Opening Your Own Gym

[Atomic Punk]

Has anyone ever looked into it, or maybe even own one already, or know someone who does? I am considering it, and was wondering a few things:

1. What is the cheapest way to furnish your gym with equipment? Not cheap equipment, not top of the line. Rather, reasonably-priced machines(selectorized), d-bells, cardio, and free-weights.

2. What is the minimum amount you'd be looking at in start-up costs, for a small gym, that would be physical-therapy based, for example. I'm not talking Bally's or Golds here.

Thanks

 

[Wrongun]

There are many different factors that need to be considered

Type of customer to attract (you will need to cater for this)
Location (better obviously = more money inj lease)
Advertising required
Will it be all membership

WHEN you have done some of the elementary business plan requirements you will then have an expectation of turnopver and growth. This will be converted into equipment required. You have three choices

1) buy new
2) buy second hand
3) lease

All have benefits and pitfalls but all rely on what you want to achieve and your business plan

Wrongun!

 

[nuh_mizer]

If you're thinking of a franchise, I've found Powerhouse gym to be the most helpful. After I contacted them, I was getting brochures in the mail for equipment and helpful phone calls. I think Flex equipment has lease plans.

 

[TheMuscleMonster]

a good thing to look into is buying the free weights and the basic machines, with most of the cardio you would probably be better off leasing since they get much more wear and tear, you will get full repair support as well as the abillity to trade them in after a few years. Maybe it sounds obvious, but the biggest problem with a gym is that the majority of your revenue comes in monthly and when you first open you probably will not have much of a customer base so those first few months will consume alot of your cash.

 

[BodybuildingUniverse]

For the few gym owners I know it is pretty much a labor of love unless you've been in biz for quite some time. Those first few years are the toughest, getting those new members in the door, best of luck man