Building a gym

[Cassidy Drake]

For those that own a gym, or those that don't. Any input would be appreciated.

Since I left the military three years ago I have toyed with the idea of opening a gym. Not a big one. Enough size for 5-10 people to train at once, and also have a small bit of room for martial arts training.

That being said the martial arts is going to be Tony Blauer and his concepts. Along with Kyusho for cops(pressure points). I was looking to run crossfit type classes of 5-10 people. Some small private training as well. That being said I have been looking at places. Some as small as 800sq ft for 600 a month to 7000 sq feet. I would rather be to small and have to grow later.


Any suggestions on what people found to be a good starting size for training? In my area (Salt lake City) the one for 800sq ft at 600 is a steal as is 300sq ft for around 1700.



Any advice would be welcome.


www.superllc.wordpress.com


those are some of the places

[George Mounce]

I think most of the people on the CF side would tell you start small, then expand. If you go too big at first and it doesn't pan out, you are out more money.

Might want to ask affiliates on the CF boards.

[Derek Weaver]

If I remember right, Coach Glassman got his start with a rower, a barbell and a corner of a Jiu Jitsu studio... or something like that. Pretty freaking small.

I would go with the 800 square feet and try to run staggered classes if it's possible.

Or get business partners to spread the investment risk around.

[Cassidy Drake]

That's what I was thinking. Until I am so busy that I don't have enough hours in the day to add more classes or not enough room for the people then there is no need for the larger place.

I don't post on crossfit forums. I more read and post here due to online friends ships with Greg and Robb. Just wanted to hear others opinions as well. The affiliate portion of their forum has a ton of info though.


Thanks guys!

[Garrett Smith]

1500 sq ft or less for a new gym is a good size...use well-thought-out equipment selection to maximize available space for your MA groups.

[Cassidy Drake]

Thanks Garrett. I am doing that currently. Looking at equipment packages from Rogue and garage gym. Granted some things outside of the package will be needed. Equipment will come and go as time goes on I rekon.

[Mike ODonnell]

Might want to go find an open space (like a gymnastics place) or otherwise....buy basic stuff like Dumbbells or whatever. Build your business up then expand....I wouldn't suggest signing a lease on anything until you have enough steady clientelle to warrant it.....as the fitness industry is full of ups and downs. Alot easier to go outside and do it for free than worry about making rent payments every month for 2+ years.

[Cassidy Drake]

Originally Posted by Mike ODonnell

Might want to go find an open space (like a gymnastics place) or otherwise....buy basic stuff like Dumbbells or whatever. Build your business up then expand....I wouldn't suggest signing a lease on anything until you have enough steady clientelle to warrant it.....as the fitness industry is full of ups and downs. Alot easier to go outside and do it for free than worry about making rent payments every month for 2+ years.

I know what you are saying. Doing that around here isn't to welcome. Many people have found out the hard way. I have a good client base starting up as I will have a fire department and two police agencies sending their new recruits to me. That being said, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND what you are saying. It's part of the reason for starting so small at 800 SQ ft.

Thanks for your input Mike.

[Jacob Rowell]

We started out in a Park, moved to our backyard when we hit about 10 people, moved to a 1500 sq. ft. facility when we hit about 20, and now we're going on to 5500~ sq. ft. at 60. each move has been seamless, and we've never lost money (though we haven't made too much either). I can't see us ever needing a bigger facility than the one we will be moving into though...

Like everyone else is saying, starting small has worked well for us.

[Mike ODonnell]

Originally Posted by Cassidy Drake

I know what you are saying. Doing that around here isn't to welcome. Many people have found out the hard way. I have a good client base starting up as I will have a fire department and two police agencies sending their new recruits to me. That being said, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND what you are saying. It's part of the reason for starting so small at 800 SQ ft.

Thanks for your input Mike.

If you have the people, then go for it. I would try and get them to commit to auto-monthly drafts for a minimum of 3 months. I've seen several gyms go out of business because of quick expansion. Slow and steady and good things will happen. It's always good to have a good motivated bunch committed to working out for the long haul. Best of luck with your new place!