business plan on gyms

Gym Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Gym Business Plan & Example

You’ve come to the right place to create a gym business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their gyms.

Gym Business Plan Example

Use the example below as a template to write a gym business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Steven’s Gym is a startup locally owned gym located in El Paso, Texas. Steven’s Gym will include various exercise equipment, strength training equipment, free weights, aerobic equipment, and plenty of cardio equipment. The gym will also offer HIIT group classes, spin classes, strength training instruction, and personal training.

Located in an up and coming, newly developed, and highly trafficked area of town, Steven’s Gym will attract both men and women ages 16 to 75+. There is something for everyone at Steven’s Gym, whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or is a seasoned athlete and gymrat. The gym will have a welcoming atmosphere, experienced personal trainers, friendly staff, and frequently cleaned equipment and restrooms.

The membership options are affordable and will be offered on a month-to-month basis, a 6 or 12 month contract, or the ability to pay for an entire year upfront. Discounts will be offered to military, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Service Offering

The following are the services that Steven’s Gym will provide:

• Strength training equipment
• Cardio equipment
• Free weights/dumbbells
• Aerobic equipment
• HIIT group classes
• Strength training instruction

Customer Focus

Steven’s Gym will target all men and women ages 16 – 75+ who are interested in achieving and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. El Paso is a very diverse city that includes men and women from all walks of life. There are numerous blue collar individuals, white collar individuals, government employees, and military members as the local Army base is one of the largest in the country. Since Steven’s Gym will be very affordable, it will be able to attract people from all walks of life.

Management Team

Steven will manage the day-to-day tasks of running the gym. Steven will hire a gym manager to manage membership and three trainers. Steven will outsource a local CPA to handle payroll, accounting, and tax payments. He will also outsource a local advertising company to develop the gym’s logo, branding, photography, social media accounts, website, and billboard design.

Success Factors

Steven’s Gym will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Large, clean, and spacious fitness center that has all the necessary equipment for their fitness routine.
• Knowledgeable and friendly staff of trainers.
• Best value for membership pricing. The membership pricing options are affordable and offer military, teacher, and healthcare employee discounts.
• Convenient hours of operation.

Financial Plan Highlights

Steven’s Gym is seeking $300,000 in debt financing to begin operations of the business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the warehouse space, gym build-out, and purchase of the equipment. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Securing warehouse space, gym build-out, and design: $25,000 to $125,000
• Gym equipment purchase: $50,000 to $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $15,000 to $55,000
• Marketing & advertising: $15,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is steven’s gym.

Steven’s Gym is a new, locally owned gym located in El Paso, Texas. Steven’s Gym will include strength training equipment, free weights, aerobic equipment, and plenty of cardio equipment. The gym will also offer fitness classes, strength training instruction, and personal training. Located in an up and coming, and highly trafficked area of town, Steven’s Gym will attract both men and women ages 16 to 75+. There is something for everyone at Steven’s Gym, whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or is a seasoned athlete and gymrat. The gym will have a welcoming atmosphere, experienced trainers, friendly staff, and frequently cleaned equipment and restrooms. The membership options are affordable and will be offered on a month-to-month basis, a 6 or 12 month contract, or the ability to pay for an entire year upfront. Discounts will be offered to military, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Steven’s Gym History

Steven’s Gym is owned by Steven Malone, a retired Army Master Sergeant who is also a seasoned powerlifter. Steven was stationed at El Paso’s Fort Bliss for many years before eventually retiring and deciding to stay in El Paso and embark on his dream of eventually owning his own gym. As a frequent gym goer, Steven recognized that El Paso lacks high quality independent gyms. The nicest and most equipped gyms in El Paso are large franchises that have too many rules and regulations. Steven envisioned a gym that was welcoming to all types of people that is encouraging, clean, and adequately equipped for those who are focused on sustaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

Since incorporation, Steven’s Gym has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a 10,000 square foot warehouse space for lease in El Paso, Texas that can easily be converted to a gym.
• Registered Steven’s Gym, LLC to do business in the State of Texas.
• Began the branding image, logo, website, and social media accounts for the gym.
• Began researching and pricing out equipment.

Steven’s Gym Services

The following will be the services Steven’s Gym will provide:

Industry Analysis

The Gym industry is expected to grow to an annual revenue of $38 billion in the next five years. This growth is likely a result of increased per capita disposable income, in addition to growing health-consciousness. As consumers’ disposable income levels rise, individuals are usually more willing to purchase gym memberships. Additionally, time spent on leisure and sports is expected to increase over the next five years, effectively increasing the potential pool of consumers.

During this period, demographic changes are expected to drive revenue growth for operators. In particular, as healthcare costs continue to escalate, health insurance providers may implement incentives to promote preventive health practices, including the use of fitness centers among individuals within their provider network. Additionally, initiatives that promote the health benefits of exercise will likely increase over the next five years, stimulating industry revenue.  

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Steven’s Gym’s target audience will include all men and women ages 16 – 75+ who are interested in achieving and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. El Paso is a very diverse city that includes men and women from all walks of life. There are numerous blue collar individuals, white collar individuals, government employees, and military members as the local Army base is one of the largest in the country. Since Steven’s Gym will be very affordable, it will be able to attract people from all walks of life.

Customer Segmentation

Steven’s Gym will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• High school and college students
• Locally-based Military
• Athletes who frequently train for fitness competitions

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Steven’s Gym will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below. Gold’s Gym Gold’s Gym is a large franchise-owned gym with two locations in El Paso. Gold’s Gym gives access to everything one needs to transform their life: state-of-the-art amenities, a variety of fitness classes tailored towards someone’s fitness needs, and the world’s best trainers. There are weekly fitness classes for group workouts ranging from martial arts-inspired cardio classes to foundational yoga sessions. There are also certified trainers if someone is new to exercise or just looking for more guidance and coaching. Gold’s Gym’s amenities include cardio equipment, group exercise, personal training, a pro shop, sauna/steam rooms, group cycle, free weights, functional training, kids club, locker rooms, and wifi.

Planet Fitness Planet Fitness is for people from all walks of life, whether they’re a first-time gym user or a veteran member, they are there to provide a workout environment in which anyone and everyone can be comfortable. All Planet Fitness members enjoy unlimited access to their home club and the support of their friendly, knowledgeable staff anytime they need it. PF Black Club members receive additional benefits, including the ability to bring a guest for free and access to any of their 2,000+ PF locations. Also, the PF member can take advantage of their free fitness training or find motivation by reading real member experiences on Planet of Triumphs. The goal of Planet Fitness is to provide a clean, safe, welcoming environment for anyone who walks through the door, and all the equipment, amenities, and support they need once they arrive.

Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness is a welcoming gym that exists to help someone get to a healthier place – by giving the right support at the right times, in the ways the member wants. Every member receives a free, personalized Get Started Plan when they join. Their friendly, professional staff is trained to help someone along their fitness journey, no matter how much support they need. Aside from a large selection of strength and cardio equipment, Anytime Fitness offers the following services – 24-hour access, 24-hour security, convenient parking, anywhere gym access, private restrooms, private showers, health plan discounts, wellness programs, cardio TVs, and HDTVs.

Competitive Advantage

Steven’s Gym will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Large, clean, and spacious facility that has all the necessary equipment for their fitness routine.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Steven’s Gym will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Large, clean, spacious, and well-equipped facility.
• Dedicated team of trainers.
• Affordable membership pricing plans.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Steven’s Gym is as follows: Social Media Marketing Strategy Steven’s Gym will invest in advertising the gym on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. By using targeted social media marketing, Steven’s Gym will be able to reach the appropriate target audience of El Paso. Before opening, Steven will hire an advertising agency to develop the branding and photography needed to create captivating social media posts.

Billboards Steven will invest in two billboards strategically located at busy intersections that receive thousands of traffic daily. The advertising agency will develop the print for the billboard design. Website/SEO Marketing Strategy Steven’s Gym will invest in a strong SEO presence so that when someone enters “El Paso gym” or “local gym near me” in their Google or Bing search bar, Steven’s Gym is at the top of the list. Their website will list all of Steven’s Gym’s services, location, pricing, and contact information. Word of Mouth Word quickly spreads around town and once a few people experience the clean, affordable, and professional staff at Steven’s Gym, more and more people will come in to see for themselves and sign up for a membership plan.

The pricing of Steven’s Gym will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.  

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Steven’s Gym.

Operation Functions:

• Steven Malone will be the sole gym owner and operator of Steven’s Gym. He will oversee the staff, maintain that the cleaning schedules are being enforced, and ensure that all equipment is working per standard and safely. He will also manage all ordering of new and replacement equipment, schedule the group HIIT classes, and daily management tasks.
• Steven will hire a gym manager to be in charge of members and member management.
• A team of three trainers will run all of the fitness classes. As the membership grows and clients require more attention, more trainers and fitness classes will be added.
• A local CPA will manage all high level accounting functions, such as payroll and tax payments.
• Steven will also hire an advertising agency to develop the gym’s branding, photography, website, social media accounts, and billboard design.

Milestones:

Steven’s Gym will have the following milestones completed in the next six months. 8/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease warehouse space. 8/15/202X – Begin build-out and design converting warehouse space into a functional gym. 9/1/202X – Hire advertising company to begin developing gym’s branding, logo, social media accounts, website, and billboard design. 9/15/202X – Order all equipment. 10/5/202X – Hire gym manager and team of personal trainers. 10/15/202X – Train staff on proper policies and procedures. 11/1/202X – Grand Opening of Steven’s Gym.  

Steven’s Gym will be solely owned by Steven Malone. Steven is a retired Army Master Sergeant who has been stationed off and on at El Paso’s Fort Bliss for the past twelve years. Upon retirement, Steven decided to make El Paso his permanent home and embark on his dream of owning his own gym. Steven recognizes the lack of quality, independent gyms in El Paso and wants to open a gym that fits his idea of what a high-quality gym should be.

As a former powerlifter and personal trainer while serving in the military, Steven is aware of the proper equipment and facilities a gym should have. Steven envisions his gym to be friendly, clean, well-equipped, and affordable for the average person so that people from all walks of life will feel comfortable going to the gym and achieving their fitness goals. Steven will dedicate his life and focus on ensuring that his gym is always clean, staffed with the best trainers, and members are happy with what the gym has to offer.  

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Steven’s Gym are the membership fees it will charge each person that signs up to become a member. Each member will be placed on a membership plan where they can either pay month to month, enroll in either a 6 or 12 month contract, or pay for the entire year upfront.

The cost drivers will be the payroll for the staff, rent, utilities, cleaning supplies and equipment, and gym equipment purchase and maintenance. Other cost drivers will be the targeted marketing costs on social media and monthly fees for the CPA and advertising company.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Initial Number of New Clients per Month: 60
• Average Monthly Membership Fee: $150
• Gym Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Gym Business Plan FAQs

What is a gym business plan.

A gym business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your gym. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing strategies and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your gym business plan using our gym business plan template here .

What Are the Main Types of Gyms?

There are many types of gyms or fitness centers. There are large, franchise gyms that have multiple locations across the country. There are also large single facility gyms. Finally, there are smaller gyms that tend to focus on a particular fitness segment, such as strength training, CrossFit, or group HIIT training.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Gym Business?

The primary source of revenue for a gym or fitness center are membership fees. Typically, members pay month-to-month, or fulfill a year-long contract.

The key expenses for a gym or fitness center are the costs associated with payroll, purchase and maintenance of equipment, cleaning supplies, marketing costs, and working capital. Other expenses will be rent, utilities, taxes, accounts payable, and other licensing fees (if necessary).

How Do You Get Funding for Your Gym?

Gym businesses are most likely to secure funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your gym business plan to them. Family and/or friends could also be potential investors and other types of capital-raising such as crowdfunding are other common funding sources.

A well-crafted gym business plan, complete with a solid financial plan is essential for attracting any type of potential investor. This is true for a new gym business or established businesses looking to grow.

What are the Steps To Start a Gym Business?

Starting a gym or fitness center can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Gym Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a solid gym business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the fitness industry and potential target market size, information on the services and/or products you will offer, marketing strategy, mission statement, business model and pricing strategy and a detailed financial plan.  Our business plan template is the perfect guide to show you how to start a gym business plan.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your fitness   business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your gym business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Gym Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your gym business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your gym business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Gym Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your gym business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your gym or fitness   business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising to reach your target audience.

Learn more about how to start a successful gym or fitness business:

• How to Start a Gym Business

Where Can I Get a Gym Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free gym business plan template PDF here. This is a sample gym business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Gym business plan: a checklist with templates & examples

In this article, you'll find a checklist of everything you need to know to create a business plan for your gym or fitness business.

If you've recently discovered an ambition to start a gym , or this has been your dream for years, we've got you covered!

The first step in your journey is to create a gym business plan. This will include understanding your business's structure, determining your target market and what sets you apart from other gyms (your unique selling point), forecasting future finances, and any further details about your venture.

Your gym business plan is the key to your success. It will help you make better decisions and attract potential investors. Creating a business plan is ongoing; it's not something you do once and then forget about. Your business plan should be flexible and adapt as you move forward. 

You have to consider many elements to ensure your gym will succeed. All stages of your business plan are critical. In this article, we'll be doing a deep dive into understanding the core essentials of creating a fitness business plan.

What is a gym business plan? 

A gym business plan is a document that informs the reader about your company and where it's headed. In other words, it answers essential questions such as:

• How does your business work?
• How are you going to succeed?
• What steps do you need to take to succeed?

According to research, entrepreneurs who write formal business plans are more likely to be successful . 

This is especially true for business owners seeking external financial support. A formal business plan can help new businesses by providing a clear focus for their ideas.

Why it’s important to have a business plan for your gym? 

Simply put, your gym business plan is an organized and detailed process that provides a roadmap for your business. If someone reads it – like a potential investor, for example – they should be able to understand how you expect the gym to progress and succeed over time.

Plus, putting together a business plan with detailed description forces you to take a critical look at your operation as it currently stands and identify room for improvement or new areas of opportunity altogether.

Depending on where your business is located, a well-crafted business plan can serve multiple purposes.

Keep reading for even more reasons you need a business plan from day one!

Taking advantage of a steadily growing industry

The gym industry is booming, allowing gyms to capitalize on this growth. In the US alone, over 87 million people regularly attend the gym and spend billions of dollars annually on membership fees.

And according to projections, the global gym market is expected to reach 434 billion USD by 2028 – a 171% increase from 2021! This steady growth provides room for gym owners to get in on the action and reap the benefits.

By having a gym business plan that considers the health & fitness industry as a whole, you'll be able to capitalize on this growth.

Ensures your business idea is feasible 

If you're considering starting a fitness business, know it will be complex. You have a fantastic idea and think it could take off--but how can you test that theory without launching the business? 

This is where a business plan comes in handy. By working through your concept and creating a well-rounded plan of action, you'll be able to figure out key details like numbers, market trends, and what your competition is doing and save yourself loads of time down the line.

It helps to bring in investors and secure funding 

To secure funding for your gym business from investors, you need a comprehensive business plan. This document helps startup businesses obtain the initial capital they need and provides established companies with funds for expansion.

Would-be contributors usually request substantiated data— such as numbers backed up by facts and figures—before deciding whether or not to invest in a project.

If you don't have a business plan, chances are slim that you'll receive money from sources like investors, banks, or other financial organizations outside your company.

Set and reach goals, both big and small 

Having long-term and short-term goals is a great start, but it's time to take the next step. A successful business plan will contain specific tactics on how you plan to achieve your objectives. 

This might be through your business model, acquiring equipment, hiring new talent, or marketing campaigns.

A successful business needs a clear plan to achieve its goals. Breaking down important goals into smaller, more manageable pieces would be best. 

And remember-- as your business changes and grows over time, so should your plan. Keep it updated regularly. 

Business planning is no longer a daunting task

A business plan is a vital tool for new and established businesses. It provides direction and helps to set the foundation for a successful start. 

By budgeting, analyzing your market, and setting out your goals and strategies, you can make more informed decisions about how to proceed. This process also makes it easier to track your progress over time and assess whether or not you are on track.

Something to consider before creating a gym business plan

Consider the cost of starting a gym. There are many potential expenses, such as equipment, personal trainers, class instructors, insurance policies, property fees, etc.

Also, consider how much time you are willing to invest in this venture – especially during the beginning stages when there is likely to be a lot of work involved in getting everything up and running smoothly.

It can be challenging to maintain a good work/life balance when starting any business; it will probably require working additional hours outside of your usual schedule.

Money and time are essential, but there are other things you need to be successful. 

People skills, marketing know-how, and financial smarts are essential if you want to succeed in the gym business world. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it if this is your passion. A solid plan is the first step toward making your dream a reality.

The 11 key elements of a detailed gym business plan

Before you develop your business plan, think about where you are and where you want to see yourself. Keep this vision in mind, as it will help guide you through writing your business plan. There will be countless opportunities wherein consulting your business plan will assist you in making a decision.

To create an effective health club business plan, you will need extensive research on your fitness industry, competitors, and future finances. 

Following these 11 steps, you can build an excellent gym business plan that covers all aspects of your health club.

Step 1: Executive summary

Your executive summary needs to be clear and concise while also grabbing attention. What you want readers to know is:

• Your mission/purpose
• How you'll achieve success (What will make you a success story?)

And finally, your vision for the future. Though it may seem tempting to hurry through this section because it is shorter than other parts of the business plan, don't rush! 

This is your chance to shine and explain what makes your company special. Don't worry if you feel like you have more to say about your goals and vision. You can expand on these topics in your company overview.

Step 2: Company overview

Your company overview is where you get to sell your gym and its potential. Build on your executive summary's vision and mission statement, delving deeper into what makes your gym unique. 

Think of your vision statement as a tagline for your future website. When outlining the purpose of your gym, which audience it will cater to, and how you plan to achieve business goals, also consider including the following: 

Your personal mission statement for the business- i.e., what outcome do you hope to see?

Then, give your readers some information on your background:

• What have you done in the past?
• Have you had any other businesses?
• What is your current status?

This is helpful for investors and partners to know so they can understand where you've been and where you're going. The more they know about you, the more trust they'll have in you.

Step 3: Services and amenities

Outline your strategy in detail: what services you'll offer and how you will develop new offerings. This includes if you need to hire someone or build a facility, such as a spa or a studio. 

This information will help you realize when or where your business requires more funding and extra staff.

By describing your products and services, you can gain valuable insights into your gym's size. Test your vision to determine if you have the necessary funding for these assets. If not, consider how you might acquire the required financing.

Some potential products you could invest in are: 

• Gym equipment like treadmills and rowing machines 
• Specialist equipment to cater to different types of gym-goers, such as bodybuilders 
• Food and drinks like energy drinks or healthy foods 

And services like: 

• Personal training sessions 
• Group classes like yoga, spinning, or body pump 
• Lockers for storing belongings while working out 
• Spa amenities like saunas or massages 
• A swimming pool 
• Physiotherapy

Furthermore, thinking about increasing your market share is a significant next step. You could start by offering pro bono services at local workplaces and schools, eventually introducing a fee.

This way, you can attract larger customers while still providing value.

When creating a business plan - be it for a gym or something else entirely - remember that its purpose is to lay out your objectives easily for potential bankers, partners, employees, and investors.

Step 4: Management team

It is essential to consider the positions you'll need to fill and how these people can help your gym succeed. 

You should write a summary emphasizing their skills and management experience while incorporating what they will be responsible for and any incentives you plan on offering.

Furthermore, creating an employee ladder is vital to establish who or what each new hire will report to so your business can secure its success.

Step 5: Market research and marketing strategy

Marketing is a field where creativity can shine. It's all about identifying different groups of people who would buy your product, coming up with reasons why they should choose you over others, and figuring out ways to get more sales.

Learn more:

Gym marketing strategy

Gym promotion ideas

Gym membership pricing

Best gym features

Even if marketing your fitness business isn't your favorite thing, remember that your marketing strategy will help you lay out a plan for expansion if you do it right. Your first target should be to summarise what you found in your market research. Are you still stuck? 

Consider where you are situated, similar businesses nearby, and who makes up the community around you.

Define your target market here. It could be

• Working professionals
• Senior executives

Or a particular group, like cyclists. After that, try to understand why this specific demographic would join a gym – for example, are they looking for cardio?

After you have completed your market research, take some time to understand your target audience. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How can I make this customer base loyal?
• What makes my company unique?
• What's the best membership package I can offer?
• Is there a need for special equipment or offerings?

In your plan, identify and communicate what makes your business valuable and unique. 

This is called a Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and it will help instill confidence in potential investors that they are making a wise choice by investing in your company. 

Furthermore, detailing marketing strategies in this document provides peace of mind that future income streams are lined up and secure.

There are many marketing strategies you can use to grow your business, including:

• Improving your services
• Advertising and sponsorship
• Loyalty plans and website promotions
• Email marketing campaigns
• Investing in new equipment or technology

Step 6: Competitor analysis - Understanding direct and indirect competitors

To do a competitor analysis, research businesses in your field that offer similar services. These are your direct competitors. 

You can mention indirect competitors, but this section is mainly for an in-depth look at businesses like yours. Depending on your business type, you could have brick-and-mortar and online rivals.

When investigating a competitor, these are some critical areas you'll want to focus on: 

• Services and products they offer 
• Target audience 
• Pricing and business model 
• Strengths and weaknesses

Step 7: Create comprehensive financial projections

Starting a gym requires careful budgeting. Make sure you consider every possible purchase and estimate the cost of each item.

The following are key areas to cover when starting your business:

• Lawyer fees
• Recruiting expenses
• Constructional endeavors
• Exercise equipment for the workplace
• Three months' worth of bills and other operational costs
• An accounting software

It's time to be practical and ascertain how much money you will need to open your gym and make it thrive. This way, you'll get a better understanding of what falls within your budget and what will require additional funding.

Next, you need to prove to investors, stakeholders, and employees that you have a feasible plan for attaining ROI. 

Consider revenue streams such as classes, services provided, and product sales- anything that brings in money. Set down an estimate here based on research and expert opinion.

If you're looking for ways to make money, selling healthy food could be a great option. You could create your protein shakes or energy bars, for example. 

If you plan to sell food, ensure you stay up-to-date with food hygiene standards.

Step 8: Financial forecasting

Your sales forecast for your business's first, second, and third years should be detailed. Specifying the number of active members, you estimate for your first year would also be beneficial. Estimate using:

• Unit sales per month
• Any relevant past data
• How purchases will be broken down (as specified in financial projections)

Step 9: Financial strategy

How can you use your fees in a way that will increase customer registration? For example, if all the other gyms in your area charge higher prices than average, this could be an opportunity to set your business apart by being financially conscious (lowering membership fees or having better offers than competitors).

Consider ways to show your appreciation for loyal customers, such as discounts or complimentary services.

Furthermore, if you're in the process of creating a gym and spa business plan, consider adding discounts for those who use both facilities. For example, many people would love to take advantage of the jacuzzi after working out.

Writing your pricing strategy down will help give you peace of mind about what's to come for your gym.

Step 10: Payment option

An easy and accessible payment system is crucial for any business, let alone a gym. To retain customers , ensure your payment processing is up-to-date and user-friendly. 

Let potential investors know what platform you're using or planning to use, so they can see that you're taking customer experience seriously. A positive buyer experience will encourage loyalty among your clientele.

Step 11: Funding

Make it clear where your business will obtain the extra startup capital it needs. 

This is a chance to be practical about your company. Can you realistically obtain the funding required to reach your targets? Or do you need to readjust your plan?

Below are some vital external resources that might provide the necessary funding:

• Loans from friends or family members
• Crowdfunding campaigns
• Business partners or sponsors

If you are looking to gain investors, be sure to detail where the funding for your project will come from and how much of a return they can expect. You should also include any previous loan applications related to this venture here.

You're almost there!

Now it's time to put all the elements outlined above into a gym business plan. This plan will be a reference point when you need to make tough decisions, help secure investment, and show direction to new employees or partners.

Your next steps to successfully run your gym

Here's a personal checklist to help you ensure that you have everything covered before you open your gym. Use it as a reference point throughout the development process to ensure nothing is overlooked.

• Write a business plan
• Register business
• Apply for a business license and permit
• Open business bank accounts
• Select an online payment platform
• Obtain taxpayer's ID
• Purchase insurance
• Rent/purchase facility
• Purchase/rent equipment
• Secure funding
• Recruit employees
• Drafting contract documents along with any other legal documents required
• Design company logo
• Develop website
• Write website content
• Create social media accounts
• Design leaflets & brochures
• Organize branded uniforms
• Launch party

Any business, no matter how big or small, comes with its fair share of challenges. However, the payoffs in the end always make it worth your while

Starting a gym can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, it is important to ensure that you are well-prepared with all the necessary information before you open your gym. 

A comprehensive Gym Business Plan detailing the market research, financial projections and strategy, services and amenities, management team, and more should be developed to ensure success. 

Additionally, obtaining the necessary licenses, finding and hiring trainers, investing in the right equipment , and appealing to members with friendly incentives are all important steps.

Gym business plan template & examples

In addition, we've gathered a few of the gym business plan templates and examples below. These samples will provide you with suggested language for your own document as well as guidance on what to include.

Adam Fitness Centre

Grow think's template

PAWSitively Fit Club

Ecogym business plan

Capital Health and Fitness Club

Frequently asked questions on good gym business plan

How can i start my own gym business.

Follow these steps and understand gym business plans:

• Choose your area/location
• Develop a comprehensive business plan
• Apply and obtain all necessary licenses
• Find and hire certified trainers
• Invest in the right equipment for your business
• Appeal to members with friendly incentives

How do I write a business plan for a gym?

To write a gym business plan, you can implement the steps below:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Services and amenities
• Management team
• Market research and marketing
• Competitor analysis 
• Financial projections
• Financial forecasting
• Financial strategy
• Payment option

What type of gym is the most profitable?

Out of the gyms surveyed in November 2020, 69 percent of CrossFit gyms were profitable, while half of martial arts gyms reported being in the black.

Is owning a gym a good business?

Owning a gym can be profitable, but you will need more time to make yourself rich. To succeed in this industry, you must put in the effort.

Do gym owners make money?

According to ZipRecruiter, an American jobs marketplace, gym owners in the United States will earn an average of $69,472 annually as of June 2022.

Do gyms make a lot of money?

A gym that is managed efficiently and has a good mixture of members can generate quite a bit of money. For example, if a gym has 1,000 people paying $50 monthly, the gym could bring in $50,000 each month. And if the monthly expenses for the gym are $20,000 per month, the profit would be $30,000 per month.

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Home > Blog > How to Write a Gym Business Plan (Step-by-Step Guide + Free Template)

How to Write a Gym Business Plan (Step-by-Step Guide + Free Template)

• Updated on 06/08/2024

Opening a gym can be very lucrative but requires a well-thought-out business plan. We mean a document that will help you understand what steps you need to achieve success at your gym. This article will discuss how we design a plan for a fitness business from the scratch.

We will present some examples and gym business plan templates. They will help you understand what elements should be included in this document. From concept development through market and competition analysis to a financial plan.

This article gives you a solid foundation for writing a business plan. Doesn’t matter if you are creating a new gym or improving an existing one.

Download: Free Gym Business Plan Template

What is a gym business plan?

A gym business plan is a document that describes planned activities, goals, and gym marketing strategies for a new or existing gym. It is an important document for anyone who wants to open or develop their own fitness business.

How to write a gym business plan (Step-by-Step)?

• Step 1: Gather answers to important questions from the list below before writing your plan.
• Step 2: Are you opening a gym with an innovative business model? It is better to wait to start writing a business plan immediately to verify whether this model can succeed. 
• Does the gym have a traditional business model (e.g., hour-scheduled group training sessions) already existing in the market? You can skip this step and create a business plan immediately.
• Step 3: Create a gym business plan using the ready-made template (pattern) described below.
• Step 4: Review the business plan regularly, every month in the first months of running the gym, and at least once a year in subsequent years. A business plan is a living document that will help your fitness place grow.

What to remember when creating a gym business plan?

• Write short and concisely. Be specific.
• Use numbers for calculations.
• Assume black scenarios. The blacker you assume, and yet the business has a chance of success, you will manage to beat the market.
• In the first months of the gym’s operation, work with the business plan daily and update calculations and assumptions.
• Once the gym is stable and has reached the so-called break-even point, return to the business plan at least once a year.
• Discuss the business plan with your team. Also, consider sharing some of the profits with your team. In this way, you will build a unique commitment.
• The business plan is for years. The document should be updated regularly.

Where to start writing a gym business plan? (10+ questions to start with)

Start writing your document by answering a few important questions. The questions help you create a good business plan for opening a gym and, above all, help you design a business that perfectly suits your needs:

• Why do you want to start this gym?
• How much would you like to earn per month? 
• How many clients do you plan to serve per month? 
• What kind of gym do you want to run? (e.g., group training place, personal training place, specialized gym of one kind of sport or one kind of clientele). Here is a list of types of gyms and other fitness businesses.
• What kind of service will you offer? (on-site, online, mixed).
• What area will you operate in?
• Who will be your client? 
• How many direct competitors are there where you want to operate?
• How will your gym stand out?
• How will you manage your gym? What gym management software do you choose?
• Who do you need to hire to start a gym? Do you plan a gym staff management software ?
• What metrics will you keep track of? (e.g. retention rate, customers opinions).
• What will your gym look like inside?
• What will the atmosphere of your gym be like?
• What will your fitness offer look like? 
• What will your gym pricing strategy be?

Recommendation

Remember that a sample of your fitness classes can attract potential customers. A well-performed meeting will help you sell your idea. The trainer’s performance and place’s image are your #1 sales tools.

What to write a business plan for?

• A business plan is an action plan. You will stop dreaming and start turning your idea into a real gym business plan.
• Running a business is working in a company. Creating a plan is working “on the company,” i.e. its design and improvement.
• A gym business plan will allow you to verify your assumptions. You will observe it in a year, two, or five years. It’s super satisfying to watch how your knowledge grows every year.
• Writing this document allows you to translate your vision into a specific project and action plan. It also allows you to rethink to what extent your business idea is a recipe for success and what you still need to refine.
• Creating a business plan for a gym will help you assess the reality of your dream. You’ll check the possibilities of its implementation, as well as check the chances of its success. It’s also important to assess the risk you have to take.
• A business plan forces you to be specific. If you don’t know the answer to a question in our guide, you may be blind in this area, which is very risky.
• If you already run a gym and don’t have a plan, fix this mistake. Every gym should have some sort of ideas for the present and future actions.

When is it worth writing a business plan?

In our opinion, it’s always worth it. You plan to open a successful gym, right? Not having the basic elements of your fitness business written down and calculated… dooms you to failure. Remember to verify them regularly too. 

Only a regular analysis of the gym’s results (read more about gym reporting ) and planning the next moves (in the form of a business plan) allows you to have full control over the gym.

Of course, the external motivation is looking for an investor or support (then you are forced to create this document).

Helpful resources when creating a gym business plan

• How Much Do Gym Owners Make in 2024
• How Much Does It Cost To Open a Gym in 2024
• Opening a gym (Step-By-Step Guide)    

Free gym business plan template

A typical gym business plan example includes:

• Executive summary for a gym
• Gym description
• Market analysis

Competition analysis

• SWOT analysis
• Investment costs (one-off to start)
• Operating costs (fixed monthly costs) Financial Projections
• Profit and Loss Account

Break-even analysis

Sensitivity analysis

• Gym marketing plan
• Company description of the vision for further development of the gym

1. Executive Summary

The summary of the gym business plan should include:

• Mission statement, vision, and values.
• Description of the gym concept.
• Why will this idea be a success?
• How do you want to implement this plan?
• Profits and return on investment.

The executive summary should be written at the end after you have written your entire gym business plan. The executive summary wraps the business plan up. It provides the reader with the most important information in a very concise form (max. 600 words, i.e., about 1-2 pages). Discuss only the key aspects of your business idea. Use points!

2. Description of the gym

This section aims to show you the details of your gym. It should not lack the following elements:

• Mission: why do we exist?
• Vision: what we want to achieve in 1, 2, and 5 years.
• Business Type: Is your gym a sole proprietorship, partnership, or other business?
• Gym name (get inspired by this list of gym names ).
• Gym type: specify the type of gym, e.g., personal training gym, group fitness classes gym, online training studio, wide offer studio, etc.
• Specific location: write exactly where your new gym is (or could be) and why you chose this place.
• The style of the place: what will be the colors, atmosphere, decorations, music, etc.
• Ways to serve the customer: only on-site, only remotely, both ways.
• Hours of Operation: What hours will the place be open? Why are these?
• Your offer is surely connected with your experience and skills. But remember to be creative and have 1-3 differentiators from the competition (Unique Selling Points).

3. Market research and competition analysis

You should thoroughly analyze the space to create your premises. Oh, unless you are introducing real innovation to the market – or maybe especially then. What needs to be observed? Analyze the market and competition, focusing on the following:

Market analysis Customers are the key to any gym’s success. Knowing their demographic structure, preferences, and training habits is critical to a business plan.

• Target market for a gym: Think about who your customers will be. Consider their age, interests, expectations, and how to reach them.
• Needs in the market: Describe the market’s needs and how your gym will meet them.
• Target Audience Size: Determine the number of potential customers in the market you intend to target.
• Market trends: Use credible information to show that people will be interested in your gym idea. Find out current trends and how the gym industry is developing.

Check out other gyms that are or could be your competition.

• Is there any other gym or fitness center in your area? Make a list of them.
• Revenue and number of customers they can achieve: Estimate how much such gyms can earn
• Offer and prices: Analyze what these places offer and what is their gym pricing . Try to calculate their revenue cost (it is how much you need to spend before you start earning).
• Competitor marketing activities: See what makes them successful and their weaknesses.
• Competitive advantages: What will be your advantage?

SWOT analysis The abbreviation comes from the words: S for Strengths, W for Weaknesses, O for Opportunities, and T for Threats. Fields S and W are related to the gym’s launch situation. While the O and T fields are related to the success of your project in the future. It is worth conducting such an analysis in the form of a table:

4. Investment plan (cost analysis)

In this section, you will present the costs associated with the initial investment and the spending plan for the first year of operation.

List the costs, dividing them into two groups:

• Investment costs (one-off to start).
• Operating costs (fixed monthly costs). 

After opening a gym, verify the costs regularly, preferably once a month.

Investment costs include, among others:

• Rental or purchase of the real estate.
• Renovation and adaptation of the fitness facilities.
• Purchase of exercise equipment: mats, kettlebells, dumbbells, other special equipment, like poles for a pole sport studio, etc.
• Reception Desk.
• Unified Work Clothes for the staff (if you plan it)
• Gym POS software.
• Payment terminals.
• Computer hardware for the POS system.
• A website with online booking.

Regarding point 5 and 6, take into account a very important monthly purchase, which will however save your time and money finally. It’s a gym management software. You can compare some of the software providers on the market to meet the best gym management software . Yet, what we recommend is WodGuru . With its reasonable price, many useful features, amazingly helpful support and nice cartoon visual identity.

• Insurance of the premises and equipment.
• Organizational and legal costs (e.g., regulations, documentation).
• Costs related to permits and licenses (e.g. license to conduct exercises according to a patented pattern and name).
• External training costs.
• Operating costs.
• Rental of real estate (if the premises are rented).
• Electricity.
• Staff wages: personal trainers, receptionist, outsource trainers etc.
• Purchase of additional items like finger food and drinks.
• Equipment maintenance and servicing costs.
• POS system support.
• Online booking system.
• Employee insurance.
• Online and offline advertising.
• Printed materials.
• Running social media.
• Website positioning (SEO).
• Taxes and fees.

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How to finance the opening of a gym?

The biggest problem for a novice gym owner is finding financing for the first business. Various options are worth considering.

• taking out bank loans,
• receiving subsidies — a business plan will even be necessary to receive them
• loans from friends or family.

Considering bank loans or a subsidy, you must first think about the black scenario. What will happen if your business fails and you have to return the borrowed money? But also what to do to prevent this from happening? How much does it cost to open a gym and which costs are inevitable? How high the margin you have to impose on the training performance? This is the key to assessing the chance of return on investment in the gym.

5. Financial forecast

The financial forecast consists of 3 elements:

• Projected profit and Loss Statement: Shows what turnover and profits you will generate. 
• Break-even analysis: Shows when a gym will become profitable.
• Sensitivity analysis: Shows what happens to turnover and profit in negative scenarios. E.g., 50% decrease in turnover for three months.

Profit and Loss Account You will need to estimate the value of the sale considering the size of your gym, target market, sales volume, and revenue cost. You will get a profit and loss forecast, comparing this with the costs. The easiest way to prepare a profit and loss account is in the form of a table:

Investors will want to know how much revenue you will need to generate each month to break even after all fixed and operating costs are considered. In the analysis, you should show how you intend to generate the necessary revenue, even in difficult months with lower sales.

It is worth doing it to assess the negative scenarios.

• The other gyms will be stronger, and you will have to lower price
• You lose key employees
• There is a decrease in sales by 10 or 20% compared to what you assume

This will allow us to be prepared better for different financial crises and reduce stress when such a situation arises.

Make a sensitivity analysis in the form of a table

Business is people. Describe what your team will look like, dividing it into two groups:

If you are looking for investors, this area can be critical for them.

Describe the founders:

• List of founders.
• Experience.

Which positions are necessary for the daily functioning of the premises? Is it the receptionist, a permanent personal trainer, an outsourcing trainer, social media platforms specialist, etc.? Who will suffice as emergency help?

Think about which people you already know with the necessary competencies. Which ones will you have to look for or train as your employees from the beginning? The cost of necessary training should also be included in the gym business plan.

Describe the team you need to build:

• List of job titles.
• Remuneration.
• Type of contract.

7. Marketing plan

Ideally, your marketing strategy should include the items we listed. Below we describe how to do effective marketing in your branch.

• Brand building (logo, colors, gym name , gym slogans)
• Building your own website or app (Here you can check how to create a fitness app )
• Selling training sessions or booking online from your own website (as the main way of selling online)
• Launching a loyalty program
• Will you run social media?
• Will you be implementing gym SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
• Will you add a business listing on Google Maps?
• Will you run email and SMS campaigns, and if so, how often? How will you build your subscriber base? 
• Will you be blogging?
• Will you be running a gym newsletter ?
• Will you be doing paid Google Ads and Facebook Ads?
• Will you be offering promotions? If so, what types?

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8. Description of the vision for further development of the gym

Determining the direction of development is very important at the beginning of your business. When setting gym goals you want to achieve in a certain time, you should start with the wider ones, reaching those at the everyday level. It is also worth considering how you want to achieve these goals.

During project execution you need to observe and adapt initial goals. It enables effective management and reduces losses in marketing, service, and other areas. Your gym’s written plan should clearly outline the vision and strategies to achieve desired objectives.

Sample gym business plan

We created a sample gym business plan to help you write your plan. Click below to download an example of a business plan for a gym.

Download: Free gym Business Plan Template

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Key Takeaways

• The business plan describes what your gym will look like.
• A business plan consists of 10 different elements.
• Create a business plan even if you already run a gym.
• Do not outsource writing a business plan to external companies. It is better to ask an experienced trainer or an external company as a consultant for your ideas.
• Go back to the business plan once a month if you are starting and once a year if you have been operating for several years.
• A business plan is not an artificial document you write once and forget. It is a living document that teaches you how to run a business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write small gym business plans.

Regardless of the size of the gym or business, the steps of gym business planning remain the same. Writing this document for a small gym consists of creating:

• Executive summary, 
• Gym description, 
• Market analysis, 
• Investment plan, 
• Financial projections, 
• Team, 
• Marketing plan,
• Company development description

Does every gym need a business plan?

In our opinion, yes. If you are serious about putting your place in the whole fitness industry, you must implement a repetitive method of working “on the company”. A BP that is updated regularly every month and year is a way to run a business.

How to open a gym without money?

Opening a gym with no money can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some ways to open a gym without enough funds:

• Rethink the concept of your gym.
• Look for gym investors or alternative funding sources.
• Start your online business to get first customers.
• Consider working with other companies.
• Start a smaller business by offering training sessions on demand and develop your brand.

Discover more ideas on how to open a gym with no money.

How to promote gyms?

Promoting a gym is key to attracting new guests, increasing sales and retaining regular customers. A few steps to help you promote your gym:

• Create a professional website with a website creator like WodGuru.
• Take care of social media by posting regularly and encouraging interaction.
• Add your gym to popular sites.
• Organize contests and promotions.
• Collaborate with influencers.
• Organize events such as health promoting, competitions or concerts.
• Use paid ads such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
• Collect gym feedback from satisfied customers.

Check these gym promotion ideas for inspiration.

How much profit does the gym make?

A gym’s profit depends on many factors, such as location, offer, prices, service quality, and business size. The average gym profit margin is between 10 and 15% per year, but it can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.

Franchise gym profits on the lower end of 10%, boutique fitness studios averaging 20% to even 40% profit margins, and CrossFit gym profit margins in the 25-30% range.

What makes a gym business plan important?

A gym business plan is crucial for several reasons:

• It helps clarify the vision and goals of the gym.
• It provides a roadmap for the business.
• It includes financial projections, budgeting, and funding strategies for securing investors or loans.
• It identifies potential risks and challenges, allowing the business to address them proactively.
• It serves as a reference point for decision-making, helping the management team focus on the business’s objectives.
• It can be used to communicate the business idea effectively to stakeholders, including investors, partners, and employees.

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Gym Business Plan Template (FREE)

Get this free gym business plan template to learn how to create a gym business plan . Use the free gym business plan examples and then modify as needed.

Use this gym business plan template free for modifying as your own. When starting a gym , it’s crucial to have a solid business plan in place. A business plan serves as a roadmap for your gym’s success and provides a clear direction for your goals and objectives. It not only helps you identify potential challenges and opportunities but also allows you to make informed decisions that will contribute to the long-term growth and profitability of your gym .

A well-executed gym business plan establishes a strong foundation for your gym by outlining your mission, vision, and values. It helps you define your unique selling proposition and identify your gym target audience . By clearly articulating your gym’s mission statement and distinguishing factors, you can attract the right members who align with your gym’s values and goals.

Moreover, a business plan enables you to identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges. By conducting a thorough analysis of the market and competition, you can anticipate obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them. This proactive approach ensures that you are well-prepared to navigate any hurdles that may arise.

So if you are looking to start a gym then our comprehensive gym business plan template will guide you through every step of the process, from learning how to create a gym budget to gym market research to gym sales forecast financial projections . Be sure to also check out the fitness business plan template and the personal training business plan template .

Then be sure to find the tools you need to grow a gym business. From the best software for gym management to the best software for personal training to the best fitness software for fitness influencers , the Exercise.com platform has the tools you need to grow and manage your fitness business.

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Gym Business Plan Template

A gym business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the strategy, goals, and details of your gym business. It’s a crucial tool for planning, securing funding, and guiding your business to success. This plan should cover every aspect of your gym, including the target market, services offered, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Whether you’re opening a small boutique gym or a large fitness center, this template will guide you through the essential components of a successful business plan.

Executive Summary

• Business Name and Location : The name of your gym and its physical location.
• Mission Statement : A concise statement of your gym’s purpose and core values.
• Business Goals : Short-term and long-term objectives for your gym.
• Ownership Structure : Information about the gym’s ownership and key stakeholders.

Business Structure

• Type of Business Entity : Whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.
• Facility Details : Size, layout, and features of your gym facility.
• Equipment and Resources : Details about the gym equipment and other resources.

Market Analysis

• Industry Overview : The current state and trends in the fitness industry.
• Target Market : Demographic and psychographic profile of your target customers.
• Competitor Analysis : Overview of your competition and your gym’s competitive edge.
• SWOT Analysis : Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing your gym.

Services Offered

• Types of Memberships : Different membership options and what they include.
• Personal Training : Details about personal training services, if offered.
• Group Classes : Information on group fitness classes and scheduling.
• Additional Services : Other services like nutrition counseling, childcare, spa services, etc.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

• Branding and Positioning : Your gym’s brand image and market positioning.
• Marketing Channels : How you plan to market your gym (social media, local advertising, etc.).
• Sales Plan : Strategies for selling memberships and services.
• Customer Retention Strategies : How you plan to retain members.

Financial Plan

• Startup Costs : Initial costs involved in opening your gym.
• Pricing Strategy : Pricing for memberships, personal training, and other services.
• Revenue Projections : Forecasted income from various revenue streams.
• Expense Forecast : Ongoing operational expenses.
• Break-Even Analysis : When and how your gym will become profitable.

Operations Plan

• Staffing Requirements : Number and types of employees needed.
• Operational Workflow : Daily operations and management of the gym.
• Facility Maintenance : Plan for maintaining and updating the gym facility and equipment.

Legal and Risk Management

• Legal Considerations : Necessary permits, licenses, and legal compliance requirements.
• Insurance Requirements : Types of insurance needed to protect your business and clients.
• Risk Management Strategies : How you plan to mitigate potential risks.

Growth and Expansion

• Future Opportunities : Potential avenues for growth and expansion.
• Long-Term Goals : Where you see your gym in 5 to 10 years.

This gym business plan template serves as a blueprint to help you outline and refine your business idea. Tailor each section according to your specific vision, market, and operational strategy to create a comprehensive and effective business plan for your gym.

Read More: How to Create a Gym Business Plan

Example Gym Business Plan #1: Community Fitness Center

“Community Fitness Hub” is a gym designed to serve the local community with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Our mission is to provide a welcoming, supportive environment for people of all fitness levels. The gym will offer affordable memberships, diverse group classes, and community-building events.

• Facility Details : Medium-sized facility with standard gym equipment, a group class area, and a community space.
• Equipment and Resources : Cardio machines, free weights, functional training equipment, and space for group classes.
• Industry Overview : Steady growth in community-oriented fitness centers.
• Target Market : Local residents of all ages looking for a welcoming fitness environment.
• Competitor Analysis : Other local gyms, focusing on our community engagement as a key differentiator.
• SWOT Analysis : Strengths in community focus; weaknesses in smaller size compared to major chains.
• Types of Memberships : Flexible membership plans including family packages.
• Group Classes : Wide range of classes including yoga, spin, and Zumba.
• Personal Training : Affordable personal training sessions.
• Additional Services : Community events and wellness workshops.
• Branding and Positioning : Branding as a community-centric, inclusive fitness center.
• Marketing Channels : Local advertising, social media campaigns, community events.
• Sales Plan : Promotions for families and local residents.
• Customer Retention Strategies : Loyalty programs, member appreciation events.
• Startup Costs : Moderate, with investments in gym equipment and facility renovation.
• Pricing Strategy : Competitive pricing with discounts for local residents.
• Revenue Projections : Aim for steady growth through community engagement.
• Expense Forecast : Regular expenses including staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and marketing.
• Break-Even Analysis : Expected within the first two years.
• Staffing Requirements : A mix of fitness instructors, personal trainers, and administrative staff.
• Operational Workflow : Daily gym operations, class scheduling, and community event planning.
• Facility Maintenance : Regular upkeep and maintenance schedule.
• Legal Considerations : Compliance with local business regulations and health codes.
• Insurance Requirements : General liability, property, and professional liability insurance.
• Risk Management Strategies : Implementing safety protocols and regular staff training.
• Future Opportunities : Expanding services and possibly opening additional locations.
• Long-Term Goals : Becoming a well-known community fitness hub.

Read More: Best Gym Management Software

Example Gym Business Plan #2: High-End Boutique Gym

“LuxeFit Studio” is a high-end boutique gym targeting affluent clients seeking exclusive fitness experiences. We offer premium services, state-of-the-art equipment, and personalized attention in a luxurious setting.

• Type : Corporation
• Facility Details : Upscale facility in an affluent neighborhood with advanced gym equipment, personal training studios, and a wellness spa.
• Equipment and Resources : High-end fitness machines, boutique studio spaces, spa and relaxation areas.
• Industry Overview : Growing trend in luxury fitness experiences.
• Target Market : Affluent individuals looking for premium fitness services.
• Competitor Analysis : Other luxury gyms and fitness studios.
• SWOT Analysis : Strength in premium offerings; weakness in higher pricing.
• Types of Memberships : Exclusive membership options with tiered benefits.
• Personal Training : Elite personal training services with top trainers.
• Group Classes : Small, specialized classes such as reformer Pilates and boutique spin classes.
• Additional Services : On-site wellness spa, nutrition counseling, and physiotherapy services.
• Branding and Positioning : Marketed as an elite, exclusive fitness destination.
• Marketing Channels : High-end local magazines, targeted online advertising, exclusive events.
• Sales Plan : Membership through referrals and by invitation.
• Customer Retention Strategies : Personalized member services, exclusive member events.
• Startup Costs : High, due to luxury equipment and facility design.
• Pricing Strategy : Premium pricing reflecting the high-quality services and facilities.
• Revenue Projections : Aim to establish a solid base of high-paying members.
• Expense Forecast : High, including facility maintenance, staff salaries, and marketing.
• Break-Even Analysis : Expected within the first three years.
• Staffing Requirements : Highly qualified fitness trainers, spa staff, and customer service representatives.
• Operational Workflow : Providing high-quality fitness and wellness experiences, maintaining facilities.
• Facility Maintenance : High standards for cleanliness and equipment maintenance.
• Legal Considerations : Adherence to all applicable luxury service and health club regulations.
• Insurance Requirements : Comprehensive insurance coverage including high-value property and equipment.
• Risk Management Strategies : Focus on client safety and privacy.
• Future Opportunities : Expanding to other affluent markets or adding additional luxury services.
• Long-Term Goals : Establishing LuxeFit as a leading brand in luxury fitness.

Read More: Best Boutique Fitness Studio Software

Example Gym Business Plan #3: Specialized Athletic Training Facility

“Athlete’s Edge” is a specialized training facility focused on athletes and individuals seeking advanced athletic performance. Our services include sport-specific training, performance testing, and rehabilitation programs.

• Facility Details : Facility equipped with specialized equipment for athletic training and performance testing.
• Equipment and Resources : Sport-specific training equipment, performance testing technology.
• Industry Overview : Increasing demand for specialized athletic training.
• Target Market : Amateur and professional athletes, sports teams, fitness enthusiasts.
• Competitor Analysis : Other athletic training facilities and sports performance centers.
• SWOT Analysis : Strength in specialized services; potential weakness in a narrower target market.
• Types of Memberships : Membership options for individuals and teams.
• Personal Training : Sport-specific training and individualized performance programs.
• Group Classes : Strength and conditioning classes, speed and agility workshops.
• Additional Services : Injury rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, sports psychology consultations.
• Branding and Positioning : Positioned as a premier athletic training and performance center.
• Marketing Channels : Partnerships with sports teams, online marketing, sports events.
• Sales Plan : Targeted outreach to athletic organizations and schools.
• Customer Retention Strategies : Progress tracking, personalized training adjustments, athlete success showcases.
• Startup Costs : Moderate to high, due to specialized equipment and technology.
• Pricing Strategy : Pricing based on the specialized nature of services.
• Revenue Projections : Steady growth as reputation and client base build.
• Expense Forecast : Ongoing costs including equipment updates, staff training, and facility maintenance.
• Break-Even Analysis : Expected within two to three years.
• Staffing Requirements : Certified athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, rehabilitation specialists.
• Operational Workflow : Daily training sessions, performance assessments, rehabilitation programs.
• Facility Maintenance : Regular maintenance of specialized equipment and facilities.
• Legal Considerations : Compliance with sports training and health club regulations.
• Insurance Requirements : Liability and professional insurance for trainers and staff.
• Risk Management Strategies : Emphasis on athlete safety and injury prevention.
• Future Opportunities : Expanding services, partnering with more sports teams, and potential franchising.
• Long-Term Goals : Becoming a recognized leader in athletic performance training.

Each of these example business plans caters to a specific niche in the fitness industry, offering tailored services and experiences to meet the unique needs of their target markets. They can be adapted and expanded upon to suit the specific goals and resources of a gym owner.

Read More: Best Sports Performance Gym Software

Understanding the Purpose: Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Gym

Before embarking on any business venture, it’s essential to understand why a business plan is crucial for the success of your gym. A well-crafted business plan serves multiple purposes:

1. Attracting Investors: If you’re seeking external funding for your gym, a comprehensive business plan is a must. It demonstrates to potential investors that you have a clear vision, a viable business model, and a solid strategy to generate revenue. Investors want to see the potential return on their investment, and a business plan provides the necessary documentation to support your gym’s financial viability.

2. Guiding Decision Making: A business plan serves as a guiding document for making critical decisions. It helps you stay focused on your long-term goals and objectives, ensuring that every decision you make aligns with your gym’s overall strategy. By having a plan in place, you minimize the risk of making hasty or uninformed decisions that may have a negative impact on your gym’s growth.

3. Mitigating Risks: By conducting a thorough analysis of the market, competition, and industry trends, a business plan enables you to identify potential risks and challenges. It allows you to develop contingency plans and strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring that your gym is well-prepared to face any obstacles that may arise.

4. Setting Realistic Expectations: A business plan helps you set realistic expectations for your gym’s growth and success. It provides a framework for measuring your performance and progress, allowing you to make adjustments and improvements as needed. By having a clear understanding of your goals and objectives, you can track your gym’s performance against these benchmarks and make informed decisions to ensure that you stay on track.

A gym business plan is essential for having a successful gym business as it guides decision making, attracts investors, mitigates risks, and sets realistic expectations. It serves as a roadmap for your gym’s growth and provides the necessary documentation to support your vision and strategy.

5. Securing Loans and Financing: In addition to attracting investors, a well-developed business plan is also crucial for securing loans and financing for your gym . Financial institutions and lenders often require a detailed business plan to assess the viability of your gym and determine the terms of the loan. By including financial projections, cash flow analysis, and a clear repayment plan, you can increase your chances of obtaining the necessary funding to start or expand your gym.

How do I create a business plan for a gym?

To create a business plan for a gym:

• Executive Summary: Outline your vision, mission, and the specific niche of your gym.
• Market Analysis: Research the local market, competition, and target audience.
• Services and Pricing: Detail the services, classes, and membership pricing.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop a plan for attracting and retaining members.
• Operational Plan: Include day-to-day operations, staffing, and facility management.
• Financial Projections: Provide detailed financial forecasts including startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections.

Is owning a gym a profitable business?

Owning a gym can be profitable, especially if it fulfills a niche market, is well-managed, and has a solid member base. Success depends on location, the services offered, and effective business and financial management.

How do I start a small gym business?

To start a small gym business:

• Conduct Market Research: Understand the local demand and competition.
• Find a Suitable Location: Choose a location accessible to your target audience.
• Secure Financing: Calculate your startup costs and secure necessary funding.
• Purchase Equipment: Invest in quality gym equipment.
• Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to attract members.
• Compliance: Ensure you meet all legal and safety requirements.

How do I write a fitness plan for my business?

Writing a fitness plan for your business involves:

• Identifying Goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve with your fitness offerings.
• Target Market: Understand the needs and preferences of your target clientele.
• Service Offering: Detail the types of fitness programs and services you will offer.
• Staffing and Operations: Plan for the personnel and operational needs to deliver these services.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop strategies to promote your services to your target market.

Read More: Fitness Business Plan Template

How profitable is a small gym?

The profitability of a small gym varies based on factors like location, membership fees, operating costs, and the gym’s popularity. While some small gyms achieve significant profitability, others may operate with narrower margins.

How do gym owners make money?

Gym owners make money primarily through membership fees, personal training services, group classes, and additional services like merchandise sales, nutritional consulting, or special programs.

What is the toughest thing about being a gym owner?

The toughest thing about being a gym owner is often managing the financial aspects, including maintaining cash flow, managing expenses, and ensuring profitability. Additionally, attracting and retaining members, and staying competitive can be challenging.

Read More: Reasons Gyms Fail

What is the average profit from owning a gym?

The average profit from owning a gym can vary widely. Some small gym owners might see profits of $30,000 to $100,000 annually, while larger gyms can have much higher profits, depending on their size and operational efficiency.

Read More: What is the average profit from owning a gym?

How do I start a gym from scratch?

To start a gym from scratch:

• Market Research: Understand your target market and competition.
• Business Plan: Develop a detailed business plan outlining your vision and operational strategy.
• Secure Funding: Determine your startup costs and secure necessary funding or loans.
• Find a Location: Choose a location that is accessible and fits your target market’s needs.
• Equip Your Gym: Invest in quality equipment that suits your gym’s focus.
• Marketing: Develop a strong marketing plan to attract members.

Read More: How to Open a Gym

How to start a gym with no money?

Starting a gym with no money can be challenging but possible through strategies like leasing equipment, finding investors, crowdfunding, starting with a personal training business, or partnering with a complementary business for space.

Read More: How to Start a Gym with No Money

Is it hard to start a gym business?

Starting a gym business can be challenging due to the significant investment, competition in the fitness industry, and the need for consistent member engagement and retention strategies.

Read More: Pros and Cons of Owning a Gym

How can I create a business plan for a personal trainer?

Creating a business plan for a personal trainer involves:

• Defining Services: Clearly outline the training services you will offer.
• Target Market: Identify your ideal client base and their needs.
• Marketing Strategy: Plan how you will attract and retain clients.
• Financial Plan: Include pricing, revenue projections, and operating expenses.
• Operational Strategy: Detail how you will manage your training schedules, client records, and any additional services.

Read More: Personal Trainer Business Plan Template

What is the business structure of a gym?

The business structure of a gym can vary but often includes options like sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC (Limited Liability Company), or corporation, depending on factors like ownership, size, and financial goals.

Read More: What is the best business structure for a gym?

How many memberships does a gym need to be profitable?

The number of memberships a gym needs to be profitable depends on its operating costs, membership fees, and other revenue streams. Generally, reaching a few hundred memberships is a good target for profitability.

Read More: How many members does an average gym need?

What is the business model of a gym?

The business model of a gym typically involves generating revenue through membership fees, personal training services, group fitness classes, and ancillary services such as merchandise sales, nutrition consulting, or child care services.

Read More: Gym Business Models

How can Exercise.com help me run a gym business?

Exercise.com can help run your gym business by providing an all-in-one software solution for membership management, scheduling, workout programming, client and member tracking, billing, and reporting. Its platform streamlines operations, enhances client engagement, and provides valuable insights to help you effectively manage and grow your gym business.

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Gym Business Plan

Is exercise or fitness your passion? Or do you have a good understanding of gym equipment and workout routines?

If yes, you might have considered having your own gym at some point. After all, who doesn’t want to turn their passion into a profession?

And guess what! Just like you wouldn’t hit the gym without a workout plan, starting your own gym demands a comprehensive gym business plan!

If you’re seeking investors to kickstart a new fitness center or aiming to expand an existing gym business, a modern business plan is an essential tool.

A well-written gym business plan will help you pay attention to every detail, and support your entrepreneurial journey to make the best strategies for a profitable business.

But before diving right into the detailed gym business plan; let’s check out some interesting facts about the fitness industry.

Fitness Industry Outlook

• The growing enthusiasm for fitness and the desire for a healthy lifestyle has led to the demand for gyms. As of now, 39% of Americans have gym memberships.
• The fitness industry has been booming in recent years, and it is expected to have 230 million members by 2030 .
• The Health and fitness market revenue is estimated to grow at a rate of 11.52% annually, reaching a market volume of US$2.32 billion by 2027.
• The fitness industry is expected to increase its revenue by 172% from 2021 to 2028 – reaching $435 billion.
• From 2011 to 2019, the revenue for gyms and health centers in the United States consistently increased each year.
• Recently, the United States led the world in gym industry revenue and is expected to add 15.6 million more members by 2030.

Now that you know the fitness industry outlook, it’s time to explore all the key components you will need to include in your professional gym business plan outline:

Key Components of a Gym Business Plan (w/ Examples)

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry and Customer Analysis
• Competitor Analysis
• Service Offerings
• Marketing Strategy
• Management Team
• Operations Plan
• Financial Plan

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first and foremost section of the business plan. Generally, it is a quick overview of your entire gym business plan.

It should be clear, concise, and engaging as it will create your first impression and draw readers to delve further into your plan.

You can start this section with a brief introduction to your gym business and discuss the following key elements:

• Market Opportunity
• Vision & mission statement
• Target market
• Your products and services
• Marketing strategy
• Management team
• Financial Outlook

After that, end your summary with a clear call to action to invite potential investors or readers to the next meeting.

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2. Company Overview

The company overview section provides a more detailed description of your gym business.

It includes the legal structure, location, ownership, critical success factors, business history, and everything about your business.

First, provide the basic details of your gym including what is the name and what type of gym you are operating.

Mention the names of your gym owners/partners along with the qualifications. You can also include the business history(if any) and milestones you have achieved.

After that, describe your business goals to convey a high level of aspirations and vision that you want to achieve. Here is an example, describing the business goals and objectives:

Setting future business goals for a gym is a crucial step in outlining a clear path to achieve success and growth. The Stayfit Company’s goals and objectives include;

• Increase the client base by 100 customers within the first year of operation.
• Relocating to a large and more appropriate location facility by the first year of operation.
• Expand service offerings to provide a comprehensive fitness experience.
• Establish partnerships and increase brand visibility to become a recognized fitness brand in the community.
• Increase total memberships to 500 within 5 years.

Remember, this section gives an in-depth understanding of your business and business owners. So, make it clear and intriguing.

3. Industry and Customer Analysis

In the industry and customer analysis section of your gym business plan, it’s necessary to offer a comprehensive overview of the fitness industry and target market.

This section gives you a deep understanding of your industry and target customer attributes which will help you in business planning.

Here are some questions that will help you in the analysis:

• What is the current market size of the fitness industry in terms of revenue?
• What are the current trends in the gym business?
• Who are the target audience, and which customer segment do you wish to serve?
• What is the growth forecast for the gym business?

For example, look at this market segment and target market of the gym business with the help of Upmetrics:

As a gym owner, you can target the following customer profiles:

• Blue-collar employees (factories, warehouses, service industry)
• White-collar individuals(corporate or government employees)
• High school & college students
• Military members and their families
• Athletes who often train for fitness competitions

In short, a thorough industry analysis will educate you about the local market and help you prepare marketing strategies according to the market trends.

4. Competitor Analysis

This competitor analysis will help you understand the top competitors and identify the strong points of their service offerings.

As a gym business, you should make a list of the number of gyms or other fitness businesses operating in your locality, their size, and their customer base. Try to specify who are your direct and indirect competitors.

• Direct competitors can be other local gyms
• Indirect competitors can be another type of gym or fitness center, or health club in your area.

Now, let’s focus on your direct competitors and provide an overview of each competitor, including their size and where they’re based. Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses including their service offerings and pricing structures.

Refer below example; showing competitor analysis description:

A better way to conduct this analysis is by noticing things from a customer’s perspective. You might even ask your competitors’ clients what they like or dislike about them to get valuable insights.

This way you can understand what makes your competitors successful and what gaps you can fill. Also, consider the unique selling proposition of your gym business.

Specify your tactics to stay ahead in the competitive landscape and make all the difference in the local gym market.

5. Service Offerings

Next, specify the scope of your service offerings and elucidate how they meet the diverse needs of your clientele.

This section must be informative, precise, and client-focused, as it is a detailed breakdown of what your fitness business offers your customers.

You can include a comprehensive suite of services encompassing types of membership options, available exercise equipment, personal training sessions, group fitness classes, or nutritional counseling.

Here, you can take a reference from the below example written using Upmetrics AI Assistant :

Also, detail any membership fees or pricing plans in this section to add or revise services. Mention if your gym provides any additional services, like physical therapy, massage therapy, recovery modalities, etc.

6. Marketing Strategy

Writing the sales and marketing plan section means jotting down all the customer acquisition strategies and the tactics for how to retain them.

You can consider the following marketing approaches to gaining and keeping customers for your new gym business:

Unique Selling Proposition

Define your gym’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the gym equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Highlight certified gym trainers, specialty programs, and regular community events.

Social media marketing

Use social media platforms to attract more users. Create engaging content and entice your audience with inspirational posts and special offers. Connect with your customers digitally as well as in the gym.

Establish a professional website and brand symbol (gym’s logo) to reach a wider audience. Showcase all your service offerings and build trust among potential customers.

Loyalty plans

Consider loyalty plans to retain existing gym members and encourage long-term commitment. Create membership tiers or referral programs to offer discounts or additional benefits.

Collaborations

Partner with local businesses (health food stores, fitness centers, or clothing brands), and fitness influencers to cross-promote services or offer collaborative discounts. That can expand your gym’s reach and draw a broader audience.

Offline advertising

Traditional offline marketing can still be effective in engaging with your local community. Clearly state your advertising strategies, including open bulletin boards, print marketing, flier distributions, or community events. For instance,

Consider following offline advertising strategies to reach specific demographics:

• Local Print Media: Advertise in local newspapers, magazines, or community newsletters to target residents in your area.
• Flier Distribution: Distribute flyers or brochures in strategic locations such as community centers, local cafes, or residential areas to raise awareness about your gym.
• Community Events: Sponsor or participate in community events, fairs, or health expos. This not only promotes your gym but also allows for direct interaction with potential members.

Pricing strategy

Try to develop detailed strategies, like offering special introductory discounts, free trials, seasonal promotions, or membership packages with additional services to attract and retain members.

7. Management Team

A strong management team is essential to showcase your gym’s ability to thrive in the industry. This management team section emphasizes the key members who can help grow your fitness business.

You can highlight your key managers, fitness experts, personal trainers, or nutritionists. Also, explain each member’s expertise and roles.

Also, discuss the compensation plan in this section, along with their salaries, incentives, and other benefits. For instance,

8. Operations Plan

This operations plan is like a map that shows how you will make your business work.

It provides detailed insights into the day-to-day operations of your gym and highlights key areas such as staffing and operational processes.

Consider adding below essential components to your operational plan:

Try to mention the number of trainers, support staff, and therapists needed. Briefly outline the duties they will perform and detail their qualifications & training required.

Operational Process

Summarize the processes and techniques you will use to run your gym. Your operational process section may include hosting fitness classes, assigning trainers, scheduling the group HIIT classes, billing, training staff, etc.

Equipment & Machinery

You can include the list of gym equipment and machinery required for the gym, such as strength training equipment, pull-up bars, cardio equipment, free weights/dumbbells, and aerobic equipment.

Refer to the below example written using our AI assistant:

9. Financial Plan

Presently, you are in the business planning phase, but devoting some time to putting together the most realistic financial projections is also crucial when you start seeking funding from investors.

It is a detailed blueprint of all the cash flow and revenue streams, initial startup costs for setting up your gym and equipment, profit margins, and operational costs.

So, mention all the below elements in your gym business plan outline:

• Profit and loss statement
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Business ratios
• Exit strategy

This financial forecast has a substantial value in terms of whether you secure funding or not. And evaluate the funding resources, including bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, crowdfunding, or personal savings.

Here’s an example of a projected P&L statement for a gym financial plan with the help of Upmetrics:

Download Free Gym Business Plan PDF

Need help writing your gym business plan from scratch? Well, here you go; download our free gym business plan pdf now and start writing.

This modern, user-friendly business plan template is specifically designed for your gym business.

With a step-by-step guide and example, it helps you write a solid gym business plan without missing any crucial steps.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Start Drafting Your Plan with Upmetrics

With Upmetrics, you will get easy-to-follow steps, 400+ sample business plans, and AI support to streamline your business planning approach.

Our financial forecasting tool will help you develop accurate financial forecasts for 3 or more years if you’re not great with financial formulas.

Whether you’re venturing into a new business or aiming for expansion, Upmetrics provides valuable resources and insights to build successful and professional business plans that perfectly align with your objectives.

So, don’t wait; start planning now !

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i find examples of successful gym business plans.

There are various online platforms where you can find sample business plan templates. Consider reputable sources like Upmetrics , which offers a successful gym business plan template for your specific needs.

What should I include in my gym business plan?

You should include the following key elements in your gym business plan:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Industry and market analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Service offerings
• Marketing Plan
• Operations plan
• Financial plan

What are important gym location factors to consider when writing a business plan?

While writing a business plan, consider the following gym location factors:

• Easy accessibility and high visibility area
• Assess the availability of sufficient parking space
• Check and comply with local zoning laws and regulations
• Analyze the local demographics to align with the target market
• Evaluate the proximity of competitors

How often should I update my gym business plan?

It is very necessary to regularly update your gym business plan, especially in dynamic industries like gym & fitness. Consider updating it at least once a year or more often if there are significant changes in your business.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in a gym business plan?

Following are some of the most common mistakes you should consider avoiding when writing a gym business plan.

• Ignoring thorough market research
• Overestimating financial projections
• Neglecting competitors analysis
• Overlooking marketing strategy

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a gym business plan

• Annabelle Amery
• Sep 5, 2023
• 10 min read

When starting a business , it’s crucial to create a comprehensive and clear business plan. This applies to all types of businesses , including a gym business . A gym business plan is a strategic document that outlines the goals, objectives and strategies for starting and running a successful gym.

A gym business plan serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs, providing guidance on how to navigate the challenges and complexities of the fitness industry. It helps entrepreneurs define their vision, mission and target market, as well as identify the resources and steps needed to achieve their goals.

Need a way to promote your gym business online? Get started with Wix’s website builder , which includes built-in marketing and scheduling tools.

Why create a gym business plan?

A gym business plan is particularly important for individuals who are new to entrepreneurship. It provides a structured approach to starting a gym by outlining the necessary steps, such as securing funding, finding a suitable location and acquiring equipment. Some of the other main advantages include being able to:

Attract funding: A well-written gym business plan can attract potential investors or lenders who may be interested in supporting your venture financially. It demonstrates your understanding of the market, your competitive advantage and your plans for profitability.

Understand resource requirements: A comprehensive gym business plan helps entrepreneurs identify the resources required to start and operate their gym successfully. This includes business registration (cost to start an LLC ), equipment, staff, gym marketing materials and other supplies necessary for day-to-day operations.

Achieve long-term success: A gym business plan provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to thoroughly analyze their target market and competition. By conducting market research and competitive analysis, they can develop strategies to differentiate their gym from others in the industry.

Set goals: A well-crafted gym business plan helps entrepreneurs set realistic and measurable goals for their gym. These goals can include financial targets, membership growth, customer satisfaction levels and other key performance indicators.

Make better decisions: Having a clear business plan in place helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions about various aspects of their gym, such as pricing, marketing strategies and expansion plans. It serves as a reference point for evaluating options and making choices that align with the overall business strategy.

Guide your website messaging and design: A gym business plan also includes considerations for creating a business website . Today, making a website is crucial for attracting customers and promoting your gym. The business plan can outline the website's purpose, design, functionality and marketing strategies to drive traffic to the site. Be inspired by these fitness website examples .

How to write a gym business plan in 6 steps

A gym business plan is a crucial document that outlines the strategies and goals for starting and running a successful gym. It provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs, guiding them through the process of establishing and growing their fitness facility. To create an effective gym business plan, it is important to include six main parts:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your gym business plan. It provides an introduction to your gym, highlighting its unique selling points and summarizing the key elements of your plan. The executive summary should include a brief description of your gym, your mission statement, an overview of the target market and competitive landscape, a summary of your marketing, your advertising strategies and an outline of your financial projections (including how you plan to raise money for your business ).

Example of an executive summary for a gym:

“ABC Fitness is a state-of-the-art gym located in downtown Cityville. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all fitness levels can achieve their health and wellness goals. With top-of-the-line equipment, certified trainers and a variety of group exercise classes, we aim to be the premier fitness destination in our community.

In an increasingly health-conscious society, the demand for fitness facilities continues to grow. ABC Fitness differentiates itself by offering personalized training programs tailored to each member's specific needs. Our strategic location in the heart of the city ensures easy accessibility for our target market of urban professionals.

To attract customers, we will implement a comprehensive marketing campaign that includes online advertising, social media promotions, and partnerships with local businesses. We project steady growth in membership numbers over the next three years, resulting in increased revenue and profitability.”

02. Business and domain names

Choosing the right business name for your gym is crucial for building brand awareness and trust. It should reflect your gym's values, target market and unique selling proposition. Here are some steps to consider when deciding on a company name:

Brainstorm keywords and concepts related to fitness, health and wellness

Use a business name generator (or specifically a small business name generator ) for inspiration and to generate unique name ideas

Consider the availability of domain names associated with your chosen company name

Check the availability of the chosen domain name using domain registration websites

Be inspired: Gym business name ideas , Fitness business name ideas

Learn more about registering your business once you’ve landed on your business name and legal structure.

03. Market analysis and research

Including market analysis and research in your gym business plan is essential for understanding the competitive environment and developing a better business strategy.

Target market: Analyze the target market by identifying demographics, psychographics, and fitness preferences of potential customers. Conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) to assess your gym's internal and external factors.

Competitors: Research competitors in your area to understand their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies and marketing efforts. Identify opportunities for differentiation by offering unique services or targeting underserved segments of the market.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your gym, including location, premises, equipment and staffing needs. Make sure to select a suitable location that is easily accessible, has ample parking and aligns with where your target market is based.

Then determine the size and layout of your gym space based on the number of equipment, exercise areas, locker rooms and amenities. Research and budget for the necessary gym equipment, including cardio machines, weightlifting equipment and fitness accessories.

Lastly outline staffing requirements by identifying the number of trainers, instructors, front desk staff and maintenance personnel needed.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan lays out the strategies and campaigns you will implement to promote your gym business. To do this you’ll need to first identify your target audience and tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively.

Then, plan out a strong brand identity by creating a logo, color scheme and visual elements that resonate with your target market. (Need help creating a logo? Check out these fitness logo ideas or Wix’s free logo maker .)

Consider using various marketing channels such as social media platforms, online advertising, local partnerships and community events. Then plan compelling content that highlights the benefits of joining your gym and showcases success stories from existing members. You can also implement referral programs or incentives to encourage current members to bring in new customers.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a cornerstone of any gym business plan, providing an in-depth overview of how the business will secure initial funding, manage expenses, generate revenue and outline the projected time frame for achieving profitability. This section is pivotal in demonstrating the financial viability and sustainability of the gym business to potential investors, stakeholders and lenders.

Startup costs and funding: Starting a gym business entails various upfront costs that should be carefully estimated for accurate financial planning. In addition to the cost of opening a gym , you'll need to consider equipment procurement, interior design, licensing and permits, marketing, initial staffing and operational supplies. Funding for these startup costs can come from diverse sources, such as personal savings, business loans, grants, partnerships or investments.

Revenue projections: Revenue projections provide a forecast of the expected income over a specific period, usually the first few years of the gym's operation. These projections should be based on thorough market research, competitor analysis and realistic expectations.

Profit and loss projection: The profit and loss projection, also known as the income statement , offers an overview of the gym business's revenue, expenses and net profit or loss over a specific period. It provides insights into the financial health of the business and its potential profitability.

Time frame for profitability: The time frame for achieving profitability in a gym business depends on factors like membership growth, marketing strategies, operational efficiency and retention rates. Typically, gyms aim to reach profitability within the first year or two of operation

Gym business plan examples

Creating a gym business plan from scratch can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to entrepreneurship. Fortunately, there are many resources available that provide gym business plan templates to help you get started. These templates serve as a framework for organizing your ideas and ensuring that you include all the necessary components in your plan. Here are two draft business plans for hypothetical gym businesses, incorporating the main parts discussed earlier.

By using templates as a starting point, you can customize them to fit your specific vision and goals for your gym. Remember to conduct thorough research, analyze your target market and develop strategies that set your gym apart from the competition. With a well-crafted gym business plan in hand, you'll be well-equipped to start your journey towards building a successful fitness facility.

Business plan template 1: neighborhood fitness studio

The Neighborhood Fitness Studio is a boutique gym located in a residential area, catering to individuals seeking a personalized fitness experience. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where members can achieve their health and wellness goals. With certified trainers, state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of group exercise classes, we aim to become the go-to fitness destination in our community.

Company name and domain name

We have chosen the name "FitHub" for our neighborhood fitness studio. The domain name www.fithub.com is available and aligns well with our brand identity.

Our target market consists of local residents aged 25 to 45 who value convenience and personalized attention

Competitor analysis reveals that there is no other gym within a two-mile radius offering specialized fitness programs tailored to individual needs

We plan to differentiate ourselves by offering personalized training plans, nutrition counseling and small group classes

We have secured a 2,000 square foot space in a commercial building with ample parking for our gym

The gym will be equipped with cardio machines, free weights, strength training equipment and a designated area for group exercise classes

We will hire certified personal trainers, fitness instructors and front desk staff to ensure excellent customer service

Marketing and advertising plan

We will utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote our gym and engage with potential customers

Local partnerships with health food stores and wellness centers will allow us to reach a wider audience

We will offer a free trial period for new members and implement a referral program to incentivize word-of-mouth marketing

Business plan template 2: upscale fitness center

The Upscale Fitness Center is a premium gym targeting affluent individuals who prioritize luxury and exclusivity. Our mission is to provide a high-end fitness experience that combines cutting-edge equipment, personalized training and luxurious amenities. With our state-of-the-art facility, expert trainers and exclusive membership perks, we aim to become the preferred fitness destination for the elite in our city.

We have chosen the name "Elevate Fitness" for our upscale fitness center. The domain name www.elevatefitness.com is available and reflects our commitment to helping members elevate their fitness journey.

Marketing analysis and research

Our target market consists of high-income individuals aged 35 to 55 who value personalized service and are willing to invest in their health

Competitor analysis reveals that there are no other fitness centers in our city offering the same level of luxury and exclusivity

We plan to differentiate ourselves by offering VIP amenities, personalized training programs and exclusive member events

We have secured a 10,000 square foot space in a prime location, featuring high-end finishes and top-of-the-line fitness equipment

The fitness center will include dedicated areas for cardio, strength training, group exercise classes and a spa-like relaxation area

We will hire certified personal trainers, nutritionists and spa professionals to provide a comprehensive wellness experience for our members

We will leverage digital marketing strategies, such as targeted online advertising and influencer partnerships to reach our affluent target market

Exclusive membership events and collaborations with luxury brands will create buzz and attract high-profile individuals

We will offer personalized consultations and complimentary services to prospective members to showcase the unique value of our fitness center

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How To Start a Gym Business In 7 Steps (+ Start-up Templates)

Published by caroline @ wellness creative co on 11 october 2023 11 october 2023.

Want to know how to start a gym business? Perhaps you’ve always loved fitness and want to start your own studio, or worked in the industry for years and it’s time to become your own boss. Whatever your reason for starting a gym, we’ve got you covered.

In this article – learn how to start a successful gym in 7 steps, including business planning, securing funding, and pre-launch marketing.

We’ve helped several new gyms and fitness studios to launch their businesses, so we know exactly what’s involved. Having worked in the fitness industry for 15+ years, we understand the operational, marketing, and financial aspects to setting up a successful business. So, you can shortcut the learning curve and benefit from our expertise in this guide…

How To Start a Gym or Fitness Studio – Overview

Here’s an overview of the seven steps towards opening a gym or fitness studio…

• Define your idea
• Create a plan
• Secure funding
• Find a location
• Set up your gym
• Grow your business

Let’s dive into each of these start-up steps in more detail…

#1 – Define Your Gym Business Idea

The very first step is to define the business idea for your gym, fitness studio, or health club. What’s the concept? Who is it aimed at?

For some people, this will come easily. They may have had a great fitness-themed business idea for a long time but only just decided to give it a go. But for others, this initial part can be tough. 

Perhaps you’re keen to start a fitness business but aren’t sure what kind of venture to go for. Or you want to look at all the options before making a decision. If so, then here is a list of gym business ideas that you can consider…

• Classic gym or fitness centre
• Boutique fitness studio
• Gym franchise (Anytime Fitness, Snap, Orange Theory, etc.) 
• Yoga or Pilates studio
• Personal training studio
• CrossFit box
• Health club
• Online fitness training business
• Or you can start a business related to gyms, like a fitness equipment or accessories distributor, workout clothing brand, mobile personal training business, or fitness supplement manufacturer .

At this stage, it’s also important to think about what will make your fitness club different from others in the local area. Will you be aiming for a specific target market or type of exerciser? Will your gym be a high-end premium concept, a boutique studio that specialises in doing one thing well, or high-volume low-cost model?

The fitness industry is competitive, so for your gym to be successful, it’s vital to think about what’ll give you a competitive edge. Doing this from the start means you can mainstream it into your business plan, make your funding bids more appealing, and choose a location that supports your concept. Defining your unique selling point (USP) will set your business up for success long-term, so it’s crucial to do this from the get-go.

#2 – Create a Gym Business Plan

Once you’ve defined your idea, you need to create a business plan for it. This will help you assess the viability of your concept and consider all of the little details. It’s also required for things like loan applications and renting commercial space.

Creating a business plan for your gym is vital if you want it to be a success. In fact, research shows that people who complete business plans are nearly twice as likely to successfully grow their businesses, or obtain capital. 

“Business plans double the chance of success”.

A solid gym business plan should include the following…

• Executive summary
• Industry and local market analysis
• Company overview
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Financial information
• Implementation plan

By covering these points, you’ll ensure that there’s adequate demand for your offering and you have a well-defined gym target market . It’ll also help you to understand the exact costs involved and whether you can afford to do it alone or need outside funding.

For a more detailed explanation of what each of these areas should cover, check out our article on writing a fitness business plan (with samples). Or get the start-up planning cheat sheet as part of our Fitness Business Start-Up Kit …

Fitness Business Startup Kit

Everything you need to turn your fitness business idea into a reality!

#3 – Secure Funding For Your Fitness Business

Once you’ve developed a sound business plan, you’ll be armed with the right info to seek funding for your gym. For some gym start-ups, this might involve securing several hundred thousand dollars to cover initial business costs. For leaner fitness businesses, you can do it on a smaller budget without the huge overheads.

Your business plan will help you estimate how much money is needed to start your fitness venture. It costs between $2000 and $4m to start a gym business, depending on the location and model you choose. Based on stats from Entrepreneur, here are the approximate costs of starting different types of fitness businesses…

• Big-box gym start-up costs (e.g. Planet Fitness) – $1.1-$4.2m 
• Cost to start a small-medium sized gym (e.g. Anytime Fitness) – $77,000-$520,000
• Boutique gym start-up costs (e.g. Orange Theory) – $575,000-$1.5m
• Cost to start a fitness studio (e.g. Pure Barre) – $198,000-$446,000
• Pilates studio start-up costs (e.g. Club Pilates) – $168,000-$280,000
• Cost to start a group exercise class business (e.g. Jazzercise) – $2000-$7000
• Bootcamp business (e.g. Fit Body Boot Camp) – $136,000-$198,000

As you can see, the money required to start a gym varies from a couple of thousand to several million dollars. Factors like the venue type, location, and equipment required will all influence the overall cost.

So, how do you secure funding for your gym or fitness studio? The most common sources of finance are…

• Business loans from traditional banks
• Business loans from online lenders
• Loans from gym franchise preferred suppliers
• Personal savings

Choosing the right funding option for your business will depend on a huge number of factors. It’s best to do your own research, speak to financial experts, and read the small print thoroughly so you know all of the implications involved in any borrowing.

If you want to open a gym with no money, then the key is to start small . Running a personal training business or selling online fitness programs are both good options. Neither requires investments in rent, equipment, or staff salaries, so you can save money towards a gym studio while running them.

You can also look for creative ways to cut your costs and open your gym on a tiny budget…

• Find empty commercial spaces or shops and negotiate with the landlord. They might agree to let you run a short-term fitness pop-up for free rather than let it stand empty or be open to a revenue-share agreement where they receive a percentage of your profits instead of rent.
• Ask gym equipment manufacturers if they’ll lend you some kit for free , in return for being a case study or showcase site. Equipment companies are always looking for impressive locations where they can show off new products, stage photo shoots, and customers who’ll give testimonials to other gyms.
• Call in favours from your network to reduce costs wherever you can. You’re bound to have friends or family who can help with painting, carpentry, plumbing, graphic design, and numerous other jobs that’ll save money when opening your gym.

Opening your own gym or fitness studio can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to find creative ways of cutting the big costs, like rent and equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask – you might get a few ‘nos’ but when you finally get a ‘yes’ it’ll be worth it!

#4 – Find a Good Location for your Gym

The next step is to find the perfect location for your fitness business. There are lots of things that go into a good venue but the key is to find a place where your target customers are and rent is affordable.

Central gym locations will be more expensive. It’s great if there’s plenty of passing traffic but ask yourself if they’re your ideal demographic. Being close to your target market’s places of work, favourite hangouts, or residential areas are all good bets.

But it’s not just customers and cost that define a good gym location. In fact, Virgin highlight six different factors to consider when choosing the perfect business location . These are…

• Accessibility
• Competition
• Business rates
• Skills base in the area
• Potential for growth

How easily customers and staff can access your location, security and crime rates, and proximity to competitors can all affect whether a location is suitable. It’s also important to consider local business rates (for utility bills), whether staff in the area will have the right gym skills, and if the location can accommodate growth. Doing your research, knowing what you want, and being patient until the right gym location becomes available will all stand you in good stead.

Free Fitness Marketing Guide

Learn which fitness marketing strategies produce the best results (so you can focus on what actually works).

#5 – Set Up Your Gym

Once you’ve got a location sorted you can begin to actually set up your gym business. This means getting everything ready, from business licences and staff, to interior decor and equipment. 

You should aim to do this as quickly as possible without undermining quality. Once you’ve started paying rent on your location, your bank balance will start decreasing quickly. So, it’s vital to open and get your members in the door as soon as possible. 

To start a gym you will need…

• Business license
• Electrics and plumbing
• Changing areas, toilets, and shower facilities
• Interior fit-out, design, and decoration
• Gym equipment and accessories
• Trained staff
• Operational processes
• Membership models and pricing

Let’s look at each of these areas…

Business License

Obtaining a business license is a crucial first step. Research your local regulations, complete the necessary paperwork, and pay the required fees. Compliance with local laws ensures your gym operates legally and avoids potential legal complications in the future.

Acquire comprehensive insurance policies tailored for gyms. This includes liability insurance to safeguard against accidents, property insurance to cover equipment and facilities, and potentially business interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events that could disrupt your operations.

Electrics and Plumbing

Ensure your gym has a safe and efficient electrical and plumbing setup. Hire licensed professionals to assess, repair, or install wiring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Safety and functionality are paramount to providing a secure environment for your clients.

Changing Areas, Toilets & Shower Facilities

Design comfortable and hygienic changing rooms, equipped with lockers, benches, and adequate lighting. Install clean and accessible toilet and shower facilities. Think about ease of cleaning and privacy when designing these areas to enhance the gym experience for your clients.

Interior Fit-Out, Design & Decoration

Create an inviting gym atmosphere by incorporating the right lighting, colour schemes, and branding elements. A well-designed interior can boost motivation and create a positive gym environment, which both have a positive impact on member retention and cash flow.

Gym Equipment & Accessories

Invest in quality gym equipment that’s tailored to your target audience’s needs. Depending on the type of gym you’re opening, this might include cardio machines, free weights, resistance training equipment, and accessories like mats and water stations. Balance functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness when selecting equipment.

Trained Staff

Recruit certified trainers, experienced instructors, friendly front-desk staff, and meticulous cleaners. Ensure they are well-versed in customer service, first aid, and emergency protocols. Regular training sessions keep staff updated with fitness trends and ensure a professional and knowledgeable team.

Operational Processes

Establish efficient operational processes, including membership management, class scheduling, payment systems, and cleaning routines. Use gym management software to streamline administrative tasks, track memberships, and communicate effectively with members. Clearly defined processes ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Membership Models and Pricing

You will have already developed pricing models in the business plan stage, but now is the time to refine and establish them. Determine your pricing structures, payment methods, and cancellation policies. Transparent and flexible membership options enhance customer satisfaction.

By addressing these areas during the setup phase, you’ll establish a safe, appealing, and well-equipped space for your members. It’ll build a strong foundation for success and allow you to press ahead with promoting your new fitness facility…

#6 – Launch Sales & Marketing

When opening a new gym or fitness studio, your launch efforts are vital to its success. It’s essential to sell as many memberships as possible in advance to maximise cash flow from the start. This means going all out on your sales and marketing efforts asap.

Some of the most effective ways to market a gym and generate pre-sales include…

• Early-bird offer – offer a big discount to members who sign up two months before opening, and decrease the discount as the deadline gets closer (so customers are incentivised to act immediately or risk missing out).
• Use 3D layouts and fly-through videos – to help potential members visualise the gym space. It’s natural for people to want to wait and see what the gym’s like before committing. But visuals help overcome this objection.
• Elevator pitch – You’ll need a one-sentence elevator pitch to use when talking to potential new members. It should summarise exactly who you help, what you do, and how long it takes e.g. “ We help [insert ideal client] to [overcome common problem] in [time frame]”.
• Sales pitch – You’ll also need longer sales points to use with potential clients and answers to common objections. Explain the concept, what you’re trying to achieve, and the story behind why you’re doing it. Then talk about all of the start-of-the-art equipment, brand-new training techniques, or anything else that sets your club apart from the competition. 
• Website & Social Media – Create a website for your gym and social media profiles . Your website should contain all the info about your facility that a prospect or existing member might have, and both should act as a sales funnel for generating new membership leads .
• Google My Business Listing – Set up a free ‘ Google My Business ‘ listing so that anyone who searches for your gym online will see its location and contact details.
• Organise a big launch event – to celebrate the gym’s opening and invite local media to attend. Promote the event on social media and give people a good reason to attend. They may not care about an opening but they will care about free fitness workshops, nutritional counselling, or tasty treats.

You might also like… 10 Effective Ways To Market Your Gym Or Fitness Centre .

It can be helpful to have a ‘soft-launch’ prior to the main event. This enables you to test out all of your processes and equipment before the hoards arrive. It also allows new staff to put their training into practice so that everything operates super-smoothly when you open properly.

Fitness Marketing & Lead Generation Roadmap

Your All-in-One Toolkit to Attract, Engage & Convert More Clients

#7 – Grow Your Gym Business

Congratulations – at this point, your brand new gym will be open! Of course, some would say that this is when the hard work really starts. But it’s a fantastic feeling to have opened the doors after all the effort getting your gym started.

Now it’s all about running your gym successfully and growing your business. We’ve seen gym owners do this in endlessly creative ways, but a few of the most effective include…

• Marketing & Promotion – Continue your marketing efforts post-launch to drive a continual stream of leads and customers. Combine social media, digital and local advertising , and community events to promote your gym. Consider offering promotions or referral incentives to attract new members.
• Community Engagement – Foster a sense of community within your gym. Organise fitness challenges , workshops, and member-exclusive events. Encourage trainers and staff to engage with members, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
• Maintain Your Equipment – Establish a regular maintenance schedule for gym equipment. Prompt repairs and replacements ensure that all machines are safe, functional, and in good condition. Regular maintenance also prolongs the lifespan of your equipment, saving costs in the long run.
• Member Feedback & Satisfaction – Implement systems for collecting feedback from members. Regular surveys or suggestion boxes can provide valuable insights into member satisfaction. Address concerns promptly and use positive feedback for testimonials and marketing materials.
• Continually Improve & Innovate – Strive to enhance the experience for members, to keep them coming back and telling all their friends too! Along with acting on feedback, use tech to improve your operations. Consider implementing apps or software for class bookings, personalised workout plans and progress tracking, or to aid administrative tasks, making operations more efficient.

Starting a Successful Gym Business

So, now you know exactly how to start a gym business and set it up for success. By following these steps, you’ll maximise your cash flow and profitability early on. This is the key to ensuring that your business lasts over the long term and becomes a well-established brand in your community. 

If you’d like a little help along the way, then check out our Fitness Business Start-Up Kit . It include a business planning cheat sheet, 50+ creative brand name ideas, and loads of resources to turn your business idea into a reality! 

Caroline @ Wellness Creative Co

Qualified personal trainer (BSc Sports Science) & nutritionist (MSc Human Nutrition) with 15+ years of fitness & wellness marketing experience working with global brands.

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How to Create a Flawless Gym Business Plan

Your gym business plan is your roadmap to success. It guides you on your journey, helps you to make better decisions, and attracts potential angel investors to your business. Creating a business plan is a process. It’s easy to think of your business plan as one single document that you build and then you’re done. But, your business plan evolves and changes with you; it’s not a static checklist. 

Whether you’re starting a new small business or expanding an existing one, a business plan sets the foundation for success.

A great gym involves more than fitness equipment. Setting up a gym is a big task which is why you want to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. All stages of your business plan are equally important and essential for the final steps. In this article, we try to understand the core elements of a gym business plan and how you can craft a business plan for your fitness business. 

Want your own fitness business plan?

You can get your free business plan template by clicking the button below

What is a Gym Business Plan? 

Before we dive into how to create your business plan, let’s start at the beginning; what is a gym business plan? It’s a document that tells the reader who you are as a business and a realistic idea of where the business is heading. At a basic level, your business plan answers the following questions: 

• How does your business work?
• How are you going to succeed?
• What steps do you need to take to succeed?

Research shows that entrepreneurs who write formal business plans are more likely to succeed . Business owners seeking external financial support are also more likely to commit their thoughts to a formal business plan. With a new business, it’s beneficial to pull your ideas into focus and put pen to paper. 

Are you a personal trainer?

Our partners at ABC Trainerize have a specialized business plan built just for you

Why Do You Need a Fitness Center Business Plan? 

The main aim of your gym business plan is to create a blueprint for your business. For instance, if a potential investor were to read your business plan, they would understand how your gym will progress and succeed in the future. Your business plan also helps you to identify fresh opportunities and see gaps in your current business model or setup. Depending on where your business is, a business plan can be dual-purpose. Here’s why you need a business plan from day one. 

1. Test Your Business Idea 

Starting a fitness business is by no means easy. So, you have an idea, and you think it could be a winner. But you can’t always go out and test that idea. A business plan allows you to feasibly test that idea without actually starting the business. Working through your idea and creating a business plan allows you to break down numbers, analyze the market and competitors, and save you a lot of time in the long run. In the early stages, it’s a good idea to work through your idea and create a business plan. The more knowledge you have about your business, industry, and potential customers, the better you can see if your business idea could be a success. 

2. Attracts Investors and Secure Funding 

If you want to attract investors, you need a business plan. Most businesses need to secure funding and seek outside financial support. A thorough business plan helps you to obtain startup capital and funding for your new gym business. Even established businesses often need extra funding for expansion and business growth. Potential investors and finance companies will need concrete numbers with facts and figures to move forward with your business. Without a business plan, there is little to no chance of getting funding from investors, banks, or other external financial institutions. 

3. Achieve Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 

It’s great to have both short-term and long-term goals in mind, but it’s important to go a step further. A good business plan will contain detailed strategies on how you intend to achieve these goals. It could involve your business model, equipment plans, hiring strategies, and marketing efforts. Think about everything that you need to do to achieve your goals. Most businesses tend to have overarching business goals that are supported by smaller goals. It’s crucial that your business plan maps out your strategies for achieving your goals. Because goals and strategies can shift, as your business evolves, you can update your business plan as necessary. 

4. Make Business Planning Manageable 

A business plan is important for both new and established businesses. Firstly, a business plan gives you a higher chance of success. Budgeting, market analysis, and planning will set the foundation for a smoother beginning. When you have set out your goals and strategies to help you achieve them, you can implement what you need to progress. This whole process helps to make business planning more manageable and effective. A great business plan helps you to manage your business, monitor, and assess your progress over time. 

Want to create a flawless, streamlined, and sustainable gym business and marketing plan? Our fitness and online branding guide can provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to thrive as a fitness business owner.

Free Fitness Business Plan Template

8 steps to create a great gym business plan .

Developing a business plan is an organized process where you go through specific steps to achieve a final result. To start, think about where you are now and where you want to be. This will help you get into the right mindset when writing your business plan. There will be many times when you will refer to your business plan to help you make a decision. So, the more information you have, the better. You will need to dig deep into your business idea, future finances, competitors, and fitness industry to help you collate the information together. By following these eight steps, you can begin to cover all the different aspects of your health club and start building a great gym business plan template. 

This is just a summary of our free business plan template, which you can download below

1. Executive Summary 

The executive summary is always at the top of the business plan. It should be an attention-grabbing business pitch that’s short and concise, yet interesting. You will continue to flesh out the points from your executive summary throughout the document. But this first section should be very clear and engaging. Although the executive summary is the first document in the business plan, it can be easier to write it at the end. Keep in mind what it should include so that you answer your own questions as you write your business plan. The executive summary should explain: 

• The Who – who you are and what you can offer that will put you above the competition. 
• What – what you hope to accomplish with your business and why you’re taking those steps. 
• How –  how you are going to get there and what you need to accomplish your goals.

2. Company Overview 

The company overview is a more detailed description of your business. You go beyond talking about who you are and delve into the type of clientele you plan on serving, how your business stands out from the competition, and the goals of your business. Because gym business models can differ, now is a good time to explain how you will run your business in more detail. Your executive summary states your mission statement and explains your thoughts at a high level. As you go through your business plan, you have the opportunity to expand and build on your thinking to showcase your business. Your company overview can include: 

• Expand on the purpose of your business. 
• Business model and structure.
• Products and services you offer. 
• Target market research.  
• Founding story. 
• Legal structure. 

3. Industry Analysis 

The industry or market analysis is where you investigate the local market. Think about your niche, current trends in the market, and how your business aligns with market demand. You’re looking to evaluate the fit of your business in today’s market. Try to include some facts and statistics about your industry and the future of the market. For example, a gym looking to obtain funding for expansion into online fitness would include trends and statistics on the rapid acceleration of digital fitness and where the market is headed in the future. 

4. Customer Analysis 

Within the gym industry, there are various niches and audience segments. Even within one business, you can have multiple target audience personas. The customer base you choose to target will have a big impact on your business, the types of services you offer, and how you market yourself. Start by breaking your target customers down by the following: 

• Demographics – age, gender, income level, occupation, location, and education, etc.   
• Psychographics – needs, interests, opinions, beliefs, and values, etc.  

5. Competitor Analysis 

A competitor analysis investigates businesses that are direct competitors to you. These are the gyms that offer a similar service in your niche. Although you can mention indirect competitors, this section is mainly for a detailed analysis of your direct competitors. Depending on your business type, you could have both in-person competitors as well as digital-only competitors. Although it may be impossible to find out everything about a competitor, you can usually get a clear idea from your research. Break down each of your competitors into the following: 

• Services and products they offer 
• Target audience 
• Pricing and business model 
• Strengths and weaknesses 

6. Marketing Strategy 

The marketing section of your business plan is the place to explain everything you plan to do to get your services in front of your target audience. Include your strategy, projected startup costs, and consider who will be handling the marketing efforts of the business. Your marketing strategy can include: 

• Social media marketing 
• Advertising 
• Email marketing 
• Referral program 
• Sponsorships
• Partnerships 
• Pricing 

7. Management Team 

Ideally, you and your team members have fitness experience within your niche. This section is a great place to highlight the skills, experience, and expertise of your management team. By doing this, it helps to show how specific team members will help you to achieve success. Lay out key members of your team. This doesn’t need to be limited to your fitness experts, but other experts who will guide your business like marketing and sales managers, customer service, and maintenance personnel. How you structure your business and the type of compensation and benefits you offer will help you to attract and retain high-quality talent over time. 

8. Financial Plan 

Depending on where you are with your business, your financial plan can include current financials for the most recent year and future projections. Your projected revenue should be based on facts and solid research with supporting numbers. The financial plan can include a five-year projection with detailed breakdowns of monthly and annual earnings. Think about your income, cash flow, costs, and outgoings. Your finances are the backbone of your business, so it’s important to be as thorough as possible. 

Want to Build Your Own Fitness Business?

Starting a business is hard and comes with its own set of challenges. A good business plan gives you a point of reference to help you navigate your business. Whether you’re looking to expand your gym or start from scratch, a business plan covers all aspects of your gym so that you have every opportunity to succeed. While you may face some unforeseen issues, a business plan helps you to identify potential problems as much as possible. Your business plan isn’t a static document set in stone, instead, it can serve as a guide to growth and your future success through changing times. 

If you’re looking for a fitness business platform that can help you create a fitness franchise that will stand the test of time, ABC Glofox is the platform for you. Along with reducing your admin time by 20%, the ABC Glofox platform, on average doubles user revenue in just 18 months.

If you’re ready to take the next step in growing your fitness business, book a call with a member of our team today.

ABC Glofox is a fitness business management platform that streamlines payments, bookings, and processes. With a future-proof platform that implements AI to create a seamless user experience, it’s the solution your fitness business has been looking for.

Table of contents

• What is a gym business plan? 
• Why do you need a fitness center business plan?
• 8 steps to create a great gym business plan 

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How to Create a Fitness Studio Business Plan

February 8, 2023

Whether you are starting a studio, or already run one, a well-crafted fitness studio business plan is essential for building a profitable fitness business. A solid gym business plan helps you stay on track by identifying key market dynamics, illuminating opportunities for competitive advantage, and giving you key performance metrics to focus on. 

Your fitness studio business plan may drive such critical decisions as where to locate your gym, how large a space to buy or lease, how many staff members you hire, what their pay rates should be, how many fitness classes and what type of classes and training programs you’ll offer, and the most effective ways to promote your fitness business. 

If you own and operate an already established fitness business, revising your business plan – or creating one if you never have – can make a huge difference in boosting your bottom line and helping you to grow, especially if your gym’s growth has plateaued. A business plan is a constantly evolving blueprint that should reflect where your fitness business is in the moment, and let stakeholders know where you’re going and how you plan to get there. 

In this post, we’ll review the elements of a solid small gym fitness plan, give you some gym business plan examples and links to gym business plan templates.

Here are the key elements of any good fitness studio business plan:

Executive summary.

In this section of your gym’s business plan get down on paper your “why.” What is the purpose of your fitness business plan? What elements will you include in your gym’s business plan and why? How will this business plan demonstrate the viability of your fitness studio over time? What are your long term goals and how will you define success? Consider this section your “elevator pitch.” 

Starting a fitness business is no small feat. Doing your homework up front will not only give you confidence to weather the ups and downs of running your own business, but show potential investors that you’re prepared. Imagine being an investor who is reading your business plan, and whom you want to assure that you’ve got a solid vision backed up by well researched facts and figures. Add a few lines about your fitness business’s “why” that inspire and demonstrate your passion and commitment as a small gym or fitness business entrepreneur. 

Company Overview

This is the place to give all the details about who, what, where, when and why your fitness business exists. Include your mission and vision plus a detailed description of the type of services your fitness business offers and to whom. How is your gym or fitness studio structured? Is it independently owned by one or more people? Is it a franchise? Is there more than one location? What is the ownership structure? Are there shares? How are important business decisions made and by whom? 

This is the place to give clear, concise information about the products and services you offer, why you started your fitness business and what differentiates you in your local market. 

Industry Analysis

Taking time to research your market, understand trends and map the competitive landscape can make or break a fitness business, whether you’re in start-up mode, or an established player. 

What is your population size? How far are the people living in your area willing to travel to work out? What is your target demographic in terms of age, gender, income and other lifestyle factors? Pinpoint your major competitors. Get to know their pricing and promotions. Is there an unmet need in your area that your fitness business can tap into? You may want to consider using a SWOT format, outlining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for competing gyms and your fitness studio. 

Also, make sure you’re on top of the latest national and global fitness industry trends like online workouts and gym-goers’ preference for small boutique fitness experiences versus big box gyms. What innovative programs and services are top companies offering? Why? 

Marketing Strategy

Many small fitness business plans rely solely on word of mouth to promote their gym. While getting great recommendations through your community is an essential step in building a thriving fitness community, long-term, your fitness studio needs to have a solid, multi-channel marketing strategy to maximize your brand’s exposure to potential new customers. 

In today’s competitive fitness industry landscape, it’s essential to understand how to efficiently use digital marketing platforms like social media, local search and email. To effectively run promotional programs, having a fitness business software platform that tracks your customer’s engagement and includes email, web and social media integrations is essential. 

List all the key members of your fitness studio’s leadership team and include professional, biographical information that highlights their skills and experience. Your gym’s leadership team could include owners, board members, investors, lead instructors, sales and customer service representative and any business advisors you may have brought on board. 

Describe how each person on the team will guide your fitness business to success. Consider including compensation structures and information about performance bonuses. Plan ahead for an eventual sale of your fitness business and formalize how owners and/or investors will be paid. 

This is the section where many new business owners are overly optimistic. Base your financial projections on fact and always over-estimate expenses and under-estimate revenues. This includes being realistic about membership sales, seasonal fluctuations, attendance and staff turn-over. Calculate your gym’s monthly expenses and then figure out what your revenue per class or training session needs to be to cover your expenses plus owners’ compensation. From here you can determine how many class passes and/or monthly membership’s your fitness business will need to be profitable. 

There can be a high turn-over rate in the gym business, so you’ll need a steady stream of potential new students coming through your doors each month, and know at what rate they will convert into long-term customers. Know your fitness niche’s average new student conversion rate. 

Build out at least five years of financial profit and loss estimates. Be sure to take into account any rent increases in your lease, taxes, increases in instructor pay and get granular with your expenses, from phone and internet to Facebook ads to the toilet paper in the bathroom, and don’t forget all those new cleaning products you’ll need to operate safely and courteously in a post-pandemic world. 

Gym Business Plan Templates

BusinessPlanTemplate.com This site offers a free outline of all the core content you’ll need to include in a fitness studio business plan. You can purchase a step-by-step business plan builder, including access to customer service and expert advise for $97. Business Plan Template.com is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and has strong, positive ratings from satisfied customers. 

Bplans If you need a bit of inspiration check out or Bplans DIY gym sample plans for fitness centers, corporate fitness, gyms, health clubs, as well as martial arts studios, gymnastics schools, and a number of other athletics businesses.

For those who want a higher level of support in creating a full fleged, modern business plan, Bplans offers a paid option called LivePlan . It contains the same templates and information you can access for free on the company’s website, plus additional guidance to help you develop a complete plan. Pricing starts at $12/mo. for a year subscription or $18/mo for a 6 mo. plan.

Institute of Personal Trainers This well-respected trade organization offers personal trainers a free business plan that includes step-by-step instructions. You can download the guide using the link on the association’s website. The institute understand that during the process of writing a business plan you will be presented with questions, ideas or challenges that you might not have thought of before. According to the organization, this alone makes it worth doing.

Remember, it’s better to start the process of creating a gym business plan, even if you feel intimidated, than to procrastinate until you feel you’ll get it perfectly right. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained simply by going through the process. Writing out your fitness studio business plan may open your eyes to blind spots in your business strategy or long-term performance goals and shift your business into a whole new realm of growth opportunity in the coming year. 

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Business Plan Template for Gym Business

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Thinking about starting your own gym business? Don't sweat it, we've got you covered! With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Gym Business, you can turn your fitness dreams into a reality.

Our template is the ultimate blueprint for success, helping you:

• Outline your goals, strategies, and marketing plans to attract and retain clients
• Project profitability and secure funding with a comprehensive financial plan
• Stay organized throughout the development and operation of your gym

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast turned entrepreneur or a seasoned gym owner looking to level up, our template will guide you every step of the way. Get started today and build the gym empire you've always dreamed of!

Business Plan Template for Gym Business Benefits

When starting a gym business, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Gym Business, you can:

• Clearly define your gym's mission, vision, and unique selling proposition
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan to attract and retain customers
• Outline your financial projections and budget to secure funding and investors
• Set achievable goals and strategies for growth and expansion
• Stay organized and track progress with task management and deadlines
• Easily collaborate with partners and team members to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Main Elements of Gym Business Business Plan Template

When starting your gym business, it's crucial to have a well-structured business plan to guide your strategies and ensure success. ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Gym Business provides the following key elements:

• Custom Statuses: Stay on top of your business plan progress with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details and track important information within your business plan.
• Custom Views: Access different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to organize and visualize your gym business plan effectively.

With this template, you'll have the perfect foundation to outline your gym's goals, financial projections, marketing strategies, and more, ensuring a successful launch and operation.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Gym Business

If you're starting a gym business, creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for success. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you can easily outline your goals and strategies. Follow these steps to effectively use the template:

1. Define your gym's mission and vision

Start by clearly defining your gym's mission statement and vision. What is the purpose of your gym? What do you hope to achieve? This will serve as the foundation for your business plan and guide all future decisions.

Use the Docs feature in ClickUp to write a compelling mission and vision statement for your gym.

2. Identify your target market

Next, identify your target market. Who are your ideal customers? Consider demographics such as age, gender, fitness goals, and location. Understanding your target market will help you tailor your marketing efforts and services to attract and retain customers.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track key information about your target market, such as age range, fitness goals, and preferred workout styles.

3. Outline your services and pricing

Outline the services your gym will offer, such as personal training, group classes, or specialized programs. Determine the pricing structure for each service, taking into account your target market's budget and competitors' pricing.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to create a structured breakdown of your services and pricing options.

4. Develop a marketing strategy

A strong marketing strategy is essential for attracting new members to your gym. Determine the channels you will use to reach your target market, such as social media, local advertising, or partnerships with other businesses. Also, define your unique selling points and how you will differentiate your gym from competitors.

Utilize the Calendar view in ClickUp to plan and schedule your marketing activities, ensuring a consistent and effective approach.

5. Plan your financials and projections

Finally, outline your gym's financials and projections. Create a budget that includes startup costs, monthly expenses, revenue projections, and profit targets. Consider factors such as equipment purchases, rent, staff salaries, and marketing expenses.

Use the Dashboards feature in ClickUp to track and monitor your financials, allowing you to make informed decisions and adjust your plan as needed.

By following these steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you can create a comprehensive and effective plan for your gym business. Good luck!

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Gym Business

Entrepreneurs planning to start a gym business can use the Business Plan Template to outline their goals, strategies, finances, and marketing plans, helping them project profitability, secure funding, and stay organized throughout the development and operation of their gym.

To get started with the Business Plan Template for Gym Business:

Hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Designate the Space or location in your Workspace where you want this template applied.

Invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to collaborate on the business plan.

Take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive gym business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize different sections of your business plan, such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Financial Projections, and Marketing Strategy.
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's complete, in progress, needs revision, or to do.
• The Timeline View allows you to set deadlines and milestones for each section, ensuring you stay on track.
• Utilize the Business Plan View to get an overview of the entire plan and easily navigate between sections.
• The Getting Started Guide View provides a step-by-step guide to help you complete each section of the business plan.

Customize the template by adding the custom fields: Reference, Approved, and Section. Use the Reference field to link supporting documents or resources, mark sections as Approved when finalized, and categorize sections using the Section field.

Update statuses, custom fields, and progress as you work on the business plan to keep everyone informed and ensure maximum productivity.

Monitor and analyze the business plan to make informed decisions, refine strategies, and secure funding for your gym business.

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Sample Gym Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a gym. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring gym business owners, having access to a sample gym business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own gym business plan.

Download our Ultimate Gym Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful gym venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A gym business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document. The gym business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your gym as Growthink’s Ultimate Gym Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a gym business plan of your own.

Gym Business Plan Example – FitForge Gymnasium

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

FitForge Gymnasium, located in the heart of Albuquerque, NM, is a premier fitness center designed to cater to a wide range of fitness needs. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive fitness experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our diverse clientele. By offering personalized fitness plans, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert coaching, we aim to create an inclusive community where every member feels valued and supported in their fitness journey. Our focus on accessibility, community, and high-quality service positions us as a leading gymnasium in Albuquerque, dedicated to fostering health and wellness in our local community.

Our success is rooted in our commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment for all our members. Key factors contributing to our accomplishments include our strategic location in Albuquerque, which provides easy access for local residents and businesses, and our comprehensive range of services tailored to meet diverse fitness goals. We’ve made significant strides in establishing a loyal customer base through our personalized approach to fitness and wellness. Furthermore, our ability to attract corporate clients with customized wellness plans has enabled us to integrate deeply into the local corporate wellness landscape, setting us apart from competitors and driving our growth.

The fitness industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing health consciousness and the demand for personalized fitness solutions. In Albuquerque, NM, this trend is reflected in the rising interest in fitness programs that cater to individual needs and busy lifestyles. The industry’s evolution towards more specialized and accessible fitness offerings presents a significant opportunity for FitForge Gymnasium. By aligning our services with these industry trends, such as offering specialized training programs and flexible membership options, we are well-positioned to capture a substantial market share in a competitive landscape. Our emphasis on community and personalized fitness plans positions us to meet the evolving needs of fitness enthusiasts and casual gym-goers alike.

At FitForge Gymnasium, our customer base is as diverse as our fitness offerings. We primarily target local residents of Albuquerque, NM, who seek a fitness solution that blends convenience with community. Our emphasis on personalized fitness plans and accessible services resonates with individuals who value health and wellness amidst their busy schedules. Additionally, we cater to fitness enthusiasts and athletes looking for specialized training programs, as well as corporate clients interested in improving their employees’ health through customized wellness plans. This strategic focus enables us to attract a broad spectrum of customers, from seasoned athletes to corporate teams, making us a go-to fitness destination in Albuquerque.

FitForge Gymnasium faces competition from several key players in the Albuquerque fitness market. However, our competitive advantages lie in our holistic approach to fitness, our commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art equipment, and our focus on delivering personalized fitness experiences. These strengths enable us to differentiate ourselves from competitors and carve out a unique position in the market. We are dedicated to continually innovating our services and facilities to maintain this competitive edge and ensure that we remain the preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts in Albuquerque.

Our marketing strategy revolves around highlighting our comprehensive range of products, services, and competitive pricing. We offer personalized fitness plans, expert coaching, and state-of-the-art equipment to cater to various fitness goals. Our pricing strategy is designed to be accessible, offering different membership options to suit individual needs and budgets. To promote our offerings, we have developed a robust promotions plan that includes social media marketing, email newsletters, and local advertising campaigns. By engaging with our community through these channels, we aim to build brand awareness, attract new members, and retain our existing customer base.

Ensuring the smooth operation of FitForge Gymnasium is our top priority. Our daily operations include opening and closing the gym on time, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and equipment functionality, and providing exceptional customer service. We also focus on managing memberships efficiently and conducting fitness classes that meet our members’ expectations. To support our growth, we have outlined key milestones such as expanding our service offerings and upgrading our facilities. By adhering to these operational practices and achieving our milestones, we aim to enhance our members’ experience and sustain our leadership in the Albuquerque fitness market.

Our management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the fitness industry. Their expertise spans various areas, including fitness training, business management, customer service, and marketing. This diverse skill set ensures that all aspects of FitForge Gymnasium are managed efficiently and effectively, from daily operations to strategic growth initiatives. Our team’s passion for fitness and commitment to excellence is the driving force behind our success and positions us well for future growth.

Welcome to FitForge Gymnasium, a new gym in Albuquerque, NM, dedicated to providing our community with high-quality fitness and wellness services. As a local gym, we recognize the gap in the market for premium fitness facilities and are here to fill that void with our comprehensive offerings and superior equipment. Our mission is to create a fitness environment that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our members, making us the go-to destination for health and fitness in Albuquerque.

At FitForge Gymnasium, we offer a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our offerings include personalized personal training sessions, designed to help individuals achieve their fitness goals in a one-on-one setting. We also provide group fitness classes that foster a sense of community and motivation among participants. Understanding the importance of nutrition in overall wellness, we offer nutritional counseling services to guide our members towards healthier eating habits. For those looking to gauge their progress, we conduct fitness assessments, and for our members who prefer the convenience of working out from home, we offer virtual workouts. Our comprehensive approach to fitness ensures that we cater to every aspect of our members’ health and wellness journey.

Located in the vibrant city of Albuquerque, NM, FitForge Gymnasium serves the local community with pride. Our strategic location allows us to be accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that we are here for anyone looking to embark on or continue their fitness journey with us.

Our gym is uniquely positioned for success for several reasons. Firstly, our founder brings a wealth of experience from previously running a successful gym, ensuring that we have the knowledge and expertise to thrive. Additionally, we pride ourselves on having better equipment and offering more services than any other local gym, setting us apart from our competitors. These factors, combined with our commitment to excellence, make us confident in our ability to succeed and grow within the Albuquerque community.

Since our founding on January 3, 2024, FitForge Gymnasium has made significant strides as a business. We are proud to be a S Corporation, which reflects our serious commitment to our business and its growth. Among our accomplishments, we have successfully designed our logo, developed our company name, and secured a great location for our gym. These milestones mark the beginning of our journey, and we are excited about the future possibilities and the opportunity to serve the Albuquerque community through our passion for fitness and wellness.

The Gym industry in the United States has experienced significant growth over the past decade, becoming a thriving market. According to recent data, the industry generated approximately $35 billion in revenue in 2019. This impressive figure highlights the size and importance of the Gym industry in the country. Furthermore, market research predicts that the industry will continue to grow steadily in the coming years, with an expected annual growth rate of 2.9% from 2020 to 2025.

One of the key trends in the Gym industry that bodes well for FitForge Gymnasium is the increasing focus on health and fitness among individuals of all age groups. With a growing awareness of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, more people are actively seeking out fitness centers and gyms to achieve their fitness goals. FitForge Gymnasium is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend as it offers state-of-the-art equipment, expert trainers, and a wide range of fitness classes to cater to the diverse needs of its customers.

Another trend that works in favor of FitForge Gymnasium is the rise of boutique gyms. These smaller, specialized gyms have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to their personalized approach and unique offerings. FitForge Gymnasium stands out in this regard by providing a boutique-like experience through its intimate atmosphere, personalized training programs, and exclusive amenities. By tapping into this trend, FitForge Gymnasium can attract a niche market of individuals who value a more bespoke fitness experience.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

FitForge Gymnasium will target a diverse range of customers, with a primary focus on local residents of Albuquerque, NM. The gym will tailor its services to meet the needs of individuals seeking a convenient and community-focused fitness solution. By emphasizing accessibility and personalized fitness plans, FitForge will attract those living and working in the vicinity who prioritize health and wellness in their busy schedules.

In addition to local residents, FitForge Gymnasium will also cater to fitness enthusiasts and athletes looking for specialized training programs. The gym will offer state-of-the-art equipment and expert coaching to support high-performance training goals. This approach will not only appeal to seasoned athletes but also to individuals aiming to elevate their fitness journey by engaging in more challenging workouts.

Furthermore, FitForge Gymnasium will target corporate clients seeking to improve their employees’ health and wellbeing through corporate fitness programs. The gym will design customized wellness plans that fit the unique needs of each organization, promoting a culture of health within the local business community. This strategy will create opportunities for FitForge to become an integral part of Albuquerque’s corporate wellness landscape.

Customer Needs

FitForge Gymnasium fulfills the essential need for high-quality gym services that residents in the area actively seek. Customers can expect access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment and facilities that cater to a wide range of fitness goals, from weight loss to muscle building. This commitment to quality ensures that members have everything they need to achieve their personal health objectives efficiently and effectively.

Aside from physical equipment, FitForge Gymnasium recognizes the importance of providing a supportive and motivational environment. Members can enjoy personalized training programs, group fitness classes, and wellness workshops that not only help them stay on track but also foster a sense of community. This holistic approach to fitness addresses the need for both physical and mental well-being, making it a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to improve their health.

Moreover, FitForge Gymnasium caters to the convenience and flexibility that modern customers demand. With extended hours of operation, it accommodates people with busy schedules, allowing them to exercise at times that suit them best. The gym also offers various membership plans to fit different budgets and fitness levels, ensuring that high-quality gym services are accessible to a broader audience. This adaptability highlights FitForge Gymnasium’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its members, making it an invaluable asset to the community.

FitForge Gymnasium’s competitors include the following companies:

Liberty Gym offers a wide range of fitness services, including personal training, group fitness classes, and access to state-of-the-art equipment. Their price points vary depending on the services chosen, offering both membership options and pay-per-class for more flexibility. Liberty Gym generates significant revenue by catering to a broad customer segment that includes fitness enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. The gym is situated in a central location in Albuquerque, NM, making it accessible to a large population. Liberty Gym’s key strength lies in its community-focused approach, creating a supportive and motivating environment for its members. However, its weakness might be seen in the limited variety of specialized fitness programs compared to some competitors.

The Open Gym prides itself on being accessible 24/7, catering to customers with varying schedules. They offer a diverse range of equipment, personal training services, and several membership options tailored to individual needs, with competitive pricing that appeals to budget-conscious consumers. The Open Gym has a strong presence in Albuquerque, NM, serving a wide geographic area and attracting customers from all walks of life. Their revenue is driven by their ability to retain long-term members, thanks to their flexible operating hours and comprehensive service offerings. A key strength is their focus on convenience and accessibility, ensuring that fitness solutions are available to everyone, anytime. However, a potential weakness could be the challenge of maintaining a high-quality experience during peak hours due to their 24/7 open policy.

Republiq focuses on a boutique fitness experience, offering specialized classes such as yoga, pilates, HIIT, and cycling, in addition to personal training services. Their price points are on the higher end, reflecting the premium experience and personalized attention they provide. Republiq operates in a few select locations in Albuquerque, NM, targeting a niche market of fitness enthusiasts looking for a more exclusive gym experience. They generate revenue not only through their membership fees but also through a range of wellness products sold on-site. Republiq’s key strength is its focus on creating a luxurious fitness environment with high-quality equipment and small class sizes for more personalized instruction. However, this exclusivity and focus on premium offerings could be a weakness, as it may limit their appeal to a broader customer base looking for more affordable fitness solutions.

Competitive Advantages

At FitForge Gymnasium, our competitive edge stems from our unparalleled selection of equipment and the diversity of services we offer to our clients. We understand the evolving fitness landscape and strive to cater to the wide spectrum of fitness goals and preferences of our members. From state-of-the-art weightlifting machines and cardio equipment to specialized areas for yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), our facilities are designed to meet the specific needs of every individual. Moreover, our commitment to quality extends beyond our equipment. We offer a range of services including personal training sessions, nutritional planning, and wellness workshops, all aimed at providing our members with a holistic fitness experience.

Beyond our superior equipment and services, our competitive advantage lies in our community-focused approach. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where members can feel motivated and supported in their fitness journeys. Our staff, from the front desk to our certified trainers, are dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere. This commitment to community extends outside the gym walls through our engagement in local events and partnerships with local businesses, promoting a lifestyle of health and wellness throughout Albuquerque. In essence, our members can expect not just a place to exercise, but a place where they belong, making us a standout choice in the fitness industry.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At FitForge Gymnasium, customers can find a diverse range of fitness solutions tailored to meet their individual needs and objectives. From personal training to group fitness classes, the gymnasium offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to cater to various preferences and fitness levels. Each service is delivered by certified professionals committed to helping members achieve their health and wellness goals.

Personal Training is a core service, providing members with one-on-one coaching from experienced trainers. These sessions are ideal for those seeking customized workout plans, specific skill development, or extra motivation. Prices for Personal Training sessions average at $60 per hour, offering a valuable investment in one’s health and fitness journey.

Group Fitness Classes are another popular option, allowing members to engage in a variety of workout styles in a motivating, community-driven environment. Classes range from yoga and pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The average price for Group Fitness Classes is $15 per class, making it an affordable way to stay active and connected with others.

Nutritional Counseling is available for members looking to complement their fitness regimen with dietary guidance. Certified nutritionists work closely with individuals to create tailored eating plans that support their fitness goals. This service is priced at an average of $50 per session, providing a personalized approach to nutrition and wellness.

Fitness Assessments offer members a detailed analysis of their current fitness level and help in setting realistic goals. These assessments are conducted by professionals and include evaluations of body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. At an average price of $30 per assessment, members can gain valuable insights into their health and progress.

Virtual Workouts have become an essential part of the gym’s offerings, catering to members who prefer exercising from the comfort of their home or are unable to visit the gym. These online sessions include a wide range of classes led by qualified instructors. With an average price of $10 per class, Virtual Workouts provide a flexible and convenient option for maintaining fitness.

FitForge Gymnasium is dedicated to offering accessible and effective fitness solutions. With a focus on quality, expertise, and community, the gymnasium ensures that every member has the support and resources needed to pursue a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Promotions Plan

FitForge Gymnasium understands the competitive landscape of the fitness industry and recognizes the importance of a comprehensive promotional strategy to attract customers. A mix of online marketing efforts coupled with traditional and innovative promotional tactics will ensure the gym stands out in the Albuquerque market.

Online marketing will play a crucial role in FitForge Gymnasium’s promotional strategy. The gym will leverage social media platforms to engage with potential customers, sharing workout tips, success stories, and live fitness classes to showcase the value they bring. A user-friendly website will serve as the digital front door, providing easy access to membership information, class schedules, and a blog filled with health and fitness advice. Email marketing campaigns will keep prospects and members informed about special promotions, new classes, and events, encouraging continual engagement with the brand.

Beyond digital efforts, FitForge Gymnasium will implement referral programs, offering existing members incentives for bringing in new members. This strategy not only helps grow the customer base but also reinforces the community aspect of the gym, making it a more appealing choice for individuals seeking both fitness and social connection. Local community events and partnerships with health-focused businesses in Albuquerque will further increase visibility and demonstrate FitForge Gymnasium’s commitment to the well-being of its community.

Introductory offers, such as free trial memberships or discounted rates for the first month, will entice prospects to experience the gym firsthand. Once inside, the quality of services, state-of-the-art equipment, and the welcoming atmosphere will encourage them to stay. In addition, targeted advertising in local media and fitness magazines will reach a broader audience, highlighting the unique selling points of FitForge Gymnasium and drawing attention from fitness enthusiasts across Albuquerque.

Overall, FitForge Gymnasium will employ a dynamic and multifaceted approach to promotion. By combining the power of online marketing with the impact of community engagement and traditional advertising, the gym expects to build a strong and loyal customer base, setting the foundation for long-term success in the fitness industry.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of FitForge Gymnasium, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Open and close the gym on time each day, ensuring the facility is ready for customers as soon as they arrive and securely closed after the last customer leaves.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the gym, including disinfecting equipment after use, cleaning floors, and ensuring restrooms and changing areas are hygienic.
• Perform regular equipment checks to ensure all gym equipment is in good working order and repair or replace any faulty equipment immediately to prevent accidents and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Provide customer service and support, including greeting customers warmly, answering any questions they have, and addressing their concerns promptly to ensure a positive gym experience.
• Manage memberships and sign-ups, ensuring all customer paperwork is up to date, processing new memberships, renewals, and cancellations efficiently.
• Conduct fitness classes and personal training sessions as scheduled, ensuring they start and end on time and meet the expectations of participants.
• Engage with customers to collect feedback on their gym experience, using this information to make improvements and adapt services to meet customer needs better.
• Monitor gym occupancy and manage access during peak times to ensure a comfortable and safe workout environment for all members.
• Manage inventory, including ordering supplies before they run low, such as cleaning products, office supplies, and fitness equipment accessories.
• Conduct financial activities, including processing payments, managing expenses, and ensuring the gym operates within its budget.
• Market the gym through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and local advertising, to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
• Develop and update emergency procedures and conduct regular staff training on these procedures to ensure customer and staff safety in case of an emergency.

FitForge Gymnasium expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Securing a Prime Location: Identify and secure a lease for a facility in a high-traffic area with ample parking, visibility, and accessibility for our target market in Albuquerque, NM.
• Obtaining Necessary Permits and Licenses: Complete all legal requirements including zoning permits, health and safety certifications, and any other local regulations necessary to operate a gymnasium.
• Facility Buildout and Equipment Procurement: Design and outfit the gym space with high-quality, reliable gym equipment, locker rooms, and customer-friendly amenities to ensure a positive user experience.
• Staffing: Hire and train qualified staff, including personal trainers, front desk personnel, and maintenance staff, ensuring they align with the brand’s values and customer service standards.
• Soft Launch: Conduct a soft opening for a select group of invitees to gather feedback on the facilities, services, and overall customer experience. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments before the official opening.
• Launch Our Gym: Officially open FitForge Gymnasium to the public with a grand opening event to generate buzz and attract initial membership sign-ups.
• Marketing and Community Engagement: Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes local advertising, social media presence, and community events to build brand awareness and attract members.
• Membership Growth Strategies: Introduce referral programs, membership discounts, and corporate wellness partnerships to grow the member base and increase gym utilization.
• Operational Excellence: Establish robust operational protocols for customer service, facility maintenance, and financial management to ensure a high-quality member experience and efficient business operations.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial milestone of generating $15,000 per month in revenue through membership sales, personal training sessions, and ancillary services.

FitForge Gymnasium management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Sofia Carter, CEO

Sofia Carter brings a wealth of experience to her role as CEO of FitForge Gymnasium. With a proven track record of leadership and success, Sofia has previously demonstrated her capacity to manage a fitness establishment effectively. Her background is distinguished by a clear vision for success, an unwavering dedication to health and fitness, and a deep understanding of the dynamics of gym management. Sofia’s leadership skills, combined with her passion for fostering a supportive and motivating environment for gym members, make her uniquely qualified to steer FitForge Gymnasium towards achieving its goals. Her experience not only in running a gym but in navigating the challenges of business growth and customer satisfaction is instrumental in ensuring the gym’s lasting success.

To achieve our growth objectives, FitForge Gymnasium requires substantial funding. These resources will be allocated towards expanding our service offerings, upgrading our equipment, and enhancing our facilities. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure that we maximize the return on investment for these initiatives, driving increased membership and sustaining our competitive edge in the market. With a solid financial plan in place, we are poised to reach our growth goals and continue our trajectory as a leading fitness center in Albuquerque.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

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Income Statement

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Cash Flow Statement

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Gym Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Gym Business Plan PDF here. This is a free gym business plan example to help you get started on your own gym plan.  

How to Finish Your Gym Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your gym business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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How to create a business plan for your gym

Looking for tips on how to start a gym ? Planning ahead is key to the world of business and workouts. Just like you wouldn’t hit the gym without a workout plan, a fitness business plan is a requisite for starting your own gym, wherever you are in your journey. If you’re looking to find investors for your new fitness center project or are interested in expanding on the gym business you already have, a business plan is essential.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to write an effective business plan for your gym.

Follow along to discover the practical knowledge you can use for crafting an unparalleled business plan. Remember, this is a flexible and personalized document that forms a cumulative road map for your business, so take your time and hone in on what separates your business from the competition.

#1 Executive summary

An executive summary is your grand opening. It should grab your reader’s attention, concisely layout your business, and effectively pitch your gym to prospective investors in just about one page. 

The best way to craft an expert executive summary is by asking yourself a few questions to discover precisely what to say. 

Some key questions that will help you formulate your executive summary include:

• What is your mission statement? – Let your reader know who you are. Your mission statement should not only include your gym’s values and goals, it should explain why your gym should exist and what sets you apart from others.
• What are your main offerings? - Are you a gym focused on after-school fitness programs for youth, like Montana’s Missoula Boxing Club ? Or are you interested in encouraging seniors to get active like Jean Grimm of Tuscon, Arizona? Whatever your gym’s main offerings and fitness services are, include them briefly in your executive summary.
• What are your gym’s major goals? – To run a successful gym, plenty of pre-planning is necessary. That said, it’s also necessary to describe your business’s short and long-term goals. Do you see franchises in your future or are you looking to gradually expand your offerings? Brainstorm where your business will be in 1, 5, and even 10 years.

If the executive summary is starting to feel daunting, here’s a tip: 

While an executive summary is a classic lead into your business summary, you may have more success writing it after you’ve completed the rest of your business plan. After taking the time to investigate each specific aspect of your business in detail, you’ll be in a better position to write an effective summary of everything you’ll be covering throughout your plan.

#2 Company overview

A company overview isn’t just your opportunity to expand on why you’re opening a gym, it’s a great place for outlining your general strategy when it comes to your business.

Consider touching on some points regarding:

• Daily operations
• Hours and location
• Managerial processes

Also, be sure to add in all your relevant experience, and why you’re qualified to build your own gym.

Take the time to go in-depth about:

• Business experience – Is this your first rodeo, or have you been an entrepreneur all your life? Even if you’ve never opened your own business, look to events in your life where your leadership and vision have led to a successful outcome.
• Fitness background – Whether you’re a certified CrossFit trainer with a decade of experience or a passionate marathon runner, your background in physical fitness is highly relevant to your company overview.
• Personal touches – The company overview presents an opportunity to showcase why this business venture is so important to your life’s journey. You can share a story about your first gym experience, your family’s history of gym ownership, or your lifelong dreams about running a fitness center—just be sure to remain professional and relevant to the task at hand.

Be sure to include your business model and legal structure, while expanding on the overall purpose of your business. After finishing your company overview, a reader should have a clear idea of your business, both in how it functions and what it might look like in practicality.

#3 Market research

It’s time to dive into your target market and explore where your business exists in the marketplace. It’s most helpful to immediately identify your target market, pinpointing your customer base by demographics including:

• Socio-economic placement
• Education level

By understanding more about your clientele, you can offer more specially catered fitness services.

You also need to understand key elements of your business, like:

• Your location – Where are you planning on operating? Where your gym is located will determine the potential demographics of your customer base and contribute to your overall gym marketing strategy . Your location in terms of proximity to other gyms is also important to point out. Show that you know what (and where) you’re getting into. 
• Your unique selling point - What do you offer your target audience that the competition doesn’t? Whether your gym has flexible hours, unmatched equipment, or classes that no one in the area has ever offered before, take the time to determine your unique selling points and find inspiration from other business owners. Some local gyms have gotten extremely creative when it comes to standing out from competitors. Take, for instance, Omaha’s The Exercise Coach , a small gym using unique tech to create user-specific exercise routines helping members reach their fitness goals in a curated, personalized way.

Research and statistics regarding gyms in your area can also be highly useful in backing up your business assertions. Feel free to add tables and graphs to further illustrate your ideas. Thorough research and relevant facts are excellent ways to showcase a level of professionalism to your business plan overall.

#4 Marketing strategies

Take your deep understanding of local market trends and your fitness industry expertise to craft marketing strategies that will bring members to your fitness center.

Consider the following marketing options and consider using multiple mediums and campaigns to create a winning strategy for your new gym:

• Shake up social media – Create engaging content to attract more users to your social media. Entice your audience with inspirational posts, contests, special offers, and more. Plus, social media gives your audience a direct line to communicate with you, so you can start interfacing with your customers digitally as well as in the gym.
• Connect locally - From your local paper to open bulletin boards, it’s usually simple and effective to find ways to engage with your local community. Print up some fliers, or take out an ad on a local radio station—whatever way you find to connect with your community. Today, it’s even easier to talk to your neighbors with a Nextdoor Business Page designed for local businesses and their communities.
• Loyalty plans and special pricing – Create plans and pricing fitness programs that encourage more contract renewals, personal referrals, and rewards for your most loyal customers. You want to find any way you can to reward your customers for choosing you, so develop a strategy that can benefit both your business and your clientele.

From email lists to billboards, be open to trying new marketing methods and take note of the ones that work best for your business. Marketing your gym is an ever-evolving process, what works today may change in the future, so stay flexible.

#5 Services and products

The “opening a gym business plan” varies from business, and never more so than in the services and products section. While most gyms sell memberships by the month and year, with a variety of service levels, perks, and specialized options, there are plenty of other services gyms offer.Consider, for example, the wide range of fitness classes you have the option of offering, such as:

• Zumba 

The list goes on. Not only should your business plan outline every service you plan to offer—including personal training as well. It should also encompass any products your gym plans to sell online and in-store.

Track your plans for expansion and what more your business can offer to bolster profits and bring up your bottom line. These details will be highly relevant in the following section.

#6 Financial projections

Before you can finish your business plan, you’ll need to properly access your finances. While physical fitness may be your passion, if you’re hoping to turn that dream into a reality, you’ll need to display why your business is a sound investment.

Financial projects should include information regarding: 

• Membership numbers – Estimate how many members you’ll have by the end of your first year, based on similar businesses. Additionally, you may want to include your total member cap, as this is a hard ceiling to potential earnings.
• Cash flow – The money coming in and out of your business must be adequate to keep the lights on, the staff paid, and the business running. Show investors that your hard work and research have paid off with a solid cash flow report.
• Costs – Between rent, upkeep, and equipment, starting out can be costly. Estimate your overall costs, as well as when your business will break even on this initial financial investment.

The financial portion of your business plan may require some expert advice or specialized knowledge. Consider hiring a professional financial expert or seeking the (often free) advice available to those seeking to start their own small business.

Grow your gym with Nextdoor

A well-written business plan can open doors for your business. After following these steps, you might find yourself with the connections and capital to finally realize your dreams. Before you start buying barbells, visit Nextdoor to get a headstart on connecting with your community.

By claiming your free Business Page, you’ll have the ability to engage with nearby, potential customers who are motivated to support local businesses like yours. Consider sharing your business plan with neighbors on Nextdoor to find out what your community is looking for out of a gym. 

Sources: 

Missoulian. Missoula youth gym emphasizes 'books before boxing'. https://missoulian.com/news/local/missoula-youth-gym-emphasizes-books-before-boxing/article_f76a50d2-0285-5b12-8b86-04196ebe72ef.html  

KGUN. 78-year-old woman wins award for encouraging elderly to workout. https://www.kgun9.com/spiritofsoaz/78-year-old-woman-wins-award-for-encouraging-elderly-to-workout  

KETV. Local gym uses 'smart fitness' technology for workouts. https://www.ketv.com/article/local-gym-uses-smart-fitness-technology-for-workouts/36338943  

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Gym and Fitness Center Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Fitness and Wellness » Gym House

Are you about starting a gym or fitness center? If YES, here’s a complete sample gym or fitness center business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a gym/fitness center . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample gym/fitness center marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for gym/fitness centers. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

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If you very much agree with the saying that goes ‘ health is wealth’, then you may also very well agree that one of the ways of staying healthy is by keeping fit and having a good BMI.

It is very important to not be complacent when the issue of staying fit comes to fore. This is one of the reasons why there has been the craze for fitness lately all over the globe. Those who are particular about staying fit know that it is a part of life

In the united states of America for instance; the rate at which folks get obese have continued to be an alarming thing. This is no thanks to the junk type of diet that these folks subject themselves to.

However, truth is that one can curb being obese and even totally eradicate those unwanted fats in the body by simply enrolling in a gym and eating healthy. This is one of the sole aims which those who are in the gym business try to pass across.

Starting a gym is a very interesting and profitable venture. This is because much more than wanting to help other people realize their weight goals, you also can keep and stay fit always. Below is a sample Gym business plan that you can effectively use to write yours.

A Sample Gym & Fitness Center Business Plan Template

1. Industry Overview

Gym business is gaining more grounds in recent times as it was in the 20th century. People are now more aware of the immeasurable benefits they stand to gain when they enroll in a gym. It is now obvious to a myriad of people that they can stay healthy, improve their lifestyle and live longer if they exercised regularly.

Statistics has it that there is a steady increase in the number of people that enroll in gyms and the fact that gym facilities is now closer to residential areas make this possible. In order words, with the increase in the number of people that enroll in gyms, comes the increase in the revenue generated by gyms.

Some people enroll in gyms not because they don’t have the money to purchase some of the basic gym equipment , but because exercising regularly requires discipline and that is part of what they stand to get when they enroll in a gym with an instructor at hand.

Loads of factors are responsible for the springing up of gyms in various locations in the United States of America; chief amongst them is the rise in the number of obese people. Being obese is a risk to one’s health, which is why obese people who thoroughly want to stay healthy and fit enroll in gyms that are close to them.

Different people visit gyms and fitness centers for various reasons. Some people register in the gym basically to shed some weight through proper exercising, whilst others go to the gym to train and increase their biceps (muscles) i.e. body building and other enroll in gym for cardio sessions et al.

Researchers, engineers, health and fitness experts are always improvising and inventing fitness equipment that can help people and gym owners achieve their aims.

Although gym equipment can be expensive, but the truth is that most of the equipment last longer if they are well utilized. Aside from the fact that they last longer, acquiring any gym equipment is an investment that is worth the while.

Starting a gym business in the United States of America is less stressful; it requires enough cash to equip the gym facility to meet the standard expected by gym users. As a matter of fact, building a swimming pool around the gym facility is one of the factors that could attract clients to enroll in gyms.

The gym industry is not going to go out of fashion anytime soon, but rather the number of people that enroll in gyms will continue to be on the increase and that of course will translate to more monies for gym owners.

2. Executive Summary

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is a company that is in the business of ensuring that people stay fit by exercising regularly and maintain healthy lifestyle. We are going to be located at 135 E John Carpenter 1400 Irving, Texas United States of America.

We are able to secure a standard facility along the road in the heart of the city. The facility for our gym and fitness club has a standard Olympic size swimming pool. We are going to services the whole of the community as well as visitors and travelers

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is going to become the number one family-focused gym and fitness in the whole of Irving, Texas, and we will work hard to build our facility to match the needs of the average family in Texas. Our gym facility has enough parking spaces to accommodate more than the numbers of customers we will accommodate per time.

Our facility will be equipped with modern technology, and we will install large TV screens close to cardiovascular equipment and treadmills, so as to help our clients stay entertained whilst they engage in their exercise.

We will work towards ensuring that we provide our clients /members with a daily program of exercise and diet that perfectly suit their lifestyle and also to help them achieve their desired results and to help them create lasting healthy habits that will last them for life.

One of our major goals of starting Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is to encourage families in Irving, Texas, to cultivate the habit of regularly exercising and to stay healthy. Our gym facility is specifically designed and built to take care of adults and children, we have active childcare services for toddlers and we have a membership package that is highly discounted for families that enrolled in our gym.

We are quite aware that one of the reasons why some parents may not want to enroll in gyms is the reason that they may not have who to take care of their children whilst they are away in the gym.

Part of our strategies of encourage families to enroll in our gyms is to ensure that whenever these guardians come with children, their children will be well treated and entertained, so much so that they will be the ones reminding their parents to go to gym next time.

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club will be open 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week, in order for us to be able to accommodate people with different time preference. This is why we have made provisions to recruit enough workers and to run shifts amongst our workforce. We will go out of our way to acquire standard cardiovascular and weight training equipment for our gym.

We will run a fitness club that will help members who want to lose weight to achieve their desire without little stress. We have a weight management consultant who will work with individual based on customized fitness and nutrition needs.

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is privately owned by the renowned health and fitness coach Arnold Quest and Family.

Arnold quest has well over 15 years of experience as a leading health and fitness coach in the United States of America. He wants to start Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club because of his desire to see families enroll in gym and exercise together.

3. Our Products and Services

Fit as Fiddles Gym and Fitness Club is in business to provide all round health and fitness services to the residence of Irving, Texas, which is why we have been able to put up a facility that can help us achieve the goal. We are optimistic that everyone who enrolled in our gym and fitness club will definitely derive huge value for their money. These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our clients;

• Personal Training
• Group Fitness Classes
• Yoga Classes
• Pilates (full body walkout)
• Spinning Classes
• Weight Management
• Kinesis Station
• Nutrition Counseling
• Childcare / Daycare
• Full Locker Room Services
• Physical Therapy
• Internet Café
• Sports shop (sale of sportswear, towel, shampoos et al)
• Comprehensive fitness assessment
• Full gym membership

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to contribute our quota to encourage families and residence in Irving, Texas, to engage in the regular exercising of their bodies, so as to enable them stay healthy.
• The mission of Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is to build a world class gym and fitness club in Irving, Texas, where residents can comfortably train for health and for fitness; a place where residents can connect whilst achieving their health goals.

Our Business Structure

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is in business to become the leading family gym facility in the whole of Irving, Texas, and we are fully aware that it will take the right facility, management and organization – structure to achieve our goal. We will ensure that we recruit only the best hands that can help us achieve all that we are set to achieve.

Our business will not be built only for the purpose of giving our members / customers value for their money, but also we will ensure that we make our work environment highly conducive for all our employees.

We will provide them with facilities that will help them stay motivated and deliver on their various tasks and goals et al. In view of that, we have made provisions for the following positions to be occupied by highly qualified and experienced staff;

• Gym Manager (Owner)
• Accountant / Cashier
• Marketing Officer
• Exercise Physiologists
• Trainers (5)
• Training Assistants (10)
• Juice bar Manager
• Childcare Assistant

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Manager (Owner):

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the hotel
• Ensures that the facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with vendors
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Responsible for Training and Development in the organization
• Handles procurement
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members

  Training Instructors (5)

• Creates training rosters for members
• Assists members during exercise session
• Guides members on how to make use of gym and fitness equipment

Marketing Officer (2)

• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information.
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Manages the company’s CRM system
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al

Juice Bar Manager:

• Interacts with customers, take orders for drinks
• Plans and presents bar menu.
• Mixes ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
• Mixes drinks, cocktails and other bar beverages as ordered and in compliance with gym’s standard drink recipes.
• Serves fruit juice to guests.
• Assesses customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the management
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to replenish supplies.
• Ensures that the assigned juice bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for mixing beverages and serving guests.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Handles all financial transaction on behalf of the company
• Collects payment for drinks served and balance all receipts
• Prepares financial report at the end of every working week
• Interfaces with our bankers
• Responsible for payment of tax, levies and utility bills
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the manager

  Exercise Physiologist

• Responsible for evaluating, researching, and provide advice on coaching.
• Responsible for training
• Engages in recovery practices in all areas of exercise and rehabilitation
• Provides timely information and support on injury prevention, technique analysis, and nutrition.

Cleaners (3):

• Responsible for cleaning in and around the gym facility
• Cleans up after customers and clean work area.
• Clears ashtrays as and when required.
• Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is in business to help its clients achieve their health and fitness goals and at the same time to make profit.

We are aware that there is competition in the gym and fitness industry which is why we took out time to conduct an effective SWOT Analysis, as stated in our gym and fitness center marketing plan; before investing our hard earned money.

We know that if we get things right before starting our gym and fitness club, we will not have to struggle before attracting loyal clients and building our membership base to a level where we can easily breakeven. We hired the services of Mr. Emmanuel Bright, an HR and Business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our company and he did a pretty good job for us.

Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club, Irving, Texas;

One of the obvious strength that will definitely stand as a plus for Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is the fact that our facility is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Irving, Texas; our location is in fact one of our major strength.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our gym and lastly our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Texas can get; it is cheap and affordable.

Having critically looked into our Business model , we were able to identify two major weaknesses. One is the fact that we are a new business and the second is the fact that we may not have the financial resources required to match up with existing gyms in Texas when it comes to acquiring latest gym equipment and generating the needed hypes that can drive traffic towards our facility.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest areas in Irving, Texas, and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer. We also run a 24 hours, 7 days a week gym and fitness club; thus giving us the advantage to leverage on any available opportunity.

Some of the threats that are likely going to confront Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is unfavorable government policies, demographic/social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumers spending and lastly, the emergence of new competitors within the same location where our gym and fitness club is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the gym and fitness industry is such that if a gym is well positioned in a residential area or a place where people can easily access without much stress, there is the likelihood that the gym will enjoy high patronage. Just like in other business venture, the owner of gyms and fitness clubs are always looking for ways to increase their market share; they go as far as signing deals with high schools and also offer home services.

What they do is that they offer pro bono services for a period of time, and then thereafter introduce a fee gradually and before too long they would have successfully converted some of the people that benefited from their pro bono services to loyal members.

It is common trend that as gyms grow, it becomes necessary for them to develop new service offerings or install new facilities that will help them attract more people.

Little wonder some gyms now have juice bars within their facility to encourage people towards healthy drinking. In order words, it is very important for gyms to continue to improvise if they want to grow their business and generate their target revenues.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for gyms cuts across people of different walks of life. The fact that people register in gyms and fitness clubs for various reasons makes marketing the business interesting. The target market for gym and fitness centers can be categorized into three various groups.

The first group is the people who are looking towards shedding some weight through proper exercising and under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

The other group of people are those who are interested in building their biceps (body building), and the last group of people are those who just want to enroll for cardio sessions under the watchful eyes of a qualified trainer. These sessions are a combination of light weights, treadmills and bikes.

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club will work towards providing services, facilities and environment that will help us reach out to our target market. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our gym and fitness club to;

• Corporate Executives
• Business People
• Sportsmen and Sportswomen
• Young Couples

Our Competitive Advantage

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Irving, Texas; this is obviously going to give us an edge amongst our competitors.

We can confidently say that the location of our gym will definitely count as a positive for us amongst any competitor that might start a gym and fitness business in same location where ours is located. We will continue to work hard to ensure continuous improvement in our facility and service delivery. As a matter of fact, our services will be second to none in Texas.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club will generate income from the following service offerings;

• Childcare/Daycare

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. It would be hard to create a sales forecast with a newly opened business like gym and fitness club. This is simply because the statistics that will be provided will be on a short term basis.

Experts said that usually a business should be in operation for at least one year before they can generate the statistics that will be need to help in accurate forecasting; statistics should be at least one year old in order to show the trends and pattern in consumer spending.

We expect to register a minimum of 1,000 active members within our fits year of operations and then in subsequent year we will grow our membership. Below are the sales projection for Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club, it is based on the location of our facility and the services and products that we will be offering to our clients (members);

• First Year-: $200,000
• Second Year-: $450,000
• Third Year-: $700,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within 4.5 miles radius from our gym facility.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategies will be directed towards achieving specific objectives that support the strategic goals of the organization.

The truth is that all that we do will be geared towards creating new market channels, increasing sales and increase our market share. We will leverage on improving on our services and facility to ensure that we win new clients and retain old members.

At Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club, our marketing strategies will be consistent throughout the marketing mix and we will take into consideration product improvement, promotion, and price. As part of our sales and marketing strategies, we will pay attention to the promotion of our gym so as to attract people to enroll and become members of our gym.

Our unique selling proposition is that we are well positioned and people can easily access our facility, our prices are affordable and we have a complete package for families. Parts of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our gym and fitness club with a big party in the neighborhood.
• Advertise our gym and fitness club on national dailies, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our gym and fitness club online via our official website and all available social media platforms
• Continuously Improve the performance of our brands
• Hire the services of experts to make our brands the first choice for people in Irving, Texas
• Deliver consistent customer experiences to all our members; making our first impression count positively to those making use of our gym facility for the first time
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our gym and fitness club
• Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our consistent members especially those that registered as a family.
• Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our gym and fitness club.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is in Irving for serious business, which is why we have identified key platforms that will enable us achieve our goal of promoting and advertising our business so as to attract the crop of people that we designed our business for.

We have been able to enter into alliance with key stakeholders in Irving, Texas to help us use their good will to promote our business.

We will ensure that we leverage on all conventional and non – conventional publicity and advertising technique to promote our gym and fitness club. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Sean and Sharon Hotel, Las Vegas;

• Encourage our loyal members to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our gym and fitness club in sports magazines, local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our gym and fitness club online via our official website
• List our gym and fitness club on local directories (yellow pages)
• Sponsor relevant community sport events
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Direct coupon mailing approach to introduce our gym and fitness club to residence
• Engage in road show from time to time to create awareness of our gym and fitness club in the residential areas around our facility
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than what our competitors charge their members in Irving, TX.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they register as a family. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the United States’ open market.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available to clients who want to make payment / register for our gym program;

• Payment by cash
• Payment by check
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any difficulty. These are the types of exercise equipment that we will make available in our gym and fitness center;

• Resistance bands
• Weight machines
• Flexion machines
• Pull-up bars
• Weight training
• Elliptical trainer
• Street Strider (elliptical cross trainer on wheels)
• Exercise machine
• Kettle bell
• Fitness (biology)
• Hojo undō
• Pull-up bar
• Medicine balls
• Boxing Gear
• Gym flooring
• Cable Attachments
• Weight plates
• Wearable items as proper footgear, gloves, and hydration packs.
• Filing Cabinets
• Notice board
• Employee Uniform

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Irving, Texas: $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits: $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $10,000.
• Cost for hiring Consultant – $5,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Cost for leasing facility for the gym: $80,000.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $50,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses et al) – $1,720
• Cost for acquiring gym equipment – $200,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al): $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website: $600
• The cost for our grand opening party: $1,500
• Miscellaneous: $5,000

We would need an estimate of $3.6 million to successfully launch our gym and fitness club in Irwin, Texas. It is important to state that the testing and evaluating expenses would be high because of the large amount of equipment needed to start up a gym and also the sophistication of the technology used in gyms. Also, the supplies would cost a bit more because of the regular demand for it.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club

Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club is a family business and it will be financed by the owner who is also the gym manager. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for fund for Fit as Fiddle Gym and Fitness Club;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from family members and friends (soft loans and gifts et al)
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the banks (loan facility).

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

We are in business to make profits and to build a popular gym and fitness brand in Irvin, Texas, hence we must do all it takes to grow the business and to ensure that the business survives generation after generation.

Part of the plans we have put in place to sustain our business is to ensure that we continue to deliver quality services, acquire latest gym and fitness equipment and improvise on better and cheaper packages four members and intended members.

Our workers will sure continue to enjoy working with us because we will deliberately make it our work environment very conducive and accommodating.

Furthermore, we are quite aware that our customers are key components to the growth and survival of our business hence we are going to continuously engage them to give us ideas on how to serve them better. We will not waste time in diversifying our services; expand our product and service offerings once the need arises.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed gym and fitness equipment , electronic appliances, office appliances and suppliers: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress

A Coach Ascension Plan: The Key to Careers at Your Gym

• by Chris Cooper
• September 16, 2024

A coaching credential doesn’t equal a career.

That’s been proven over and over, and too many great people have left the industry because they couldn’t make a living helping people become fitter.

That’s a tragedy.

So what’s the missing link?

It’s really an ascension model that allows coaches to earn more as they develop their skills as trainers. Better trainers get better results for clients and create value, which allows the gym to earn more and pay staff members better.

If you combine that concept with Intrapreneurialism and Career Roadmaps—I’ll cover those in the next posts in this series—you have a very clear way to retain outstanding people who can earn the money they need to support their families.

Here, we’ll dig into coach ascension, with the help of Karl Solberg, co-owner of CrossFit Medis and CrossFit Sickla in Sweden.

3 Essential Wins

Karl, a long-time gym owner, has created a detailed ascension plan for his coaches. His internal evaluations match up with the external CrossFit LLC level structure, but you can apply the same principles with any credentialing system.

Karl runs a pair of CrossFit gyms with partner Oskar Johed, who is a member of CrossFit’s Seminar Staff, so the connection makes perfect sense for them.

Here’s the guiding principle that applies regardless of method:

“In everything we do, we try to create a win for our clients, a win for our staff and of course a win for the business,” Karl explained.

He continued: “We think that if the coach increases their coaching skills, and also all of the time if they’re moving forward in their career, that will benefit the client. And if it benefits the client, she will stay longer and maybe spend more money, which benefits the business. So there we have the win-win-win situation.”

You can make four great mistakes at this point:

1. Assuming that an entry-level credential is anything more than proof of a minimum level of competence.

2. Assuming that all coaches will pursue professional development just because they want to learn more.

3. Assuming coaches will develop on their own without regular evaluation and mentorship.

4. Evaluating entry-level coaches against the A+, 10-out-of-10 gold standard for expert coaches.

Don’t worry: Almost all gym owners have made one or all of these mistakes.

Evaluation and Mentorship

The reality is that a credential will not create a career, but a great gym owner can work with a trainer to create an amazing career that benefits both parties—and the gym’s clients, too.

The key is a development and ascension plan that’s tied to regular evaluation.

“The first very rudimentary thing you can do is to tell your staff what you expect from them in terms of getting better at their craft,” Karl explained.

You can’t just hope they want to get better. You must define better, help them achieve it, and lay out timelines for progress.

Karl’s detailed system has five levels, running from orange to black, just like a belt system in a martial-arts gym. To move through the levels, trainers must coach a certain number of hours, perform well in evaluations and acquire new credentials.

When trainers reach the upper levels—two years is a ballpark timeline—they receive a raise and financial support from the gym for external certification.

Remember, Karl is investing, not just spending: “If the coach improves his or her skills, they will bring more value to the client.”

And he’s fulfilling his gyms’ mission: He and Oskar have promised to improve clients’ lives, so they’ve put clear timelines in place to ensure staff members are always becoming better at doing that.

“You … need to have plan in place for how you develop skills over time,” he explained, likening the process of coach development to the athletic progression all fitness coaches understand. You don’t start an inexperienced client with heavy snatches and overhead squats, right?

Don’t Expect Elite Skills From Beginners

Before I give you a peek at Karl’s level system, a word on Mistake No. 4, laid out above.

Karl at first documented the gold standard for a perfect class and evaluated all trainers against it.

They all failed, and they were miserable.

So Karl realized he needed to make adjustments to recognize the coaches’ current levels and keep them moving forward.

“How can I do this in a way that motivates people?” he asked. “We don’t tell an athlete to do that hardest thing right away. We tell the athlete to do something that they can be successful with, and then they get motivated when they succeed.”

So check out the Prep and Workout sections of Karl’s evaluation for orange- and brown-level coaches, respectively:

You’ll note the evaluation points for orange-level coaches are limited; they reflect the coach’s experience and provide building blocks for development.

The essential concept: If an orange-level coach can consistently do these essential but basic things, they are ready to move from orange to blue. In blue, all the requirements from the orange level are present, as are new requirements, such as “suggest scaling options for each athlete.”

This process continues from blue to purple, brown and black. Through evaluation, the coach is guided to improve and add skills, and coaches are always evaluated against criteria that reflect their experience.

To drive the concept home, here are the Prep, Whiteboard and Warm-Up sections of Karl’s evaluations for orange-, blue-, purple- and brown-level coaches, respectively:

You’ll note that the lower levels have basic requirements, while the upper levels are much more robust—but even the brown level doesn’t seem overwhelming when you recall that coaches have been guided through a progression to reach that level.

They’ve never been abandoned. They’ve been mentored to ascend.

Your First Steps to Coach Ascension

Karl’s complete development plan is incredible—I’ve just shown you a few snapshots from his evaluation form, without digging into the associated coach journey and onboarding documents.

The point: Coaches won’t build staircases on their own. But they will climb a staircase you build if you help them. When that happens, you’re ensuring your trainers are always improving their skills, which will have a massive effect on client results and retention.

Remember, you sell results through coaching, so when clients get them faster, your gym—and your service providers—will earn more.

You won’t be able to build Karl’s plan overnight, so here’s your starting point:

• Create a simple coach evaluation form (or download mine here ).
• Schedule and perform regular coach evaluations. Could you manage two per year as you develop your full ascension plan?

If you evaluate coaches regularly, you’ll be ahead of a host of gym owners, and you’ll be well on your way to creating careers at your gym.

I’ll give you two more essential tools—Intrapreneurialism and Career Roadmaps—in the next posts in this series.

One more thing!

More From Forbes

10 chatgpt prompts to create your business plan.

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10 ChatGPT prompts to create your business plan

Think a business plan is just paperwork? Think again. It’s essential for making a success of a venture. 70% of businesses that survive beyond 5 years follow a strategic plan. Aspiring entrepreneurs with a plan are 129% more likely to push past the startup phase.

There’s more. Entrepreneurs with a business plan are 260% more likely to launch their business than those without. Once launched, businesses with plans grow 30% faster . But even though it makes sense on paper, only 33% of business owners have a written plan. Don't be in that group. Be in the group that's twice as likely to grow their business.

Beat the odds by making your plan right now. Here are 10 ChatGPT prompts to help you create your business plan. Copy and paste the prompts, personalize the square brackets, and get your plan to get started today.

Make your business plan: ChatGPT prompts for a comprehensive document

Get the outline.

"Help me outline the key components of a comprehensive business plan for my new business in the [describe your industry/niche] space. [Provide any specifics about your business if available.] Include purpose, target audience, SWOT analysis, marketing plan, sales strategy, offer description, finance projections, operations information and risk mitigation. Add any other areas I should think about. Once you create the outline, await further instructions for each section."

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This sets the foundation. Don't skip any crucial sections.

Define your purpose

"What are the critical questions I need to answer to define my business's mission, vision, and values? Guide me through articulating these clearly for my business plan."

Your 'why' matters. Make it crystal clear.

Know your market

"Assist me in detailing my business's target market and customer segments by asking questions about my ideal customer profile. What specific information should I include to make this section robust and informative?"

If you don't know who you're selling to, you're already in trouble.

Analyze your position

"I want to create a SWOT analysis for my business plan. Guide me through identifying my business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats by asking probing questions about each area. Finally, present a table showing a SWOT analysis for my startup, with 5 in each category."

Know yourself and your market. It's critical.

Plan your marketing

"Using the information you have about my business, the service and the audience, create a detailed marketing strategy for my business plan that covers customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. Before beginning, ask 3 more questions about my business to enable you to complete the plan."

No customers, no business. Make this section count.

Strategize your sales

"Help me develop a sales strategy for my business plan that aligns with my marketing efforts and targets my ideal customer. Include suggestions for pricing and distribution channels."

Your roadmap to revenue. Get it right.

Describe your offering

"Assist me in creating a product or service description for my business plan that clearly conveys its value and benefits. Before creating this plan, ask probing questions about my product or service to fill in the gaps."

What are you selling? Make it irresistible.

Project your finances

"What should I include in the financial projections section of my business plan? Help me outline the key financial statements and assumptions needed for a realistic forecast. I’d like a 12-month projection and then a more top-level 3 year projection. Ask me questions to gather information before creating this forecast."

Numbers talk. Make sure yours tell a good story.

Plan your operations

"Help me draft the operations and management plan for my business. What should I include to show how my business will be run day-to-day and who will be involved? Tie this in with my growth and financial projections and ask questions to fill in any gaps before completing the plan."

The nuts and bolts matter. Don't gloss over this.

Mitigate your risks

"Guide me through identifying the risks to my business and how to include mitigation strategies in my business plan. What common risks should I consider for the type of business I’m starting?"

When you have everything, tie it together.

“Present this business plan in its entirety, so I have it in one place. Going back over our conversation, extract the elements of my final business plan, leaving out our back and forth exchanges. My goal is to paste this information into a new document, in one go.”

Go through the plan line by line. Get a second opinion. Attract customers, secure investors, and have solid foundations from which to begin.

ChatGPT prompts: make your business a success with a robust business plan

Use these prompts to dive deep with ChatGPT and create a business plan that stands up to questioning. Don’t be caught off guard by customers, investors, or not knowing your numbers.

A solid plan doesn't guarantee success, you still have to do the work. But do the work knowing that the odds are stacked in your favour. Know the lay of the land before you begin your trek. You’ve got this.

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Henrietta's first craft brewery plan fizzles: No brewhouse for Town Center Plaza

Henrietta is not getting a craft brewery after all. At least not in Town Center Plaza.

Last year, Smugtown Brewing Co. got the town’s approval to create a five-barrel brewhouse and full-service restaurant in the plaza at 2199 East Henrietta Road.

It would have been the first such business in Henrietta and occupied a 7,847-square-foot space at the shopping center’s south end, next to an AutoZone store.

Recently, though, ROC City Ninja signed a lease for the space and plans to open a ninja-style training gym there on Oct. 1, one of its owners, Cihat Tekin, said.

Smugtown co-owner and master brewer Jason Fox could not be reached for comment about what the future holds for his business, which last year announced on Facebook the arrival of brewery equipment and in March the purchase of a meat smoker.

Meanwhile, Greece resident Tekin, who will operate ROC City Ninja with his wife, Brandie, and others, is working on a buildout of the Town Center Plaza location to include three large obstacle courses for young children, teenagers and adults.

If you’ve seen “American Ninja Warrior” on NBC, “It’s that jam without the water people fall into,” Tekin said.

The business also will have two rooms for children’s birthday parties.

Hours of operation will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. The gym will be closed during competitions.

Costs vary. A 60-minute open gym spot is $20; an unlimited open gym membership is $99; and training packages start at $110.

Tekin said he and his family have belonged to other ninja-style gyms and sought to create one with a family-centered approach.

Plus, he said, “My kids compete, and we were just looking for something with a little bit more training and more geared toward competition.”

For more, go to roccityninja.com .

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter  @MarciaGreenwood .

Warren Buffett's death plan dodges taxes and will make his kids 'philanthropic titans,' says wealth inequality guru

• Warren Buffett's riches will go to a charitable trust controlled by his three children when he dies.
• He's avoiding taxes and making his kids into philanthropic titans, a wealth inequality guru says.
• Vast personal fortunes distort democracy and suggest the system has failed, Chuck Collins told BI.

Warren Buffett lives a simple life, steers clear of politics, and has gifted more than half of his vast fortune to good causes, promising that virtually all the rest will follow.

Yet even the 94-year-old investor who runs Berkshire Hathaway is cutting out the taxman and setting his children up to wield massive influence once he's gone, an expert on wealth inequality tells Business Insider.

Chuck Collins is the director of the inequality program at the Institute for Policy Studies, and the author of "The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Spend Millions to Hide Trillions."

He told Business Insider why $100 billion fortunes are dangerous, how they could be cut down to size, and why even Buffett shouldn't be let off the hook .

Collins' responses have been edited for length and clarity.

There are more than a dozen people each worth more than $100 billion. What do you think about that?

These concentrations of wealth are a reflection of a system failure. A healthy capitalist and democratic society must put some brake on the concentration of wealth and power to prevent it from distorting democracy.

Forty years of tax, wage, and other policies have funneled wealth to the top — rather than see it broadly distributed through higher wages for workers or paying a fair share of taxes.

What do you think about someone like Warren Buffett, who lives a relatively simple life and has pledged to give virtually all of his vast fortune away?

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Buffett is not a conspicuous consumer. Even his private jet was initially named the "Indefensible." And Buffett does less to aggressively wield his power and influence in the public sphere. You don't see his name on the list of big political donors. And he and Bill Gates started The Giving Pledge to encourage other billionaires to give to philanthropy.

But most of Buffett's wealth will flow in the form of donations to the tax-exempt family foundations run by his three kids, rather than paying estate taxes or taxes on appreciated gains. On the positive side, he's not creating private wealth dynasties. But his children will become philanthropic titans by wielding taxpayer-subsidized private power through enormous charitable foundations upon his death.

Buffett has gifted Berkshire stock worth billions to his children's charities since 2006. He plans to give almost all his remaining $140 billion fortune to a charitable trust when he dies. His three kids will be the named trustees and will have to agree unanimously on how the money is used.

How would you tackle the problem of wealth inequality at a scale where individuals can amass net worth of $100 billion-plus?

As a society, we should adapt several public policies to discourage such democracy-distorting levels of private wealth:

1. A progressive annual wealth tax , with rates becoming steeper as wealth goes above $1 billion.

2. A meaningful inheritance tax , taxing wealth transfers at death. For this to be effective, we have to crack down on the massive wealth-hiding industry.

3. A cap on the charitable deduction so that wealthy people, like Buffett, don't get to opt out entirely of paying taxes.

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