Gym Fees - what would you pay a year?

[noworries]

you guys are right. I never should have asked for any ones opinion here. How the fuck would anyone here know what it takes with the exception of hazbin.  to own and or operate a gym.   You #### dont even workout.  

I am not naive I know what it takes to run a business and I also know what can go wrong.  

sorry to burst your bubble again but you have NO idea how to run a gym and you are very naive to think that because you own other business that makes you versed in running a gym.  Just proves that you have no idea what you are doing and I would in fact be very surprised if you have even been in a gym.  Talking to you is like talking to Goodrum.  At least you have that "tie" to the industry.

[Money Man]

Here in Denver 24 hour fitness has taken over the city.
You would go hungary opening a gym here now.
I pay $39 a month my wife is on my membership for $23
a month and unlimited kids club for our two sons is $15 amonth.
I always wanted to own a gym, but now you can't make any money
in this city.

[noworries]

To be fair, I get minimum $420 per month on a 12 month contract. We do 3 month and 12 month contracts.

Coach those are you fees for personal training right.  Those are not you gym fees.  Unless that includes the personal training.

[noworries]

Here in Denver 24 hour fitness has taken over the city.
You would go hungary opening a gym here now.
I pay $39 a month my wife is on my membership for $23
a month and unlimited kids couple for our two sons is $15 amonth.
I always wanted to own a gym, but now you can't make any money
in this city.

That is another thing Slacker hasn't thought about.  If there is a market one of the big boys will come to town.  And then what.  He will be out of business in no time.  They will come in with a facility 10 times his size for half the cost and 100 times better equipment.  But then again he is smart enough to know this

[Coach is Back!]

Coach those are you fees for personal training right.  Those are not you gym fees.  Unless that includes the personal training.

Yes, but even when we open the gym we will keep the fee's the same.

[slacker]

To be fair, I get minimum $420 per month on a 12 month contract. We do 3 month and 12 month contracts.

most of the people who have replied here are just ignorant.  Thanks for your help JME

[Coach is Back!]

most of the people who have replied here are just ignorant.  Thanks for your help JME

On the other side of that slacker, quite a few successful gym owners are posting in this thread. My gym happends to have a totally different set up  and BUSINESS PLAN than a gym open to the public.

If you're not bullshitting about opening a gym, I would listen to these people.

[slacker]

That is another thing Slacker hasn't thought about.  If there is a market one of the big boys will come to town.  And then what.  He will be out of business in no time.  They will come in with a facility 10 times his size for half the cost and 100 times better equipment.  But then again he is smart enough to know this

why are you hating on my plans. They don't affect you. i can sense that your a failure and therefore your focusing your pent up hostility toward me.  As part of my business plan I had to go through the town planning department and there is no land available to build on commercially within my township. Again a 15 km radius. There by guaranteeing me that I will have the largest facility should some one decide to open a gym in the area.

[Mr Nobody]

On the other side of that slacker, quite a few successful gym owners are posting in this thread. My gym happends to have a totally different set up  and BUSINESS PLAN than a gym open to the public.

If you're not bullshitting about opening a gym, I would listen to these people.

Haae you rotated the tires lately?

[jwb]

My advice would be to get the basics right first and then go from there....

Today that means...

1. a good cardio area (10 treads, 10 crosstrainers, 6 recumbents, 4 upright bikes as a minimum - treads and the life fitness crosstrainers are what people mainly want to use).

2. a good selectorized circuit - leg extension, seated leg press, seated leg curl, ab machine, lat pulldown, supported seated row, seated chest press, shoulder press, bicep, tricep.

3. machines for chicks like hip adduction, hip abduction, glute - these can be a big selling point esp if you will have girls running the place.

4. area for abs and stretching/functional shit like balls etc

5. some freeweights and specialized machines but only once 1,2,3 and 4 are covered - crossovers, pec fly/rear delt, seated calf, 45 leg press, smith, power rack, cable row, heavy lat pulldown etc... the basics, not specific bodybuilding stuff like decline press and t bar rows.

forget running classes (only 5% of people do them) or even having child care to start with but look into 24 hour keytag access since that can be a big selling point too and saves loads on wages esp on weekends...

[Coach is Back!]

Haae you rotated the tires lately?

?

[Mr Nobody]

?

That big ass tire man you keep posting up...just joking with you

[slacker]

On the other side of that slacker, quite a few successful gym owners are posting in this thread. My gym happends to have a totally different set up  and BUSINESS PLAN than a gym open to the public.

If you're not bullshitting about opening a gym, I would listen to these people.

thanks James. However the gym owners here have been somewhat helpful. However there are quite a few idiots that know very little about the industry. And it blows my mind that people who apparently work out daily and live a healthy lifestyle keep telling me that there is no room for profit in this industry

[slacker]

My advice would be to get the basics right first and then go from there....

Today that means...

1. a good cardio area (10 treads, 10 crosstrainers, 6 recumbents, 4 upright bikes as a minimum - treads and the life fitness crosstrainers are what people mainly want to use).

2. a good selectorized circuit - leg extension, seated leg press, seated leg curl, ab machine, lat pulldown, supported seated row, seated chest press, shoulder press, bicep, tricep.

3. machines for chicks like hip adduction, hip abduction, glute - these can be a big selling point esp if you will have girls running the place.

4. area for abs and stretching/functional shit like balls etc

5. some freeweights and specialized machines but only once 1,2,3 and 4 are covered - crossovers, pec fly/rear delt, seated calf, 45 leg press, smith, power rack, cable row, heavy lat pulldown etc... the basics, not specific bodybuilding stuff like decline press and t bar rows.

forget running classes (only 5% of people do them) or even having child care to start with but look into 24 hour keytag access since that can be a big selling point too and saves loads on wages esp on weekends...

thank you that was most informative. I am looking into the keytag system and the cost of caging in the supp counter.   I know there are alot of haters here however I have done my research.  There has been a female only gym in town for 15 years and they are closing the doors in april.  I will be open  by then and will offer the woman from that club a reduced rate. 15% off maybe.   

[pellius]

Shit! Gyms have become so complicated now. When I first trained at a commercial gym it was owned by Mits Kawashima. He was a good friend of Arnold and was at his wedding. That place was maybe about twice the size of a two car garage. And I don't remember if it even had a locker room or shower. The second gym was Barlow's gym in Torrance, CA and use to be a two bedroom house that they knocked out a wall and threw in some weights. It had one shower, one toilet and one stationary bike. It was my favorite gym so far in my life.

This is the gym I currently train at. I wonder what business plan they had. It has no shower, no bathroom, no cardio equipment, no air conditioning, no music but that also means no attention whores, no text messaging teens, no whiny soccer moms, and no shadow boxing TapOut bitches -- hell, it doesn't even have walls. You can use chalk, dump the weights if you miss a lift (squats, clean and jerk), and if you ask someone for a spot, even if he is a complete stranger, he is more than happy to assist you (just like the old days).

Juice bar, tanning beds, yoga mats -- um, no thanks.

[jwb]

thank you that was most informative. I am looking into the keytag system and the cost of caging in the supp counter.   I know there are alot of haters here however I have done my research.  There has been a female only gym in town for 15 years and they are closing the doors in april.  I will be open  by then and will offer the woman from that club a reduced rate. 15% off maybe.   

keep the meatheads out and you can charge the women more not less because they'll pay it...

[Coach is Back!]

keep the meatheads out and you can charge the women more not less because they'll pay it...

IMO, this is the problem. Gym's like that are sending the wrong message about fitness plus there's one on every corner. You keep the "meatheads" out and you might as well be another Planet fitness. We took the opposite approach with our clientele and when we open our gym. We have a process that we interview the potential client before they sign up. We WILL NOT just take anyone ho come through our doors unless they are willing to meet our criteria. If they cannot, we can't help them.

[slacker]

IMO, this is the problem. Gym's like that are sending the wrong message about fitness plus there's one on every corner. You keep the "meatheads" out and you might as well be another Planet fitness. We took the opposite approach with our clientele and when we open our gym. We have a process that we interview the potential client before they sign up. We WILL NOT just take anyone ho come through our doors unless they are willing to meet our criteria. If they cannot, we can't help them.

I wish I could be that picky but I cant afford to lose anyone. Once I establish a good client base I will sort out the trash

[jwb]

meathead doesn't have to equal a bodybuilder coach...

good bber gets his work done without fuss and goes home to grow...

the thing that kills gyms is the guys who train in packs, take 20mins to get through one machine, scream even though they aren't training correctly, creep out the women...

slacker, running a gym is like running a niteclub in many ways... some people you need to not let join for your own good because their attitude wrecks the experience for everyone else.

[noworries]

why are you hating on my plans. They don't affect you. i can sense that your a failure and therefore your focusing your pent up hostility toward me.  As part of my business plan I had to go through the town planning department and there is no land available to build on commercially within my township. Again a 15 km radius. There by guaranteeing me that I will have the largest facility should some one decide to open a gym in the area.

I am not hating on your plans.  I love it when someone opens a gym.  But, you came on here wanting answers I gave answer and I guarantee you gave you things you have no idea about.  Failure, most would consider I am far from that.  I have been doing this since around 1980.  Please tell me how long you have been in the industry.  I must know something in order to get the best in the industry to come out of retirement to be my partners or the senior analyst at one of the largest hedge funds in the world to be a partner and handle all the financial matters.  I must know something regardless of my failures.  People like you try to open gyms because they think since they had other business's they can run a gym.  Nearly everyone of them end up closing in a year or so.  You can have all the money you say you have but you don't come close to people I know who have way more money who tried to open a gym and they fail.  And they knew when to quit.  You sound like you don't.  Like you said it is none of my business but if you are going to come on here for suggestions learn to take the good with the bad.  Good luck cause you will need a ton of it.  Now go out there and prove me wrong

[Coach is Back!]

I wish I could be that picky but I cant afford to lose anyone. Once I establish a good client base I will sort out the trash

This is why I say our business plan is different. This is the intro to every agreement potential clients or members get.....


Dear MPF Training Systems Applicant,


Thank you for your interest in the MPF Training Systems program!  Be sure to read and complete this application in its entirety.  It is important to complete this application for admission into the program.  Your answers to these questions will be used to determine your eligibility for admittance into any of our MPF Training Systems programs.  Parents of athletes under the age of 18, please complete this application with your child.
MPF Training Systems is a fitness and athletic strength training program designed to challenge members physically, mentally, and emotionally.  The programs are designed to support members in the achievement of fat loss, muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, stamina, athletic capacity, and character.

The training programs will be challenging.  We will be demanding and our expectations are high for every member.  Please know that not every applicant is accepted into the MPF Training Systems program.  In order to maintain the integrity of the exercise programs, quality of service, and reputation for results, we must be diligent about our screening process.  All students and student athletes MUST maintain a 3.0 GPA to be accepted into our programs.

You do not have to be an athlete to train like one.  The best applicant is not always the fittest or the most athletic person.  The most important traits in our members are ATTITUDE and COMMITMENT.  We have had members that weigh over 300 pounds that have an exceptional attitude and have achieved extraordinary results.  We have had members with knee, back, and shoulder injuries accomplish their goals because they were committed to getting stronger.  

Our attitude is serious about the results that people will get with our programs.  If you have the right attitude, make the commitment!  We are in the business of serving individuals who are committed to achieving their life’s potential and purpose.
Thank you.
Be strong,

Joe and Lori Marino
MPF Training Systems LLC                                            


P.S. PT's, feel free to use this template if you feel it will help.

[slacker]

I am not hating on your plans.  I love it when someone opens a gym.  But, you came on here wanting answers I gave answer and I guarantee you gave you things you have no idea about.  Failure, most would consider I am far from that.  I have been doing this since around 1980.  Please tell me how long you have been in the industry.  I must know something in order to get the best in the industry to come out of retirement to be my partners or the senior analyst at one of the largest hedge funds in the world to be a partner and handle all the financial matters.  I must know something regardless of my failures.  People like you try to open gyms because they think since they had other business's they can run a gym.  Nearly everyone of them end up closing in a year or so.  You can have all the money you say you have but you don't come close to people I know who have way more money who tried to open a gym and they fail.  And they knew when to quit.  You sound like you don't.  Like you said it is none of my business but if you are going to come on here for suggestions learn to take the good with the bad.  Good luck cause you will need a ton of it.  Now go out there and prove me wrong

thank you. Now let me as you this. What do you think about 2 for 1 memberships as agrand opening special

[jwb]

thank you. Now let me as you this. What do you think about 2 for 1 memberships as agrand opening special

most places run a presale special with a lower monthly rate...

depends upon the town I know places where, because so many gyms have come and gone and ripped people off, you couldn't run a presale and you couldn't sell advance m'ships only debits because the people wouldn't fork it out... every market is different.

[slacker]

most places run a presale special with a lower monthly rate...

depends upon the town I know places where, because so many gyms have come and gone and ripped people off, you couldn't run a presale and you couldn't sell advance m'ships only debits because the people wouldn't fork it out... every market is different.

I own the town convenience store and a major construction company so everyone knows me and my family.  I dont think trust will be an issue.

[noworries]

thank you. Now let me as you this. What do you think about 2 for 1 memberships as agrand opening special

Good.  Anything to get more members in.  I think you said you were opening in April.  The norm is to have about a three month Pre-Sale period.  This way when you open the doors you have an income and members.  This is where you need to be creative.  Have a time frame for different levels of joining.  Say for the first month if you join it will be a two for one.  The second month it can be one person join and the second joins for half price.  third month if you join you get three additional months for free.  When you get into the wheeling and dealing cause it will happen don't reduce the price but instead give them some extra months.  Give out discount coupons to everyone who joins.  Maybe a 50% off discount for anything at the Juice Bar or Pro Shop.  Maybe at the start eevryone who joins gets a free t-shirt.  T-shirts are a great way to market and get free advertising and have your member help you.

Are you going to have 3 month memberships available or corporate and family plans.  You offer the HR person at a company a free membership and may their family if they get you a minimum number of people to join.  If a company comes in with 10 people then there needs to be some kind of great discount.  You have to have a VIP, student, military and senior plans.  what is your Processing and Enrollment Fee going to be.  How is your Personal Training going to be structured.  PT is the #1 revenue generator other than membership dues.

Are you buying or leasing the equipment.  You said in April opening, have you ordered your equipment yet.  It will take 30 to 60 days and sometimes longer depending on how busy the company is. Maybe since you are opening a small place you should consider buying from a company like Global Fitness.  they sell used equipment and refurbish it like new.  Comes with a warranty and the owner is pretty cool.  You can save 50% or more on costs.  you probably won't be buying much so getting a good discount from a company may be hard.