Set up a gym It's one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures a sports and fitness enthusiast can aspire to. In fact, if you're a true fitness fanatic, the exciting idea of taking it on has probably crossed your mind at some point – as it is now. Open your own gym , share your passion with more people like you, and also turn your passion into a productive and successful business.
You'll be able to get an idea of that set up a gym In Spain, it's not an easy task. Like many businesses, there's a wide variety of aspects to consider before taking the plunge. But we also know that passion drives people to do incredible things, and in a way, at Bodytone we love to accompany those people in achieving their goals.
That's why we decided to launch this post. About how to set up a gym from scratch . We'll give you all the keys, step by step, on what you need to do and how to do it to ensure success. We provide the experience and the framework; you provide the passion and the daily work (and there's plenty of it). Shall we begin?
How to set up a gym without getting lost along the way
To know how to set up a gym We're only going to ask two things of you: be open to learning and, above all, pay attention to this guide, which aims to help you, and which includes step by step Our experience, as shared by many other clients who, like you, once had a dream that is now a reality, will be reflected in these steps.
Develop a business plan
The business plan is the cornerstone on which all the Steps to take when opening your gym . A business plan is the document that will define the key aspects of your gym, a guide that will allow you to know if your business will be profitable, where you will have the premises, what prices you will charge your clients, what marketing actions you will carry out… Everything!
While all the actions you'll see in this guide are essential, a business plan is, without a doubt, absolutely non-negotiable. You must create a business plan! To help you with this, we've provided this comprehensive guide on how to do it. How to create a business plan for a gym .
Define how you will cover the expenses
Like any business, the opening of a gym This involves a series of initial expenses that you will have to face. We have discussed this at length in other posts that you should also read. In them, we talk about the costs involved in opening a gym , of the monthly expenses of your future gym , of the profitability of investing in a gym and of the forms of Get financing for your gym . Access these offers and keep them safe. You'll need them.
How much does it cost to set up a gym?
Monthly expenses to maintain a gym
Is it profitable to open a gym?
Create a business plan for a gym
Process a legal form
To have any type of business in Spain, it is necessary Acquire a legal structure . Most businesses that start out do so through self-employment. A self-employed person is a professional who works for themselves and has a series of basic tax obligations - such as paying taxes derived from carrying out a professional task - and others that may be associated with the specific performance of their activity.
Another way to process a legal form is Incorporating as a company is a suitable solution when several investors are embarking on this venture. to open a gym , or to cover, through the company, the legal obligations arising from undertaking a business, protecting the individual.
Find the ideal location
Once you have read the post about the business plan, and completed the exercises we suggest there, you will be ready to Choosing the ideal location for your gym involves considering numerous variables, such as the competition's value proposition, their membership numbers, their pricing, the price per square meter in the chosen area, the size of your premises, and the rates and services you will offer. By following our advice, you'll have already made significant progress. To find the perfect spot, we recommend paying close attention to the section "Obtaining the necessary licenses," which we will discuss later.
We could talk at length about this. At Bodytone, we always recommend allocating a portion of your budget to hiring a tax and labor advisor. It will save you a lot of headaches and time on paperwork.
Obtain the necessary licenses
Spain is a unique country when it comes to starting a business. Our system of autonomous communities means that... circumstances surrounding the opening of a gym They vary depending on the Autonomous Community where you are located or where you wish to start your business. It would be difficult to explain the specifics of each Community in a single post. We will tell you that, in many of them, there is a Regulations and requirements that must be met to set up a gym.
Generally, the first thing requested is a Opening and Activity License . In the case of gyms, many regions require proof of knowledge in the field of physical activity. This can be done as follows:
- Having a degree in Physical Activity and Sport
- Having an official professional certificate that accredits your skills
- Having training as a Sports Technician
Secondly, the Opening and Activity License requires a technical report with plans of the premises made by a professional from the following branches: architect, technical architect, building surveyor or registered industrial technical engineer.
Our advice is to actively seek information about the Requirements that the premises must meet before you start looking for one . This way, you can choose one that fits your needs. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing to make unexpected renovations that will significantly increase your budget. Similarly, allocate a portion of your business plan budget and financing for this. As mentioned in the previous point, it's advisable to hire a consultancy and discuss these points with them. They are crucial for the project's success.
Acquire the necessary equipment and materials
Bureaucracy is over for now. opening of your gym You'll need some machines, right? It's time to finally see some fitness! Time to get down to business and Choose the equipment your gym will have: Decoration, weight machines, fitness equipment, dumbbells, accessories… all the equipment that will make your clients find everything they are looking for in your own gym.
This search also includes all the equipment for the changing rooms, entrance turnstiles, reception... as well as mandatory safety elements, such as first aid supplies and fire extinguishers.
At this point, we at Bodytone can help you a lot. On the one hand, we have plans for gym equipment rental if you don't have a large initial capital. On the other hand, we offer a unique support plan when it comes to start a gym. We help you with the entire equipment process, from complete machine layout, assembly, and organization… to the final signage or vinyl decal to make your gym look spectacular. We also offer financing options. Contact us for a consultation.
Hire the employees
If you've already created your business plan, you'll already know if you need hire staff Or, for the time being, will the people involved in the Gym opening . If you're going to hire someone, now's the time to start looking for the perfect candidate to meet your needs. You'll need a You need a qualification to set up a gym and be the sports instructor yourself , but you can also hire people with that type of training and dedicate yourself to managing the business.
Promote your gym
The long-awaited day is almost here! It won't be long before you open your gym, and it's time to start preparing everything. Promotional actions that will get your gym started receiving its first customers.
In this respect, we can help you a lot. We recommend that you read this post where we talk about How to create a marketing plan for a gym . Furthermore, in this downloadable dossier, we've included some of the best tips. Marketing actions you can take to get your gym started. We're confident they'll be a great help in attracting clients in the first few months. Give them a try!
Other tips for setting up a gym
In addition to this extensive guide we've created for you to learn How to set up a gym : we've put together some tips that we're sure will be helpful.
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- Create a business plan. We'll say it again because it's crucial. Trust us. That business plan will be what makes it clear whether the business will be profitable... or what will bring you back down to earth if circumstances aren't ideal.
- Be realistic. Don't let your desires override reason or facts…
- …but be optimistic. The world belongs to the brave who try. If you see a window of opportunity and can put in the effort, go for it!
- Make sure you do a good forecast of expenses that you will have to face throughout the entire process.
- And, of course, make sure you have the capital to make the investment. Either because you already have it, or because you can obtain financing that you can afford.
- We'll say it again. When you look at the premises, do it knowing the Opening and Activity License requirements.
- Take care of your equipment and keep your machines in good working order. Look after every investment you've made. If you do, they'll last longer.
- It has liability insurance and accident or risk insurance in the gym.
That's all! We hope we've helped pave the way for your dream of opening a gym. Go for it!