Opening a small business is scary. Opening a small business means you have to consider many factors: business model, target market, staff, and more details. This generally applies to any small business, but this is especially true for gyms and fitness facilities. Many business owners don’t realize the things to consider when designing a gym, such as having an image of what they expect out of their facility and creating a strong communal presence to increase members. All these tips are important to ensure a gym’s success.

Have an Image in Mind

The main aspect of designing a gym is the type of gym it will be. Having an image in mind is crucial for success, as this relates to the customer you want to attract. A good question to ask yourself is, “would I exercise here?” Make this space the best fitness facility that customers would love. Primarily, keep a target audience in mind. For example, if you wish to target powerlifters or strength-based athletes, stock your gym with dumbbells, barbells, plates, platforms, or other weight lifting equipment. Perhaps you wish to cater to yoga or cardio-based exercises. In that case, make sure to incorporate training classes and cardio machines such as ellipticals, treadmills, and spinning bicycles. Regardless, have an image in mind of the perfect gym you wish others to see.

Make Use of Every Space

Once you have an image of your desired gym, make use of all the available space. This includes designing your interior so that all your machines fit without causing a safety hazard. Use this opportunity to space out your gym into different segments. For example, having an area for cardio equipment or a yoga-specific studio will help save space and reduce clutter. Additionally, don’t ignore your outside. Many gyms make the mistake of reserving their outer space for a parking lot, but you can easily incorporate outside amenities to set your gym apart from the competition. Some notable additions could include an artificial grass section and an outdoor weightlifting area. In fact, when compared to natural grass, artificial grass is a cost-effective, aesthetically-pleasing space for cardio and explosive movements.

Be Known

Once you establish a gym, it’s important to reach out to your audience through a strong online and communal presence. You should utilize social media, host local events, and sponsor local youth organizations to expand your name and increase your customer loyalty. Social media is an essential tool for strengthening your online presence. Online outreach provides a fast and efficient way to attract more customers. Additionally, depending on your gym you can host local events, such as a powerlifting meet, boxing match, gymnastics competition, or weekly training classes. These will increase foot traffic and boost membership sales.

Know the Capacity and Break-Even Point

Another thing to keep in mind with building a fitness facility is the capacity you plan to expect at any given time. This includes your membership fees to break-even with your losses from staff payroll, maintenance, insurance, and accreditation costs. Consider the facility you want to create and whether your current business model allows you to gain net profits. These are important for ensuring your gym’s success in a competitive market.