For Independent trainers/Research for training facility
Hi, I am looking to open a private training facility that is dedicated to independent trainers. I am doing research about independent trainers wants/needs/opinions. I basically want to get a feel for how much demand there is for my vision of a training facility.
The facility would be similar to strength and conditioning centers. I am still contemplating the size, but I would say around 1000 square feet. It would be equipped with racks (rogue yokes), barbells, iron, benches, rubber flooring, open space, Olympic dumbbells, various equipment for strength training, strongman, athletes, etc. It would be largely free-weight based. The payment structure I am contemplating is two separate monthly rates, a lower monthly rate for trainers training less than 15 sessions, and a higher monthly rate for 16+ sessions.
Onto the questions..
If you are currently renting space at a gym, what do you like, or dislike, about your current situation?
If you are a trainer searching for gym space to rent, what are you looking for in a training facility?
What do you believe is a fair price for rent, and do you like the idea of having two separate rates?
Would a gym with my equipment/setup be attractive and suit your needs? If not, what additions would you suggest? Keep in mind that the gym is more oriented for strength and conditioning.
Comments, criticisms, needs, advice, desires?
Thank you!
Hi Casey, I have been the fitness industry for 30 years or more. I don’t know if you are going to rent a space for trainers or, buy a small building. But I think you need to look at your overhead first. I do not know your location but, location is a big issue. I think with 1000 sq. ft. eight trainers can work in there at one time if they get along . Was this your idea? I think your idea of different rates is a good one. but, different trainers charge different rates so, to calc. a monthly rate will be hard. If you start by charging too low of a price, you will loose money. It is hard to adjust the rate after as you will loose business. Can not start too high as you will have less business because of the price. Equipment is hard to gage. What if you have eight trainers who need a squat rack at the same time? I have had three facilities with success but, I learned much. if you want advice I would be happy to answer you. Questions must be more specific. Your business plan is important for success. Brian
Hi Casey,
I recently started renting space at a gym.
I like that my clients don’t need a membership to train with me. This helps recruit new clients outside of the people who are already members because they don’t need to sign up for a membership on top of training.
I like that I am charged per session I train, rather than a flat monthly fee. I prefer this type of agreement because I don’t train a ton of clients at the gym (I do mostly in-home training) and this way I know I’m always making money from those sessions.
If there is one thing I dislike, it would be that the per session rate to train there is a bit higher than I was hoping for. It’s still worth it for me though because it has everything I was looking for exactly how I envisioned it.
I like the idea of having 2 separate rates so that you can appeal to trainers of different volume.
I think the equipment you presented would be great. In my opinion the biggest thing on your list is “open space.” That was one thing I was looking for when shopping around for a gym to train out of.
Hope this helps,
Nick Palladino
www.palladinopt.com
My concern would be how well all the trainers would work together. Would there be competing issues? Trying to poach clients? What about advertising for programs and services trainers are offering?
I’d also be interested in group training space or private rooms. Not all my clients like being trained in front of other people, especially the women I train.
I’d rather have an exclusivity agreement to train out of a smaller gym and use their facility or rent a private space.
I like the idea, it definitely has promise. The top question is what do you need to do make it profitable. Perhaps you do not need to have multiple trainers in there at the same time. If you need say 8 renting trainers perhaps each trainer has a set schedule when they are going to be in there. That would solve the issue of conflict and if it is successful then perhaps you open a second location.