How to open a gym

Your gym’s success starts with location, location, location. The right space can make or break your business, so don’t rush this step.

What to Look for in a Gym Location

• High Visibility & Easy Access: Main roads, shopping centers, or plazas are ideal. Look for ample parking and easy in/out access.

• Demographics Match: Make sure the area matches your target audience—families, young professionals, fitness enthusiasts, etc.

• Foot Traffic: Near coffee shops, grocery stores, or schools? That’s gold.

• Zoning & Permits: Confirm the space is zoned for fitness or commercial use. Don’t sign anything until zoning is approved.

• Ceiling Height & Open Floor Space: You’ll need room for equipment, group training, and possibly turf or boxing areas.

Negotiating Your Lease

You don’t need to accept the landlord’s first offer. Here’s what you can negotiate:

1. Free Rent (Build-Out Period)

Ask for 1–6 months of free rent while you’re building out the space.

2. Tenant Improvements (TI)

Negotiate for the landlord to cover part of your build-out costs (flooring, walls, A/C upgrades, etc.).

3. Rent Reductions or Step-Ups

Start with lower rent the first year and gradually increase as your business grows.

4. Right to Assign or Sublet

Make sure you have flexibility to sublease or transfer the lease if needed in the future.

5. Exit Clause / Early Termination

Protect yourself in case business doesn’t go as planned—some landlords will allow a negotiated termination clause.

6. Personal Guarantee

Try to limit or avoid a personal guarantee. If you must sign one, negotiate a cap or time limit.

Tips

• Use a Commercial Broker who understands gyms. They can often get you better terms.

• Hire a Lawyer to review your lease before signing.

• Think Long-Term. Negotiate an initial lease term of 3–5 years with an option to renew.

Want to open your doors with paying members on day one? Pre-selling memberships is one of the smartest moves you can make—it builds hype, creates cash flow, and validates your business.

Why Pre-Selling Works

• Funds Your Launch: Use early revenue to help with equipment, marketing, or rent.

• Builds Community: Creates buzz and a loyal base before your first class.

• Proves the Concept: If no one buys, you know adjustments are needed before locking into long-term expenses.

How to Run a Pre-Sale Campaign

1. Offer Founding Member Rates

Create a limited-time discount for the first 50–100 members. Example:

“Founding Members get lifetime $79/month instead of $99/month—only 100 spots available!”

2. Create Scarcity & Urgency

Use phrases like:

• “Only 27 founding memberships left!”

• “Price goes up when we open!”

• “Join before [DATE] and get [BONUS]!”

3. Use Social Proof

Show real people signing up:

• Share selfies of new members on social

• Post countdowns and milestone updates: “50/100 Founding Spots Gone!”

4. Run Local Ads & Referrals

• Facebook/Instagram ads with location targeting

• Referral rewards for early sign-ups (“Bring a friend, get a free month!”)

5. Set Up a Landing Page

Make it easy for people to buy with:

• Pricing options

• Photos/renderings of your space

• Testimonials (or mock testimonials if you’re brand new)

• Countdown timers or urgency banners

6. Host Sneak Peek Events

Even if your gym isn’t finished, invite people for:

• Hard hat tours

• Pop-up workouts

• Meet-the-trainer nights

You don’t need a million-dollar buildout to create a gym people love. Focus on what matters most—functionality, flow, and vibe—and keep costs under control.

Start with a Smart Layout

• Open Floor Plan: Less walls = more flexibility = lower cost.

• Zoning: Designate clear areas for strength, cardio, turf, classes, etc.

• Lighting & Mirrors: Bright LED lights + well-placed mirrors can make a space look twice as big—without breaking the bank.

Top 5 Ways to Save Big

1. Buy Used or Refurbished Equipment

Save 30–70% by shopping:

• Local gym liquidations

• Facebook Marketplace

• Reputable refurbishers (e.g. GymStore, Global Fitness)

2. DIY What You Can

Paint, rubber flooring installs, basic wall graphics—do it yourself or with friends and family to cut labor costs.

3. Avoid Fancy Finishes

Skip the granite counters and expensive signage. Focus on clean, durable, and functional materials.

4. Lease or Finance Equipment

Preserve cash by leasing cardio or strength machines. Many vendors offer $0 down with flexible terms.

5. Use Your Network

Got a friend who’s a contractor, electrician, or designer? Ask for a hookup or trade for a membership.

Essentials vs. Extras

Must-Haves:

• Quality flooring (rubber/turf)

• Mirrors

• Dumbbells, barbells, racks

• Fans or AC

• Clean bathrooms

Nice-to-Haves (Later):

• Custom signage

• Smart TVs

• Sauna or recovery tools

• Soundproofing

Pro Tip:

Keep the look raw but intentional. Think “industrial-chic” – open ceilings, painted concrete, exposed beams. It’s trendy and cost-effective.

The heart of your gym is your equipment—but you don’t need to buy everything brand new or all at once. Smart choices here can save you tens of thousands.

What You Actually Need to Start

Stick to the essentials:

• Dumbbells (5–100+ lbs)

• Barbells + Plates

• Squat Racks / Half Racks

• Benches (Flat & Adjustable)

• Kettlebells

• Functional Trainers / Cable Machines

• Cardio (Rowers, Bikes, Treadmills)

New vs Used vs Financing

1. Buying New

Pros:

• Full warranties

• Latest models

• Custom branding options

Cons:

• Highest cost

• Long lead times

Best For:

• Signature equipment

• High-traffic machines (treadmills, rowers, etc.)

Recommended Vendors:

• Rogue Fitness

• Life Fitness

• Prime Fitness

• Matrix

• REP Fitness

2. Buying Used or Refurbished

Pros:

• Save 30–70%

• Fast availability

• Great for free weights and plate-loaded machines

Cons:

• May lack warranty

• Transport and repair may be needed

Where to Find Deals:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Craigslist

• Local gym closings/liquidations

• Refurbishers like:

• Global Fitness

• EquipYourGym

• GymStore

Pro Tip: Always test used equipment before buying or ask for a video demo.

3. Financing or Leasing

Pros:

• Preserve cash flow

• $0 down options available

• Bundle multiple items

Cons:

• Interest over time

• Ownership may take years

Good Financing Companies:

• Ascentium Capital

• Clicklease

• Taycor Financial

• Equipment leasing through equipment vendors

Pro Tip: Use financing for big-ticket items and buy smaller pieces used or cash.

Mix & Match Strategy

• Buy new: essential machines + anything your members will notice/abuse

• Buy used: weights, benches, racks, plate-loaded gear

• Finance: cardio machines, cable stacks, or larger equipment bundles

Clear policies and procedures aren’t just for corporate gyms—they protect your business, keep members safe, and make your gym run smoothly from day one.

Why You Need Them

• Set Expectations: Prevent misunderstandings between staff and members.

• Protect Your Business: Reduce liability and legal issues.

• Improve Member Experience: Consistency builds trust and community.

• Streamline Daily Ops: Help your team stay on the same page.

Core Policies Every Gym Should Have

1. Membership Terms & Cancellation

• Month-to-month vs contract

• Freeze, cancel, or refund policies

• No-show or late cancel rules (especially for classes)

2. Code of Conduct

• Respectful behavior

• Equipment use & re-racking

• No harassment or discrimination

• Dress code (optional but useful)

3. Safety & Liability

• Waivers signed before use

• Equipment usage guidelines

• Staff protocol for injuries or emergencies

4. Hours of Operation

• Open/close times

• Access rules (key fob, front desk, staffed hours)

5. Guest Pass & Drop-In Policy

• How many visits allowed

• Pricing and sign-in process

• Liability forms for all guests

6. Cleanliness & Hygiene

• Member responsibilities (wipe down equipment, etc.)

• Staff cleaning schedules

• Shower/towel policies

7. Youth & Minor Policy

• Minimum age requirements

• Supervision rules

• Waivers signed by parents/guardians

Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Daily Opening / Closing Checklist

• Turn on lights/music

• Clean bathrooms/floors

• Power up equipment

• Secure cash drawer (if applicable)

Staff Responsibilities

• Greeting & check-ins

• Sales/lead follow-up

• Spot cleaning throughout the day

• Member service & engagement

Emergency Protocols

• Injury reporting steps

• Fire/earthquake/lockdown instructions

• AED/first aid station locations

Maintenance Schedule

• Equipment inspections (daily/weekly)

• Cleaning logs

• Repairs & vendor contacts

Pro Tip:

Create a staff binder or digital SOP hub with all procedures written out. Keep it simple, clear, and easy to follow. This is your operations Bible.

Your gym is only as strong as the people running it. Whether you’re hiring your first front desk rep or building a full training staff, building a reliable, motivated team is key to long-term success.

Who to Hire First

Start lean. These are the core roles most gyms begin with:

• Front Desk / Member Services

• Personal Trainers or Coaches

• Cleaning / Maintenance

• Sales Rep (Optional, or double as front desk)

As you grow, consider adding:

• Group fitness instructors

• Assistant manager or lead coach

• Childcare staff (if applicable)

What to Look For

• Friendly & Personable: Skills can be taught—attitude can’t.

• Certified (when needed): Especially for trainers or coaches (NASM, ACE, ISSA, etc.)

• Team Player: You’re building a culture, not just filling shifts.

• Passion for Fitness: Look for people who genuinely live the lifestyle.

The Hiring Process

1. Create Clear Job Descriptions

• Outline roles, hours, pay, and expectations.

• Emphasize your mission and culture.

2. Interview for Character & Fit

• Ask scenario-based questions: “How would you handle an unhappy member?”

3. Check References

• Always follow up before finalizing.

4. Onboard Thoroughly

• Give them your mission, values, and brand standards from day one.

Training Your Team

Create a Training Manual or Playbook

Cover:

• Daily checklists (opening, cleaning, closing)

• Member service protocols

• Sales scripts and objection handling

• Emergency & safety procedures

• Software/system walkthroughs

Shadowing & Hands-On Practice

Have new hires shadow experienced staff for at least a week.

Ongoing Development

• Weekly team meetings

• Role-playing for sales and service

• Workshops for coaches (new formats, programming tips)

Compensation Tips

• Offer performance incentives (referrals, sales, retention)

• Consider discounted/free memberships for staff

• Create a culture where everyone feels ownership and purpose

Pro Tip:

Hire slow, train hard, and treat your team like gold. They’re the face of your gym, and your culture will grow (or suffer) based on who you trust to lead it.

We believe modern gyms should offer more than just equipment. With the right technology, you can elevate the experience, improve retention, and give your members real results they can see and feel.

Here’s how we help you build a tech-powered gym:

• Myzone Heart Rate Training
  Real-time heart rate tracking keeps members motivated, accountable, and engaged. Myzone fosters community, encourages consistent effort, and makes fitness fun through gamification and rewards.
   
• Impact Wrap Heavy Bag Sensors
  Turn any boxing or kickboxing workout into a measurable challenge. Impact Wrap tracks punch count, force, speed, and intensity—bringing data and friendly competition into your classes.
   
• InBody Body Composition Scanners
  Provide more than just a number on the scale. InBody delivers detailed insights on fat, muscle, and water, helping members track progress, set realistic goals, and stay committed to long-term transformation.
   
• Smart Tech = Smarter Business
  Integrated gym tech not only improves member experience, it also helps you track performance, build loyalty, and stand out in a crowded market—without needing a franchise name behind you.