Own a Gym. Be a proud Gym owner.
- Abhishek Gagneja
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 1
You want to be a gym owner? Almost every trainer and everyone who is fascinated with the dynamic world of fitness, dreams of becoming a gym owner.
It is a big, and tough decision, but passion knows no stopping. Owning a gym, is not as distant a dream, at least now, unlike earlier times.
With easy access to equipment, and availability of spaces, and the formidable demand for gyms, owning a gym today is not a dream, but an informed decision with no dearth of knowledge around. There is absolute transparency in business today, and being an owner, you will have complete support, and a practical knowhow about everything that is needed in a gym. With araciality of the gym software solutions, gym management is a very doable and practical approach to the business. A gym has specific requirements and should be adhering to certain norms, and moderations.
Area target audience and locations
A gym can start from as less as a 2,000 square ft and go up-to 20,000 square feet to even 50,000 square feet and more, depending on the ticket size of the investment.
Plan opening a gym when you have done your R&D and have an understanding of the target audience. Also take into consideration whether the location is in a tier 1, tier 2 or tier 3, and the demography and the locality.
For a prime location, if you are targeting a small area, then maybe you would consider making it a personal studio; while if it’s a tier 2 city, then a small gym would give you the right ROI.
Owning a Gym in 20 lac?
Is it even possible? The answer is yes, and let’s have a proper breakdown of the complete cost, and the requirements. Not everyone who wishes to be a gym owner, is from the fitness industry, or a fitness enthusiast. So, it is important to decide about the which equipment and other aspects, to fit in your budget.
Let’s look at a pilot for a basic gym, in 2,000 square feet area.
PILOT: 2,000 SQ FT AREA
CARDIO SECTION
The cardio section is the most important area in your gym. We all understand the importance of weight training, and resistance training, yet there is huge population who are still initiators, and join a gym for cardio workout. So having enough cardio equipment is essential for the smooth functioning of a gym.
TREADMILL
Number of Treadmills: 2
Type: Commercial
Price range: 1 - 1.25 Lac
Choose a commercial treadmill, and before purchasing, always check for the feedback and performance of the treadmill. Pro Ultimate has a wide variety and a wide range of treadmills for gyms. Choose a sturdy machine, which is befitting your gym.
Always have at least 2 treadmills, as 1 is not sufficient for the number of clients. In a 2,000 square feet space, we have the probability of at least 300 clients, and in the peak hours, there is always a good number of crowds. To avoid waiting for too long, it’s always advisable to have 2 treadmills. Also, in case of any breakdown or machinery fault, you will have an alternative. This can otherwise hamper your gym operations.
ELLIPTICAL
Number of Machines: 1 or 2
Type: Commercial
Weight: 150 kg
A good elliptical cross trainer is the next important equipment that you must have. An essential cardio machine, it is very popular amongst users. Choose one or two ellipticals , and from the commercial range, of about 150 kg range. This will be sturdy and have low maintenance .
SPIN BIKES
Number of Machines: 2
Type: Commercial
Having a variety in the cardio section is important. It will not only give the cardio section a better and a massive look, but also offers many options to the users. You must have at least 2 Spin Bikes in your gym.
STRENGTH SECTION
The strength/weight training section of the gym should be created in the best way to provide an atmosphere of growth and high positive energy to the clients. This is the arena where champions and athletes are made. You never know, who is training here, and what might be the training field for any athlete. Muscles are built in the strength area, and you should make it as impressive and comprehensive as possible.
As a gym owner, you are not only making a business, but also shaping careers and futures of so many people. The Pro Ultimate endurance series has an impressive, sturdy and premium look. Choosing from this series, would be the right option for you. Let us look at the equipment needed for the pin loaded area.
LAT PULL DOWN
The first machine that everyone notices in a pinned area is the Lat pull down. Choose one from our premium range. The equipment will give you complete range of motion, with progressive overload till the maximum capacity.
PEC FLY
A pecs fly machine from the premium series is a good investment, and has multiple uses for the user. It is used for chest workout, back workout, and shoulder workout too.
LEG CURL AND LEG EXTENSION
Choose an equipment which caters to both, leg extension and leg curl, but if your budget permits, then always choose a machine that will be focused on one exercise. The range of motion is slightly compromised when you choose a machine that caters to two exercises, and targets multiple muscle groups. Having said that, leg workout is extremely important, and this should be the sturdiest machine you have.
MULTIPRESS
As mentioned earlier, if your budget permits then always choose single stations , as dual stations are made for comfort but they have a restricted range of motion. This shall be a good ensemble for the pinned area. We next come to the functional area.
FUNCTIONAL AREA
CABLE CROSS
Cable cross, the functional multi station is a massive and mammoth. And the while choosing this machine, give close importance to the look, the sturdiness, and the multi performance. Gym goers use this for various exercises, that might include back, triceps, biceps and more. This equipment should be premium.
LEG PRESS
A very popular machine amongst power lifters, and those who like to challenge themselves, the leg press machine should range from a minimum of 290-350 kg. The equipment should have a good built, high quality, thickness, to give complete safety and support.
SMITH MACHINE + POWER RACK
A smith machine gives you options for squats, deadlift and many other exercises.
Choose the best as per your requirements.
DUMBBELL SECTION
The dumbbell section, will have your dumbbells, weights, plates and you will have to have an ensemble ranging from 2.5 kg to 35 kg, in pairs.
You could choose the ones which have a good quality, and are pleasant to look at, so that it enhances the overall look , and are comfortable, offer a good grip for the user. If given a choice between metal and rubber, choose the ones with rubber as they will be safer for the flooring too.
Weight training generally tends to have aggression, so when the weights fall on the floor, the flooring is also impacted. The wear and tear will much, if they are metal weights.
INTERIOR
The interiors of a gym, like any hotel, restaurant or public place, which is known for the infrastructure are the most important aspect. However nice the equipment is, the interiors are not pleasing, then the first impression is not made. It is important to have a welcoming and pleasant infrastructure, which is also comfortable. A gym goer doesn’t only come to work out, but spends the time in the gym, dedicating that one-hour tohis fitness, his health, and mental wellbeing. So, it is the onus of the gym owner to give extra efforts to this aspect.
CELING
Go in for concealed lights, that will make the lighting more effective, and aesthetic look.
MIRRORS
Choose tall mirrors, preferably 8 feet or 6 feet. A small learning, if you are strained on budget, the choose 4 feet, and get them placed horizontally, to occupy a larger space and give it a huge appearance. Ensure that the mirrors have a strong and sturdy framing /wooden framing support.
RECEPTION AREA
The reception area has to be impressive, compact and the placing should be such that the whole gym is easily viewed, in case it is not a separate enclosure. A basic reception starts from 6k range, and you can add chairs as per your staff.
POSTER & DECORATION
Having motivational posters, quotations is essential, and find a motivational figure, or an athlete who inspires you. If you yourself are in fitness , and wish to share your journey/transformation and journey, then have a poster on the wall. Make sure to avoid clutter, and don’t bombard with too many posters or notices etc. Have a neat notice board, with the essential documents neatly pinned. A dedicated and well-trained team of front executives should do the needful.
AIR-CONDITIONING
A gym has to be centrally airconditioned, and no ducting is required. Rather you can have nozzles. This will save you a good amount, and make the temperature of the place well controlled. You can start with 5.5 ton, or 8 ton to 12 ton, for 200 sq. ft. per ton.
FLOORING
The flooring of the gym has to be very clean, and it makes an impact giving it the hugeness. You can choose removable tiles, that have a good grip. The basic tiles will cost INR 70/80 per square feet. Here is your complete gym set up, in about 20 lac.
RUNNING A GYM/PRIVATE STUDIO
While Pro Ultimate offers a franchise model, and also has gym software solutions. Yet it is best if the owner of the gym himself is an active player. Your passion will only fuel your success and it shall be closer than it appears, progressing at a rapid speed. Your hard work and personal touch will be impactful for the staff as well.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
The most common question is the ROI , when you start a gym. So, for a pilot of 2,000 square feet, you can accommodate 300 members. The active attendance is not more than 150, at a given time. In this ticket size, you will have the sales in the range of 2.5 - 3.00 lac.
A rough estimate of salaries, electricity, overheads, will still give you a profit of 2 lacs. And you can recover the investment in about a year. Like every business, there are seasons, and though fitness is a lifestyle, yet there are months when you will have huge sales, and months where there will be basics. Your promotions, and services should be excellent, and leave no stone unturned in making it big. Have certified trainers, a strong team, and all compliances in place.
You should trust in yourself, and have a dedicated team, and success shall be yours.
Pro Ultimate gyms has a franchise model, as well as Gym software solutions, and we are making the dreams of lacs of people who are hopeful of becoming a gym owner !!!
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Abhishek Gagneja