Working out three or four times a week is the best way to stay in shape and keep your body healthy, vital and full of energy. However, sometimes this hobby grows into something bigger and becomes a passion, which is why lots of avid gym-goers decide to get into the business themselves after a while. Starting a gym might not be as hard as it seems, but it’s not easy either, so here’s a quick guide that might help you set up the best gym in the world in a matter of days.
Get permits and certificates
Not just anyone can start a gym just because they want to, but you have to get certified first and file for proper legal permits. Having a degree in physical education or years of experience in the field will help you get credible with the official health and exercising councils in your country, so you’ll be able to gather the permits and apply for a business loan. There are lots of legal documents you need to obtain, so start working on them as soon as possible and move on with your plans while they’rebeing processed by the system.
Find a location
If you’re a gym lover yourself, you probably already know how important the location of a gym is to an average user – no matter how amazing it is, you simply won’t join it if it’s too far from your home or work! That’s why you have to invest some time into finding the perfect location: scout your area, find spots that are densely populated and locate your gym right there. This place has to be accessible on foot, by public transport, bicycle and car, so make sure all your future clients have enough options.
Think outside the box
No matter where you decide to locate your gym, you need to make it special and appealing, so adding a few extra features is always helpful. Saunas, pools and water fitness are among the most popular things with all gym-goers at the moment, so take these into consideration as well. Of course, these additions also mean you’ll have to think about hygiene even more, and if you’re including a pool, for instance, you have to keep it clean at all times. Since chlorine isn’t considered the best solution anymore, you might want to opt for one of the reliable UV water treatment systems instead and always keep the water quality in your pool at the highest level.
Hire some professionals
You can’t do all the work in the gym on your own, nor should you, so focus on the business and leave the communication with clients to your employees. Hiring personal trainers and accredited instructors could be quite hard too, but if you have some experience in this field, or know someone who does, it’s going to be easier than you think. Hiring a couple of your friends to manage the job and run the reception is another great idea because working with someone you know and trust is going to make your clients realize that your gym is a well-oiled machine, and that’s always good for business.
Get the equipment
When it comes to the equipment, there’s a pretty standard set every new gym needs to cover all clients. From weight equipment all those lifters are going to love – things like bench presses, dumbbells and squat racks – to cardio equipment for people who just want to stay in shape – treadmills, stair mills, rowing machines and spike bikes – your gym has to have it all! You can start small at first and offer your clients a basic set of exercises, and keep getting more and more equipment as your business grows and your client list keeps expanding.
Starting a gym could easily be the most exciting and challenging thing you’ve ever done, so think through every step of the way, make smart decisions, trust your associates and you’ll ultimately enjoy your new business more than you’ve ever thought!
Guest Blogger
Lucas Bergman can be reached at lucas.t.bergman@gmail.com
