I've always wanted to open a gym in my small town (about 2k ppl). The plan was to do it as a side gig. That is, until recently, when I ended up leaving my job…
I'm currently saying fuck it, guess this is plan A now. The problem is, numbers just don't add up. There is only one space available in town to lease, and such a small population base, that I'm just not sure I'll make a profit. Best case (at least on paper) I break even, and that's if I'm doing some side hussles in there as well (websites, design work, etc).
The only space available in town is a bit too small and a "premium" office kind of space; most gyms set up in a bulk, low cost, industrial style buildings because you need SO much room. I've tried reaching out to other business, the town, everyone, to buy something myself. There's nothing here. I do plan on chatting further with the landlord before all is said and done, but I'm not optimistic they'll come down as much as I need.
I've done demographics, analysis, polls in the community, basically the whole business plan, I've got some funding assistance and everything! And it's still just not adding up…
So my question is, do I run with it anyway? What advice do you have for my situation? I don't know if I'm just looking for validation, tips, or what, but I don't have anyone else to bounce shit off of lol.
Posted by Spare_Pixel
9 Comments
Talk to 3 independent gym owners for advice. They will help.
Ps. Based on the limited information you shared this sounds like a bad idea.
How about personal training where you go to their homes?
Population of 2k ? Forget it man.. Based on what is said on your post, you should build a gym but not for making profit
I grew up in a town with a population of 2,000.
A few gyms came and went, none survived more than a handful of years.
One issue is you have such a small population base – you have to be the type of gym everyone wants. One that lasted a few years was kind of like Curves (from what I understand), circuit training, different stations. Appealed mainly to older women (the demo of the two founders), but not younger people/men.
Hearing your only possible space is too small isn’t good news. The only way to do this IMO would be too have areas that appeal broadly, from power lifting to seniors fitness.
But legitimately I don’t believe a town that size could support a gym.
I wouldn’t do it. Is there a pivot? Could you get some gear on a truck, do small group fitness classes in a park (at least for summer months)?
Is the town a relatively well-to-do area? There’s a gym (franchise) called Opex that charges $600/mo and limits the number of people. It’s basically a full time personal trainer gym. Could do something similar. Maybe something high end would work if the volume/ number of customers numbers don’t work?
Interesting
That was a nice thought! You did a great job doing all the homework.
I believe that u shouldn’t run the gym in this situation, u will only get in a bigger hole financially…
Is there any town close that can support a gym? That would be the best option to run a gym
If there isn’t, you can always do that same business plan to other companies until some show great numbers
What do most people do in your two? If they do physical work then they won’t needs gym!
Maybe you can start a spa or wellness resort and advertise it in the nearby cities?
Also, find a commercial real estate agent to find you a space. One that knows what they are doing. And see if you could maybe get a deal on something. Small towns love to have good businesses on their ‘main st” so look at local econ groups or similar.
HOWEVER, that does seem like a super small town to set up in. Is it a farming town? Probably even worse. Maybe you could figure out a fun combo business?
Kids bounce house party zone that also has a gym in it? But I am just throwing ideas out there.