Things to Consider When Starting Your Own Fitness Business
If you are a fitness enthusiast, you may very well have the idea of setting up your own fitness business or gym. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend every day and make money doing what they love? With the Australian fitness industry booming and more people joining gyms than ever before, it would seem now is a good time to start your own business. Before you jump in, there are a number of things you need to consider to ensure you are fully prepared for your new venture. At Fitness Equipment Warehouse, we are Perth’s leading gym equipment supplier and we have many years’ experience suppling fitness equipment to gyms all across Perth. Here’s our list of things you should consider if you are looking to open your own fitness facility.
Have a Business Plan
Every business, no matter how big or small, needs a business plan. This will help you define the idea you have, identify your strengths and weaknesses, identify for your target market and set the key goals for your first year. Set aside some dedicated time to really analyse your idea and map out the direction you want to go in. You will need to be critical in your thinking, be realistic in your expectations and set short and medium terms goals that you can track.
Be Strategic About Location
Location will most likely be a key factor within your business plan, since location can often mean the difference between the success and failure of a business. Perform market research about your anticipated client base and figure out what key demographics will account for the bulk of your foot traffic. Accessibility and convenience are highly important to most gym members so try to find somewhere easily accessible by car, foot and public transport, and ensure there is adequate parking.
Source the Right Equipment
Once you’ve found the perfect location, the next step is to turn the empty shell into a lively and energetic gym with the right gym equipment. Gym equipment does not come cheap so make a list of the essential items and machines you need to start off with. You’ll definitely need to purchase basic free weight equipment such as bench presses, dead lift mats, dumbbells and racks for curls and dips. Cardio equipment like bikes, rowing machines and treadmills are also an essential tool in most commercial gyms. You will also need to consider gym mats and flooring, and if you are offering specialised services such as yoga, boot camp or personal training, then there may be other specific equipment needed.
Hire the Right Staff
You can’t run a gym without some help, you will wear yourself out and that will be detrimental to the overall success of your business. Ensure you’re hiring qualified and accredited individuals to join the team and vet each individual and ensure they are properly certified and the right fit for your brand and business. If offering classes, engage accredited instructors who know what they are doing. Having the right team of staff will build rapport with clients and keep them coming back!
Have a Marketing Plan
One important thing you’ll need to do is market your product or service to build a client database. Whether you choose social media, printed media or a mixture of both, you need to persist and have a clear plan of how and when you will advertise. It can take weeks or months to give your business any traction. Don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for help – they can hand out leaflets, share posts on Facebook and turn up to sessions with their friends. Word of mouth is your biggest asset so get your friends and family on board to get the word out.
Don’t give up!
Starting a business is not easy and it won’t always to go plan but if you expect a few bumps in the road, you won’t get disheartened. Always keep in mind why you started on the journey of becoming a business owner and hold on to your passion. In down times, look at your business plan, keep your end goal in sight and don’t give up. Success doesn’t always come quickly, slow and steady wins the race and your enthusiasm and passion for your idea will see you through the hard times.
If you are setting up a gym or other fitness facility and are looking for the best gym equipment Perth has to offer, then visit Fitness Equipment Warehouse today. With a comprehensive range of cost effective commercial fitness equipment available, we have everything you need to get your business up and running. Pop in and try all of our equipment before you buy, and let our experienced staff guide you to select the right gym equipment for your needs and budget.
Please call us today on (08) 9455 2810 or send us an inquiry through our contact form.