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15 min read

How to Start a Profitable Fitness Center Business in 11 Steps

Are you looking to start your own fitness center business? If so, you're in luck! Starting a fitness center can be a very profitable business venture, but it's also important to do your research beforehand. This blog post will outline everything you need to know about starting a fitness center business, from setting up your facility to marketing your services. So read on for all the information you need to get started!

Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
March 10, 2023
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Table of Contents:

11 Steps To Starting a Successful Fitness Center Business:

1. Put Together a Plan For Your Fitness Center Business.

If you are planning to open a Fitness Center business, coming up with a comprehensive business plan is essential. A business plan outlines your goals and objectives, and how you intend to achieve them. It also serves as a roadmap to success, helping you stay focused on your goals and objectives. Ultimately, a well-crafted business plan will help you get financing, attract investors, and even secure partners. In order to create an effective business plan, the following elements should be included:

  • An executive summary outlining the mission and vision of the business
  • A market analysis to understand the industry and competitors
  • A financial plan and budget projections
  • An operations plan and strategies for success
  • A management team and organizational structure
  • A marketing and sales plan to attract customers
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What does it cost to start a Fitness Center business?

Starting a Fitness Center business can be a lucrative endeavor but there are many costs associated with getting the business up and running. The initial costs of launching a Fitness Center business can vary greatly depending on the size, location, and type of facility. The following are the various costs associated with launching and operating a Fitness Center business:

  • Rent or Lease: You will need to pay rent or lease a space to house your business. This could be a free-standing building or a space in a larger facility. Depending on the size and location, this can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars each month.
  • Equipment: The cost of equipment for a Fitness Center business will vary greatly depending on the type of facility you are running. You may need to purchase a variety of strength and cardio machines, weights, mats, and other fitness equipment. The price of this equipment can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Licensing and Registration: You will need to register your business with the local government and also obtain the necessary licenses and permits. The cost of these can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  • Marketing and Advertising: You will need to market and advertise your business to attract customers. This could include developing a website, creating print and digital ads, and other promotional materials. The cost of this will depend on the type of marketing and advertising you do, but it could range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
  • Staff: You will need to hire staff to manage the facility, clean the equipment, and provide customer service. The cost of staff will depend on the number of people you hire and the salaries you offer. This could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each month.
  • Insurance: You will need to purchase business insurance to protect your business from liability and other potential risks. The cost of this will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage you need. This could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Are Fitness Center businesses profitable?

Yes, fitness center businesses can be profitable. The success of a fitness center business largely depends on the quality of the services and amenities provided, the location and price of membership, and effective marketing techniques. Additionally, having knowledgeable and experienced staff, developing and maintaining a strong customer base, and keeping up with industry trends can all help to ensure a profitable business.

How to come up with a name for your Fitness Center business?

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Coming up with a name for your fitness center business should be an important part of your branding strategy. Brainstorm a list of words that describe the mission of your fitness center and consider combining two of them to create a unique name. Research online to make sure the name you are considering is not already taken. Finally, use an online domain checker to make sure a website domain is available for the name you’ve chosen.

What do you need to do to define your target audience for your Fitness Center business?

To define the target audience for a Fitness Center business, it is important to consider factors such as age, gender, location, interests, income level, and lifestyle. Conducting market research to determine who is likely to use the facility and their motivations for doing so can help to develop a more detailed profile of the target audience. Additionally, surveying current and potential customers can provide valuable insight into the type of services that would best suit the target audience.

How does a Fitness Center business make money?

A fitness center business can make money through membership fees, personal training fees, equipment rentals, and through the sale of fitness-related products such as apparel, supplements, and nutritional products. Additionally, many fitness centers offer a range of classes and services such as yoga, Pilates, and dance classes. These classes can be charged on a per-class basis or through a membership fee.

2. Form the Legal Business Entity.

Are you looking for ways to start your own fitness center business? You'll want to consider officially registering your business with local and federal governments. There are four different types of entities you can choose from, each with their own pros and cons. 

Sole proprietorship

  • The simplest type of business to set up 
  • Offers no personal liability protection 

Corporate organization

  • Shareholders elect board members to run things 
  • Requires an annual meeting with stockholders' meetings every three months 

Limited Liability Company

  • Provides extra protection for investors by limiting their liability exposure 
  • Allows flexibility in operating their businesses 

Partnership

  • Business owner plus partners 
  • Can offer personal liability protection 

When deciding what type of business entity is right for your fitness center company, it's important to consider what kind of liability exposure you want and what your goals are for the business. If you're just starting out and selling to family and friends, a sole proprietorship may be enough. But if you're looking for more protection or to grow the business, a corporate organization or LLC may be a better choice. 

No matter what type of business entity you choose for your fitness center business, be sure to register it with the state in which you'll be doing business. This will give you the legal protections you need to operate your business and protect your personal assets. To register your business, you'll need to file the appropriate paperwork with your state's Secretary of State office. You can find more information on how to do this on their website. 

Once you've registered your fitness center business, you'll need to get a business license from your local city or county. This will allow you to legally operate your business in your area. To get a business license, you'll need to fill out an application and submit it to your local licensing authority. They will then review your application and decide whether or not to issue you a license. 

Now that you know how to register your fitness center business, it's time to get started! Follow the steps above to get started on the right foot and be sure to consult with an attorney if you have any questions. Good luck!

3. Source Financing Options for Your Fitness Center Business.

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There are several different ways to go about sourcing financing options for your fitness center business, but it’s extremely important to think through each and every method because each decision may have financial implications on you and your business in the long term.

Some new founders may find themselves in a situation where your fitness center startup costs are actually only a few hundred dollars to get started, but we thought it was important to share the below methods in case you’re thinking of ideas down the road.

Here are 5 financing options for your fitness center business:

Now, there are of course many other alternatives to financing your business, but these 5 options are just a few that come to mind.

It’s also important to stress the importance of decisions and only make the decision you believe is the best fit for your current situation. There is no right answer when deciding how much money should go into starting up your own company, but there may be some guidance from below regarding what type of financing would work best for someone like yourself - so take note before making any final decisions about which path will suit both yourself and your fitness center business best! We definitely recommend advising your accountant before making any final decisions.

4. Open a Business Bank Account.

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Opening a business bank account for your fitness center company can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what you're doing. But it doesn't have to be! There are different types of accounts that you can open for your fitness center business, depending on what you need and how much money you're looking to deposit.

We'll go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of account, so you know what to expect from each one.

Checking Account: The most common type of business bank account is a checking account. Checking accounts are easy to open and offers a variety of features and benefits that can be helpful for businesses. One of the biggest advantages of a checking account is that it allows you to easily deposit and withdraw money as you need it. You can also write checks from your checking account, which can be helpful for paying bills or suppliers.

Savings Account: Another popular type of business bank account is a savings account. Savings accounts earn interest on the money that you deposit, so they can be a great way to grow your fitness center business's cash reserve. However, savings accounts typically have lower interest rates than checking accounts and may have withdrawal limits.

Business Card Card: If you're looking for a more robust bank account for your business, you may want to consider opening a business credit card. Business credit cards can be very helpful for businesses that need to make large purchases or need to build up their credit history. However, business credit cards typically have high-interest rates and may have annual fees.

No matter what type of business bank account you choose, be sure to shop around and compare features and fees before making a decision. Once you've found the right account for your business, you'll be on your way to the next step in building your fitness center business! As always, be sure you advise your certified professional accountant before making any final financial decisions.

5. Set up Your Accounting and Taxes System.

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As a new fitness center business owner, you have a lot on your plate. There are so many things to think about and so much to do in order to get your business off the ground.

But one of the most important things you need to do is set up a proper accounting system. This will help you track your expenses, revenue, receipts, taxes owed, and much more.

There are a couple of different ways that you can set up your fitness center accounting system.

  • You can use an online accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero
  • Hire an accountant to do it for you.

If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you choose a system that is easy to use and understand.

Once you have your accounting system set up, start tracking your income and expenses. This will help you see where your money is going and where you need to cut back. It will also help you budget for the future.

Make sure you keep up with your accounting regularly. This means setting aside time each month to reconcile your accounts and update your records. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

If you have any questions about setting up your accounting system, talk to your accountant or financial advisor. They can help you choose the right system for your business and make sure you are using it correctly.

6. Obtain the Necessary Fitness Center Business Permits and Licenses.

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Starting a new fitness center business can be a daunting task, but there are some important things to keep in mind that can make the process a bit smoother. One of the most important things to do when starting a new business is to obtain the proper licenses and permits from the appropriate government agencies.

There are a number of different business licenses and permits that may be required, depending on the type of fitness center business you are starting and where it will be located. The best way to find out which licenses and permits you need is to contact your local business licensing office or chamber of commerce. They will be able to provide you with information on which licenses and permits are required in your area.

Once you have obtained the necessary fitness center licenses and permits, you will be able to officially open your business and start operating. Congratulations! You are now on your way to becoming a successful business owner.

7. Purchase Equipment, Software, Supplies & Tools Needed.

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There's a lot to think about when starting a fitness center business. One of the most important elements is equipment, tools, and supplies. 

Here's a few tips to help you:

  • Determine what equipment, tools, and supplies you need. This will depend on the type of business you're starting and the products or services you'll be offering. Make a list of everything you need, including both big-ticket items (like office furniture) and smaller items (like paper clips).
  • Research different suppliers. Once you know what you need, it's time to start shopping around. Compare prices and quality between different suppliers to find the best deal.
  • Consider equipment rental or leasing. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider renting or leasing equipment instead of purchasing it outright. This can be a good option for expensive items that you won't need to use on a regular basis.
  • Get everything in writing. Once you've decided on a supplier, make sure to get all the details in writing before making a purchase. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later on.
  • Stay organized and keep track of your inventory. It's important to stay organized when running a business. Keep track of your equipment, tools, and supplies so you know what you have and what needs to be replenished.

By following this process will help ensure that you have the equipment, tools, and supplies you need to run your business smoothly.

List of Software, Tools and Supplies Needed to Start a Fitness Center Business:

  • Software: Business accounting software, customer relationship management software, membership management software, scheduling software, and payment processing software.
  • Tools: Exercise machines, free weights, exercise mats, and other specialty equipment.
  • Supplies: Water bottles, cleaning supplies, towels, and other accessories.

8. Create a Brand Identity for Your Fitness Center Company.

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Creating a brand identity for your fitness center company can be very difficult. There are so many factors to consider, from the logo design to the colors you use. But if you take the time to plan and focus on what you want your customers to feel, you can create a brand identity that will set your business apart from the rest.

Here's how to get started:

1. Define your fitness center company's purpose and values.

What do you want to achieve with your business? What kind of feeling do you want your customers to have when they think of your fitness center brand? These are important questions to answer before you start creating any visuals for your brand.

2. Choose a color scheme that reflects your company's personality.

Colors can communicate a lot about a brand, so it's important to choose wisely. If you're not sure where to start, try looking at other brands in your industry and see what colors they use.

3. Develop a unique logo that represents your fitness center brand.

This is often the first thing people will think of when they hear your company name, so it's important to make it memorable. Work with a professional designer to create a logo that's both visually appealing and reflective of your brand values.

4. Create consistent branding across all channels.

Once you have your logo and color scheme, make sure you use them consistently across all of your marketing materials, from your website to your business cards. This will help reinforce your brand identity and make it easier for customers to recognize your company.

Creating a strong brand identity is essential for any fitness center business, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on your company's purpose and values, you can develop a brand that will resonate with your target audience. With a little planning and some creativity, you can create a brand identity that will make your fitness center company stand out from the rest.

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9. Build a Beautiful Website for Your Business.

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In today's world, and no matter what type of business you're in, it's always best to have a beautifully designed website to share with your customers. For your fitness center business, you may not need one right away, but it's best to plan for this!

There are a few key steps to building a beautiful website for your new fitness center business:

  1. Hiring a professional website designer or working with a freelancer - make sure to look at their portfolio and get recommendations from others in the industry.
  2. Planning out your website's structure and hierarchy - this includes deciding what pages and baby clothing content will be included on the website, and how it will all be organized.
  3. Creating stunning visuals and graphics - images, videos, and other visual elements should be high-quality and reflect your brand identity.
  4. Writing compelling website copy - the text on your website should be well-written, informative, and persuasive.
  5. Testing the website before launch - it's important to test all the website's features and functionality to ensure everything works correctly.

Following these steps will help you create a website that is both visually appealing and effective in promoting your fitness center business. If you have any questions or need help getting started, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

10. Create a Company Email Address & Phone Number.

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With a company phone number and email address, you'll be able to give your business a more professional appearance and stay in touch with customers more easily.

Here's how to set them up:

  1. Purchase a business phone number. You can do this through a telecom provider like Twilio or Grasshopper.
  2. Register the phone number by creating an account with the telecom provider.
  3. Set up a professional email address using a service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
  4. Configure your email account to forward messages to your business phone number.

Note: When you're first starting out your fitness center business, you can definitely use your personal phone number and email address, but as it grows, be sure to look into other communication options!

Once you're all set up, you'll now be able to more easily communicate with customers more professionally!

11. Make a Go-To Market Launch Strategy.

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You’ve done all of the hard work up until this point and prepared your fitness center business for launch – Now, it’s time to get your fitness center business name out there and start generating customers!

You’ll likely already have worked on a bit of your marketing plan during the build out of your business plan, but now you’ll take a magnifying glass to your strategy and plan out how you’ll obtain your first few customers.

To get things started, below are a few marketing strategies you can steal from:

  • Reach out to local newspapers about your launch
  • Identify social media influencers your customers follow
  • Host a business launch event at your office, storefront
  • Run a business launch sale to attract first time customers
  • Run a few ads online to attract customers
  • Get your friends and family to share your products on social media
  • Partner up with other local businesses in the area to share your business

Again, remember, marketing is never a “said it and forget” method. You must always be iterating on your strategy and doubling down on what worked and what your customers love most. Also, always be sure you’re never overspending in this area so that it doesn’t cut into your margins.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Resources for Your Fitness Center Business:

Business Blogs and Magazines to Read:

Small Business Websites:

Fitness Center Tax Information:

The IRS has all the information you need on tax deductions, tax preparation, filing, forms and much more. IRS.gov also has a wealth of information for small businesses, nonprofits, and other special groups.

Keeping up with information is important:

The world of business is always changing, and keeping up with it all can be difficult. Here are some different ways that you can make sure you are up to date on the latest news and information, both in your industry and beyond.

  • Specific fitness center business-related content so you can keep up with trends, and consumer behavior over time.
  • TV/Newspaper: Though this may seem like a basic tip, watching the right TV shows and newspaper headlines can save you a lot of time. There are many daily news shows geared to specific industries that will cover the most important topics relevant to you.
  • Podcasts: Podcasts have become very popular in the last few years, but they aren't just for entertainment purposes. There are many business podcasts that highlight current issues, trends, or events from around the world that could impact your company.
  • Social Media: Social media has become a major source for both personal and professional interactions over the past decade or so - make sure to keep up with your accounts! Social media platforms like Twitter allow users to follow topics in addition to people; this way when something related pops up on someone's feed (or even just their newsfeed) they'll see it immediately. In addition, there are many sites dedicated solely to business news such as "Fortune."
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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. In 2020, I left my job to build media websites and share my knowledge through newfoundr. Join me on my mission to make entrepreneurial success easier.