Opening a Gym...

[KayKo]

Hey all this board seems like the most appropriate place to post this, so I'll post here. I was looking for some insight in opening up a gym in my area. I would prefer to go franchise such as Gold's or Bodyplex as it seems that the smaller gyms get gobbled up around here. I know I'd have to lease an area, but what are start up costs like? I plan on catering to all types of athletes....from people who are just starting to people who compete. Any info. would GREATLY be appreciated!!

 

[the guy on the couch]

I'm curious too. New Orleans NEEDS some gyms. Maybe I just need a cage and a bench.

 

[cwick0]

You need to talk to BIGDHO. He has his own gym and could help you greatly with the costs and expectations.

 

[Razorguns]

First off. You're on stage 1 of like 50. A gym is a grand venture. You have a LOT of reserach to do. Books to read. People to talk to. Self-analysis to ensure 100% determination. Financial analysis. Market research. Franchising. etc. etc. etc.

While every success starts with a first step -- it can also involve a LOT of steps. So if this *really* is what you want -- take a deep breath and start getting into specifics, and clarifying your goals on paper.

If you just want to "test the waters" to see what's involved first -- without making huge commitements in terms of time or money. Do what others have suggested, and make a quick preliminary inquiry with BigDho. He can probably give you a rough estimate of what'll be involved. Both financially and physically.

 

[gregory]

First off. You're on stage 1 of like 50. A gym is a grand venture. You have a LOT of reserach to do. Books to read. People to talk to. Self-analysis to ensure 100% determination. Financial analysis. Market research. Franchising. etc. etc. etc.

While every success starts with a first step -- it can also involve a LOT of steps. So if this *really* is what you want -- take a deep breath and start getting into specifics, and clarifying your goals on paper.

If you just want to "test the waters" to see what's involved first -- without making huge commitements in terms of time or money. Do what others have suggested, and make a quick preliminary inquiry with BigDho. He can probably give you a rough estimate of what'll be involved. Both financially and physically.

Very true, very true. I opened one and am in my second month of business. I have been through it all and can share any experience you want me to. But one thing i can tell you is this.

It's so much friggin work and i mean SO MUCH FRIGGIN WORK it can make you puke, get discouraged and almost cause a nervous breakdown. The fairy tale of being a gym owner and just sitting back, making shakes, grabing a workout, bullshitting with buddies and cashing fat checks are ALL bullshit. It's a fairytale and a myth that fools alot of unsuspecting folks once they get into this. Over time this may or may not come true but for the first few years your life will be all about running a business NOT a gym, so forget friends, parties and fun. This will be like a medical internship, you will literally have to LIVE at your business, to make it sucessfull.

No such thing as an easy ride in life, EVERYTHING takes a LOT of work, patience, palnning and determination.

 

[beastboy]

Very true, very true. I opened one and am in my second month of business. I have been through it all and can share any experience you want me to. But one thing i can tell you is this.

It's so much friggin work and i mean SO MUCH FRIGGIN WORK it can make you puke, get discouraged and almost cause a nervous breakdown. The fairy tale of being a gym owner and just sitting back, making shakes, grabing a workout, bullshitting with buddies and cashing fat checks are ALL bullshit. It's a fairytale and a myth that fools alot of unsuspecting folks once they get into this. Over time this may or may not come true but for the first few years your life will be all about running a business NOT a gym, so forget friends, parties and fun. This will be like a medical internship, you will literally have to LIVE at your business, to make it sucessfull.

No such thing as an easy ride in life, EVERYTHING takes a LOT of work, patience, palnning and determination.

This is a aspect that is not always accepted by people wanting to venture into their own gig. It is a lesson that only sinks in once you experience it. It is one that I will never forget, and one that will aid me in any further investments...whether it be time or money. You look at business owners in a completely different light....Instead of thinking, "Bob Jones owns that company, he must be rich"...you think, "Bob Jones owns that company, I can't even begin to imagine the stress, overhead, liabilty, and headaches that man has".

In my first year of business, I was so overwhelmed, I was almost in tears....in fact, I believe I was on one particular day. Only if I had to do all over again...I would have made more money sooner....Now I will take that with me in my future ventures.....

 

[Razorguns]

That's why so many people like to become investors or venture capitalists.

all the profits -- and let someone ELSE deal with building the company and putting up with the daily headaches. You just wait for the weekly status reports.

 

[gregory]

This is a aspect that is not always accepted by people wanting to venture into their own gig. It is a lesson that only sinks in once you experience it. It is one that I will never forget, and one that will aid me in any further investments...whether it be time or money. You look at business owners in a completely different light....Instead of thinking, "Bob Jones owns that company, he must be rich"...you think, "Bob Jones owns that company, I can't even begin to imagine the stress, overhead, liabilty, and headaches that man has".

In my first year of business, I was so overwhelmed, I was almost in tears....in fact, I believe I was on one particular day. Only if I had to do all over again...I would have made more money sooner....Now I will take that with me in my future ventures.....

Truer words were never spoken. Especially the part about you being in tears. I have been to the point where just one more thing to deal with would have given me a nervous breakdown. I discovered a whole new meaning and level of stress. I would have to say that these were the moments that shaped my life and i did more growing up in those three months then in the three years previous.

 

[beastboy]

Truer words were never spoken. Especially the part about you being in tears. I have been to the point where just one more thing to deal with would have given me a nervous breakdown. I discovered a whole new meaning and level of stress. I would have to say that these were the moments that shaped my life and i did more growing up in those three months then in the three years previous.

Yep...but since I can say it has been smooth sailing for the most part. Things seem to get easier and easier each year. Now is the time to look into growing an expanding......those decisions are a pain in the ass too...especially when I try an get my wife's input.

 

[gregory]

Yep...but since I can say it has been smooth sailing for the most part. Things seem to get easier and easier each year. Now is the time to look into growing an expanding......those decisions are a pain in the ass too...especially when I try an get my wife's input.

Well this is a good problem to have, this growth and expansion. I'm still in the first stage, we have to survive the first year, after that things will get much easier, i hope. You can see my business here:


http://www.loagreenbrook.com


BTW: I recently got engaged and we both work at this, so i see where you're coming from, but it all works out in the end, right? Right!