On your marks, get set, wait: What to know before you open a fitness centre

"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." The saying is true, at least when it comes to opening a fitness centre. Here’s what you should think about first.

In this hyper-competitive world, is it a good idea to open a fitness centre? You might have the noble goal of wanting to help people stay fit and healthy, but there is a lot to consider before you make the leap.

Even if your goal is clear and you have all the perseverance required, you’ll need to find the right location, raise some capital, and learn how to market your business. You’ll need some features that make your gym stand out and that will quickly attract a slew of customers ready to sweat their hearts out.

You need to draw up a credible business plan before you do anything else. A sound plan is the cornerstone of your exciting project to open a fitness centre because it lets you clarify exactly what you want to do.

What type of client should you target? What services and classes are offered by the competitors’ gyms? What are the latest trends in fitness and sports training? What kind of advertising will best attract potential clients? These important questions will help you decide which kind of equipment you’ll need to invest in and how to market your business.

Another crucial question: do you want to launch an independent fitness centre or operate a franchise? If you want to be an independent, be sure to review all the aspects of your project thoroughly before you see it through. The advantage, of course, is that you’ll be free to manage your gym the way you like.

If you’re a franchise owner, you’ll have the support of a corporate team, but in return you’ll have to follow the terms set by the company.

The days of generic fitness centres are long gone. These days, they might specialize in training circuits or fitness classes. Others focus on cardio machines or free weights. Lots of fitness centres advertise extended opening hours, with some of them even staying open 24 hours a day.

To make a success of your project, you’ll have to get informed about all the latest innovations in the fitness sector. When the time comes to open your fitness centre, trust your instincts, be daring, and go for it. Remember that trying is a success in itself. Your project will certainly be a worthy contribution to a healthier society.