My gym does quite well, always has. It is far from hardcore though, like a million miles away, it caters to the "executive crowd"...I have all the fancy trappings like internet access on the cardio, top class changing rooms done up like a spa etc, while my weight selection leaves much to be desired and I have the audacity to wildly overcharge people for all services. The gym business can be profitable, but one has to have all the elements in place; good concept, location, service, marketing etc. Personally, from my experience I would *not* reccomend the hardcore gym route.