If you’re wondering how to start a gym in the United States, we’ve got good news. You’re about to enter a tremendously profitable market. The United States has the world’s biggest gyms and fitness studios market.
This raises the question, is it profitable to start a gym, and how much does it cost to start a gym? In short, everything is dependent on how it is set up, sold, and managed. Like any other business, a well-run, well-attended gym is an excellent investment. However, this also implies that the gym must be adequately set up from the outset.
Security and access control are critical jigsaw parts. They are entangled in almost every aspect of creating and maintaining a gym. Security begins the minute your members walk through the door and plays a significant role in member attraction, retention, and satisfaction.
Here are some basic, step-by-step suggestions to follow while starting a post-COVID gym:
1. Acquire the Necessary Skills and Get Certified
If you aren’t already educated and certified in the field in which your new gym will focus, you should do it after you’ve made your decision. Consider the validity of certifications from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Although starting a fitness center is not required, having one may provide many benefits, notably financially. When pitching to investors, a specialist will always have the upper hand over a person who is just motivated by a love of fitness or business. If you want to attract subscribers and investors, you need a superb profile.
2. Learn More About Fitness Center Permits and Licenses
Legally speaking, a company license is all that is required to launch a fitness center. You should investigate the prerequisite licenses for the specific sort of fitness center you want to start in your state. The laws are different in each state.
But that’s if you want to operate a generic fitness center where people can work up a sweat and take a couple of courses. Upgrade your service, and this will no longer be the case. Other licenses and permissions are required for services, including child care, food and drink sale, and spa treatments.
3. Learn What Works After a COVID-Impacted Phase
It’s safe to say that no economic sector has been immune to the effects of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Fitness and health are included in this. It’s not as easy to decide to create a gym and get the ball rolling these days. You need to think about everything from tracking contacts to disinfecting the gym, managing resources, and more.
Digital gym management systems, such as Hapana, are a practical approach to reducing the amount of human interaction at the gym’s entrance points. Members are reducing the spread of germs on the gym’s surface by using smartphone applications to sign in.
Nowadays, gyms and health clubs may choose from many reliable access control systems. Visitor tracking, door timing, and appointment setting are all simplified with the help of software like Hapana. Customize membership plans and unlock efficient business management through powerful features that save time.
Due to the system’s safe and straightforward administration, several gyms had already implemented it before the outbreak. In light of the current situation, IoT solutions have become the standard.
4. Opt for an Appropriate Site
You may begin your search for an appropriate location when you have determined the financing you are eligible for. Try not to do it on blind faith. Get to know the hangouts of your target audience, and look for a spot where they tend to congregate in significant numbers.
Next, think about things like transportation, parking, and other amenities. Customer convenience is crucial to a thriving organization.
5. Begin Marketing
Spread the word about what you’re selling. The most incredible way to establish a unique brand identity is to collaborate with experts in the field of gym marketing. They may advise you on the best channels to focus on if you have a limited marketing budget.
It is strongly suggested that you enroll in any online marketing course to obtain expertise if you want to handle gym marketing independently.
6. Create a Community
Getting your gym doors open is only the first step. If you want your gym members to stick around and tell their friends about it, you need to make them feel like they belong there, keep them interested, and listen to what they say about their experiences. To boost gym sales, you must take member comments seriously and act upon them and maintain an open line of communication with your group.
It is crucial to ensure the safety of your members and their belongings. An added perk that gym-goers will appreciate is the ability to use their phones as membership cards. Most of us aren’t likely to leave our homes without phones, yet we often forget cards and fobs.
Membership training sessions may also benefit from cutting-edge gym management software like Hapana. Your instructors may begin their courses promptly without wasting time greeting latecomers. The on-time attendees will notice how much you value their time, and the latecomers won’t feel out of place since they can unlock the door and enter at their convenience.
Increase satisfaction rates among your gym’s clientele by minimizing distractions and providing a positive work environment for your employees.
