal and some ideas with starting this kind of business. Thanks!
  • francis said on March 28, 2010
    I am starting my own gym. Help me with a project report to be submitted for the approval of finance
  • gym said on March 31, 2010
    I want to start a small gym in a small town in kenya, Anyone with a business proposal? Thanks
  • Dugyir Loya said on April 7, 2010
    hi, I am a physiotherapist n is really interested in opening a gym. But have no proper idea on how to actually open it. and how much may be the investment? i want to open it in my home town in India. any idea from someone who runs his or her own gym. THANKS
  • james okudo said on April 8, 2010
    i'm a Nigerian, in Lagos state. and interested in starting up a gym business and need advice, thank you
  • roger said on April 10, 2010
    Hai anybody like to open gym? I'M a gym equipment supplier. U can buy gym equipment from me. Yes, Full set of gym equipment. Anybody interested please contact 012-7073792 or by e-mail gsroger@yahoo.com
  • Basheer Khudayar said on April 14, 2010
    I found a property that's around 12,000sf, and i would like to open a fitness center there but I have no idea where to start please if you can give some advice? or a copy of a business proposal? Thanks.
  • S P Mohanty said on April 17, 2010
    Cuttack, Orissa, India. Wish to open a Gym. Provide details.
  • saheed said on April 22, 2010
    I have a pretty good idea what my customers want in a gym however i'm not sure i have covered all areas (pros and cons) and I really need help in terms of paper work such as proposal. Lagos, Nigeria
  • Mothusi said on April 24, 2010
    I have this interest in me, opening a gym in Bloemfontein South Africa. help me out in carrying this out. Please
  • ledwaba ncediwe said on April 26, 2010
    I would like to start a gym in Lebowakgomo, Polokwane in South Africa, so that I can service women, children in schools around and elderly. Please help me.
  • Cronje van Wyk said on May 10, 2010
    You can contact Active Africa Gym Equipment for all your equipment needs, Gym Layout and planning. They are based in JHB, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. www.activeafricasa.com 0514369665
  • curtis said on May 11, 2010
    i am in san antoino texas i want to start a gym for overweight people kids women & men i need help
  • Ahmad zia said on May 18, 2010
    Actually i'm a designer of metal so i want to make the gym equipments please advice me & if it possible send me the design graphic & the photos graphic for me for making the gym equipments. thanks.
  • Mohamed Shoeib said on May 18, 2010
    Am looking forward to open a fitness center. I need a supplier for the bodybuilding + fitness machines. I am located in Cairo/Egypt
  • Anthony Mason said on June 24, 2010
    I am interested in opening my own gym in plymouth Devon UK would be grateful on information to get started
  • Firdaus Sharifman said on June 26, 2010
    i'm looking for business planning or proposal to setup my new gymnasium. I need also layout plan, design and graphic. Please advice me.
  • Sudhakar said on June 27, 2010
    Am residing in chennai (india). I want to know how much it will cost to open a gym in chennai?
  • Anand Dubey said on June 28, 2010
    wanna Start new GYM or FITNESS CENTER? just Call 08097375781 we Provide total Solution
  • azza said on July 3, 2010
    I need to open a Gym for Ladies With a Swimming Pool, what should i do? i have no idea, please help me .
  • sanjiv Nijhawan said on July 4, 2010
    I am into setting up of gyms & clubs for the last 10 years, pls let me know if anyone needs consultancy. Regards, Sanjiv contact sanjiv_nijhawan@yahoo.co.in
  • Julia kekana said on July 9, 2010
    I would like to open a gym in Lebowakgomo, Polokwane in South Africa, may you pleas help me with proposal/business plan for finance.
  • Mmabo cynthia mokoape said on July 10, 2010
    Hi i really want to open a gymnasium, would be very happy if i can be assisted with a good proposal/business plan i live in kagiso.mogale city(jhb) south africa
  • samson ngwatla said on July 19, 2010
    Hi i would like to open a gym in Ebony(Tembisa). i need a supplier for fitness machines. please
  • Martin Nolan said on July 20, 2010
    hi i am looking at commercial properties locally to start a gym in and was wondering at least how many square feet a gym should be???? any ideas?
  • Manny said on July 25, 2010
    Heello, I live in Fairfax VA, was looking into a "Bowflex studio"; I know how to start just that I need a more information. Any help would be appreciated.
  • Karabo said on July 27, 2010
    I want to start a gym and need to know where to go for financial assistance and how to draft a proposal for my business. I'm in pretoria, south africa.
  • Nawa Nawa said on July 30, 2010
    I want to open a gym business in my area so can any one help me with ideas on how to kick start it. I'm in Botswana, Chobe.
  • Riaan said on August 3, 2010
    I can assist any one with queries regarding opening a gym facility in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, namibia ext 084 860 3001 rmresources@live.co.za
  • mukthar ahmed said on August 14, 2010
    I would like start fitness centre in Vellore tamil Nadu, India. I need full set up of gym and flooring quotation.
  • Michael said on August 17, 2010
    I want to start a gym at my work place that would hold 30 pax per session in Nairobi Kenya. I need someone to advice me on how to go about it and how to draft a proposal to Senior management that would enable them fund this project.
  • Jyothi Rao said on August 25, 2010
    I would like start fitness centre in Sri Kalahasti, Andhra pradesh, India. I need full set up of gym and flooring quotation. Can I install equipment at 4th floor.
  • Jeremy Storm said on August 25, 2010
    I am currently in the Navy serving in Iraq. I have been interested in starting a gym for some time now and have been saving over $2,000 per month to fund my dream when I get out after my shore duty in 2014. If anybody has any idea about how much it would cost to open a decent sized gym (brand new building, brand new equipment, the whole works) please email me back with a ballpark figure. I am also interested in finding a business partner that I can count on if there is anybody out there who shares the same dream and desire as me. For the above statement, my email address is stormj66@hotmail.com .
  • nidhi dewan bhadoria said on August 27, 2010
    hey i want to start a fitness aerobics & wellness center in bhopal m.p india. what should b my strategy.?.
  • tebogo said on September 2, 2010
    i have a 500 square meter building and gym equipment for installation how much can i pay
  • Manmath said on September 9, 2010
    Hi, i intent to start my own gym in panaji goa, India. Where can i get some quality equipments .
  • srivani pv said on September 12, 2010
    i want to start ladies fitness centre/gym in raipur in chattisgarh please help me in this regard what are the permissions required to start the gym in housing board residential house. thanq.
  • Mann said on September 13, 2010
    Hi, i am Planning to start my own gym in goa. how much would it cost? Can someone help me with a business plan drafting .
  • Thabo Marobe said on September 14, 2010
    I have all the gym equipment, and preparing to use my garage as a gym, but what I need is a contract for people who want to join and how much do I need to charge them. Kagiso2 South Africa Mogale City
  • kalo said on October 4, 2010
    Pago Pago, American Samoa. Looking into possibly opening a small gym for now.
  • quinn letebele said on October 6, 2010
    hi,i am planning to open a gym in utlwanang christiana south africa can you please help me write a good business plan.
  • roger said on October 12, 2010
    My name is Roger from Malaysia.Anyone interest open gym?I'm the gym equipment supplier.You can open my website.Go to google open Www.platinumfitness.com.my.Thank You.
  • chris said on October 15, 2010
    hello, i'm interested in opening a new style training gym in jacksonville florida. i need advice on a proposal for the back. i have location, equipment supplier, and llc finished. thank you
  • ashok said on October 21, 2010
    i want to buy gym equipment from nairobi kindly suggest me from where i get cheap and good quality gym equipment
  • Melanie said on November 18, 2010
    George, Southern Cape, South Africa. My question is: What legal requirements do I have to comply with, i.e. noise levels, job requirements to be a trainer, laws, etc. that we have to comply with to run a gym?
  • Pro Active Imports said on December 5, 2010
    Looking at starting a gym in or around South Africa? I can assist with all aspects of opening a new gym. Facility design, equipment supply, service and maintenance. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. Tel:+27 84 860 3001 Email:proactive@live.co.za
  • Sean said on December 6, 2010
    Hey guys, I need some help on my business proposal for a new gym. And any other tips would be very helpful. Thank you
  • dips kalsi said on December 12, 2010
    i need some help opening up a gym can some one send me a business proposal pls. thank you
  • lynn said on December 13, 2010
    I'm Lynn from Malaysia, anyone who interested to set up a gym centre with very low cost. Kindly email to me for inquiry.
  • mb said on December 14, 2010
    Hello, I want to start my biz of exercise / work out wear. Want to launch a new fitness apparel brand at low scale and then scale it according to demand. I am in India. Can you please provide thoughts, ideas , comments and suggestions for the idea. thanks.
  • Xavier said on December 23, 2010
    Hi, I am from Selangor, Malaysia. I want to start a gym/fitness center in my neighborhood but I have no idea on how to start. Eg: financial assistance/fund, business proposal, trainers, etc. Can someone guide me through please?
  • Marakatlala said on January 4, 2011
    hello! I am situated in a township called Daveyton in Ekhurhuleni and would like to open my own gym. There is none here already and i see a big market in demand for it. I would like to be assisted on how to go about opening one.I would like to be assisted with the finance and funding, business proposal, training and anything that may be compulsory for my knowledge regarding such a gesture.
  • ravi shankar said on January 6, 2011
    hello to start up gym business u should have some idea about fitness and if any one looking to open gym plz contact me for better idea or business plan i can guide any one any where i have experience of fitness almost 10 years my email id ravishankar@fitnessmail.net.so i can help any one thank u......
  • Piyush Gupta said on January 6, 2011
    I am from Xplore Lifestyle Solutions Pvt. Ltd.. Our Head office and Manufacturing plant is located in Pune (India). We are the Manufacturing of Gym equipments, and we are the PAN INDIA distributor for world top Most brands HOIST & FREEMOTION. Besides providing world class gym equipments (HOIST & FREEMOTION), we give design and consultancy services for healthclubs, spas, educational institutes, gyms, hotels, resorts and residential setups. We also provide world class lockers, furniture and biometric solutions. In nut shell, Xplore provide total solutions from inception to execution for the above. For more information You can write us on Mail ID: marketing@advansys.co.in and piyush.iims@gmail.com Cell no. 9665994205
  • ibrahim moosa said on January 20, 2011
    I really need to start Gym/fitness club business in Maldives/ Addu City, second highest populated Atoll in Maldives. If any one interested plz share with me
  • Piyush Gupta beginner adviser said on January 21, 2011
    Hello Mr. Ibrahim, As you wish to start Gym/Fitness Club for business, have u got the place for it, if yes then what is the area of it? How much investment you wants to do? I can suggest you the equipments & Floor plan for the same. U can mail me the details on my mail ID: marketing@advansys.co.in

    PH: 9665994205
    marketing@advansys.co.in

  • Sinothile Nxumalo said on January 24, 2011
    Hi I need to start a gym club so what i need to know is do u have to be Registered to start such business and do i need inspectors to check if the place is suitable for opening a gym
  • Srikant Chakraborty said on January 26, 2011
    I have an area of 1300 sq.ft., 1st Floor facing main road in Asansol, W.B., India. I want to start a gymnasium. I am looking for Gym-Equipment suppliers, manufacturers to send quotes for the complete set up of equipments. URGENTLY.
  • Piyush Gupta beginner adviser said on January 28, 2011
    Dear Mr. Srikant, Please, provide me your mail ID and contact no. for the further discussion regarding the gym equipments. Thanks & Regards, Piyush Gupta

    PH: 9665994205
    marketing@advansys.co.in

  • aaron said on February 4, 2011
    I have been in the fitness industry for about 9 years now... I worked for national chain, opened my own facility, had a side business of installing gym flooring and audio video equipment mainly for gyms... I also have access to tons of equipment... If anyone wants ideas, prices, business plan, or consulting on sales technique then email me and we can go from there... Good luck!
  • Mandar Pawar said on February 6, 2011
    Hello everyone, if anybody is looking for information Or Consultancy about setting up & running successful gym / fitness club in and around pune, look no further. Call Mandar @ +91-9764625155 / mail me: getsetfit2010@gmail.com
  • CHARLES THIONGO said on February 9, 2011
    Hello PEOPLE, I'm thinking of opening a gym in the outskirts of the city.I wanted to know the cost of treadmills, bikes and ow viable it is to open the gym, what charges to charge per session. Thanks and Kind Regards, Charles
  • DINESH M. said on February 9, 2011
    Looking at starting a gym in or around INDIA? WE can assist with all aspects of opening a new gym. Facility design, equipment supply, service maintenance and total management solutions. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. Tel: +91-9004559991 Email:themanagementcomp@yahoo.co.in
  • Hasit said on February 11, 2011
    hi, i want to start my own gym.and for that i want to take loan. plz send project report of gym so i can make my dreams true.
  • Piyush Gupta beginner adviser said on February 11, 2011
    HELLO Mr. Dinesh & Wajeeh, If you can provide me your's mail ID and contact details so it will be very great and we can do workout on your dreams. We are Pune based company, dealing with healthcare & Fitness equipments, for more details you can call me on 9665994205. With Regards, Piyush

    PH: 9665994205
    marketing@advansys.co.in

  • sanjiv Nijhawan said on February 18, 2011
    Hi, I am gym consultant from Mumbai (India) and have set up over 100 gyms. We deal in gym equipments & swimming pools, steam, sauna, jacuzzi & anything relating water bodies. etc. Contact mobile 9322297243 or sanjiv_nijhawan@yahoo.co.in. Regards, Sanjiv Nijhawan
  • Akhilesh singh beginner adviser said on February 18, 2011
    We provide world class equipment which are worlds best like Hoist & freemotion. We are the trend setters, Just check up with indias top gym like Gold's, Talwarkars, ABS to name a few which are top notch. Done more then 1000 installations in all segment ie real estates, hotels, home gym, fitness centres at affordable rates and best quality. We not only give gym equipment but also give full consultancy. If any one interested do call me. My contact number is 8888877794. Just a call can make a difference.

    8888877794

  • rob said on February 21, 2011
    I am planning on opening a gym in Santa Rosa, California. Do you have a business plan and start up cost for such a business. thinking of a 3-5k square foot gym. both me and my wife have college sport exp. thanks
  • sudheer.g said on February 25, 2011
    hi guys and girls, this is sudheer r/o hyderabad, working for a company, i'm planning to start a gym and health center in hyderabad, if anybody can provide the info, i'm very grateful to them. thanking you, sudheer

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