So You Want to Open a Gym?

January 26, 2021

So you're on the verge of trying to start your own gym and are looking for some decent information on how to get started. I'd like to give some insiders information to try to save you some time and effort before jumping into a small business.


Now this is written for people who know little to nothing on the subject, and are just looking for a place to turn their dream into a reality. First off you have to determine what type of gym you want to get started, there are lots of varieties and you have to keep this in mind. What are some types of gyms?


The list above can vary in different ways and can have combinations of each or all mixed into one location. Think that a good place to start is your own personal expertise and what the customer base you are trying to serve is in need of. So if you're a bodybuilder or personal trainer a fitness studio or a boot camp style gym if you are looking to work with bigger groups of people. In other words, it is generally not a good idea to open up a Crossfit gym if your background in the fitness industry is as a Pilates instructor. So keep what you're good at in mind and what your passion is when deciding what you want to start up and make this a part of your business plan. Another part to this is what the market in an area you're looking to open demands , this will take some guerrilla style investigation so put your boots to the ground and visit what is nearby see what is available and what is being offered so you can see where you can fit in. There are things that all gyms are going to need and some gyms can deal without, depending on what the market in your area needs. So look at the amenities like fitness classes, Spinning, the locker rooms, what gym equipment and the age of it, what type of people are there clients ( Older, young, body builders, Moms & Dads etc). Then look at the pricing and fees that their clients pay, what do they charge monthly? Is there a contract? Are there club enhancement fees? Take notes if you need to because the better prepared the more chances you have on having a successful gym. Once you see where you fit in, start to get your business plan together with all your business ideas, remember only investigate the competition that pertains to you and what your idea is. So don't waste your time going into a boot camp if you're opening a spin studio. Also look at places that are comparable to the size of the health club or boot camp you want to open. During this market research period, you should start looking into the cost of construction in your area per square foot, and learn all you can about building code when they are talking to you, especially when it comes to lockers and bathrooms, some places are very strict and will not give you a Certificate of operation if things are not right. The must have are all basic, gym flooring or turf and your fitness equipment, these are a must in most gyms so you will be spending time on this and the more equipment the more time you will need to spend.


Take into consideration how you 're going to finance this business venture, before attempting to take over the fitness world also keep in mind most of the gyms now and days at least the national ones have a lot of cash behind them, take the planet fitness franchise for example ; for you to start one you have to have 1 million in liquid cash at hand to even get started and most of these franchises are started with investor groups who are just looking for a return on there investment and know nothing about the gym business and don't care to know it, it's just a calculated investment. If you're a small gym owner startup cost can vary significantly depending on real estate cost, build out cost and what gym equipment you go with. A small health club can run you anywhere from $30,000 up to $150,000 again all based on the 3 factors mentioned before. If you are attempting to build something on a budget keep your fitness equipment cost as low as possible and maybe look into a variety of products and conditions, meaning looking into used & re-manufactured options when shopping this. Going with a used product on certain items can save you up to 70% from brand new products. Now I'm not a believer that all used equipment is created equal so make sure you know what you're buying. Flooring is another way to save some money if you don't get too picky with it and just need sports flooring for your fitness business , the more fancy and colorful the more it will cost, also when comparing pricing the thickness, speckle color amount and also if the flooring is made from recycled flooring. The good thing about the low cost model is that you can avoid franchise fees and can really make the gym your own. There is a lot to think about when thinking of your business model so try to keep things simple since the amount of stress at the start of your plan so keep in mind this is a new business and that comes with its own challenges. Remember Marketing, word of mouth, social media is your best friend at the start so attract as many potential gym members as possible and promote the club with a minimum month long pre-sale to jump start your membership base and help you get training in the works of the sign up process with your gym runner software. Yes you will also need software just look into this while you're researching your business venture, Gym runner, Mindbody, Vagaro are some that are out there, most of them handle your accounting as well so do your research. I really can help someone who is looking to get themselves started. Please feel free to contact me with any questions on the comments. I will gladly answer any questions you may have. 

Building the Ultimate Home Gym 101

June 18, 2025
Building the Ultimate Home Gym: 10 Essentials You Shouldn't Miss Creating a home gym is an exciting venture, whether you're transitioning from a commercial gym or starting fresh. With guidance from fitness expert Jose Hernandez of CSM Fitness USA, this article outlines the top 10 essentials for building a functional, durable, and motivating home workout space. Dumbbells or Adjustable Dumbbells 1. A set of dumbbells is the cornerstone of any gym. Adjustable ones are great for saving space, but a full set offers better durability and allows multiple users to train simultaneously. 2. Adjustable Bench A reliable bench transforms your training potential. While some improvise with household items, a sturdy, adjustable bench provides both safety and versatility, making it a must-have. 3. Power Rack or Half Rack Essential for heavy lifting, a rack supports squats, bench presses, and more. Choose one based on your room height and training goals. Foldable racks offer convenience for smaller spaces. 4. Barbell and Weight Plates You can't utilize your rack fully without a barbell and plates. Whether bumper or steel, select weights based on your training style. Investing here enhances your strength training dramatically. 5. Resistance Bands Affordable and effective, resistance bands expand your exercise variety. They’re excellent for warm-ups, mobility, and resistance training, all without taking up space. 6. Kettlebells Kettlebells are versatile tools for dynamic movements like swings and snatches. A small variety can add significant range to your workouts. 7. Cardio Equipment Treadmills, rowers, bikes—you pick. Adding one cardio machine complements your strength training and supports heart health. 8. Pull-Up Bar A pull-up bar builds upper-body strength and can double up for accessories like TRX straps. If not built into your rack, a doorway model works too. 9. Flooring Often overlooked, proper flooring adds comfort, reduces noise, and protects your equipment. Rubber mats or tiles are preferable over foam, especially in high-impact zones. 10. Storage Solutions An organized gym is a usable gym. Use racks for dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells to keep your space clean, safe, and inviting. With these essentials, your home gym can be a professional-grade fitness haven that keeps you motivated and consistent.

The Best Multi-Functional Gym Equipment for Small Spaces

February 4, 2025
I was sitting in my office thinking about adding a piece of equipment and realized that with the right choices, even a small space can accommodate a versatile setup. That got me thinking about the best multi-functional gym equipment that maximizes efficiency while saving space. If you're limited on room, here’s my top list of must-have equipment to get the most out of your space. 1. Functional Trainer I've talked about this piece at length, but it truly is an absolute space saver. Many would argue that a functional trainer is all you need to get a full-body workout in a compact space. With its dual pulley system and endless exercise variations, this machine is a game-changer for small home gyms. 2. Fold-Up Half Rack A foldable half rack is an excellent space-saving option—just ensure you have the ceiling clearance before purchasing. When not in use, it folds neatly against the wall, keeping your space open. (Pro tip: Measure your ceiling height before purchasing to ensure proper fitment.) 3. Leg Press/Hack Squat Combo If lower-body training is a priority, this combo machine is a must-have. It combines two effective leg exercises into one unit, saving you both space and money. (Pro tip: Not all leg press/hack squat combos are created equal—quality varies, so shop smart. A lower price doesn’t always mean better value.) 4. Resistance Bands If you’re really tight on space, a good set of resistance bands is a fantastic alternative. They offer an incredible variety of exercises without taking up much room. Plus, they’re portable and can provide similar resistance to traditional free weights. If you don’t have space for dumbbells, bands are an excellent option to keep your workouts versatile and effective. 5. Accessories Having a variety of small accessories can make a big impact in a compact gym. Medicine balls, kettlebells, stability balls, push-up stands, and TRX straps don’t take up much space but add a ton of variety to your workouts. The best part? You can store them in a closet or corner and pull them out when needed. Final Thoughts These are my top five space-saving gym equipment choices. Just because you're limited on space doesn't mean you have to compromise on your workouts. With the right equipment, you can create a highly functional workout area without sacrificing performance or variety. Investing in versatile, space-efficient gear will help you stay consistent and make the most of your available space.

Behind the Move: How We’re Growing to Serve You Better

January 21, 2025
We’ve Moved! Welcome to Our New Location We’re excited to announce that we’ve officially moved into our new location, just a few minutes down the road from our previous spot. After a challenging but rewarding three-month journey, we’re thrilled to begin this new chapter for CSM Fitness USA. While I have fond memories of our old building, we had outgrown it—not necessarily in square footage but in functionality. The new space better aligns with our vision for the future and provides the tools we need to continue growing and serving our customers. Challenges and Growth The transition wasn’t without its challenges. One of the toughest decisions I faced was parting ways with two key team members who were resistant to the changes CSM is undergoing. Letting go of people who have been part of the journey is never easy, especially when they’ve contributed to the company’s ups and downs. However, their resistance was holding us back, and for the sake of progress, tough calls had to be made. Additionally, juggling high-profile jobs while training new team members during the move added to the complexity. Although the new location is only a short distance away, coordinating the logistics was no small feat. But we’re here now, and the effort was well worth it. A Space Designed for Our Future Our new facility offers significant improvements, including climate control for year-round comfort—an essential feature for combating harsh winters and scorching summers. We’ve also created a welcoming office space where customers can sit down and have meaningful conversations in a comfortable environment. This move reflects how our business has evolved. What started as a wholesaler and flipper of used fitness products has grown into a company offering moving, installations, sales, and repair services for both new and used equipment. These expanded services shaped the type of space we needed to support our growth and better serve our customers. Building for Success This new location is more than just a workspace—it’s the foundation for the next phase of our journey. It will allow us to grow our internal team, improve backend operations, and enhance our ability to support road teams and customers alike. With more responsibilities comes a greater need for efficiency, and we’re committed to meeting and exceeding expectations.