When it comes to setting up a commercial gym, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. From the equipment you will use to the layout and design of your space, choosing the right gym for your business can be an overwhelming process.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about commercial gyms to make the process easier.
What is a commercial gym?
A commercial gym is a facility that offers fitness services and equipment for members and customers who are looking to improve their physical health or get into better shape.
Commercial gyms can range in size from small studio spaces to large-scale facilities with multiple rooms and dozens of different machines and equipment.
What does a commercial gym contain?
They usually contain cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and stationary bikes; strength training machines; free weights; group exercise classes; personal trainers; nutritionists or dietitians; saunas or steam rooms; locker rooms; showers; massage services; and more.
How do you set up a commercial gym?
Setting up a commercial gym is no easy feat. It requires a lot of planning and research to ensure that you have the best equipment, space, and environment for your clients. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Plan Your Space
Before you even start shopping for equipment, make sure you figure out the size of the space that you plan to use for your gym.
The size will determine the amount of equipment and floor space that you can have in your gym, so it’s important to get this right before buying any equipment.
2. Choose Your Equipment
Once you know how much space you have available, it’s time to choose what type of equipment you want in your gym.
Consider factors such as cost, safety, maintenance requirements, and noise levels when picking out items like treadmills, ellipticals, and strength training machines.
3. Consider the Layout
How will people navigate around your gym? Will there be one main area with all of the machines, or will they be spread out? Will there be different sections for cardio, strength training, and other activities?
Keep these things in mind when finalizing the layout for your commercial gym.
4. Think About Safety
Safety should always come first when running a business like a commercial gym, from having proper lighting throughout the facility to having emergency exits clearly marked and accessible at all times.
Make sure all safety regulations are met before opening your doors!
5. Invest in Quality Equipment
Quality matters when it comes to fitness equipment—both from an aesthetic standpoint (your clients will appreciate having nice-looking machines) and from a practical standpoint (equipment that isn’t reliable won’t last long).
Spend some extra money on good-quality pieces so they last longer and become more reliable over time!
6. Plan Your Finances
Setting up a commercial gym can be costly depending on what types of machines and features you want included in your facility.
Make sure that all expenses are accounted for upfront so that there aren’t any surprises down the line!
5 important tips on setting up a commercial gym
Now that you have an understanding of what a commercial gym is, let’s look at some of the factors you need to consider when setting one up:
1. Equipment
The type of equipment you choose will depend on your target market—are you focusing on strength training? Cardio? Yoga? Pilates? or something else entirely?
It’s important to select quality pieces that will last for many years with minimal maintenance costs.
Additionally, if you plan on offering classes or personal training sessions, it’s important to choose machines that accommodate all levels of fitness so everyone can benefit from them.
2. Layout and Design
When planning out the layout and design of your space, it’s important to keep in mind accessibility as well as keeping people safe while they exercise (think of the adequate spacing between pieces).
Also, think about adding comfortable places to sit or lounge where people can unwind before or after a workout.
3. Location
Location is key when it comes to selecting where your gym will be located—ideally close enough so members don’t have too much trouble getting there but not so close that it clashes with other businesses in the area (such as restaurants).
Also, try to find a place with plenty of parking since some members may not want to walk too far back to their cars after working out.
4. Marketing and Promotion
Once everything is set up, don’t forget about marketing! Promoting your services through social media campaigns (Facebook ads), email campaigns (newsletters), partnerships with local businesses, etc., are great ways to get people interested in joining your gym—plus, they don’t cost much!
Also, consider offering discounts for those signing up for longer periods or special deals for new customers; these incentives can often encourage more people to take part in membership programs, which helps ensure consistent income throughout the year.
5. Customer service
Finally, make sure all staff is properly trained. Customer service should always be a top priority, so ensure everyone has gone through appropriate courses on how to best handle customers both online and offline. No one wants angry clients shouting at them!
By setting up a commercial gym using these tips, you can make sure it is safe, efficient, and appealing to potential customers, which they will appreciate.
5 benefits of joining a commercial gym
If you’ve ever been to a commercial gym, you know that there are some big advantages to working out in one. From the variety of machines and equipment available to the convenience of getting access to a professional fitness coach, the benefits of using a commercial gym far outweigh any disadvantages.
Here are just a few of the advantages that come with using a commercial gym:
1. Variety
Commercial gyms are often equipped with numerous machines and tools for all kinds of exercises. This means that there’s something for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals.
You can also find cardio equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and more, as well as strength training machines like cable systems and squat racks.
This makes it easy to switch up your workout routine if you get bored or want to challenge yourself with something new.
2. Professional fitness coaches
Many commercial gyms also offer personal training services from experienced coaches who will work with you on form, technique, and nutrition plans that help you reach your goals faster than if you were working out alone.
Not only can they keep you going during hard workouts, but they can also make sure you’re doing the exercises right so you don’t hurt yourself and get the most out of your hard work.
3. Group Classes
For those who prefer group activities to solo workouts, many commercial gyms offer group classes such as yoga, aerobics, and spinning, which give members an opportunity for socialization while still getting a great workout in at the same time.
Not only are these classes fun, but they often have instructors who show the right way to move so that people get the most out of their efforts and don’t hurt themselves.
4. Convenience
Many commercial gyms are open 24 hours a day, so members can always find time to squeeze in a workout no matter how busy their schedule may be or what time it is outside.
This is especially useful for those who have jobs or lifestyles that make it difficult to stick to regular hours at home or on vacation!
Additionally, most gyms have locker rooms where members can change clothes before or after their workout, which helps save time when compared to going home before or after each session at home or on vacation!
5. Affordable membership fees
The cost of membership at most commercial gyms is much lower than what one would pay for private personal training sessions elsewhere; this makes it easier for those on tighter budgets to still get access to top-quality facilities and trainers without having to worry about breaking the bank every month!
Overall, there are many advantages associated with joining a commercial gym—from the variety of machines and equipment available to the professional fitness coaches, group classes, convenience, and affordable membership fees.
It’s definitely worth considering if one wants access to top-quality facilities and trainers without having to worry about breaking the bank every month!
5 drawbacks of commercial gyms
While commercial gyms offer a lot of great amenities, they also come with some drawbacks.
Here are some of the potential disadvantages of joining a commercial gym:
1. Cost
Joining a commercial gym can be expensive for some people, especially if you sign up for one of the more luxurious facilities. The fees associated with memberships can be truly astronomical and might not be worth it for some people.
2. Crowds
Commercial gyms tend to get very crowded at peak times, making it difficult to find machines or spots in classes that you’d like to use or take part in.
This can make working out more stressful and less enjoyable than it should be.
3. Lack of privacy
With so many people in one place, privacy can become an issue at commercial gyms. Some members may not feel comfortable changing clothes or showering in such an open environment and may opt not to work out as a result.
4. Limited hours
Commercial gyms are often only open during business hours, which makes them inconvenient if you have a job that requires you to work long hours or has odd shifts that don’t align with the gym’s hours of operation.
5. Unfamiliarity
If you’re new to the gym scene, it can be intimidating to join a commercial gym because there are so many unfamiliar people and machines that you may not know how to use.
This can lead to an uncomfortable experience for some and make them less likely to come back.
Overall, joining a commercial gym can be great for some people, but not everybody is suited for this environment. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before signing up for a membership in order to ensure that you get the most out of your workout experience.
The bottom line
In conclusion, setting up a successful commercial gym requires careful consideration, but following these steps, it should make life easier when starting out!
Make sure you research thoroughly before investing in any equipment; ask yourself questions such as, “Will this machine fit into my budget?” Is this piece suitable for my target market?
Also take time to create an inviting atmosphere: add artwork or graphics, plus comfortable seating areas away from the main workout sections, etc., if possible. These small details make a world of difference when trying to attract new members! Good luck!
