starting up a gym??

Hi all

Off the wall question but just wanted some ideas for a uni project.

It's a final year business project and I have to plan to start a business. Just wondering if I decided to start up a gym, what things would you like to see in a gym that aren't already there? Do you think the industry is already at its max?

Cheers

chris_w1987


Hi all

Off the wall question but just wanted some ideas for a uni project.

It's a final year business project and I have to plan to start a business. Just wondering if I decided to start up a gym, what things would you like to see in a gym that aren't already there? Do you think the industry is already at its max?

Cheers

I don't know how busy he is, but see whether SoccerKing3000 can help you.  He manages a big gym.
 
As far as what I'd like to see:
I'm at a modest sized YMCA which has a lot of what I need:
*childcare while I work out.
*pool
*machines and free weights
*fitness classes (Pilates, yoga)
 
What my gym doesn't have that would be nice:
*a much bigger free weight area with several power racks for example
*a wide variety of fitness classes taught by competent, motivational instructors
*bumper plates and platforms that permit dropping the bar for power cleans, etc.
*machines for the serious lifter instead of the Cybex set in my gym
*competent staff and clientele knowledgeable in serious lifting technique
*a serious, supportive clientele that lift with passion and don't have socializing
as the main focus of coming to the gym.  Making friends with people who share
your passion is cool, just don't let the "friendship" get in the way of what you
and other serious people who come to work out are there to accomplish
*a big enough floorplan so machines are adequately spaced:  My gym's little
free weight room is so cramped I have to contort myself to put weights on bars,
etc.
 
I don't know whether that's what you're looking for, but that's what I desire in
a gym.
Good luck w/the project!  :)

- At least 10 squat racks
- barbells, and lots of plates (including microplates of less then 2.5 lbs.)
- dumbells
- bumper plates for oly lifting
- atlas stones, logs, tires, etc....(strongman training equipment)
- kettlebells
- pullup bars
- cars with ropes attached to them
- rock climbing walls
- chains, bands, boards, etc....(other powerlifting equipment)

Basically make it different from your typical "fitness healthclub".

Only people that can full squat over 400 lbs. and deadlift over 500 are certified to train too.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

Make sure you have one good business plan cause so many gyms fail that its ridiculous

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

Bri,
   Are you saying it's hard to have confidence in the competence of a trainer who's got less lifting experience than you?  I like the staff at my gym, but they seem almost competent at best to help the slob off the street trying to get in shape, let alone an intermediate or advanced bodybuilder.
   And I hear you on the plates less than 2 1/2.  I special ordered some 1 1/4s weeks ago.  I gotta call those guys.  WTF?

I think there is an oversaturation of gyms but I also think most gyms kinda of suck and are geared towards women and men who are not serious bb.

I know some of these are mentioned, but here is what I think is important:

gymnastic rings
chains and bands
lots of power racks
group classes (hell who wants a gym with no women)
dumbbells that go up 2.5 pounds at the lighter weights ex. 10, 12.5 15, 17.5

tigerfan225


I think there is an oversaturation of gyms but I also think most gyms kinda of suck and are geared towards women and men who are not serious bb.

I know some of these are mentioned, but here is what I think is important:

gymnastic rings
chains and bands
lots of power racks
group classes (hell who wants a gym with no women)
dumbbells that go up 2.5 pounds at the lighter weights ex. 10, 12.5 15, 17.5

yes, but up to say 40 pounds!

JMBS


Bri,
   Are you saying it's hard to have confidence in the competence of a trainer who's got less lifting experience than you?  I like the staff at my gym, but they seem almost competent at best to help the slob off the street trying to get in shape, let alone an intermediate or advanced bodybuilder.
   And I hear you on the plates less than 2 1/2.  I special ordered some 1 1/4s weeks ago.  I gotta call those guys.  WTF?

If a guy is able to full squat over 400 lbs. and deadlift over 500.  That tells me a few things:
 
1.) He actually squats and deadlifts
2.) He has spent a good deal of time learning how to get strong through EXPERIENCE as opposed to books and s***.
3.) His training methodologies are going to be much better then the trainer that has a client come in and spend a whole hour on "arms" on his first day. 
 
I'd put my trust into that person.
 
About the plates, for $50 I got a set of fractional plates that range from 1/4 lb. to 1 lb.  There are two 1/4's, two 1/2's, two 3/4's, and two 1 lb. plates in the set.  It's been a while since I've microloaded though.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358