Long post feel free to read if you like, if not just pass along.

Background:

Currently I am a CPA student working in public practice performing audits, corporate tax returns among other engagements. As I work with a significant amount of small business as well as large ones I get to see financially how a business is run as well as the operations side of things. It has made me aware of all the contribution funding available from provincial and federal governments (as i audit the costs associated with such agreements).

A dream has formed in my brain over the course of the last year that I cant let go in my brain. I hope to co-own and operate a gym in a small town in British Columbia. I have no interest in operating in an environment where the population is high and its already heavily saturated. There are many beautiful small towns in BC with 15-20k people. I already live in a place sub 20.



Questions:

What are you guys thoughts on entrance barriers other than the obvious high capital cost of opening? ( I believe I can minimize some of these costs through government contribution for health and wellness) Freight is a bitch.

What are you guys thoughts on what would attract you as a lifter?

What are you thoughts how to gain general popularity?

What are your biggest dislikes of gyms you have been in the past?

What would keep you as a returning customer? What keeps you now at your current facility?



These are just things I am pondering as I begin to develop a business plan over the course of the next two years or so.

Answer if you care to if not no worries. Ill be updating the thread with questions as I go.

location of where ur gym will be opened, whats the majority of age ranges?

like certain areas are known for attracting older people.

demographics big part

asking us for our views is cool, but for the most part its the views of the potential customers

I agree that demographic is obviously one of the most important factors when considering opening a business especially in the fitness industry. That being said this is not the at all my main spot for information i'm just taking thoughts from many areas because you never know. Someone might say something that I had never thought of or provokes something I didn't consider.

I haven't considered the offerings yet in terms of structured classes and guidance , seminars, rehab class among other offerings. My questions are just very general you can be thinking from any perspective or age range if you care to answer. State assumptions if you wish.

Location is most important imo

Based on that will determine what to have in your gym

Its tough to plan a spot at this point. So many areas have already been saturated due to the recent wave. Kelowna is beautiful , populated, good demographic but even in the last year two new gyms have opening on top of the many that are already there. Not only that they're the new discount gyms rolling through the country $10 dollar a month memberships for nice gyms.

Its a tough market in those places.

This post was edited by wesley123 on Feb 7 2016 09:10pm

-24/7 is incredibly important to me

-location important

-less hype? I really don't care to hear about your new crazy fitness class or dieting education session let me lift and leave me alone. Although I understand how these could seem important to others

Er racks, lift in my underwear, or butt naked, all I acre about tbh

Free WiFi, choose my music.

Make a good powerlifting/cross fit gym, you can charge more a month and ppl will pay it. Get bumper plates etc

This post was edited by turtol on Feb 7 2016 09:55pm

go with planet fitness's model. lots of treadmills, free pizza once a month. a lot more people who half ass it than people who take it seriously.

I agree I think segregation of rooms is important when possible. This will be crucial when looking for a space. From reviewing some financials of other gyms, classes can generate a significant amount of revenue. Obviously considerations to think about there.




My aim is more personalization , knowing people , caring from an owner standpoint. Desire to see growth and motivate those who need it while recognizing those who don't need it and providing a space for them to achieve their goals without being pressured to be in a zumba class.


Thank you all for the responses.

This post was edited by wesley123 on Feb 7 2016 09:42pm

Question would be, why go to your gym when i can go to another one? Your gym better have an appeal other gyms dont have. Gl