Women Fitness Center | Business Ideas

A health club (also known as a fitness club, fitness center, health spa, and commonly referred to as a gym) is a place which houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise. More people are trying to lead healthier lives, which includes getting in more exercise. Those who do not own or have access to fitness equipment often purchase a membership at a gym or fitness center. Many types of fitness centers that cater to different types of customers, from pregnant women to professional body builders. If you want to open a fitness center business, you need to do several things to ensure the success of your venture. 

Levels of services and offerings

• Most newer health clubs offer group exercise classes that are conducted by certified fitness instructors. Many types of group exercise classes exist, but generally these include classes based on aerobics, cycling (spin cycle), boxing or martial arts, high intensity training, step, regular and hot yoga, Pilates, muscle training, and self-defense classes such as Maga and Brazilian Jujitsu. Health clubs with swimming pools often offer aqua aerobics classes. The instructors often must gain certification in order to teach these classes and ensure participant safety.

• Health clubs offer many services, and as a result the monthly membership prices can vary greatly. A recent study of American clubs found that the monthly cost of membership ranged from US$15 per month at basic chain clubs that offer limited amenities to over US$200 per month at spa-oriented clubs that cater to families and to those seeking social activities in addition to a workout .[citation needed] In addition, some clubs - such as many local YMCAs - offer per-use punch-cards or one-time fees for those seeking to use the club on an as-needed basis.

• Costs can vary through the purchase of a higher-level membership, such as a Founders or a Life membership. Such memberships often have a high up-front cost but a lower monthly rate, making them potentially beneficial to those who use the club frequently and hold their memberships for years.

Personal training

Most health clubs employ personal trainers who are accessible to members for training/fitness/nutrition/health advice and consultation. Personal trainers can devise a customized fitness routine, sometimes including a nutrition plan, to help clients achieve their goals. They can also monitor and train with members. More often than not, access to personal trainers involves an additional hourly fee.

Instruction of Women Fitness Center

Step 1

Target a niche for your fitness center to differentiate your business from the larger, national chains. For instance, you can open a Pilates and yoga center, a gym for women, a group fitness center, free weight gym, athletic training gym or family fitness center.

Step 2

Write a business plan, including details about your niche; analysis of competing local fitness centers; three-year expense budget and profit projections; marketing and public relations plans.

Step 3

Become a certified fitness instructor, or hire individuals with such qualifications. Even if you will not be training customers yourself, you should still learn basic CPR, in the event one of your clients needs help.

Step 4

Obtain the business permits needed in your area to run a service business, such as a fictitious name certificate (DBA), Employer Identification Number or state tax identification number. If you will be retailing products, you may also need a resale permit, or sales tax and use permit from your state.

Step 5

Buy or lease a space for your fitness center. The amount of space you need will depend upon your niche and the amount of equipment you plan to buy.

Step 6

Purchase equipment for your fitness center. Buying package deals from equipment manufacturers can save money, as well as buying quality, used equipment from personal trainers that are retiring, or gyms that are going out of business.

Step 7

Get liability insurance to protect your business in the event a customer becomes injured while using your facilities. Though having your clients sign a liability waiver is a way to take precaution, insurance will come into play if someone decides to take legal action after an accident.

Step 8

Offer incentives for customers to patronize your fitness center. For instance, you can offer free or discounted child care service, free towels for use during workouts, complimentary water, guest passes and security, if you plan to be open during late-night and early-morning hours.

Step 9

Market your fitness center. Launch a promotional website, sponsor a fitness event or health fair, host discounted classes for seniors or youth, send news releases to local media outlets or open social networking accounts.

Reference

• Fitness Center Business