Opening a Gym Checklist

Deciding to open a gym is a great way to dive into owning your own business. Not only is it a successful business model, but it is a rewarding career to own one or more gyms, helping residents in the area stay healthy and take advantage of fitness options. Before you can open your gym and get started on changing lives around you, go through the following checklist to make sure that you are squared away before you open the doors.

1. Develop Your Gym Business Plan

Once you have decided on the style of gym you want to open, the first thing you need to do is develop a gym business plan. This includes an outline for the type of equipment, location, and services you plan to offer in your gym. Also, anytime you need to finance a business loan to open your gym, the lender will want to know what your plan is and how you will be successful moving forward.

2. Choose Your Location

Once you have your gym business plan in place, you need to find a location to fit the plan that you have outlined. First, your location must meet the audience that you are trying to reach in that demographic area. Once you have found the right neighborhood, look for available locations in that area. Strip malls have become a great location for gyms because they come in a variety of sizes and have parking available.

Refer to the statistics in your business plan. How many members are you looking to acquire? Depending on the number of members you plan to have in the gym at one time. If your gym is going to be non-traditional with larger equipment and more members at once, then a stand-alone location may be ideal for you.

3. Determine Your Financing and Funding

Before you open your gym, you should know where your funds are coming from and how much you will need. You will need to contact any investors that you have for your gym and see lenders for business loans that you may need. In order to have a safety net of upfront cash, you should consider a business loan, even if you are putting a lot of your own cash into it. You need to be prepared for all scenarios and be able to carry your business for a year or two until it takes off. If you are looking to finance your equipment, you have options with NEXO Fitness Solutions.

4. Hiring Staff To Fit Your Gym Needs

Before you can open your gym, you need to have staff in place to cover your services and needs. Some staff needs are below:

• Office Manager
• Certified Personal Trainers
• Service Technicians
• Membership Sales Manager

Office Manager

Each gym should have an office manager during regular business hours, even if the gym will be open around the clock. Having someone to meet with guests coming into the gym is essential as well as answer any inquiries. The most important part of this job, however, is the ability to maintain the gym's budget and oversee the operations of day-to-day things. This is one of the most essential positions in your gym.

Certified Personal Trainers

If you are looking to offer personal training services in your gym, then you should have personal trainers on your staff. They are able to train on traditional equipment in the gym or have specialized training for different gym types and styles. Make sure that these individuals have updated and current license before you hire them on your team.

Service Technicians

These individuals are found on the gym floor, assisting members with machines, and making sure that the equipment is working properly. They are there to replenish the towels for your members and provide a safe environment while they work out. It is ideal to have one or two technicians on the clock to keep an eye on things, protecting member safety and your own.

Membership Sales Manager

Managing memberships is a job in itself. Creating new memberships and managing current memberships is essential to keeping your gym running and maintaining success. You need a person to focus directly on making sure these memberships are in good standings and assisting new members when they come in for their membership.

5. Market Your Gym

In order to gain a true membership following, you need to be marketing your gym long before it opens. You want to promote the services, equipment, and location that you have to offer members when they sign with your gym.

• Social Media Marketing
• Website Management
• SEO Presence

Social Media Marketing

Today, the best campaigning you can do is on social media, across the various platforms that are used by your target audience. These platforms are free to sign up for, but in order to keep up with the competition, you have to maintain steady posting habits on each platform with status updates.

Website Management

The first place that people look for information these days is the internet. Having a website that is easy to navigate and also mobile-friendly is ideal in order to capture more members. Those looking for more information will go there to find out about the services you offer, getting a membership, and contact info.

SEO Presence

When potential members and residents search for gyms in your area, your gym name, location, and services should be at the top of the search. The higher your SEO presence the better your gym shows in search results and captures more viewers.

In order to keep up with this marketing, staying current, and keeping posts updated on your social media accounts, you can have these accounts managed with industry leaders who have time to keep up with your gym and keep your presence up.

6. Insurance Coverage

Before you can open your gym, you need to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage to protect you, your employees, and your assets in the event of a tragedy. This investment should be protected with standard gym insurance options that include

• Liability Coverage
• Equipment Protection
• Workers' Compensation
• Employee Practices
• Special Event Coverage

These different components of your gym and the services you open can be protected. With the right insurance policy, you are able to get all of this protection and feel secure when your gym opens.

It's Time To Open Your Gym

Once you have completed the six steps above, you are ready to open your gym. While there is a lot of work in opening a gym, the hard work is rewarded with success as your membership list continues to grow. At NEXO Fitness Solutions, we are happy to assist you with everything from equipment financing and marketing your gym to meeting all of your gym insurance needs. to get started. Give us a call today at for more information.