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Message
PSA Long OP: Cost of starting my own gym question/s
Posted on 2/13/18 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 12:49 pm
So I’ve been recently considering the idea of starting my own gym. I’m probably a couple years or more away of being financially able to swing something like that but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’d probably finance the entire thing myself. I don’t want a partner (aside from my wife.... maybe)
Anyway, I’ve got some training experience. I’ve coached CrossFit for a little while and I ran our company’s PT during my time in the military. I also spent some time with some units that had very experimental and rigorous styles of training. Been training in various ways since I was about 16 years old.
Anyway, I’d like to get an idea as to what the financial situation might look like in order to start my own operation. Ideally, I’d like to have a metal building built. Something about the size a lot of baws build to store their toys. Maybe 1500-1800 sqft. On a concrete slab
I don’t want it to be a CrossFit gym. I don’t really care to pay those affiliate fees and I don’t really like a lot of their training methods. I'd like to run a boot camp style operation (similar to CrossFit but safer movements) there’s no need for soccer moms to be snatching weight... But I won’t get all that.
Anyway, boot camp style regiment and do classes the way CrossFit owners do it; a couple classes in the morning before my day job and a couple classes after work. I’m in a pretty rural area so probably wouldn’t have a huge client base but that’s whatever. My wife and I both train daily. She also played soccer in college and coaches some kids in a youth league, so she’d be using it to train too. We’d definitely use it as our daily training facility and would save us $100 a month in gym fees, plus I feel like I’d be able to use the gym as a tax write-off (although I am a little green in that process) but financially justifying it is easy if I know what my overall cost will look like.
Like I said earlier; 1500-1800 sqft metal building on a concrete slab. I’d like to have those garage style roll-top doors a lot of boxes have.
1200 pounds worth of bumpers. Various sizes. I’d buy these cheap. No sense in overspending on bumpers.
I basically want it to be able to support; Bench, Dead, Squat, Push-Press, pull-ups, and have enough room for general boot camp style stuff.
Not a huge operation by any means. I’ll probably eventually add a rogue rig in the middle but I want to start small. Maybe train some local high school/college athletes and some soccer moms, or anyone interested in a military-style training program.
I know it might be a stretch, but has anyone here built their own gym or done something similar to this? Got any advice?
Anyway, I’ve got some training experience. I’ve coached CrossFit for a little while and I ran our company’s PT during my time in the military. I also spent some time with some units that had very experimental and rigorous styles of training. Been training in various ways since I was about 16 years old.
Anyway, I’d like to get an idea as to what the financial situation might look like in order to start my own operation. Ideally, I’d like to have a metal building built. Something about the size a lot of baws build to store their toys. Maybe 1500-1800 sqft. On a concrete slab
I don’t want it to be a CrossFit gym. I don’t really care to pay those affiliate fees and I don’t really like a lot of their training methods. I'd like to run a boot camp style operation (similar to CrossFit but safer movements) there’s no need for soccer moms to be snatching weight... But I won’t get all that.
Anyway, boot camp style regiment and do classes the way CrossFit owners do it; a couple classes in the morning before my day job and a couple classes after work. I’m in a pretty rural area so probably wouldn’t have a huge client base but that’s whatever. My wife and I both train daily. She also played soccer in college and coaches some kids in a youth league, so she’d be using it to train too. We’d definitely use it as our daily training facility and would save us $100 a month in gym fees, plus I feel like I’d be able to use the gym as a tax write-off (although I am a little green in that process) but financially justifying it is easy if I know what my overall cost will look like.
Like I said earlier; 1500-1800 sqft metal building on a concrete slab. I’d like to have those garage style roll-top doors a lot of boxes have.
1200 pounds worth of bumpers. Various sizes. I’d buy these cheap. No sense in overspending on bumpers.
I basically want it to be able to support; Bench, Dead, Squat, Push-Press, pull-ups, and have enough room for general boot camp style stuff.
Not a huge operation by any means. I’ll probably eventually add a rogue rig in the middle but I want to start small. Maybe train some local high school/college athletes and some soccer moms, or anyone interested in a military-style training program.
I know it might be a stretch, but has anyone here built their own gym or done something similar to this? Got any advice?
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 12:52 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:03 pm to TDcline
quote:
Got any advice?
Don't do it. You have put about .01% of the amount of thought you need to. Gyms are a money put for the most part. You're going to have a ton of start up costs so where do you plan on getting the cash to buy all of the equipment you are going to need? Then you say your client base will be small. How do you plan on having the cash flow to make the monthly payments for the building? You said you're in a rural are so will the potential clients be willing to pay the $100+/month it would take to keep the doors open?
Quite frankly, this sounds like a really bad idea.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:08 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
Well God damn, dude...
Well that’s part of the reason I didn’t want to go full CrossFit level gym. I don’t want to buy all that equipment and I would like to keep my start up costs as small as I could. I mean, I’m still at least a couple years from being in a position to do it.
I see baws in my family put metal buildings on their land all the time to house fishing boats and campers, so I figure I could invest the same amount here and actually have something of value.
I wouldn’t want it to depend on it for my livelihood, and it’s not meant to be that. Another thing I wouldn’t want to do is charge the $100+ a month CrossFit does. I plan to keep my costs low with minimal equipment, my own programming, using a close CPA friend to handle billing, and teaching the classes myself. Like I said, it would also be my wife and I’s Personal daily facility as well. Just something I’ve been kicking around for the past couple of years.
Well that’s part of the reason I didn’t want to go full CrossFit level gym. I don’t want to buy all that equipment and I would like to keep my start up costs as small as I could. I mean, I’m still at least a couple years from being in a position to do it.
I see baws in my family put metal buildings on their land all the time to house fishing boats and campers, so I figure I could invest the same amount here and actually have something of value.
I wouldn’t want it to depend on it for my livelihood, and it’s not meant to be that. Another thing I wouldn’t want to do is charge the $100+ a month CrossFit does. I plan to keep my costs low with minimal equipment, my own programming, using a close CPA friend to handle billing, and teaching the classes myself. Like I said, it would also be my wife and I’s Personal daily facility as well. Just something I’ve been kicking around for the past couple of years.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 1:18 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:17 pm to TDcline
quote:
I see baws in my family put metal buildings on their land all the time to house fishing boats and campers, so I figure I could invest the same amount here and actually have something of value.
It's a business, you're going to have to comply with fire codes and such. Capacity, handicap entrances, electricity codes, all sorts of stuff. You can't just throw a building up like putting a boat in.
quote:
I wouldn’t want it to depend on it for my livelihood, and it’s not meant to be that.
Almost no businesses work if you don't treat it like a livelihood not some side hustle. Especially when you are selling a service (essentially yourself) and something this cash intensive to start off.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 1:26 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:25 pm to TDcline
This sounds exactly like what my buddy attempted and it didn't last a year before he converted it into a daycare center
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:28 pm to TDcline
I'll drive out there erry once in a while if you do punch cards.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 1:38 pm to TDcline
Insurance and all those other hoops you have to jump through as well
What about land? You putting it on personal land? There’s a lot that goes into it
What about land? You putting it on personal land? There’s a lot that goes into it
Posted on 2/13/18 at 2:15 pm to TDcline
You are about to get rekt. You are going to lose all your money, and it is a shame.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 2:18 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 2:24 pm to TDcline
quote:
I don’t want it to be a CrossFit gym. I don’t really care to pay those affiliate fees and I don’t really like a lot of their training methods. I'd like to run a boot camp style operation (similar to CrossFit but safer movements) there’s no need for soccer moms to be snatching weight... But I won’t get all that.
Look at the set up barbell bridge has
they have room for body building, power lifting, oly and crossfit equipment.
Steve Cook also just opened a gym with that type of set up.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 2:25 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 2:55 pm to StraightCashHomey21
I appreciate the info.
Not what I want to hear but it is what it is I guess
Not what I want to hear but it is what it is I guess
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:20 pm to TDcline
My advice on what I've seen with successful business is to do where the money is and not what you like. CrossFit might be something you don't like but if it makes money, you gotta do it.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:26 pm to Hu_Flung_Pu
Lots of gyms are popping up now with the equipment to do crossfit but its not a "crossfit" gym
No real classes, and people do it on their own.
No real classes, and people do it on their own.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:29 pm to StraightCashHomey21
That's what my gym is. We have Rogue equipment and stuff like that.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:37 pm to StraightCashHomey21
Yea, that’s kind of my idea. But do the boot camp style stuff too. I don’t know why it’s getting shite on so much. The building plus equipment would run me like 25k.
We spend $1200 a year on gym fees. Rogue equipment lasts forever so if nothing else, we would break even in 20 years or so. Like I said in an earlier post, I see baws that build 20k metal buildings just to store their toys and bullshite so I really don’t see why it’s such a “bad idea”
We spend $1200 a year on gym fees. Rogue equipment lasts forever so if nothing else, we would break even in 20 years or so. Like I said in an earlier post, I see baws that build 20k metal buildings just to store their toys and bullshite so I really don’t see why it’s such a “bad idea”
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:44 pm to TDcline
quote:
if nothing else, we would break even in 20 years or so.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:46 pm to TDcline
quote:
Like I said in an earlier post, I see baws that build 20k metal buildings just to store their toys and bullshite so I really don’t see why it’s such a “bad idea”
Dude building a gymis not the same thing as a baw putting a metal building on a slab to store his stuff. There are specifications you have to meet to operate. You have to have a certain number of fire extinguishers per square foot, hanpicap entrance and exits, capacity numbers, electrical code requirements, etc, etc. I'm just telling you it's not near as easy as you think. Where are you going to get land, equipment, and a building for 25k? If you do will it be in an area people can get to easily or are willing to get to? If you think it will really only be that amount and you want to use it for personal use then that's fine, but don't expect to make any money or even break even with your attitude and knowledge on this whole deal.
I'm not trying to be insensitive, but you are completely underestimating this whole deal, and you're going to get fleeced if you don't put a lot more time and effort into it.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 3:48 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:55 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
And I truly do appreciate the info.
I’m just trying to make it clear that I’m not attempting to build a complete globogym with 50k worth of equipment inside. Seriously, it sounds like you have some knowledge with this stuff and I appreciate it. I priced some 30x50 buildings online and the prices are 15-18k
Land is done. 5k in equipment and maybe a couple thousand on making it pretty.
Probably should have stated it in the OP but land isn’t an issue.
I’m just trying to make it clear that I’m not attempting to build a complete globogym with 50k worth of equipment inside. Seriously, it sounds like you have some knowledge with this stuff and I appreciate it. I priced some 30x50 buildings online and the prices are 15-18k
Land is done. 5k in equipment and maybe a couple thousand on making it pretty.
Probably should have stated it in the OP but land isn’t an issue.
This post was edited on 2/13/18 at 3:58 pm
Posted on 2/13/18 at 3:57 pm to TDcline
You're also not even factoring in things such as the utilities and insurance. Just that is going to run you more than a few grand per year.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 4:18 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
If he keeps it to a personal gym he trains clients in, no he doesn't have to meet all those requirements. But if he forms it as a business like a true gym, yea you right.
Plenty of CrossFit gyms like that especially about 10 years ago.
As far as it making money, he won't make much. But he could make an extra 2k a month if he trains 20 clients or so but he is going to have to charge 100 a month and should for true personal training in a small setting like this. But not gonna be easy in a rural setting. And wtf, no need for a coach, have them bring in cash. Got to be smart to even think about making money.
As far as equipment cost, it's not that much if he buys used. 10k is more than enough equipment wise. No need for ac in the building, straight metal building on a slab as a personal shop is all he needs. But he is going to have to be smart about it and not go blab to the damn permit office he is starting a gym. It's just a shop as far as they are concerned.
I have this kind of set up now minus allowing others to train in mine. I get asked all the time to train people but it's never been worth my time. But if I was going to, it would be like the above.
Btw op build your personal gym and start building your brand amongst locals now if you want any chance for it to succeed. And change your attitude about making money. Know your worth. Greyskull has a book on success as a personal trainer, I suggest you buy and read it. Buy your equipment off of Craigslist but make sure it's commercial quality, research the shite out of brands and what you should get if you don't already know.
Plenty of CrossFit gyms like that especially about 10 years ago.
As far as it making money, he won't make much. But he could make an extra 2k a month if he trains 20 clients or so but he is going to have to charge 100 a month and should for true personal training in a small setting like this. But not gonna be easy in a rural setting. And wtf, no need for a coach, have them bring in cash. Got to be smart to even think about making money.
As far as equipment cost, it's not that much if he buys used. 10k is more than enough equipment wise. No need for ac in the building, straight metal building on a slab as a personal shop is all he needs. But he is going to have to be smart about it and not go blab to the damn permit office he is starting a gym. It's just a shop as far as they are concerned.
I have this kind of set up now minus allowing others to train in mine. I get asked all the time to train people but it's never been worth my time. But if I was going to, it would be like the above.
Btw op build your personal gym and start building your brand amongst locals now if you want any chance for it to succeed. And change your attitude about making money. Know your worth. Greyskull has a book on success as a personal trainer, I suggest you buy and read it. Buy your equipment off of Craigslist but make sure it's commercial quality, research the shite out of brands and what you should get if you don't already know.
Posted on 2/13/18 at 4:23 pm to lsu777
quote:
But he is going to have to be smart about it and not go blab to the damn permit office he is starting a gym. It's just a shop as far as they are concerned.
So you are advocating running the business without permitting? That's a bad idea for multiple reasons. A few: if someone gets hurt and Sue's you are screwed on multiple levels like not having insurance. Secondly, you wouldn't be able to deduct any expenses if the business isn't permitted. You'd be losing all that start-up costs plus the monthly business expenses.
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