How to start a gym, part 2

Starting a gym, box, or personal training studio can be a challenge, but it is definitely worth it! To start a gym, there are many different things that you need to consider, as mentioned in part 1 of 'How to start a gym'. In 'How to start a gym', part 2, we will explore this topic in greater depth. Half the battle is won by starting well. A well-designed gym is not only attractive to new members but also helps retain current members. If you're wondering how to start a gym, keep reading!

In part 1 of How to start a gym, we covered topics such as creating a business plan, selecting the ideal location, calculating expenses, securing financing, and more. In this blog, we will talk about determining the equipment, designing the gym and choosing the right staff.

How to start a gym: Design

When designing a gym, several important aspects must be considered, including space, layout, equipment and accessories, lighting and ventilation, sound, changing rooms and sanitation facilities, and safety. By considering these factors, you can create an attractive, functional, and safe gym/box that motivates and inspires customers to train.

• Look and feel: The look and feel of your gym is the first thing your potential members see when they enter your gym. When determining your marketing strategy, you should have also determined a corporate identity. Your corporate identity is more than just a business name and a logo. It is a means of strengthening your identity, both offline and online, both visually and audibly. When designing your gym, you should therefore take your corporate identity into account. What atmosphere do you want to convey? How do you want to use your colors? What music are you going to play? Think carefully about this in advance, as you probably don't want to paint the wall again because the color does not quite match.
• Space and layout: When designing a gym, it is important to take into account the available space and the desired layout. The gym must offer enough space for all desired equipment, accessories, changing rooms, and of course, enough space for training and moving. It is important to arrange the space in such a way that customers can easily move from one zone to another without hindering each other. The layout of the gym must be logical and inviting for training. We can help you with this. By means of three steps, we provide expert and honest advice on everything that comes with setting up or refurbishing a gym.
• Lighting and ventilation: Good lighting and ventilation is important for the comfort of customers and creating a pleasant training environment. Ensure sufficient natural light and use good lighting, for example LED lighting. Ensure good air quality by installing the right ventilation systems.
• Sound: When designing a gym, sound insulation must be taken into account to minimize noise. You certainly do not want a possible upstairs neighbor to complain about the sound of dropping barbells with weights. Therefore, during the location selection, it is important to carefully consider what is required in terms of sound insulation.
• Changing rooms and sanitation facilities: Changing rooms and sanitation facilities should not be missing, of course. Ensure sufficient space for storing clothing and personal items, along with well-equipped showers and toilets.
• Safety: A gym must provide a safe environment for customers to train. Ensure sufficient emergency exits, emergency lighting, and smoke detectors, and ensure that all equipment is safe and regularly checked.

How to start a gym: Choose the right equipment

Choosing the right equipment for your gym is crucial to its success. It is important to select equipment that is durable, easy to clean, and safe for your clients. Here are some important considerations when choosing equipment for your gym/box:

• Flooring: A good fitness floor is not only essential for the safety of your clients and the preservation of your equipment, but it also gives your gym a professional look. On our website, you can find various types of flooring, from rubber tiles to sprint tracks. In this blog, you can read which floor is suitable for what purpose.
• Equipment: Choosing the right training equipment is important to provide a complete and varied training experience to your clients. It is important to choose equipment of high quality, so that your clients can use them for a long time. The equipment you need depends on the type of gym you want to start. For example, a powerlifting club has a completely different equipment requirement than a commercial gym. We understand that it can be difficult to make the right choice regarding equipment. You want to have enough for all your members, but you don't want to buy equipment that will end up collecting dust in a corner. We are happy to help you make this important choice. We have over thirty years of experience in the industry and have equipped hundreds of gyms throughout Europe. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience with you, so feel free to contact us for advice!
• Lighting: The lighting of your gym is important for the atmosphere and safety. Choose lighting that is bright enough to see the equipment and the environment well, but also soft enough to create a pleasant atmosphere.

In short, choosing the right training equipment for your gym is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your gym. Take the time to do proper research and invest in quality fitness equipment that is safe and durable! Additionally, you can also consider using technology such as apps and wearables to further enhance the training experience for your future clients!

How to start a gym: Choose the right staff

Not everyone will immediately start with staff. Many personal trainers will initially give the training themselves. Do you want to start with staff right away, or have you grown to the point where you can no longer do it alone? Then there are a few things to consider. Choosing the right staff for your gym/box is crucial to its success. Below you will read what you need to consider.

• Knowledge and experience: Of course, it is important to hire staff with the necessary knowledge and experience in the fitness industry. Your trainers/coaches must be proficient in the use of equipment and giving instructions for the different types of training that you will offer. They also need to have good communication skills to motivate and guide clients.
• Certification: It is important to check if your staff has the right certifications and qualifications to provide training and guide clients. Look for employees certified by reputable organizations such as NASM, ACE, or ACSM.
• Personality and attitude: Look for people who are enthusiastic about fitness and motivated to help clients achieve their goals. One of the first things to look for in finding a coach/trainer is how approachable they are. Clients appreciate someone who doesn't intimidate them and who shows genuine interest in them and their needs. Every client has their own unique personal needs. Therefore, your ideal staff must be able to adapt to the needs of each client. Lack of understanding can lead to clients getting frustrated with your trainers and your gym not being suitable for them or their needs.
• Flexibility: Look for staff who are flexible and willing to work at times that suit your opening hours. This can also mean working on weekends or evenings.
• References: Always check the references of your potential employees and ask for recommendation letters. This can help you get a better idea of their skills, experience, and work attitude.

As you have read in this blog and in part 1, setting up a gym involves a lot. By following these steps and making the right decisions regarding location, equipment, staff and marketing, you can set up a successful gym and help customers achieve their fitness goals. Don't forget to continue learning and growing as an entrepreneur and to keep up with the needs of your customers and trends in the industry.

Do you need help designing your gym or advice on equipment? Then contact us. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience with you!