business plan for fitness business

Fitness Business Plan Template (+ Free Examples)

Use this free fitness business plan template to modify and use as you learn how to create a fitness business plan.

Do you dream of starting your own fitness business ? With the increasing demand for health and wellness services, now is the perfect time to turn your passion for fitness into a profitable venture. There are many ways to make money with fitness (you can even start a fitness business from home or start a fitness business with no money ). However, before diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive fitness business plan that will serve as your roadmap to success.

Looking to start a fitness business? Our comprehensive fitness business plan template will guide you through the process, helping you create a solid foundation for success. Then learn how to create a gym business plan , how to create a gym budget , how to create a gym sales forecast , how to get a gym loan , and more—all part of understanding how much it costs to open a gym , how to start a fitness business , and how to start a gym . Or maybe you want to learn how to become a fitness influencer —we’ve got you covered with the best online fitness coaching software and the best fitness software for fitness influencers who want to start a fitness influencer business online.

And, of course, managing your fitness business online with the best gym management software and the best personal training software means that you can easily create fitness session plans, waivers, forms, fitness assessments, lead forms, registration forms, online booking, workout plans, and much more. Save yourself some time and hassle and get a demo with the best fitness business platform: Exercise.com.

Get a demo now!

Fitness Business Plan Template

[business/brand name], executive summary.

Business Concept

• Briefly describe the fitness business idea, its core offerings, and unique value proposition.
• Outline the short-term and long-term goals of the business.

Mission Statement

• A clear statement defining the business’s purpose and approach to reaching its goals.

Vision Statement

• A depiction of what the business aspires to achieve in the future.

Business Description

Nature of the Business

• Detailed explanation of the type of fitness business (e.g., gym, personal training studio, online coaching service).

Target Market

• Description of the target demographic and their fitness needs.
• Details about the business location and why it’s beneficial.

Market Analysis

Industry Overview

• Overview of the fitness industry, current trends, and future projections.

Target Market Analysis

• Detailed analysis of the target market, including demographic, psychographic, and behavioral aspects.

Competitive Analysis

• Analysis of competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and your business’s competitive edge.

Services and Products

Service/Product Offering

• Detailed description of services and products offered (e.g., personal training, group classes, wellness programs).

Pricing Strategy

• Rationale behind pricing models for services and products.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Marketing Plan

• Strategies for reaching and attracting the target market.
• Channels and tactics to be used (e.g., social media marketing, community events, referral programs).

Sales Strategy

• Approach for converting prospects into customers.
• Sales funnel and customer journey mapping.

Operational Plan

Daily Operations

• Description of daily business operations, including opening hours and staffing.

Facilities and Equipment

• Details about the physical space and equipment required for the business.

Suppliers and Partnerships

• Information on any third-party suppliers and partnerships.

Management and Organization

Organizational Structure

• Breakdown of the business’s organizational structure.
• Roles and responsibilities of key team members.

Management Team

• Profiles of key management team members.

Financial Plan

Start-Up Costs

• Detailed list of initial expenses to start the business.

Revenue Projections

• Forecast of revenue for the first few years.

Profit and Loss Statement

• Projection of income, expenses, and profitability.

Funding Requirements

• Total amount of capital needed to start and run the business.
• Plans for securing funding (e.g., loans, investors).
• Additional supporting documents like market research data, resumes of key team members, detailed financial forecasts.

Using a platform like Exercise.com can significantly enhance the operation of a fitness business. Its comprehensive tools for client management, workout programming, scheduling, and reporting can streamline business processes and improve client engagement and retention.

This template provides a structured approach for creating a fitness business plan. It can be customized to reflect the specifics of your fitness business idea, market, and operational strategy.

Fitness Business Plan Example 1: Dynamic Pulse Gym

Dynamic pulse gym.

• Dynamic Pulse Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center specializing in personalized training programs and high-energy group classes.
• Short-term: Establish a member base of 500 within the first year.
• Long-term: Expand to multiple locations and incorporate wellness services.
• To provide an empowering fitness environment that motivates members to achieve their health goals.
• To be recognized as the premier fitness destination in [City/Region] that transforms lives through innovative fitness solutions.
• A full-service gym offering cutting-edge equipment, diverse fitness classes, and personalized training.
• Health-conscious adults aged 20-50, looking for a motivating and supportive fitness environment.
• Situated in [City/Region], in a densely populated area with high foot traffic.
• Growing interest in personal health and fitness, with an increase in demand for versatile workout options.
• Busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts seeking convenient and varied workout options.
• Competitors include local gyms and fitness studios. Dynamic Pulse Gym differentiates itself with advanced technology integration and a wide range of services.
• Personalized fitness assessments, one-on-one personal training, various group classes like yoga, spin, and HIIT.
• Wellness workshops and nutritional counseling sessions.
• Competitive membership fees with premium options for additional services.
• Launch campaign with social media ads, local partnerships, and community events.
• Ongoing engagement through a referral program, member testimonials, and fitness challenges.
• Focus on building relationships through free trial sessions and personalized gym tours.
• Implement a tiered membership system to cater to different customer needs.
• Operation hours from 5 AM to 11 PM, with a staff of trained fitness professionals.
• 10,000 square feet facility equipped with cardio machines, weightlifting areas, a yoga studio, and a spin room.
• Equipment sourced from leading manufacturers; partnerships with local wellness brands.
• Led by a CEO, with departments for operations, marketing, and training.
• CEO with extensive experience in the fitness industry.
• Operations Manager with a background in gym management.
• Marketing Manager skilled in digital marketing.
• Estimated $250,000 for facility lease, equipment purchase, and initial marketing.
• Projected $500,000 revenue in the first year based on membership and service sales.
• Expected profitability within the first two years with controlled operating expenses.
• Seeking $300,000 in funding for initial start-up and operational costs.
• Market research data, equipment lists, detailed biographies of management team members.

Exercise.com’s comprehensive platform enhances Dynamic Pulse Gym’s operational efficiency, offering seamless scheduling, client management, workout creation, and progress tracking. This robust system ensures that Dynamic Pulse Gym operates at the forefront of the fitness industry with superior client engagement and retention.

Fitness Business Plan Example 2: Holistic Harmony Online Coaching

Holistic harmony online coaching.

• Holistic Harmony, an online coaching service focusing on holistic health, combining fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness.
• Short-term: Build a client base of 100 active clients in six months.
• Long-term: Develop a holistic wellness app and expand service offerings.
• To guide clients towards a balanced lifestyle through tailored online coaching.
• To become a leading online platform for holistic health and wellness coaching.
• Online personal coaching with a holistic approach, offering custom workout plans, nutrition advice, and mindfulness coaching.
• Individuals seeking a balanced approach to health, particularly remote workers and those with busy lifestyles.
• Fully online operation with the potential for global reach.
• Increasing demand for online health services and a shift towards holistic health approaches.
• Individuals aged 25-45, primarily working professionals who prefer the flexibility of online coaching.
• Other online fitness and wellness platforms. Holistic Harmony’s comprehensive approach and personalized services provide a competitive edge.
• Custom online fitness programs, nutritional planning, and virtual mindfulness sessions.
• Subscription-based pricing with different tiers based on service levels.
• Digital marketing strategy focusing on content marketing, influencer collaborations, and targeted social media campaigns.
• Offering free initial consultations and introductory discounts to new clients.
• Leveraging testimonials and success stories for client acquisition.
• Regular client check-ins, content creation for the platform, and ongoing program adjustments.
• No physical facility required. Investment in a high-quality website and coaching software.
• Collaboration with freelance nutritionists and mental health experts.
• Founder-led with a small team of certified coaches and administrative support.
• Founder with expertise in fitness training and holistic health.
• Team of freelance professionals for specialized coaching needs.
• Approximately $50,000 for website development, marketing, and initial software setup.
• Anticipated $150,000 in the first year, based on subscription model and consulting services.
• Profitability projected within the first year with minimal operating expenses.
• Seeking $75,000 in seed funding for initial setup and marketing.
• Detailed website plan, service descriptions, and credentials of coaching team.

Utilizing Exercise.com’s versatile platform, Holistic Harmony can streamline client management, workout and nutrition plan creation, and progress monitoring. This platform facilitates efficient operations and high client engagement, positioning Holistic Harmony as an innovative leader in online holistic coaching.

These examples demonstrate how a fitness business plan can be structured for different types of fitness ventures, emphasizing the integration of Exercise.com as a key tool for operational efficiency and enhanced client service.

Why You Need a Fitness Business Plan

A fitness business plan is more than just a document. It is your blueprint for building a thriving fitness empire. Whether you are seeking investors or planning to self-finance your venture, a well-crafted business plan will demonstrate your understanding of the industry, your target market, and your sustainable competitive advantage. Moreover, it will provide you with a clear roadmap and actionable strategies to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting and running a fitness business.

Additionally, a fitness business plan can help you secure funding from banks or other financial institutions. Lenders often require a detailed business plan to assess the viability and potential profitability of your fitness business. By including financial projections, market analysis, and a comprehensive marketing strategy in your plan, you can increase your chances of obtaining the necessary funding to launch or expand your fitness venture.

Key Components of a Fitness Business Plan

When creating a fitness business plan, there are several key components that you need to include. These components will ensure that your plan covers all essential aspects of your fitness business, allowing you to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

The first component is setting clear goals and objectives for your fitness business. This includes defining what you want to achieve and outlining specific milestones that will measure your progress. By setting clear goals, you can stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.

The second component is defining your target market. Understanding your ideal customers is crucial for tailoring your products and services to their needs and preferences. By conducting thorough market research, you can identify your target market’s demographics, interests, and pain points, enabling you to position your fitness business as the ultimate solution.

Next, you need to develop a unique selling proposition (USP) for your fitness business. Your USP is what sets you apart from your competitors and gives your target market a compelling reason to choose your fitness services over others. By identifying your unique value proposition, you can communicate your brand’s distinctiveness effectively.

Another essential component is analyzing the competition in the fitness industry. By assessing your competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning, you can gain valuable insights to refine your business strategies and maximize your competitive advantage.

Creating a comprehensive marketing strategy is also crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Your marketing strategy should outline the channels and tactics you will use to reach your target market effectively. This includes online and offline marketing, social media, content creation, and building strategic partnerships.

Designing your products and services is another vital component of your fitness business plan. You need to clearly outline the range of services you will offer, including personal training, group classes, or specialized programs. Additionally, you should consider the equipment, facilities, and technology required to deliver exceptional experiences to your clients.

Outlining financial projections is essential for creating a sustainable business. This includes estimating your revenue, expenses, and profit margins. By projecting your financials, you can determine pricing strategies that balance profitability and competitiveness.

Estimating startup costs and funding sources is another critical component of your fitness business plan. This involves identifying the capital required to launch and operate your business and exploring financing options, such as loans, investors, or personal savings.

Formulating a management and organizational structure is crucial for streamlining your operations and ensuring smooth business processes. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, creating a hierarchy, and establishing efficient communication channels.

An effective sales and customer service strategy is essential for driving revenue and creating customer loyalty. You need to define how you will generate sales, whether through memberships, packages, or partnerships. Additionally, you should outline your approach to customer service, including feedback collection, complaint handling, and staff training.

Developing a strong brand identity is crucial for standing out in the crowded fitness market. Your brand identity should encompass your mission, values, visual elements, and tone of voice. By aligning your brand with your target market’s aspirations, you can create a powerful connection that inspires loyalty and drives referrals.

Implementing technology solutions is vital for enhancing your fitness business’s operations. This includes utilizing management software, scheduling systems, and online booking platforms to streamline administrative tasks and improve customer engagement.

Creating an actionable timeline and milestones will ensure that you stay on track and achieve your business goals within a specific timeframe. This involves breaking down your business plan into smaller, manageable tasks and setting deadlines to complete them.

Evaluating risk factors and formulating contingency plans is necessary for protecting your fitness business from potential threats and uncertainties. By identifying risks and establishing protocols to mitigate their impact, you can ensure business continuity and resilience.

Finally, monitoring and reviewing the performance of your fitness business based on the plan is essential for making data-driven decisions and adapting to market changes. By regularly analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and employee productivity, you can identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments to drive growth.

In conclusion, creating a comprehensive fitness business plan is the first step towards turning your fitness passion into a successful business venture. By addressing all key components, you can ensure that your plan covers every critical aspect of your fitness business, allowing you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges with confidence. Remember, a well-crafted business plan is not only a roadmap; it is your recipe for success in the ever-evolving fitness industry.

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Gym Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Gym Business Plan & Example

You’ve come to the right place to create a gym business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their gyms.

Gym Business Plan Example

Use the example below as a template to write a gym business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Steven’s Gym is a startup locally owned gym located in El Paso, Texas. Steven’s Gym will include various exercise equipment, strength training equipment, free weights, aerobic equipment, and plenty of cardio equipment. The gym will also offer HIIT group classes, spin classes, strength training instruction, and personal training.

Located in an up and coming, newly developed, and highly trafficked area of town, Steven’s Gym will attract both men and women ages 16 to 75+. There is something for everyone at Steven’s Gym, whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or is a seasoned athlete and gymrat. The gym will have a welcoming atmosphere, experienced personal trainers, friendly staff, and frequently cleaned equipment and restrooms.

The membership options are affordable and will be offered on a month-to-month basis, a 6 or 12 month contract, or the ability to pay for an entire year upfront. Discounts will be offered to military, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Service Offering

The following are the services that Steven’s Gym will provide:

• Strength training equipment
• Cardio equipment
• Free weights/dumbbells
• Aerobic equipment
• HIIT group classes
• Strength training instruction

Customer Focus

Steven’s Gym will target all men and women ages 16 – 75+ who are interested in achieving and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. El Paso is a very diverse city that includes men and women from all walks of life. There are numerous blue collar individuals, white collar individuals, government employees, and military members as the local Army base is one of the largest in the country. Since Steven’s Gym will be very affordable, it will be able to attract people from all walks of life.

Management Team

Steven will manage the day-to-day tasks of running the gym. Steven will hire a gym manager to manage membership and three trainers. Steven will outsource a local CPA to handle payroll, accounting, and tax payments. He will also outsource a local advertising company to develop the gym’s logo, branding, photography, social media accounts, website, and billboard design.

Success Factors

Steven’s Gym will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Large, clean, and spacious fitness center that has all the necessary equipment for their fitness routine.
• Knowledgeable and friendly staff of trainers.
• Best value for membership pricing. The membership pricing options are affordable and offer military, teacher, and healthcare employee discounts.
• Convenient hours of operation.

Financial Plan Highlights

Steven’s Gym is seeking $300,000 in debt financing to begin operations of the business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the warehouse space, gym build-out, and purchase of the equipment. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Securing warehouse space, gym build-out, and design: $25,000 to $125,000
• Gym equipment purchase: $50,000 to $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $15,000 to $55,000
• Marketing & advertising: $15,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is steven’s gym.

Steven’s Gym is a new, locally owned gym located in El Paso, Texas. Steven’s Gym will include strength training equipment, free weights, aerobic equipment, and plenty of cardio equipment. The gym will also offer fitness classes, strength training instruction, and personal training. Located in an up and coming, and highly trafficked area of town, Steven’s Gym will attract both men and women ages 16 to 75+. There is something for everyone at Steven’s Gym, whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or is a seasoned athlete and gymrat. The gym will have a welcoming atmosphere, experienced trainers, friendly staff, and frequently cleaned equipment and restrooms. The membership options are affordable and will be offered on a month-to-month basis, a 6 or 12 month contract, or the ability to pay for an entire year upfront. Discounts will be offered to military, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Steven’s Gym History

Steven’s Gym is owned by Steven Malone, a retired Army Master Sergeant who is also a seasoned powerlifter. Steven was stationed at El Paso’s Fort Bliss for many years before eventually retiring and deciding to stay in El Paso and embark on his dream of eventually owning his own gym. As a frequent gym goer, Steven recognized that El Paso lacks high quality independent gyms. The nicest and most equipped gyms in El Paso are large franchises that have too many rules and regulations. Steven envisioned a gym that was welcoming to all types of people that is encouraging, clean, and adequately equipped for those who are focused on sustaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

Since incorporation, Steven’s Gym has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a 10,000 square foot warehouse space for lease in El Paso, Texas that can easily be converted to a gym.
• Registered Steven’s Gym, LLC to do business in the State of Texas.
• Began the branding image, logo, website, and social media accounts for the gym.
• Began researching and pricing out equipment.

Steven’s Gym Services

The following will be the services Steven’s Gym will provide:

Industry Analysis

The Gym industry is expected to grow to an annual revenue of $38 billion in the next five years. This growth is likely a result of increased per capita disposable income, in addition to growing health-consciousness. As consumers’ disposable income levels rise, individuals are usually more willing to purchase gym memberships. Additionally, time spent on leisure and sports is expected to increase over the next five years, effectively increasing the potential pool of consumers.

During this period, demographic changes are expected to drive revenue growth for operators. In particular, as healthcare costs continue to escalate, health insurance providers may implement incentives to promote preventive health practices, including the use of fitness centers among individuals within their provider network. Additionally, initiatives that promote the health benefits of exercise will likely increase over the next five years, stimulating industry revenue.  

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Steven’s Gym’s target audience will include all men and women ages 16 – 75+ who are interested in achieving and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. El Paso is a very diverse city that includes men and women from all walks of life. There are numerous blue collar individuals, white collar individuals, government employees, and military members as the local Army base is one of the largest in the country. Since Steven’s Gym will be very affordable, it will be able to attract people from all walks of life.

Customer Segmentation

Steven’s Gym will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• High school and college students
• Locally-based Military
• Athletes who frequently train for fitness competitions

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Steven’s Gym will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below. Gold’s Gym Gold’s Gym is a large franchise-owned gym with two locations in El Paso. Gold’s Gym gives access to everything one needs to transform their life: state-of-the-art amenities, a variety of fitness classes tailored towards someone’s fitness needs, and the world’s best trainers. There are weekly fitness classes for group workouts ranging from martial arts-inspired cardio classes to foundational yoga sessions. There are also certified trainers if someone is new to exercise or just looking for more guidance and coaching. Gold’s Gym’s amenities include cardio equipment, group exercise, personal training, a pro shop, sauna/steam rooms, group cycle, free weights, functional training, kids club, locker rooms, and wifi.

Planet Fitness Planet Fitness is for people from all walks of life, whether they’re a first-time gym user or a veteran member, they are there to provide a workout environment in which anyone and everyone can be comfortable. All Planet Fitness members enjoy unlimited access to their home club and the support of their friendly, knowledgeable staff anytime they need it. PF Black Club members receive additional benefits, including the ability to bring a guest for free and access to any of their 2,000+ PF locations. Also, the PF member can take advantage of their free fitness training or find motivation by reading real member experiences on Planet of Triumphs. The goal of Planet Fitness is to provide a clean, safe, welcoming environment for anyone who walks through the door, and all the equipment, amenities, and support they need once they arrive.

Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness is a welcoming gym that exists to help someone get to a healthier place – by giving the right support at the right times, in the ways the member wants. Every member receives a free, personalized Get Started Plan when they join. Their friendly, professional staff is trained to help someone along their fitness journey, no matter how much support they need. Aside from a large selection of strength and cardio equipment, Anytime Fitness offers the following services – 24-hour access, 24-hour security, convenient parking, anywhere gym access, private restrooms, private showers, health plan discounts, wellness programs, cardio TVs, and HDTVs.

Competitive Advantage

Steven’s Gym will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Large, clean, and spacious facility that has all the necessary equipment for their fitness routine.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Steven’s Gym will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Large, clean, spacious, and well-equipped facility.
• Dedicated team of trainers.
• Affordable membership pricing plans.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Steven’s Gym is as follows: Social Media Marketing Strategy Steven’s Gym will invest in advertising the gym on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. By using targeted social media marketing, Steven’s Gym will be able to reach the appropriate target audience of El Paso. Before opening, Steven will hire an advertising agency to develop the branding and photography needed to create captivating social media posts.

Billboards Steven will invest in two billboards strategically located at busy intersections that receive thousands of traffic daily. The advertising agency will develop the print for the billboard design. Website/SEO Marketing Strategy Steven’s Gym will invest in a strong SEO presence so that when someone enters “El Paso gym” or “local gym near me” in their Google or Bing search bar, Steven’s Gym is at the top of the list. Their website will list all of Steven’s Gym’s services, location, pricing, and contact information. Word of Mouth Word quickly spreads around town and once a few people experience the clean, affordable, and professional staff at Steven’s Gym, more and more people will come in to see for themselves and sign up for a membership plan.

The pricing of Steven’s Gym will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.  

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Steven’s Gym.

Operation Functions:

• Steven Malone will be the sole gym owner and operator of Steven’s Gym. He will oversee the staff, maintain that the cleaning schedules are being enforced, and ensure that all equipment is working per standard and safely. He will also manage all ordering of new and replacement equipment, schedule the group HIIT classes, and daily management tasks.
• Steven will hire a gym manager to be in charge of members and member management.
• A team of three trainers will run all of the fitness classes. As the membership grows and clients require more attention, more trainers and fitness classes will be added.
• A local CPA will manage all high level accounting functions, such as payroll and tax payments.
• Steven will also hire an advertising agency to develop the gym’s branding, photography, website, social media accounts, and billboard design.

Milestones:

Steven’s Gym will have the following milestones completed in the next six months. 8/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease warehouse space. 8/15/202X – Begin build-out and design converting warehouse space into a functional gym. 9/1/202X – Hire advertising company to begin developing gym’s branding, logo, social media accounts, website, and billboard design. 9/15/202X – Order all equipment. 10/5/202X – Hire gym manager and team of personal trainers. 10/15/202X – Train staff on proper policies and procedures. 11/1/202X – Grand Opening of Steven’s Gym.  

Steven’s Gym will be solely owned by Steven Malone. Steven is a retired Army Master Sergeant who has been stationed off and on at El Paso’s Fort Bliss for the past twelve years. Upon retirement, Steven decided to make El Paso his permanent home and embark on his dream of owning his own gym. Steven recognizes the lack of quality, independent gyms in El Paso and wants to open a gym that fits his idea of what a high-quality gym should be.

As a former powerlifter and personal trainer while serving in the military, Steven is aware of the proper equipment and facilities a gym should have. Steven envisions his gym to be friendly, clean, well-equipped, and affordable for the average person so that people from all walks of life will feel comfortable going to the gym and achieving their fitness goals. Steven will dedicate his life and focus on ensuring that his gym is always clean, staffed with the best trainers, and members are happy with what the gym has to offer.  

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Steven’s Gym are the membership fees it will charge each person that signs up to become a member. Each member will be placed on a membership plan where they can either pay month to month, enroll in either a 6 or 12 month contract, or pay for the entire year upfront.

The cost drivers will be the payroll for the staff, rent, utilities, cleaning supplies and equipment, and gym equipment purchase and maintenance. Other cost drivers will be the targeted marketing costs on social media and monthly fees for the CPA and advertising company.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Initial Number of New Clients per Month: 60
• Average Monthly Membership Fee: $150
• Gym Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Gym Business Plan FAQs

What is a gym business plan.

A gym business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your gym. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing strategies and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your gym business plan using our gym business plan template here .

What Are the Main Types of Gyms?

There are many types of gyms or fitness centers. There are large, franchise gyms that have multiple locations across the country. There are also large single facility gyms. Finally, there are smaller gyms that tend to focus on a particular fitness segment, such as strength training, CrossFit, or group HIIT training.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Gym Business?

The primary source of revenue for a gym or fitness center are membership fees. Typically, members pay month-to-month, or fulfill a year-long contract.

The key expenses for a gym or fitness center are the costs associated with payroll, purchase and maintenance of equipment, cleaning supplies, marketing costs, and working capital. Other expenses will be rent, utilities, taxes, accounts payable, and other licensing fees (if necessary).

How Do You Get Funding for Your Gym?

Gym businesses are most likely to secure funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your gym business plan to them. Family and/or friends could also be potential investors and other types of capital-raising such as crowdfunding are other common funding sources.

A well-crafted gym business plan, complete with a solid financial plan is essential for attracting any type of potential investor. This is true for a new gym business or established businesses looking to grow.

What are the Steps To Start a Gym Business?

Starting a gym or fitness center can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Gym Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a solid gym business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the fitness industry and potential target market size, information on the services and/or products you will offer, marketing strategy, mission statement, business model and pricing strategy and a detailed financial plan.  Our business plan template is the perfect guide to show you how to start a gym business plan.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your fitness   business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your gym business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Gym Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your gym business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your gym business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Gym Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your gym business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your gym or fitness   business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising to reach your target audience.

Learn more about how to start a successful gym or fitness business:

• How to Start a Gym Business

Where Can I Get a Gym Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free gym business plan template PDF here. This is a sample gym business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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• Tips and tools

Gym business plan: a checklist with templates & examples

In this article, you'll find a checklist of everything you need to know to create a business plan for your gym or fitness business.

If you've recently discovered an ambition to start a gym , or this has been your dream for years, we've got you covered!

The first step in your journey is to create a gym business plan. This will include understanding your business's structure, determining your target market and what sets you apart from other gyms (your unique selling point), forecasting future finances, and any further details about your venture.

Your gym business plan is the key to your success. It will help you make better decisions and attract potential investors. Creating a business plan is ongoing; it's not something you do once and then forget about. Your business plan should be flexible and adapt as you move forward. 

You have to consider many elements to ensure your gym will succeed. All stages of your business plan are critical. In this article, we'll be doing a deep dive into understanding the core essentials of creating a fitness business plan.

What is a gym business plan? 

A gym business plan is a document that informs the reader about your company and where it's headed. In other words, it answers essential questions such as:

• How does your business work?
• How are you going to succeed?
• What steps do you need to take to succeed?

According to research, entrepreneurs who write formal business plans are more likely to be successful . 

This is especially true for business owners seeking external financial support. A formal business plan can help new businesses by providing a clear focus for their ideas.

Why it’s important to have a business plan for your gym? 

Simply put, your gym business plan is an organized and detailed process that provides a roadmap for your business. If someone reads it – like a potential investor, for example – they should be able to understand how you expect the gym to progress and succeed over time.

Plus, putting together a business plan with detailed description forces you to take a critical look at your operation as it currently stands and identify room for improvement or new areas of opportunity altogether.

Depending on where your business is located, a well-crafted business plan can serve multiple purposes.

Keep reading for even more reasons you need a business plan from day one!

Taking advantage of a steadily growing industry

The gym industry is booming, allowing gyms to capitalize on this growth. In the US alone, over 87 million people regularly attend the gym and spend billions of dollars annually on membership fees.

And according to projections, the global gym market is expected to reach 434 billion USD by 2028 – a 171% increase from 2021! This steady growth provides room for gym owners to get in on the action and reap the benefits.

By having a gym business plan that considers the health & fitness industry as a whole, you'll be able to capitalize on this growth.

Ensures your business idea is feasible 

If you're considering starting a fitness business, know it will be complex. You have a fantastic idea and think it could take off--but how can you test that theory without launching the business? 

This is where a business plan comes in handy. By working through your concept and creating a well-rounded plan of action, you'll be able to figure out key details like numbers, market trends, and what your competition is doing and save yourself loads of time down the line.

It helps to bring in investors and secure funding 

To secure funding for your gym business from investors, you need a comprehensive business plan. This document helps startup businesses obtain the initial capital they need and provides established companies with funds for expansion.

Would-be contributors usually request substantiated data— such as numbers backed up by facts and figures—before deciding whether or not to invest in a project.

If you don't have a business plan, chances are slim that you'll receive money from sources like investors, banks, or other financial organizations outside your company.

Set and reach goals, both big and small 

Having long-term and short-term goals is a great start, but it's time to take the next step. A successful business plan will contain specific tactics on how you plan to achieve your objectives. 

This might be through your business model, acquiring equipment, hiring new talent, or marketing campaigns.

A successful business needs a clear plan to achieve its goals. Breaking down important goals into smaller, more manageable pieces would be best. 

And remember-- as your business changes and grows over time, so should your plan. Keep it updated regularly. 

Business planning is no longer a daunting task

A business plan is a vital tool for new and established businesses. It provides direction and helps to set the foundation for a successful start. 

By budgeting, analyzing your market, and setting out your goals and strategies, you can make more informed decisions about how to proceed. This process also makes it easier to track your progress over time and assess whether or not you are on track.

Something to consider before creating a gym business plan

Consider the cost of starting a gym. There are many potential expenses, such as equipment, personal trainers, class instructors, insurance policies, property fees, etc.

Also, consider how much time you are willing to invest in this venture – especially during the beginning stages when there is likely to be a lot of work involved in getting everything up and running smoothly.

It can be challenging to maintain a good work/life balance when starting any business; it will probably require working additional hours outside of your usual schedule.

Money and time are essential, but there are other things you need to be successful. 

People skills, marketing know-how, and financial smarts are essential if you want to succeed in the gym business world. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it if this is your passion. A solid plan is the first step toward making your dream a reality.

The 11 key elements of a detailed gym business plan

Before you develop your business plan, think about where you are and where you want to see yourself. Keep this vision in mind, as it will help guide you through writing your business plan. There will be countless opportunities wherein consulting your business plan will assist you in making a decision.

To create an effective health club business plan, you will need extensive research on your fitness industry, competitors, and future finances. 

Following these 11 steps, you can build an excellent gym business plan that covers all aspects of your health club.

Step 1: Executive summary

Your executive summary needs to be clear and concise while also grabbing attention. What you want readers to know is:

• Your mission/purpose
• How you'll achieve success (What will make you a success story?)

And finally, your vision for the future. Though it may seem tempting to hurry through this section because it is shorter than other parts of the business plan, don't rush! 

This is your chance to shine and explain what makes your company special. Don't worry if you feel like you have more to say about your goals and vision. You can expand on these topics in your company overview.

Step 2: Company overview

Your company overview is where you get to sell your gym and its potential. Build on your executive summary's vision and mission statement, delving deeper into what makes your gym unique. 

Think of your vision statement as a tagline for your future website. When outlining the purpose of your gym, which audience it will cater to, and how you plan to achieve business goals, also consider including the following: 

Your personal mission statement for the business- i.e., what outcome do you hope to see?

Then, give your readers some information on your background:

• What have you done in the past?
• Have you had any other businesses?
• What is your current status?

This is helpful for investors and partners to know so they can understand where you've been and where you're going. The more they know about you, the more trust they'll have in you.

Step 3: Services and amenities

Outline your strategy in detail: what services you'll offer and how you will develop new offerings. This includes if you need to hire someone or build a facility, such as a spa or a studio. 

This information will help you realize when or where your business requires more funding and extra staff.

By describing your products and services, you can gain valuable insights into your gym's size. Test your vision to determine if you have the necessary funding for these assets. If not, consider how you might acquire the required financing.

Some potential products you could invest in are: 

• Gym equipment like treadmills and rowing machines 
• Specialist equipment to cater to different types of gym-goers, such as bodybuilders 
• Food and drinks like energy drinks or healthy foods 

And services like: 

• Personal training sessions 
• Group classes like yoga, spinning, or body pump 
• Lockers for storing belongings while working out 
• Spa amenities like saunas or massages 
• A swimming pool 
• Physiotherapy

Furthermore, thinking about increasing your market share is a significant next step. You could start by offering pro bono services at local workplaces and schools, eventually introducing a fee.

This way, you can attract larger customers while still providing value.

When creating a business plan - be it for a gym or something else entirely - remember that its purpose is to lay out your objectives easily for potential bankers, partners, employees, and investors.

Step 4: Management team

It is essential to consider the positions you'll need to fill and how these people can help your gym succeed. 

You should write a summary emphasizing their skills and management experience while incorporating what they will be responsible for and any incentives you plan on offering.

Furthermore, creating an employee ladder is vital to establish who or what each new hire will report to so your business can secure its success.

Step 5: Market research and marketing strategy

Marketing is a field where creativity can shine. It's all about identifying different groups of people who would buy your product, coming up with reasons why they should choose you over others, and figuring out ways to get more sales.

Learn more:

Gym marketing strategy

Gym promotion ideas

Gym membership pricing

Best gym features

Even if marketing your fitness business isn't your favorite thing, remember that your marketing strategy will help you lay out a plan for expansion if you do it right. Your first target should be to summarise what you found in your market research. Are you still stuck? 

Consider where you are situated, similar businesses nearby, and who makes up the community around you.

Define your target market here. It could be

• Working professionals
• Senior executives

Or a particular group, like cyclists. After that, try to understand why this specific demographic would join a gym – for example, are they looking for cardio?

After you have completed your market research, take some time to understand your target audience. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How can I make this customer base loyal?
• What makes my company unique?
• What's the best membership package I can offer?
• Is there a need for special equipment or offerings?

In your plan, identify and communicate what makes your business valuable and unique. 

This is called a Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and it will help instill confidence in potential investors that they are making a wise choice by investing in your company. 

Furthermore, detailing marketing strategies in this document provides peace of mind that future income streams are lined up and secure.

There are many marketing strategies you can use to grow your business, including:

• Improving your services
• Advertising and sponsorship
• Loyalty plans and website promotions
• Email marketing campaigns
• Investing in new equipment or technology

Step 6: Competitor analysis - Understanding direct and indirect competitors

To do a competitor analysis, research businesses in your field that offer similar services. These are your direct competitors. 

You can mention indirect competitors, but this section is mainly for an in-depth look at businesses like yours. Depending on your business type, you could have brick-and-mortar and online rivals.

When investigating a competitor, these are some critical areas you'll want to focus on: 

• Services and products they offer 
• Target audience 
• Pricing and business model 
• Strengths and weaknesses

Step 7: Create comprehensive financial projections

Starting a gym requires careful budgeting. Make sure you consider every possible purchase and estimate the cost of each item.

The following are key areas to cover when starting your business:

• Lawyer fees
• Recruiting expenses
• Constructional endeavors
• Exercise equipment for the workplace
• Three months' worth of bills and other operational costs
• An accounting software

It's time to be practical and ascertain how much money you will need to open your gym and make it thrive. This way, you'll get a better understanding of what falls within your budget and what will require additional funding.

Next, you need to prove to investors, stakeholders, and employees that you have a feasible plan for attaining ROI. 

Consider revenue streams such as classes, services provided, and product sales- anything that brings in money. Set down an estimate here based on research and expert opinion.

If you're looking for ways to make money, selling healthy food could be a great option. You could create your protein shakes or energy bars, for example. 

If you plan to sell food, ensure you stay up-to-date with food hygiene standards.

Step 8: Financial forecasting

Your sales forecast for your business's first, second, and third years should be detailed. Specifying the number of active members, you estimate for your first year would also be beneficial. Estimate using:

• Unit sales per month
• Any relevant past data
• How purchases will be broken down (as specified in financial projections)

Step 9: Financial strategy

How can you use your fees in a way that will increase customer registration? For example, if all the other gyms in your area charge higher prices than average, this could be an opportunity to set your business apart by being financially conscious (lowering membership fees or having better offers than competitors).

Consider ways to show your appreciation for loyal customers, such as discounts or complimentary services.

Furthermore, if you're in the process of creating a gym and spa business plan, consider adding discounts for those who use both facilities. For example, many people would love to take advantage of the jacuzzi after working out.

Writing your pricing strategy down will help give you peace of mind about what's to come for your gym.

Step 10: Payment option

An easy and accessible payment system is crucial for any business, let alone a gym. To retain customers , ensure your payment processing is up-to-date and user-friendly. 

Let potential investors know what platform you're using or planning to use, so they can see that you're taking customer experience seriously. A positive buyer experience will encourage loyalty among your clientele.

Step 11: Funding

Make it clear where your business will obtain the extra startup capital it needs. 

This is a chance to be practical about your company. Can you realistically obtain the funding required to reach your targets? Or do you need to readjust your plan?

Below are some vital external resources that might provide the necessary funding:

• Loans from friends or family members
• Crowdfunding campaigns
• Business partners or sponsors

If you are looking to gain investors, be sure to detail where the funding for your project will come from and how much of a return they can expect. You should also include any previous loan applications related to this venture here.

You're almost there!

Now it's time to put all the elements outlined above into a gym business plan. This plan will be a reference point when you need to make tough decisions, help secure investment, and show direction to new employees or partners.

Your next steps to successfully run your gym

Here's a personal checklist to help you ensure that you have everything covered before you open your gym. Use it as a reference point throughout the development process to ensure nothing is overlooked.

• Write a business plan
• Register business
• Apply for a business license and permit
• Open business bank accounts
• Select an online payment platform
• Obtain taxpayer's ID
• Purchase insurance
• Rent/purchase facility
• Purchase/rent equipment
• Secure funding
• Recruit employees
• Drafting contract documents along with any other legal documents required
• Design company logo
• Develop website
• Write website content
• Create social media accounts
• Design leaflets & brochures
• Organize branded uniforms
• Launch party

Any business, no matter how big or small, comes with its fair share of challenges. However, the payoffs in the end always make it worth your while

Starting a gym can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, it is important to ensure that you are well-prepared with all the necessary information before you open your gym. 

A comprehensive Gym Business Plan detailing the market research, financial projections and strategy, services and amenities, management team, and more should be developed to ensure success. 

Additionally, obtaining the necessary licenses, finding and hiring trainers, investing in the right equipment , and appealing to members with friendly incentives are all important steps.

Gym business plan template & examples

In addition, we've gathered a few of the gym business plan templates and examples below. These samples will provide you with suggested language for your own document as well as guidance on what to include.

Adam Fitness Centre

Grow think's template

PAWSitively Fit Club

Ecogym business plan

Capital Health and Fitness Club

Frequently asked questions on good gym business plan

How can i start my own gym business.

Follow these steps and understand gym business plans:

• Choose your area/location
• Develop a comprehensive business plan
• Apply and obtain all necessary licenses
• Find and hire certified trainers
• Invest in the right equipment for your business
• Appeal to members with friendly incentives

How do I write a business plan for a gym?

To write a gym business plan, you can implement the steps below:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Services and amenities
• Management team
• Market research and marketing
• Competitor analysis 
• Financial projections
• Financial forecasting
• Financial strategy
• Payment option

What type of gym is the most profitable?

Out of the gyms surveyed in November 2020, 69 percent of CrossFit gyms were profitable, while half of martial arts gyms reported being in the black.

Is owning a gym a good business?

Owning a gym can be profitable, but you will need more time to make yourself rich. To succeed in this industry, you must put in the effort.

Do gym owners make money?

According to ZipRecruiter, an American jobs marketplace, gym owners in the United States will earn an average of $69,472 annually as of June 2022.

Do gyms make a lot of money?

A gym that is managed efficiently and has a good mixture of members can generate quite a bit of money. For example, if a gym has 1,000 people paying $50 monthly, the gym could bring in $50,000 each month. And if the monthly expenses for the gym are $20,000 per month, the profit would be $30,000 per month.

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Gym Business Plan

Is exercise or fitness your passion? Or do you have a good understanding of gym equipment and workout routines?

If yes, you might have considered having your own gym at some point. After all, who doesn’t want to turn their passion into a profession?

And guess what! Just like you wouldn’t hit the gym without a workout plan, starting your own gym demands a comprehensive gym business plan!

If you’re seeking investors to kickstart a new fitness center or aiming to expand an existing gym business, a modern business plan is an essential tool.

A well-written gym business plan will help you pay attention to every detail, and support your entrepreneurial journey to make the best strategies for a profitable business.

But before diving right into the detailed gym business plan; let’s check out some interesting facts about the fitness industry.

Fitness Industry Outlook

• The growing enthusiasm for fitness and the desire for a healthy lifestyle has led to the demand for gyms. As of now, 39% of Americans have gym memberships.
• The fitness industry has been booming in recent years, and it is expected to have 230 million members by 2030 .
• The Health and fitness market revenue is estimated to grow at a rate of 11.52% annually, reaching a market volume of US$2.32 billion by 2027.
• The fitness industry is expected to increase its revenue by 172% from 2021 to 2028 – reaching $435 billion.
• From 2011 to 2019, the revenue for gyms and health centers in the United States consistently increased each year.
• Recently, the United States led the world in gym industry revenue and is expected to add 15.6 million more members by 2030.

Now that you know the fitness industry outlook, it’s time to explore all the key components you will need to include in your professional gym business plan outline:

Key Components of a Gym Business Plan (w/ Examples)

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry and Customer Analysis
• Competitor Analysis
• Service Offerings
• Marketing Strategy
• Management Team
• Operations Plan
• Financial Plan

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first and foremost section of the business plan. Generally, it is a quick overview of your entire gym business plan.

It should be clear, concise, and engaging as it will create your first impression and draw readers to delve further into your plan.

You can start this section with a brief introduction to your gym business and discuss the following key elements:

• Market Opportunity
• Vision & mission statement
• Target market
• Your products and services
• Marketing strategy
• Management team
• Financial Outlook

After that, end your summary with a clear call to action to invite potential investors or readers to the next meeting.

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2. Company Overview

The company overview section provides a more detailed description of your gym business.

It includes the legal structure, location, ownership, critical success factors, business history, and everything about your business.

First, provide the basic details of your gym including what is the name and what type of gym you are operating.

Mention the names of your gym owners/partners along with the qualifications. You can also include the business history(if any) and milestones you have achieved.

After that, describe your business goals to convey a high level of aspirations and vision that you want to achieve. Here is an example, describing the business goals and objectives:

Setting future business goals for a gym is a crucial step in outlining a clear path to achieve success and growth. The Stayfit Company’s goals and objectives include;

• Increase the client base by 100 customers within the first year of operation.
• Relocating to a large and more appropriate location facility by the first year of operation.
• Expand service offerings to provide a comprehensive fitness experience.
• Establish partnerships and increase brand visibility to become a recognized fitness brand in the community.
• Increase total memberships to 500 within 5 years.

Remember, this section gives an in-depth understanding of your business and business owners. So, make it clear and intriguing.

3. Industry and Customer Analysis

In the industry and customer analysis section of your gym business plan, it’s necessary to offer a comprehensive overview of the fitness industry and target market.

This section gives you a deep understanding of your industry and target customer attributes which will help you in business planning.

Here are some questions that will help you in the analysis:

• What is the current market size of the fitness industry in terms of revenue?
• What are the current trends in the gym business?
• Who are the target audience, and which customer segment do you wish to serve?
• What is the growth forecast for the gym business?

For example, look at this market segment and target market of the gym business with the help of Upmetrics:

As a gym owner, you can target the following customer profiles:

• Blue-collar employees (factories, warehouses, service industry)
• White-collar individuals(corporate or government employees)
• High school & college students
• Military members and their families
• Athletes who often train for fitness competitions

In short, a thorough industry analysis will educate you about the local market and help you prepare marketing strategies according to the market trends.

4. Competitor Analysis

This competitor analysis will help you understand the top competitors and identify the strong points of their service offerings.

As a gym business, you should make a list of the number of gyms or other fitness businesses operating in your locality, their size, and their customer base. Try to specify who are your direct and indirect competitors.

• Direct competitors can be other local gyms
• Indirect competitors can be another type of gym or fitness center, or health club in your area.

Now, let’s focus on your direct competitors and provide an overview of each competitor, including their size and where they’re based. Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses including their service offerings and pricing structures.

Refer below example; showing competitor analysis description:

A better way to conduct this analysis is by noticing things from a customer’s perspective. You might even ask your competitors’ clients what they like or dislike about them to get valuable insights.

This way you can understand what makes your competitors successful and what gaps you can fill. Also, consider the unique selling proposition of your gym business.

Specify your tactics to stay ahead in the competitive landscape and make all the difference in the local gym market.

5. Service Offerings

Next, specify the scope of your service offerings and elucidate how they meet the diverse needs of your clientele.

This section must be informative, precise, and client-focused, as it is a detailed breakdown of what your fitness business offers your customers.

You can include a comprehensive suite of services encompassing types of membership options, available exercise equipment, personal training sessions, group fitness classes, or nutritional counseling.

Here, you can take a reference from the below example written using Upmetrics AI Assistant :

Also, detail any membership fees or pricing plans in this section to add or revise services. Mention if your gym provides any additional services, like physical therapy, massage therapy, recovery modalities, etc.

6. Marketing Strategy

Writing the sales and marketing plan section means jotting down all the customer acquisition strategies and the tactics for how to retain them.

You can consider the following marketing approaches to gaining and keeping customers for your new gym business:

Unique Selling Proposition

Define your gym’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the gym equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Highlight certified gym trainers, specialty programs, and regular community events.

Social media marketing

Use social media platforms to attract more users. Create engaging content and entice your audience with inspirational posts and special offers. Connect with your customers digitally as well as in the gym.

Establish a professional website and brand symbol (gym’s logo) to reach a wider audience. Showcase all your service offerings and build trust among potential customers.

Loyalty plans

Consider loyalty plans to retain existing gym members and encourage long-term commitment. Create membership tiers or referral programs to offer discounts or additional benefits.

Collaborations

Partner with local businesses (health food stores, fitness centers, or clothing brands), and fitness influencers to cross-promote services or offer collaborative discounts. That can expand your gym’s reach and draw a broader audience.

Offline advertising

Traditional offline marketing can still be effective in engaging with your local community. Clearly state your advertising strategies, including open bulletin boards, print marketing, flier distributions, or community events. For instance,

Consider following offline advertising strategies to reach specific demographics:

• Local Print Media: Advertise in local newspapers, magazines, or community newsletters to target residents in your area.
• Flier Distribution: Distribute flyers or brochures in strategic locations such as community centers, local cafes, or residential areas to raise awareness about your gym.
• Community Events: Sponsor or participate in community events, fairs, or health expos. This not only promotes your gym but also allows for direct interaction with potential members.

Pricing strategy

Try to develop detailed strategies, like offering special introductory discounts, free trials, seasonal promotions, or membership packages with additional services to attract and retain members.

7. Management Team

A strong management team is essential to showcase your gym’s ability to thrive in the industry. This management team section emphasizes the key members who can help grow your fitness business.

You can highlight your key managers, fitness experts, personal trainers, or nutritionists. Also, explain each member’s expertise and roles.

Also, discuss the compensation plan in this section, along with their salaries, incentives, and other benefits. For instance,

8. Operations Plan

This operations plan is like a map that shows how you will make your business work.

It provides detailed insights into the day-to-day operations of your gym and highlights key areas such as staffing and operational processes.

Consider adding below essential components to your operational plan:

Try to mention the number of trainers, support staff, and therapists needed. Briefly outline the duties they will perform and detail their qualifications & training required.

Operational Process

Summarize the processes and techniques you will use to run your gym. Your operational process section may include hosting fitness classes, assigning trainers, scheduling the group HIIT classes, billing, training staff, etc.

Equipment & Machinery

You can include the list of gym equipment and machinery required for the gym, such as strength training equipment, pull-up bars, cardio equipment, free weights/dumbbells, and aerobic equipment.

Refer to the below example written using our AI assistant:

9. Financial Plan

Presently, you are in the business planning phase, but devoting some time to putting together the most realistic financial projections is also crucial when you start seeking funding from investors.

It is a detailed blueprint of all the cash flow and revenue streams, initial startup costs for setting up your gym and equipment, profit margins, and operational costs.

So, mention all the below elements in your gym business plan outline:

• Profit and loss statement
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Business ratios
• Exit strategy

This financial forecast has a substantial value in terms of whether you secure funding or not. And evaluate the funding resources, including bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, crowdfunding, or personal savings.

Here’s an example of a projected P&L statement for a gym financial plan with the help of Upmetrics:

Download Free Gym Business Plan PDF

Need help writing your gym business plan from scratch? Well, here you go; download our free gym business plan pdf now and start writing.

This modern, user-friendly business plan template is specifically designed for your gym business.

With a step-by-step guide and example, it helps you write a solid gym business plan without missing any crucial steps.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Start Drafting Your Plan with Upmetrics

With Upmetrics, you will get easy-to-follow steps, 400+ sample business plans, and AI support to streamline your business planning approach.

Our financial forecasting tool will help you develop accurate financial forecasts for 3 or more years if you’re not great with financial formulas.

Whether you’re venturing into a new business or aiming for expansion, Upmetrics provides valuable resources and insights to build successful and professional business plans that perfectly align with your objectives.

So, don’t wait; start planning now !

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CrossFit Gym Business Plan

Personal Trainer Business Plan

Health Coaching Business Plan

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ChatGPT for Writing a Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, where can i find examples of successful gym business plans.

There are various online platforms where you can find sample business plan templates. Consider reputable sources like Upmetrics , which offers a successful gym business plan template for your specific needs.

What should I include in my gym business plan?

You should include the following key elements in your gym business plan:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Industry and market analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Service offerings
• Marketing Plan
• Operations plan
• Financial plan

What are important gym location factors to consider when writing a business plan?

While writing a business plan, consider the following gym location factors:

• Easy accessibility and high visibility area
• Assess the availability of sufficient parking space
• Check and comply with local zoning laws and regulations
• Analyze the local demographics to align with the target market
• Evaluate the proximity of competitors

How often should I update my gym business plan?

It is very necessary to regularly update your gym business plan, especially in dynamic industries like gym & fitness. Consider updating it at least once a year or more often if there are significant changes in your business.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in a gym business plan?

Following are some of the most common mistakes you should consider avoiding when writing a gym business plan.

• Ignoring thorough market research
• Overestimating financial projections
• Neglecting competitors analysis
• Overlooking marketing strategy

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Starting a Fitness Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Starting a fitness business is a heavy lift (pun intended). But it can also be a very rewarding industry to work in. You are helping people accomplish their fitness goals, and in turn, helping them to live healthier lives.

If you're looking to start a business with lucrative potential, this is a great industry to be in—the global health and fitness club market is projected to grow at a rate of 10.6% from 2018 to 2023. Furthermore, according to the 2019 International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHSRA) Global Report, the United States health club industry generated a record $32.3 billion in 2018. Comparatively, the United States health club industry only generated $25.8 billion in revenue in 2015.

If you're a fitness junkie, you already enjoy breaking a sweat. Now it's time to put in a different kind of work. Here's everything you need to do when starting a fitness business.

Starting a fitness business in 6 steps

A good fitness business is centered around providing excellent equipment, professional instruction, and personal training. But starting a fitness business requires a lot more than that. Here are the six steps you'll need to take to start your fitness business.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 1: Decide what kind of fitness business you want to operate

There are many different kinds of fitness businesses out there. You can become a personal trainer, teach classes, or operate your own facility. There are pros and cons to each. Being a personal trainer is a low overhead venture if you're wondering how to start a fitness business with no money, but it requires in-depth knowledge of exercise and nutrition techniques. Operating a facility, on the other hand, requires a lot of overhead, but you can lean on the expertise of others. There are also gym franchising options to consider when thinking about starting a fitness business. Popular franchises include Crunch Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Pure Barre—you might even consider starting a Crossfit box.

If you're in need of inspiration for starting your fitness business, here are some popular options to consider:

Zumba studio

Physical therapy

Spin classes

Powerlifting gym

Yoga studio

Pilates studio

Step 2: Get trained

The next step in starting a fitness business is to get some training. Whether you want to know how to start a fitness training business or manage a gym, you need to have some background in fitness in order for people to actually think you know what you're doing. Good places to get credentialed include the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise, or National Academy of Sports Medicine. Legitimate certifications are accredited by either the NCCA (National Commission of Certifying Agencies) or the DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission).

Of course, training in fitness isn't the only education you'll need. You're also going to need to do a lot of research into learning exactly what it takes to start a business.

Step 3: Write a business plan and select an entity

This step is pretty similar regardless of whether you're starting a fitness business or any other kind of business. When you’re writing a business plan, there’s a lot you'll need to include. You might find it helpful to use a business plan template to make sure you cover all of your bases.

Factors to consider when writing your business plan include:

An analysis of the market

Who your competition is

Marketing and sales plan

Financial plan and projections

The key is to make sure there's a need for your business and that you'll be able to generate enough business to continue operating after you've invested so much to get started.

Another important part of your business plan when starting up a fitness business is selecting your business entity. Given the nature of the fitness business, you should go with a business entity that offers owners some protection from liability. A limited liability partnership or limited liability company might make the most sense for you if you’re looking for some liability protection.

Step 4: Get necessary permits and insurance

There may be certain business licenses and permits required to operate a gym in your state and locality. You should check with your town, city, or county clerk’s office to make sure you're following all the regulations outlined by your various governing agencies for starting a fitness business.

One permit you'll most certainly need is a certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy confirms that all building codes, zoning laws, and government regulations have been met. If you're leasing your gym space, it is typically the landlord's responsibility to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

Operating a gym also comes with some risks that opening another business might not. People are going to be working out, using equipment, walking around things they can trip over, and doing other potentially hazardous activities. You’ll want to make sure you get small business insurance for a host of scenarios so that if anything happens to someone while they’re in your gym, the business is covered.

You also want to be covered in the event that equipment is stolen or damaged. You might even want to encourage any instructors you hire to get personal trainer insurance as well.

Step 5: Get an EIN

There are a lot of reasons you need an employer identification number (EIN). It allows you to file taxes and avoid tax penalties, open a business bank account, speed up loan applications, establish business credit, and a lot more.

You can apply for an employer identification number online through the IRS. If you register with the IRS online, you should receive an EIN within minutes. Note that fitness businesses operating as sole proprietorships don't need an EIN, but it is still a good idea to get one for the aforementioned benefits.

Step 6: Get funding

If you're wondering how to start a fitness business with no money, some ventures aren't cheap, but you do have funding options that may work for you. According to health club consultant Bryan O'Rourke, costs start at $30,000 but can quickly soar to $500,000. What's more, getting a fitness business up and running takes some time—so you'll need to have a little in the bank.

If you’re looking for some startup funding there are a few options available to you, such as an SBA loan , a business line of credit, or a personal loan.

A business line of credit would give you access to money that you could pull from if you needed it in your early days of starting a fitness business. The difference between a line of credit and a loan is that while the money is available to you, you only have to pay interest on the funds you actually draw on.

There's also gym equipment financing , which is another great option if you're wondering how to start a fitness business with no money. The gym equipment purchased with the proceeds of the financing will, in turn, act as collateral for the gym equipment finance loan used to purchase it.

7 tips for starting a fitness business

Now that you know the steps you need to take when starting a fitness business, let's provide you with some tips that will help your business thrive. To provide you with the best advice possible, we talked to entrepreneurs who successfully started their own fitness business. Here's what they had to say:

1. Personalize your fitness business

The health and fitness club market is expected to grow to be a $147.1 billion industry by 2024, with an emphasis on personalized training.

Consider ClassPass, which operates in 18 countries around the world and is valued at $600 million. ClassPass teams up with classes at boutique studios to offer everything from cycling to yoga to dance to martial arts for its members. For a $19-$199 (which varies by subscription plan) monthly fee, members enjoy unlimited classes to studios in the ClassPass network and can attend the same studio up to a certain limit each month.

ClassPass’ success story is one example that customers want specialized, niche workouts offered in fitness boutique studios. If you're wondering how to start a fitness class business that will be attractive to a growing clientele, this is one example to follow. Other such examples include ShadowBox, a fitness boxing studio; GoRow Studios, a gym that specializes in workouts using rowing machines; then there’s modelFIT, a gym in New York and Los Angeles that is "marrying mindful nutrition with mindful exercise" and is a popular hangout for celebrities.

“People are kind of shying away from the lone wolf workout of going to a box or a membership gym because the [boutique fitness] market is more efficient,” says Eric Posner, CEO and co-founder of boutique cycling studio Swerve Fitness in New York City. “You get a better workout in a less amount of time and pay less than you would for a personal trainer by going to a fitness boutique.”

2. Make your fitness studio a place to hang out

In a panel discussion hosted by American Express' U.S. Small Merchants Group, ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia said fitness studios are “like the new restaurant scene"—it’s not just about burning calories and working out; it’s about the experience and lifestyle. It's paramount you know this if you want to know how to start a fitness business.

This concept of hanging out at your workout spot is how Posner, along with his co-founders Chelsea Kocis and John Henry McNierney came up with the idea for Swerve. It was just a few years ago that the three co-founders, who at the time were college athletes-turned-finance professionals, found themselves tired of taking clients through the typical dinner-and-drinks routine. Instead, they took them to cycling classes.

"We found this to be an unbelievable way to build relationships that were meaningful, as opposed to the typical steak dinners and drinks," says Posner.

“We were going to mostly cycling classes and what we saw about these classes was there were unbelievable ways to get an efficient workout in and do it with other people, but [these classes] weren't capturing the camaraderie of going with a group or going with other people. It was very individualistic,” continues Posner. “So, that's how we came up with the concept of a team-inspired indoor cycling workout.”

Making your gym a place people want to hang not only brings customers in the door, but also makes your fitness business a place they'll want to return to again and again.

3. Incorporate data into your services

We live in a data-driven world, so it makes sense that people want data-driven workouts. People want to see how many calories they burned, how their current performance compares to their past averages, and how they compare to other people—basically what they achieve when they leave a workout session.

Take the technologically-savvy Swerve workout room for example, where riders are divided into teams and try to bike their way to the highest score.

“Technology is playing a big role and the way that [Swerve was] able to tap into that is we have a console—you have a console on your bike—and you see your own personal metrics on this console during class,” explains Posner. “And there are big flat screens behind the instructors where you see your team's average score. After class, all your stats—and this shows how many miles you biked, how many calories you burned, where you ranked in class, and all that—can be viewed on your account profile.”

“So, we find that to be a huge motivating tactic for our riders… and that kind of adds another layer of accountability and it's very results-driven.” Want to know how to start a fitness business that will keep clients coming back? Give them the tools and data to accomplish their personal fitness goals.

4. Specialize in a type of workout or demographic

When Alana Kessler opened the doors to her yoga studio in 2009, she quickly realized classes offered to pregnant mothers who have busy, working lives basically didn’t exist. As a result, Kessler made prenatal classes essential to Sangha Yoga Shala's list of classes offered and has since then built a name for herself.

The key to how to start a fitness training business that offers quality, specialized classes is that you can’t skimp on good trainers. Spend time training instructors and finding excellent ones who will give your customers consistent results every time they’re in front of the class. If you want to know how to start a fitness business, the first thing you should figure out is how to acquire awesome trainer talent.

“I encourage my teachers to build,” advises Kessler. “I incentivize them to build with me. Some [studios] might tap out at a low rate to keep their overhead low, but I pay my teachers well.”

5. Get your studio on social media

Vanessa Packer, co-founder of modelFIT, told the audience at American Express' panel discussion that Instagram played an “instrumental part” in helping modelFIT become a lifestyle instead of just a gym. This means reaching out and engaging with your community on social media.

Do you make it easy for customers to post about their experience? Do you respond in a timely manner that builds connections with existing clients? Additionally, have you thought about untraditional marketing strategies to spread the word for your business? For example, ClassPass gave away passes to influential fitness bloggers in the beginning to quickly get their story out there. What social media marketing techniques could your fitness business do?

6. You'll need to wear many hats

According to Tyler Sellers, senior coach at Total Shape, starting a fitness business requires a lot more than just fitness instruction.

"You must be well-prepared for the behind-the-scenes logistics, especially at the start. As a piece of advice, being a small business owner means that you are the accountant, the administrator, the marketer, and the trainer at the same time," Sellers says.

7. Hire excellent staff

When Laurel Roach started TriFIT Wellness, a corporate wellness training facility in Phoenix, AZ, she says she didn't have a background in the fitness business. Therefore, she had to lean on the staff she hired in order to make her business a success.

"I recommend hiring the most qualified trainers because the wellness industry is notoriously under-regulated," says Roach. "Genuinely passionate employees are difficult to replace so make it a priority to hire and retain the trainers that make your customers feel like an all-star."

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

Starting a fitness business is a lot of hard work. But if you succeed, you'll join a booming industry that helps people live their life to the fullest.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

Gym Business Plan Guide – With Templates, Examples & Checklist

Published by caroline @ wellness creative co on 4 october 2022 4 october 2022.

Preparing a gym business plan can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re starting a health club , fitness center, or boutique studio, it can actually be quite easy to create a document that impresses banks and investors . All you need is a simple step-by-step guide… 

In this article – learn how to write an awesome gym business plan (with samples, PDF templates, and downloadable checklist).

• Essential elements of a business plan
• Why they matter
• Examples & templates
• Downloadable checklist

Key Elements of a Gym Business Plan

Planning a new venture can be an overwhelming task but our 7-step process makes it easy.

We’ll guide you through the exact steps to preparing a brilliant business plan to help secure gym funding. Following a proven format can help you access government grants for fitness centers or gym equipment loans.

Here are the sections that every gym business plan should include… 

• Executive summary
• Industry and local market analysis
• Company overview
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Financial information
• Implementation plan

Now let’s look at each of them in more detail…

1. Executive Summary

Get straight to the point – why should they invest in your business? Include your mission, key financials, and unique selling points. Although it goes at the beginning of your plan, you should do this section last.

2. Industry & Local Market Analysis

Demonstrate potential – show that the industry is growing and there’ll be a strong demand for your products or services. Include research statistics , competitor info, and relevant government initiatives.

3. Company Overview

Summarise the company – objectives, location, ownership, legal status, team structure, and operations.

4. Products & Services

The fun part – detail the names, descriptions , and prices of the products or services you plan to sell. This could be memberships, class passes, PT sessions, workshops, smoothies, merchandise, etc.

You might also like… How To Start an Online Fitness Business or Build a Successful Fitness Brand .

5. Sales & Marketing Strategy

How you’ll attract customers – explain your brand positioning and list all of the activities you’ll do to generate pre-opening sales, attract competitor customers, and promote your business once fully open.

6. Financial Information

Spreadsheets are your friend – potential investors aren’t just interested in your figures, but how you arrived at those figures, so show your calculations!

Include breakdowns of profit & loss, cash-flow, breakeven figures, and the capital expenditure needed for start-up. Project 12, 36, and 60 months ahead.

7. Implementation Plan

How you’ll make it happen – provide a step-by-step list of actions you’ll take, including milestone dates.

Why Business Plans Matter

Preparing a comprehensive business plan is hugely important. You’ll use it to secure a bank loan or investor funding so then there’s a lot riding on this one document.

It’s not just about putting ideas to paper – a fitness business plan needs to be well-structured and involves extensive research. But it’s well worth the effort as it sets you up for long-term success in the future.

“Business plans double your chance of success.”

Creating a business plan may seem like an annoying admin chore, but it’s crucial to the success of your business.

In fact, research shows that people who complete business plans are nearly twice as likely to successfully grow their businesses, or obtain capital. This is because they help you transform your fitness business ideas into a reality and ensure you’re profitable from the start.

You might also like… How To Write A Gym Marketing Plan [With Examples & Templates]

Fitness Marketing Ideas Mini-Guide

25 fitness marketing ideas for your gym, studio, or online business. Attract new members, get more PT clients & boost your fitness blog.

Gym Business Plan Examples & Templates

We’ve also collated a few of our favourite gym business plan templates below. These PDF samples will give you ideas for writing your own along with a guide to follow.

• Ibis World produced this thorough 60-page sample, which is a great source of financial projections.
• Launceston City Council created this aquatic center and health club business plan.
• Dragon Fitness Training produced this interesting personal trainer business plan as an academic exercise.
• Catalyst Fitness created this CrossFit business plan with a detailed risk assessment.
• The Yoga Lunch Box  offers a comprehensive yet easy-to-read yoga business template.
• Fitness Texter has a nice little guide that includes helpful questions to ask yourself.

Creating business plan is totally worth the extra time and effort. It’ll be your business blueprint for the next 3-5 years and help to secure bank loans or investor funding.

Putting some thought into how you’ll promote your services and manage cash flow will ensure you’re prepared for life as a business owner.

Downloadable PDF Checklist

We’ve found that the best way to approach a business plan is to work on it in small chunks . Trying to get the whole document done in one go is the quickest route to overwhelm.

Instead, we recommend working on just one section each day. This will enable you to complete the whole thing within a week, without stressing out .

To simplify the process, we created a  checklist  for preparing your business plan. It walks you through 7 simple sections that’ll result in a killer document, without the stress.

You can download it as part of our Fitness Business Template Bundle…  

Fitness Business Templates & More

Our ready-made templates make it quicker, cheaper, and easier to promote and run your fitness business. They can improve the effectiveness of your sales and marketing campaigns. If you aren’t an experienced marketer, then templates also provide a useful guide for you to follow.

Whether you run a gym club, fitness studio, or personal training business, these templates will save you time and effort. They’ll help you to plan and organize your promotional activities so that you generate more revenue . You’ll get 60+ templates covering sales, marketing, lead gen, client training, and business start-up resources.

Caroline @ Wellness Creative Co

Qualified personal trainer (BSc Sports Science) & nutritionist (MSc Human Nutrition) with 15+ years of fitness & wellness marketing experience working with global brands.

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How to Create a Fitness Studio Business Plan

February 8, 2023

Whether you are starting a studio, or already run one, a well-crafted fitness studio business plan is essential for building a profitable fitness business. A solid gym business plan helps you stay on track by identifying key market dynamics, illuminating opportunities for competitive advantage, and giving you key performance metrics to focus on. 

Your fitness studio business plan may drive such critical decisions as where to locate your gym, how large a space to buy or lease, how many staff members you hire, what their pay rates should be, how many fitness classes and what type of classes and training programs you’ll offer, and the most effective ways to promote your fitness business. 

If you own and operate an already established fitness business, revising your business plan – or creating one if you never have – can make a huge difference in boosting your bottom line and helping you to grow, especially if your gym’s growth has plateaued. A business plan is a constantly evolving blueprint that should reflect where your fitness business is in the moment, and let stakeholders know where you’re going and how you plan to get there. 

In this post, we’ll review the elements of a solid small gym fitness plan, give you some gym business plan examples and links to gym business plan templates.

Here are the key elements of any good fitness studio business plan:

Executive summary.

In this section of your gym’s business plan get down on paper your “why.” What is the purpose of your fitness business plan? What elements will you include in your gym’s business plan and why? How will this business plan demonstrate the viability of your fitness studio over time? What are your long term goals and how will you define success? Consider this section your “elevator pitch.” 

Starting a fitness business is no small feat. Doing your homework up front will not only give you confidence to weather the ups and downs of running your own business, but show potential investors that you’re prepared. Imagine being an investor who is reading your business plan, and whom you want to assure that you’ve got a solid vision backed up by well researched facts and figures. Add a few lines about your fitness business’s “why” that inspire and demonstrate your passion and commitment as a small gym or fitness business entrepreneur. 

Company Overview

This is the place to give all the details about who, what, where, when and why your fitness business exists. Include your mission and vision plus a detailed description of the type of services your fitness business offers and to whom. How is your gym or fitness studio structured? Is it independently owned by one or more people? Is it a franchise? Is there more than one location? What is the ownership structure? Are there shares? How are important business decisions made and by whom? 

This is the place to give clear, concise information about the products and services you offer, why you started your fitness business and what differentiates you in your local market. 

Industry Analysis

Taking time to research your market, understand trends and map the competitive landscape can make or break a fitness business, whether you’re in start-up mode, or an established player. 

What is your population size? How far are the people living in your area willing to travel to work out? What is your target demographic in terms of age, gender, income and other lifestyle factors? Pinpoint your major competitors. Get to know their pricing and promotions. Is there an unmet need in your area that your fitness business can tap into? You may want to consider using a SWOT format, outlining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for competing gyms and your fitness studio. 

Also, make sure you’re on top of the latest national and global fitness industry trends like online workouts and gym-goers’ preference for small boutique fitness experiences versus big box gyms. What innovative programs and services are top companies offering? Why? 

Marketing Strategy

Many small fitness business plans rely solely on word of mouth to promote their gym. While getting great recommendations through your community is an essential step in building a thriving fitness community, long-term, your fitness studio needs to have a solid, multi-channel marketing strategy to maximize your brand’s exposure to potential new customers. 

In today’s competitive fitness industry landscape, it’s essential to understand how to efficiently use digital marketing platforms like social media, local search and email. To effectively run promotional programs, having a fitness business software platform that tracks your customer’s engagement and includes email, web and social media integrations is essential. 

List all the key members of your fitness studio’s leadership team and include professional, biographical information that highlights their skills and experience. Your gym’s leadership team could include owners, board members, investors, lead instructors, sales and customer service representative and any business advisors you may have brought on board. 

Describe how each person on the team will guide your fitness business to success. Consider including compensation structures and information about performance bonuses. Plan ahead for an eventual sale of your fitness business and formalize how owners and/or investors will be paid. 

This is the section where many new business owners are overly optimistic. Base your financial projections on fact and always over-estimate expenses and under-estimate revenues. This includes being realistic about membership sales, seasonal fluctuations, attendance and staff turn-over. Calculate your gym’s monthly expenses and then figure out what your revenue per class or training session needs to be to cover your expenses plus owners’ compensation. From here you can determine how many class passes and/or monthly membership’s your fitness business will need to be profitable. 

There can be a high turn-over rate in the gym business, so you’ll need a steady stream of potential new students coming through your doors each month, and know at what rate they will convert into long-term customers. Know your fitness niche’s average new student conversion rate. 

Build out at least five years of financial profit and loss estimates. Be sure to take into account any rent increases in your lease, taxes, increases in instructor pay and get granular with your expenses, from phone and internet to Facebook ads to the toilet paper in the bathroom, and don’t forget all those new cleaning products you’ll need to operate safely and courteously in a post-pandemic world. 

Gym Business Plan Templates

BusinessPlanTemplate.com This site offers a free outline of all the core content you’ll need to include in a fitness studio business plan. You can purchase a step-by-step business plan builder, including access to customer service and expert advise for $97. Business Plan Template.com is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and has strong, positive ratings from satisfied customers. 

Bplans If you need a bit of inspiration check out or Bplans DIY gym sample plans for fitness centers, corporate fitness, gyms, health clubs, as well as martial arts studios, gymnastics schools, and a number of other athletics businesses.

For those who want a higher level of support in creating a full fleged, modern business plan, Bplans offers a paid option called LivePlan . It contains the same templates and information you can access for free on the company’s website, plus additional guidance to help you develop a complete plan. Pricing starts at $12/mo. for a year subscription or $18/mo for a 6 mo. plan.

Institute of Personal Trainers This well-respected trade organization offers personal trainers a free business plan that includes step-by-step instructions. You can download the guide using the link on the association’s website. The institute understand that during the process of writing a business plan you will be presented with questions, ideas or challenges that you might not have thought of before. According to the organization, this alone makes it worth doing.

Remember, it’s better to start the process of creating a gym business plan, even if you feel intimidated, than to procrastinate until you feel you’ll get it perfectly right. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained simply by going through the process. Writing out your fitness studio business plan may open your eyes to blind spots in your business strategy or long-term performance goals and shift your business into a whole new realm of growth opportunity in the coming year. 

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Gym Business Plan Template

Gym business plan.

If you want to start a new gym business or expand your existing business, you need a detailed gym business plan.

Since 1999, we have helped over 10,000 fitness business owners create business plans to start and grow their gyms, health clubs, martial arts studios, fitness studios, and other athletics businesses.

Write a Business Plan for Your Gym Business

A good business plan includes financial projections, detailed strategies and action plans. We recommend that you start with a simple gym business plan template.

Below are links to each section of a winning gym business plan:

• Executive Summary – The Executive Summary is the most important section of your business plan. It should be clear, concise and provide an overview of your gym business plan.
• Company Overview – The Company Overview section should include your company name, business model, location, history, and a brief description of your products or services. You can also include your company’s mission statement and/or a list of your key objectives.
• Industry Analysis – The Industry Analysis should include information on the size of the fitness industry, trends, competition and growth potential.
• Customer Analysis – The Customer Analysis should include a description of your target market, customer needs and how you plan to attract and retain your target audience.
• Competitive Analysis – The Competitive Analysis should include a description of your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses and your competitive advantage for how you plan to compete with them.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan should include your sales and marketing strategy, pricing strategy, and the promotion plan for your gym.
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan should include a description of your gym facilities, necessary gym equipment, fitness instructors, personal trainers and staff members, policies and day-to-day procedures. It may also include your gym or fitness business milestones.
• Management Team – The Management Team section should include biographies of the gym owner, your executive team members, and key employees.
• Financial Plan – The Financial Plan should include your gym’s financial statements, funding requirements, and investment analysis.
• Appendix – The Appendix should include any supporting documents such as your gym’s lease, contracts, permits and licenses.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Gym Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my gym business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Gym Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your fitness business plan .

Where Can I Download a Gym Business Plan PDF?

You can download our gym business plan PDF template  here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

What Is a Gym Business Plan?

A gym business plan provides a snapshot of your gym business or fitness center as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your long-term goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes solid market research for your local target market to support your plans.  

Once you have a handle on your market and the basics of running a small business, include more detailed information in your formal gym business plan. This better prepares you for financial negotiations with banks and other business opportunities to help your fitness business grow.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for a Gym or Fitness Studio?

Fitness is big business, as baby boomers lead the charge to remain healthy for a lifetime. Gyms and fitness centers have come a long way, and new gym owners have a seemingly endless array of choices. Yet many new gym businesses fail because their owners try to be all things to all people. A written business plan is crucial to growing and developing your gym in a controlled, sustainable manner. In addition, gyms are expensive to build and outfit. Potential investors and loan officers look to the business plan to decide whether to invest in your gym.

What Are the Sources of Funding for Gyms?

To secure funding for a gym, the main sources of funding are small business loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a solid gym business plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second best way to secure funding for a gym is through angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a gym. They might consider funding a chain of gyms, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual gym or fitness center could never achieve such results.

How Much Will It Cost to Start a Gym?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the start-up costs for starting a gym will vary depending on the size and scope of your business. That said, you can expect to spend anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000 or more when starting a gym.

How Do I Write a Business Plan For A New Gym?

A business plan for a new gym will include your purpose for entering the fitness industry, key market data, direct and indirect competitors, and a more detailed description of your marketing plan, management team, target customers , and more. Outside of the 10 key elements noted in the gym business plan outlined above, you may also include the following information:

• Mission Statement: Define your philosophy on fitness and why you are opening this specific gym.
• Facility: Describe your gym’s layout and which gym and strength training equipment you will be using.
• Services: Describe the fitness services you offer, such as personal training, available exercise equipment, hosting fitness classes, and child care.
• Gym Membership Fees: Explain your pricing structure for gym memberships including membership options and other additional services.
• Financing: Detail how you will finance your startup costs and day-to-day operations.
• Growth Plan: Outline your plans for growing the business, including expansion into new markets and acquisitions.
• Risks and Threats: Describe the risks facing your gym and how you plan to address them.
• Exit Strategy: Explain how you will sell or close the business, including a timeline for doing so.

As you can see, a business plan for a gym is comprehensive and detailed. It should be updated regularly to reflect your changing business goals and strategies. Having a well-written business plan is essential to any successful gym or fitness center.

What Marketing Strategies Are Effective For A Gym Business?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the marketing strategies that are effective for a gym will vary depending on the type of gym you own. However, some general marketing tips include:

• Creating a strong branding strategy, including a recognizable logo and tagline.
• Developing marketing materials such as print ads, website design, social media profiles, and more.
• Creating a referral program to incentivize loyal customers to refer their friends.
• Developing partnerships with other established businesses in your community.
• Running promotional events such as free trial days or discounts for monthly memberships.

As you can see, many marketing strategies can be effective for your gym. Your marketing strategy should support your overall business strategy, which is defined by your vision and mission statements and unique selling proposition.

GYM BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

• Gym Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan
• 10. Appendix
• Gym Business Plan Summary

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Create a Flawless Gym Business Plan

Your gym business plan is your roadmap to success. It guides you on your journey, helps you to make better decisions, and attracts potential angel investors to your business. Creating a business plan is a process. It’s easy to think of your business plan as one single document that you build and then you’re done. But, your business plan evolves and changes with you; it’s not a static checklist. 

Whether you’re starting a new small business or expanding an existing one, a business plan sets the foundation for success.

A great gym involves more than fitness equipment. Setting up a gym is a big task which is why you want to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. All stages of your business plan are equally important and essential for the final steps. In this article, we try to understand the core elements of a gym business plan and how you can craft a business plan for your fitness business. 

• What is a gym business plan? 
• Why do you need a fitness center business plan?
• 8 steps to create a great gym business plan 

What is a Gym Business Plan? 

Before we dive into how to create your business plan, let’s start at the beginning. So, what is a gym business plan? Well, it’s a document that tells the reader who you are as a business and a realistic idea of where the business is heading. At a basic level, your business plan answers the following questions: 

• How does your business work?
• How are you going to succeed?
• What steps do you need to take to succeed?

Research shows that entrepreneurs who write formal business plans are more likely to succeed . Business owners seeking external financial support are also more likely to commit their thoughts to a formal business plan. With a new business, it’s beneficial to pull your ideas into focus and put pen to paper. 

The 6 Crucial Steps to Opening a Gym or Studio

Why do you need a fitness center business plan .

The main aim of your gym business plan is to create a blueprint for your business. For instance, if a potential investor were to read your business plan, they would understand how your gym will progress and succeed in the future. Your business plan also helps you to identify fresh opportunities and see gaps in your current business model or setup. Depending on where your business is, a business plan can be dual-purpose. Here’s why you need a business plan from day one. 

1. Test Your Business Idea 

Starting a fitness business is by no means easy. So, you have an idea, and you think it could be a winner. But you can’t always go out and test that idea. A business plan allows you to feasibly test that idea without actually starting the business. Working through your idea and creating a business plan allows you to break down numbers, analyze the market and competitors, and save you a lot of time in the long run. In the early stages, it’s a good idea to work through your idea and create a business plan. The more knowledge you have about your business, industry, and potential customers, the better you can see if your business idea could be a success. 

2. Attracts Investors and Secure Funding 

If you want to attract investors, you need a business plan. Most businesses need to secure funding and seek outside financial support. A thorough business plan helps you to obtain startup capital and funding for your new gym business. Even established businesses often need extra funding for expansion and business growth. Potential investors and finance companies will need concrete numbers with facts and figures to move forward with your business. Without a business plan, there is little to no chance of getting funding from investors, banks, or other external financial institutions. 

Read More: How to Get Financing For Your Gym

3. achieve short-term and long-term goals .

It’s great to have both short-term and long-term goals in mind, but it’s important to go a step further. A good business plan will contain detailed strategies on how you intend to achieve these goals. It could involve your business model, equipment plans, hiring strategies, and marketing efforts. Think about everything that you need to do to achieve your goals. Most businesses tend to have overarching business goals that are supported by smaller goals. It’s crucial that your business plan maps out your strategies for achieving your goals. Because goals and strategies can shift, as your business evolves, you can update your business plan as necessary. 

4. Make business planning manageable 

A business plan is important for both new and established businesses. Firstly, a business plan gives you a higher chance of success. Budgeting, market analysis, and planning will set the foundation for a smoother beginning. When you have set out your goals and strategies to help you achieve them, you can implement what you need to progress. This whole process helps to make business planning more manageable and effective. A great business plan helps you to manage your business, monitor, and assess your progress over time. 

Chris Cooper, a gym owner, author, and the founder of the Two Brain Business offers expert insight into the proven formula for a successful fitness business . In an episode on The Fitness Founders Podcast, he talks about how gyms were forced to rethink their business models during the COVID-19 crisis and where fitness operators should spend their time and money to be successful. 

Read More: How ABC Glofox Can Boost Your Business

8 steps to create a great gym business plan .

Developing a business plan is an organized process where you go through specific steps to achieve a final result. To start, think about where you are now and where you want to be. This will help you get into the right mindset when writing your business plan. There will be many times when you will refer to your business plan to help you make a decision. So, the more information you have, the better. You will need to dig deep into your business idea, future finances, competitors, and fitness industry to help you collate the information together. By following these eight steps, you can begin to cover all the different aspects of your health club and start building a great gym business plan template. 

1. Executive Summary 

The executive summary is always at the top of the business plan. It should be an attention-grabbing business pitch that’s short and concise, yet interesting. You will continue to flesh out the points from your executive summary throughout the document. But this first section should be very clear and engaging. Although the executive summary is the first document in the business plan, it can be easier to write it at the end. Keep in mind what it should include so that you answer your own questions as you write your business plan. The executive summary should explain: 

• Who – who you are and what you offer. 
• Why – what you hope to accomplish. 
• How –  how you are going to get there, 

2. Company Overview 

The company overview is a more detailed description of your business. You go beyond talking about who you are and delve into the type of clientele you plan on serving, how your business stands out from the competition, and the goals of your business. Because gym business models can differ, now is a good time to explain how you will run your business in more detail. Your executive summary states your mission statement and explains your thoughts at a high level. As you go through your business plan, you have the opportunity to expand and build on your thinking to showcase your business. Your company overview can include: 

• Expand on the purpose of your business. 
• Business model and structure.
• Products and services you offer. 
• Target market research.  
• Founding story. 
• Legal structure. 

3. Industry Analysis 

The industry or market analysis is where you investigate the local market. Think about your niche, current trends in the market, and how your business aligns with market demand. You’re looking to evaluate the fit of your business in today’s market. Try to include some facts and statistics about your industry and the future of the market. For example, a gym looking to obtain funding for expansion into online fitness would include trends and statistics on the rapid acceleration of digital fitness and where the market is headed in the future. 

4. Customer Analysis 

Within the gym industry, there are various niches and audience segments. Even within one business, you can have multiple target audience personas. The customer base you choose to target will have a big impact on your business, the types of services you offer, and how you market yourself. Start by breaking your target customers down by the following: 

• Demographics – age, gender, income level, occupation, location, and education, etc.   
• Psychographics – needs, interests, opinions, beliefs, and values, etc.  

5. Competitor Analysis 

A competitor analysis investigates businesses that are direct competitors to you. These are the gyms that offer a similar service in your niche. Although you can mention indirect competitors, this section is mainly for a detailed analysis of your direct competitors. Depending on your business type, you could have both in-person competitors as well as digital-only competitors. Although it may be impossible to find out everything about a competitor, you can usually get a clear idea from your research. Break down each of your competitors into the following: 

• Services and products they offer 
• Target audience 
• Pricing and business model 
• Strengths and weaknesses 

6. Marketing Strategy 

The marketing section of your business plan is the place to explain everything you plan to do to get your services in front of your target audience. Include your strategy, projected startup costs, and consider who will be handling the marketing efforts of the business. Your marketing strategy can include: 

• Social media marketing 
• Advertising 
• Email marketing 
• Referral program 
• Sponsorships
• Partnerships 

7. Management Team 

Ideally, you and your team members have fitness experience within your niche. This section is a great place to highlight the skills, experience, and expertise of your management team. By doing this, it helps to show how specific team members will help you to achieve success. Lay out key members of your team. This doesn’t need to be limited to your fitness experts, but other experts who will guide your business like marketing and sales managers, customer service, and maintenance personnel. How you structure your business and the type of compensation and benefits you offer will help you to attract and retain high-quality talent over time. 

8. Financial Plan 

Depending on where you are with your business, your financial plan can include current financials for the most recent year and future projections. Your projected revenue should be based on facts and solid research with supporting numbers. The financial plan can include a five-year projection with detailed breakdowns of monthly and annual earnings. Think about your income, cash flow, costs, and outgoings. Your finances are the backbone of your business, so it’s important to be as thorough as possible. 

In Summary 

Starting a business is hard and comes with its own set of challenges. A good business plan gives you a point of reference to help you navigate your business. Whether you’re looking to expand your gym or start from scratch, a business plan covers all aspects of your gym so that you have every opportunity to succeed. While you may face some unforeseen issues, a business plan helps you to identify potential problems as much as possible. Your business plan isn’t a static document set in stone, instead, it can serve as a guide to growth and your future success through changing times. 

If you’re looking for a fitness business platform that can help you create a fitness franchise that will stand the test of time, ABC Glofox is the platform for you. Along with reducing your admin time by 20%, the ABC Glofox platform, on average doubles user revenue in just 18 months.

If you’re ready to take the next step in growing your fitness business, book a call with a member of our team today.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to start a fitness business: a step-by-step guide

• Kiera Carter
• Sep 26, 2023

There are a few fundamentals of starting a fitness business, no matter your niche. You need to market your brand to potential clients, manage a schedule of classes and maybe even shoot workout videos to promote your services or train clients virtually.

It’s a lot at first, but just so you know, Wix Fit streamlines operational tasks, like managing calendars and onboarding new clients, and modernizes your business with quality live streams and online challenges.

But let's back up a bit, because a successful fitness business can take a lot of forms. A fitness business is any company that offers a fitness service, either in person or online—or both. Popular fitness businesses include yoga or Pilates studios, CrossFit boxes and kickboxing gyms. Whether you’re a personal trainer or the owner of a studio or gym, you have the power to make your fitness business truly your own.

11 steps to start a successful fitness business:

Discover your niche

Create a business plan

Fund your fitness business

Find your space

Create a website

Offer online classes and sessions

Make bookings a breeze

Implement a clear payment process

Choose your app

Engage clients on social media

Analyze your performance

01. Discover your niche

Before you dive into the business essentials, you’ll need to establish your specialty and fine tune your brand. Do you want to start a gym business ? Are you interested in learning how to make money as a personal trainer ? How to become a yoga instructor ? How to become a Pilates instructor ? You’ll need to obtain the right personal training certifications to establish your authority.

Once you’ve pinpointed your niche, research it like it’s your job (because it is). Understand your target audience, the specific clients you’re trying to reach and your competition when it comes to starting a service business .

Important FYI on that last part: Your competition is both local and virtual, so don’t limit your competitive research to gyms in your neighborhood. You’ll need to develop your personal fitness brand from all angles to stand out in a dense wellness space. Look at relevant YouTube channels, Instagram accounts and TikToks, too.

You can also explore online fitness management courses at Wix Learn.

02. Create a business plan

Next, it’s time to plan. Do you have a name for your business? If you need help, check out the Wix Business Name Generator , which offers ideas based on a few questions about your business.

Be inspired: Fitness business name ideas , Gym business name ideas

Once you have a name, it's time to create a logo that represents your brand and goals. You can look at fitness logo ideas beforehand to understand the kind of look and feel you should be aiming for, or learn how to make a fitness logo .

Then, to start a business you’ll need first a business plan. A business plan is a professional document that outlines the purpose, goals, strategy and financials of your venture (things like gym equipment, rent, insurance and staff wages). It usually includes a summary of your business, industry and customer analysis, an operational plan and financial projections. You can tailor yours to fit your needs. You can read more about creating a business plan here.

Lastly, you’ll need to choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC , corporation , etc.) and register your business . The business structure you choose depends on many factors such as the amount of personal liability you're comfortable with and how many people you plan to hire. (Read more about the many business structures .)

03. Fund your fitness business

The cost of starting a gym varies a ton, especially whether it's a digital gym or a physical one. The latter can cost anywhere from $25,000 for a small studio with minimal equipment to over a million dollars for something more involved. Read more in how much does it cost to open a gym?

So, how are you going to pay for your gym? Your options are essentially:

Fund it yourself

Partner with an investor

Secure a business loan

The more you invest in your gym personally, the more say you'll have in running it. If you've maxed out your savings, consider a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration , which works with lenders to support small medium businesses .

04. Find your space

Even if your business is virtual, you'll need to think about where you'll shoot your workout videos and run your online sessions. It helps to have a cohesive look to your set, so find a well-lit room in your house and stick to the same location for each video in your series. If you plan on training clients outside, check out our guide to green exercise .

Of course, renting a space for a full-on fitness facility requires more effort and money. The good news is, plenty of landlords are willing to negotiate rent right now. (Tip: Hire a lawyer to do the negotiating for you.)

05. Create a website

You’ll need to build a fitness website to display your services and allow for online bookings. When making a website think of it as the center of all the action—the place where people come to learn more about you and your services, sign up for a membership, book a session with you, watch your training videos and purchase your apparel.

Wix Fit offers different fitness website templates with built-in booking capabilities. Other marketing features—live chat, email campaigns, social posts and SEO—can drive traffic to your site and help your business grow. You’ll also need to choose a hosting plan and a domain name .

Here are a few elements worth adding to your fitness site:

Photos: Add a photo gallery of your sessions with clients, your gym or studio and events. Photos are an integral part of your fitness business website design , so make them count.

Videos: Learn how to shoot a workout video like a pro and display workout demos or offer full training videos. (Try the Wix Video Maker .)

eComm: Sell fitness equipment, healthy foods and apparel in an online store .

Testimonials: Feature recommendations and personal stories from your clients.

Your contact information: Include your name, phone number, email address and social channels so that clients can reach you. FYI: A custom email address looks more professional than your personal one.

A blog: Start a blog to share the latest fitness industry trends , workout tips or personal stories. Get started with a blog maker.

An SEO strategy: Implement strategies that help your site rank higher in search results. These SEO tools will give your site a boost.

Alternatively you can use an appointment scheduling app in order to secure bookings.

06. Offer online classes and sessions

Integrate Zoom directly with your site, so you and your staff can easily host classes. Even if your training is better done in pairs, like martial arts, you can still demo drills and exercises online to supplement your in-person training sessions. This is called hybrid fitness.

There are a few ways to up your Zoom exercise game :

Bring extra energy. You need to smile more on camera to make up for the physical distance.

Tell clients to sign in early to account for any technical issues.

Save time for questions. People enjoy chatting before and after class.

07. Make bookings a breeze

Use online scheduling to list your services, plus relevant info (the instructor's name, duration of class, price, location and so on). With Wix Fit, clients will be able to add the session to their calendar, then receive automatic email reminders, all without any additional work on your part.

How to use Wix Fit's online scheduling solution:

Choose your offerings: Offer group or individual sessions, classes or courses, package deals, sets of sessions or full membership plans.

Sync calendars: Sync with Google Calendars to track sessions.

Receive real-time notifications: Once a client books a session, you and your staff immediately receive an email update.

Waitlist when necessary: If a class is booked, clients can sign up for your waitlist and receive an automatic notification if a spot opens.

Provide a member login: Invite clients to become members, so that they can automatically sign in to your website or access your services on mobile.

08. Implement a clear payment process

Your payment process should be transparent and direct. Clearly list the plans on your site and explain the specific benefit of each membership and package. As a general rule, offer no more than three plans, so you don't overwhelm your clients with too many options. (Read more in 8 ways to price gym memberships like a pro .)

Note: With the Wix Bookings app, you can accept both full and partial payments, both online and in person, and clients can save their credit card information to pay for future sessions.

09. Choose your app

Mobile matters: More than half of people say they wouldn't recommend a site with a lousy mobile interface. Invite members to book your services and pay directly from their phone via the Fit by Wix app or the Branded App by Wix . They function the same way, but the latter app allows for your own branding.

As the business owner, you'll use the Wix Owner app. It's a free extension of your website, meaning you can do everything you can do on desktop, just on mobile.

10. Engage clients on social media

Some fitness businesses operate almost exclusively on social media. Even if your primary business is a physical gym, remember that potential members will often check out your Instagram page to see what you're about. Treat it the same way you would your website and invest in visuals that represent your brand and use it to develop your networking skills. You can use the same photos and videos on your website and on Instagram, and be sure to respond to clients who interact with you.

11. Analyze your performance

You put in the work, now see if it paid off. Use analytics to measure your progress and gain a deeper understanding of your fitness business. View detailed information about new and returning clients (such as average class attendance, total sessions booked and no-shows).

This kind of info paints a clear picture of what’s working for your business—and what's not. Integrate customized reports using Wix Analytics to make adjustments (like offering more of one class). You’ve got to know what your clients like to give them what they like.

Can starting a fitness business be profitable?

Yes, a fitness business can be profitable, but like any business, success depends on various factors such as your business model, location, marketing strategies, competition and the quality of your services. The fitness industry is diverse, offering a range of opportunities for profitability. The following fitness businesses can be profitable if successful.

Operating a gym or fitness center can be profitable if you can attract a consistent membership base. Providing a variety of classes, modern equipment, and a welcoming environment can help differentiate your gym and attract customers, while maintaining reasonable operating expenses .

Offering personal training services, whether in a gym or as an independent trainer, can be highly profitable. Clients often pay a premium for personalized attention and expertise.

With the rise of digital platforms, creating and selling online fitness programs, workout videos, meal plans, and coaching services can be a lucrative venture with lower overhead costs.

Running specialized fitness studios (e.g., yoga, spin, CrossFit, Pilates) can attract a loyal customer base willing to pay for specific training styles and experiences.

Combining fitness with nutrition and wellness coaching can provide a comprehensive approach to health and attract clients looking for holistic solutions.

Selling fitness apparel, equipment, supplements, and accessories can be profitable with the right branding and marketing strategies.

However, the fitness industry is also competitive, and success is not guaranteed. To increase your chances of profitability:

Understand your target audience and local market to identify needs and opportunities.

Offer something unique that sets your business apart from competitors, whether it's specialized classes, innovative equipment, or exceptional customer service.

Deliver high-quality services that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Develop a strong marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. Utilize social media, local advertising, and partnerships.

Create a positive and engaging environment that keeps customers motivated and coming back.

Provide consistent and reliable services to build trust and loyalty.

Ensure you have a solid business plan that includes budgeting, revenue projections, and expense reports and management.

Remember that profitability might not happen immediately; it could take time to establish your brand, build a customer base and refine your business model. Conduct thorough research, plan carefully and be prepared to adapt and innovate as you navigate the fitness industry's challenges and opportunities.

Other business ideas to consider starting:

How to start an eCommerce business

How to start a dropshipping business

How to start a farming business

How to start a food prep business

How to start a flower business

How to start a plumbing business

How to start a baking business

Looking to start a business in a specific state?

How to start a business in Arizona

How to start a business in Virginia

How to start a business in Washington

How to start a business in Wisconsin

How to start a business in Michigan

How to start a fitness business FAQ

How to start a fitness business with no money.

There are a number of ways to start a fitness business with no money. One way is to start a mobile fitness business. This means that you can provide fitness services to clients in their homes or at other locations, such as parks or community centers. This type of business requires very little overhead, so you can start it with very little money.

Another way to start a fitness business with no money is to start a virtual fitness business. This means that you can provide fitness services to clients online through video conferencing or other platforms. This type of business also requires very little overhead, and it allows you to reach a global audience.

How hard is it to start a fitness business?

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The ultimate guide on how to start a fitness business

Starting a fitness business is not a simple walk in the park. The demand for fitness has never been higher, with 70% of adults in the UK wanting to get healthier in 2021. If you’re looking to get into the fitness industry, the journey can be pretty confusing if you’re at the beginning. So to help you, we’ve created this guide on how to start a fitness business.

The fitness industry has lucrative potential —the global health and fitness club market is projected to grow at a rate of 10.6% from 2018 to 2023. At the height of the pandemic, a single UK-based fitness app garnered over one million downloads —signalling the societal change towards health and wellness.

If you’re a fitness junkie, you already enjoy breaking a sweat. Now the real work begins. In this article, we’re going to show you everything you need to know about how to start a fitness business .

What is a fitness business, and why start one yourself?

A fitness business is a facility or service for paying customers. A fitness facility can be more easily understood when split into two categories: traditional big-box gyms like Gold’s Gym or group-fitness-focused studios like Pure Barre. Whereas, a fitness service covers a wide array of services related to the fitness industry. For the purpose of this article, we will look at the fitness industry as a whole.

Although lockdown ignited an improved commitment to health and fitness, it was also responsible for a seismic shift away from traditional gym environments. The health and wellness industry is overflowing with opportunities for creative entrepreneurs with a fitness background to help others achieve their personal goals. Innovative, fitness-orientated individuals are discovering engaging and exciting ways to further their business and achieve a balance of body and mind.

Ideas for a successful fitness business in a post-pandemic climate

When public places were restricted in 2020, 80% of consumers tried live stream workouts , up from only 7% in 2019. Virtual fitness classes suddenly became mainstream, and the global population slowly embraced the stay-at-home approach. 

A recent survey of millennials and Gen Zers confirmed that they now prefer at-home to gym-based workouts ( 81% and 50%, respectively). These results indicate that personal trainers have an excellent opportunity to reach fitness-minded clients in these generations (born between 1981-2015; that’s ages 6-40) at home, where they most prefer to work out.

Besides the peace of mind to maintain safe social distancing, outdoor exercise stimulates the senses. At the start of 2021, outdoor exercise was expected to be the year’s top fitness trend, with 51.9% of active adults opting for open-air activities instead of only 14.6% one year earlier. Deciding to start an outdoor fitness group is great as the operational costs are significantly reduced (you don't have to pay for space in a park).

People are spending more time inside these days, and that means more screen time. It’s never been a better time to profit from the power of the internet. A fitness enthusiast who is also great with a pen (or keyboard) can find that maintaining a blog that focuses on health and wellness can be a very fulfilling and profitable business. Why not even start your own podcast ?

If you are passionate about fashion, the fitness apparel industry is experiencing explosive growth and is expected to reach a market value of $248.1 billion by 2026 . Sub-categories including yoga-inspired clothing, sustainability, size inclusivity, customisation and wearable technology are all trending and will account for significant sales in a category already dominating global sales. Starting a fitness apparel online shop could be worth considering. 

Similarly, if you come from a sales background or are a marketer at heart, nutritional supplements are a great small business to consider. The fitness supplement market experienced sustained, double-digit growth in 2020, as COVID-19 incentivised better health and nutrition. For instance, the US market is valued at $140 billion and is anticipated to grow 8% through 2028.

These are just a few fitness business ideas you can consider getting into.

11 steps on how to start a fitness business

A successful fitness business is focused on delivering valuable services, professional instruction, and engaging personal training. However, starting a fitness business requires a lot more than that. Here are 12 steps on how to start a fitness business journey:

#1: Understand your competition

Do some research to understand what the competitors in your field are offering . It might pay to do some local surveys to gauge the trending fitness offerings where you live or wider internet-based surveys to gauge what your targeted client is interested in. Identify what kind of regimes or products are popular and what gaps are there in the fitness industry. 

Understand how they do business, what sets them apart and what internal tools they implement to make their business run smoothly.

#2: Decide on your niche

Before you immerse yourself in starting a fitness business, you’ll need to establish your speciality and fine-tune your brand . What’s your fitness aspiration? Are you interested in becoming a personal trainer ? Maybe a fitness influencer ? Have ambitions to run a boutique fitness studio ? Whichever direction you choose , you’ll need to obtain the proper certifications and knowledge to validate your authority . 

Once you’ve pinpointed your niche, research it as if your life depended on it (it might). Acknowledge your target demographic , and don’t forget your competition. Your competition is both local and virtual, so don’t limit your competitive research to your physical location. You’ll need to develop your fitness brand from all angles to stand out in a saturated wellness space.

#3: Educate yourself

If your competitors have a high level of training or knowledge, you will need to match them to stay competitive. If your competitors suffer from a lack of training or knowledge, you can set yourself apart with additional up-skilling. Whilst conducting  market research identify the missing pieces in the fitness industry and the latest trends that no one is talking about? These could be the newest supplements , latest exercises  or eco-friendly appeal brands. 

Whether you want to know how to start a fitness business or manage a gym, you really should have some background in fitness before beginning this journey. You’re also going to need to do a lot of research into learning what it takes to start a fitness business, from marketing to social media promotions.

#4: Write a good business plan

This step is crucial for anyone beginning any kind of business. It might be helpful to use a business plan template to make sure everything is covered from A to Z. Some important business plan considerations already appear in these steps, and they include:

• Market and competition analysis 
• Marketing and sales plan 
• Financial plan and sales projections 

The overarching concept of a good business plan is to make sure that you’ll be able to generate enough business to continue operating after your initial investment. 

Look into what kind of business entity you will select for your new venture. Given the nature of the fitness business, go with an entity that offers owners some liability protection. A limited liability partnership or limited liability company might make the most sense for you if you’re looking for some liability protection .

#5: Fund your future business

The cost of starting a fitness business varies primarily dependent on whether you’ll operate in the physical or digital sphere . If you’re thinking of starting a gym business , the costs can begin at $25,000 for a small studio with essential equipment to over a million dollars for something more complete. If you’re thinking of starting a fitness blog with the aim of becoming a health and wellness influencer , those costs are significantly reduced. 

So what are your options for financing your fitness business?

• Bankroll it on your own
• Partner with an investor 
• Secure a business loan 

Remember, the more you invest in your business, the more say you’ll have in running it.

#6: Find your space

Even if you envisage your fitness business as primarily virtual , you’ll need to consider where you’ll shoot your workout videos,  run your online sessions,  write your blog  or create your online store .

From a brand and marketing perspective, it helps to have a cohesive, uniform look for your online persona .

For recording workout videos or sessions, you'll need to find a well-lit room in your house or if you live somewhere warm record the videos outside. The key is consistency so people recognise the surroundings and think of your business.

The same advice applies to any online fitness business , if you have a website try to stick to your style of writing or colour scheme so people get used to and associate the style and colours with your brand . 

Renting a physical space for your business requires more effort and money. The good news is, plenty of landlords are willing to negotiate rent right now. 

These are just a few tips so far on how to start a fitness business. 

#7: Collect necessary permits and insurance

Your fitness business may be pursuant to specific operational licenses and permits , depending on where you live. You should check with your town, city, or registrar’s office to make sure you’re following all the regulations outlined by your various governing agencies for starting a fitness business. 

One permit you’ll most certainly need is a certificate of occupancy . A certificate of occupancy confirms that all building codes, zoning laws, and government regulations have been met. If you’re leasing your gym space, it is typically the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

Look into insurance offers and compare them to find the best agreement for you. Encourage personal trainers to take out their own policies if they work as freelancers in your space. 

#8: Hire excellent staff

​​If you’re starting a fitness club or gym, then you should look into hiring gym staff , unless you are prepared to invest in a gym management system . With the right gym management system, you’ll automate the registration process and as well introduce contactless entry , significantly reducing the number of staff needed. 

Regardless if you’re looking to hire gym staff , an assistant or anyone else to help you run your fitness business, you must use an efficient and streamlined interview process to screen prospective employees. Whatever stage you are at in your fitness business, your next hire is always the most important. 

Finding employees who are the right fit and hiring them at the right time will help your business achieve solid foundations and give you the best chance of standing out from the pack.

#9: Market your brand

Now it’s time to think about how you are going to publicise your business. Do some research about what has worked for similar companies in the past and what hasn’t. 

Social media is a HUGE part of the fitness industry, from Instagram to Facebook and everything in-between—it’s a great tool if you use it right. Putting some time aside to learn social media marketing in this digital day and age will for sure benefit your business. When thinking about how to start a fitness business, understanding marketing is valuable . 

It’s crucial to know your sales leads and put more time and effort into what is working. How many clients came from Instagram or Facebook, and how much money or time did you spend on each? Your energy is best focused on the one that works most effectively . 

#10: Choose the right management software

If you’ve decided on starting a fitness club or gym then give control to your club members with our premium fitness software solutions for self-service , including  class sign-up  online and through the mobile app . Members will be able to manage their memberships, change contracts or payment methods all through the client portal, reducing the need for front-desk staff. Thinking in terms of business, a reduced number of staff can equate to increased profits . 

With our advanced analytics and reporting , you can increase your gym’s retention rate and keep your members focused on their fitness performance. Everything your fitness business ever need, all in one place!

#11: Analyse your performance 

Now let’s see if all your hard work has paid off! Prepare some benchmarks to measure your progress and gain a deeper understanding of your fitness business. 

For fitness club or gym view  detailed information about new and returning clients (average class attendance, total sessions booked and no-shows). This kind of info paints a clear picture of what’s working for your business and what’s not. PerfectGym creates integrated and customised reports to make adjustments (like offering more of one class). You’ve got to know what your clients like to give them what they want.

If you're writing a blog or running an online shop , you'll want to know how many of the visitors are new and how many are returning visitors. Tools like Google Analytics can help you gain valuable insight into your readers or shoppers. 

Starting a fitness business can be an intimidating but rewarding prospect. It takes ambition , planning and leadership to succeed. You need to be willing to learn from your mistakes to face up challenges. By following these steps on how to start a fitness business , you will be well on your way to fitness business glory.

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Fitness Center Business Plan Sample

May.11, 2016

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Table of Content

Do you want to start a Fitness Center business plan?  

Fitness has gained paramount importance in the last decade or so. More and more people have started focusing on both their mental and physical health. Some people have even started centers for people to come together and attain common goals. These are fitness centers, meditation and yoga retreats, and much more. 

The benefit of starting a business like this is that you can slowly increase its scope. And you don’t even need to have any specialized information for this. You can just get started by learning how to write a business plan for a fitness center. 

If you are thinking of starting a business in this domain, you can take help from this business plan for a fitness center. This plan is written for Goals Inc. 

The business plan that we are presenting below is for starting a business in the fitness domain. But you can also use it to develop a business plan for buying a franchise as business plans help you understand the necessary characteristics of every successful business.

Executive Summary

2.1 about the business.

The fitness business started by Paul Anne will be called Goals Inc. The main aim of the business will be to establish itself as a pioneer in sustainable healthy practices that improve day to day life of people. Another secondary aim of the business will be to introduce its branches across the US for a better and wider reach.

2.2 Management of Fitness Center

To ensure that your business is well managed and moving towards success, you need to do due diligence on your part. The best way to ensure good management is to make a plan and stick to it. Make a plan for everything in your business, even a fitness equipment business plan. In that way, you will remain informed of all the important scenarios and how to handle them adequately. 

To help you out, we are providing all the details of a fitness center in this fitness center business plan template free.

2.3 Customers of Cleaning Services Company

Though Goals Inc will welcome people from all backgrounds, the focus groups of customers will include:

• Students/ Young Adults
• Working People
• Differently-abled People

2.4 Our Competitors

Knowing your competitors is as important as knowing your customers. The competitors of Goals Inc will include other gyms and fitness centers in the area. 

To gain an insight into how they are conducting the business, you should read more than one  business plan for fitness centers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

2.5 Business Target

The target of our fitness center is to help people develop a healthy mentality and practices regarding their health. We also aim to expand our business across different states of the US. 

The financial targets that Goals Inc wants to achieve in the next three years are demonstrated below in this sample business plan for fitness center:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Paul Anne will be the owner and operator of Goals Inc. Paul has been an avid supporter of healthy lifestyles all his life. Therefore, after completing his MBA, he decided to join his passion and degree to start Goals Inc.

3.2 Why is Goals Inc being started?

Looking into his competitors’ working models, Paul realized that more focus was laid on achieving monetary goals than on providing good customer service.

To change this trend, Paul decided to launch his fitness center and show the world that profits can still be earned while providing impeccable customer service.

3.3 How the Fitness Center will be started

Step1: Research Everything

The key to developing a sample business plan for a fitness center is thorough research. You need to research and take down everything in your fitness center business plan including the info regarding your customers, market, competitors, and services. This will eventually help you develop a fitness studio business plan template that will persuade your investors.

Step2: Choose a Name and Register Your Business

Once you know the kind of business you want to start, you need to decide on a name. Opening a fitness center business plan comprises all the details that you will later use to register your business. 

Step3: Pick a Business Location 

You can start a business anywhere, but each location has its pros and cons. It is up to you to select the most beneficial location. As per this fitness center business plan example, Paul decided to open his fitness center in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

Online presence is necessary for every business nowadays. It is a part of every good business plan even if it is written for pure physical services such as a business plan for an indoor sports complex . Therefore, Paul intends to establish social media profiles and a website for his business.

Step5: Market your Business 

The final step in developing a business plan and starting your business is to develop a marketing plan. You need a marketing plan for every business to advertise the business to your customers. In this blog, we will give a detailed fitness and yoga marketing plan in the later sections.

Services  

Writing a business plan for a fitness center involves a lot of research and collection of information. As you develop a small fitness center business plan, you will need to hone all the details about the services you want to provide as well.

If you are looking for an accurate starting a fitness center business plan, you can take a look at this document. In this business plan template fitness center, we will guide you about all the details that can be beneficial to you.

As Paul decided to offer a variety of services when starting a fitness center business, you can take help from here and mold it according to your own needs. The services offered by Goals Inc will include:

• Gym Facilities

The main service that will be included in this business center fitness plan sample will be related to the gym. Goals Inc will provide all the necessary equipment needed for exercise and workouts. This will include:

• Exercise Bikes
• Ellipticals
• Weight Sets
• Crunch Benches, and more.
• Yoga Classes

Keeping in view our focus on mental health and wellness, we will offer guided yoga classes to our customers. This service can be utilized by people of different ages and expertise levels as there will be a variety of options. These classes will aim to keep people safe from injuries and mentally well.  

• Guided Meditations

We will also be providing guided meditation sessions so that along with their physical health, our customers also have a chance of taking care of their minds. 

• Cycling and Outdoor Activities

Goals Inc will also provide several options for outdoor activities for people who don’t like working out indoors. We will offer activities like group biking, trainer-led exercise sessions and running, etc. 

Marketing Analysis of Fitness Center 

Another important part of business plan of fitness center is the market information. If you look at different fitness club business plan examples, you will see that they all include details about their target market groups and competitors. Including this information in plans like small gym business plan helps the owners understand the strong and weak points of their company.

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If you want to develop a fitness studio business plan, you will need to do a thorough analysis of your target market. In this way, you can add details about your market in your fitness business proposal.

If you don’t know how to develop a fitness center business proposal you can take help from this document here. For a greater analysis, you should read some other fitness center business plans before delineating one for your startup.

5.1 Market Trends

According to PolicyAdvice, the global fitness industry has a market of $87 Billion. And the U.S. is one of the countries with the highest number of fitness clubs. However, there is still a huge demand for fitness centers that can provide unique and flexible options to their customers. 

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Goals Inc will have customers from the following groups:

Business plan for investors

5.2.1 parents.

Our primary focus will be on the families living in the residential areas around us. The adults in these households usually need flexible options to exercise. We will target such customers to help them attain a balanced life with reduced stress. 

5.2.2 Students/ Young Adults

The secondary focus of our fitness center business model will be on the students and working young adults in the area who need to de-stress after a hard day.

5.2.3 Working People

We will also offer specialized programs and activities that can fit the lifestyle of working people. 

5.2.4 Differently Abled People

Lastly, we will offer services and activities for differently-abled people who perhaps cannot utilize the usual exercise plans. Our trainers will help them at every step to ensure that they meet their fitness goals.

5.3 Business Target

• To develop a fitness industry business plan that will revolutionize the way people think about health and wellness. 
• To become a reliable source of fitness help to the community.
• To earn profits up to $25k/month by the end of the second year.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices will be outlined differently as compared to other sample business plans for fitness centers. We will offer different plans for different groups of our customers so that they have a good and affordable fitness option available to them.

Marketing Strategy  

Whether you are developing a bouldering gym business plan or a free fitness center business plan, you will need to highlight several advantages of your business relative to your competitors in the market. 

You can follow this fitness center business plan template where we will highlight the competitive advantages of Goals Inc. We will also describe the strategies for marketing this type of startup in this business plan for fitness. You can take an idea from this fitness center business plan pdf to develop good marketing strategies for your business. 

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We will offer services that prefer people over money. We will provide customized options for our clients so that they can achieve the right balance of work and relaxation in their life. 
• We will offer activities that don’t only make our customers well physically but also mentally.
• Our customers will be able to choose from a variety of options and plans available.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will offer free trial classes whenever our customers are not sure about the kind of activities that will be best for them.
• We will offer discounts to our long-term customers. 
• We will offer free weekly guided meditation sessions that our customers can attend to unwind after a busy week.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

Starting your own fitness center can seem daunting but if you plan everything, you will be equipped to deal with a lot of situations. One of the things you can plan for the smooth running of your business is to figure out the employees that you will need to run the business. To help you in making a list for your company, we are presenting one in this fitness center business plan sample.

7.1 Company Staff

According to the business plan for fitness center pdf, Goals Inc will need the following employees:

• 6 Certified Trainers
• 1 Technician to Upkeep Machinery
• 1 Receptionist
• 2 Customer Support Person

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

A business plan for a fitness studio requires financial planning on your part as well. You have to balance the start up cost for a fitness center with the revenue that will be earned. Every business needs to balance these costs. For example, the cost to open a trampoline park business will be balanced by the revenue earned from its services. 

You can study different financial plans like a financial plan in the martial arts school business plan to have an understanding of the financial information you will need before you start a business.

In this business plan template for fitness center, we will be providing details about the financial viability of Goals Inc. 

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

• How do I write a business plan for a fitness center?

You can write a business plan for a fitness center by following this business plan fitness center pdf. 

• Is a fitness center a good business?

Opening a fitness studio can be a great idea if you follow all the steps to make it successful.

• How much does it cost to open a fitness studio?

Opening a fitness center cost varies according to the location and scale of the business. But you can calculate the estimates through financial analysis. 

• How to open a boutique fitness studio?

You can open a boutique fitness studio by developing a business plan fitness center and then sticking to it.

Download Sample Business Plan for a Fitness Center in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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How to Write an Online Fitness Business Plan

Jessica Armstrong

13 min. read

Updated November 13, 2023

Free Download:  Sample Gym Business Plan Templates

When starting an online fitness business, one of the first key elements you must prepare is a business plan. A useful tool for new owners acting as a roadmap for your new online venture and evidence that you are creating a legitimate business, a well-written plan can guide you through your development and future stages of business growth.

While many new business owners  starting in the digital fitness sphere  will often leave business planning as a latter step in an attempt to get things moving, creating your plan in the preliminary stages has enormous benefits. For starters, it can set your business up for success from the start rather than down the line. 

Not to mention with an impressive business plan you can garner early support from influential players in the industry such as investors that can help you propel your business forward in an already saturated market. If you want your  online fitness business  to stand out amongst competitors and attract valuable clients, there are 10 must-haves your online fitness business plan needs to include.

• How to write an online fitness business plan

While  high-quality business plans  typically include 10-20 pages, one to two per topic, the most important factor is the content. Investors and readers do not want to receive a repetitive document that does not give them tangible information they can use to make decisions about your business. Facts and research hold a lot of value when it comes to earning support for your new business. 

If you can show your readers you have a clear vision and can bring your business to life with strategies that can be efficiently and effectively executed, you’ll get their attention. With that in mind, here are the 10 things your business plan for your online fitness business should include.

• Executive summary and mission statement
• Industry analysis
• Customer analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Online market analysis
• Products and services
• Marketing plan and analysis
• Financial plan
• Location and delivery
• Management team and staff

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1. Executive summary

After a brief introduction of your business, the first topic to cover in your business plan is the executive summary.  The executive summary  is a synopsis of your entire business plan. A reader should be able to understand what they will learn and gain from your business plan in this first section. The executive summary should also include two to three sentences on each topic your business plan covers including your observations on how you plan to execute your strategies for each area of your business.

Due to the nature and growing popularity of online fitness, you should also include how you will differentiate your business and specifically operate in the online space. It is possible that your readers will not be familiar with running a digital fitness business, so you should be prepared to answer questions they will have throughout your document.

Mission statement

In the executive summary you will share your  mission statement , the reason your online fitness business will exist. Incorporating your core business values, who your target clientele is, and how you will serve them are important key pieces that make strong mission statements. Now, remember, your readers will have read and heard dozens of mission statements, and it’s not uncommon especially in the large fitness industry that many will be repetitive of each other. 

For example, a repetitive and lackluster statement could be that your mission is ‘to help online fitness customers stay fit with at-home workouts. While that does indeed state what you will do and how you will offer your services, it’s missing the wow factor. Instead, you could say that your mission is to ‘disrupt the traditional exercise format by providing ambitious fitness customers with easy to access online workouts that they can enjoy on the go’. 

The more specific you are the better, but also show why your business is unique. Consider what is needed in the industry and what online fitness customers will benefit from, and use your mission statement as an opportunity to state how and why you will provide those benefits to them. 

2. Industry analysis

The  industry analysis  is the next section of your business plan. This is where you will share all of your knowledge about the fitness industry, and more specifically as it relates to online fitness. You can include a brief summary of what fitness is, what it means to the industry, and statistics that can show the trajectory of the industry over time. How it has evolved, popular trends, such as online workouts, exercises, and on-demand fitness content, and relate it back to how you will operate in this market. Include research you have gathered and begin to introduce why you want to run a business in this space.

3. Customer analysis

Now knowing the industry and what you want your business to achieve, you can share information on your ideal clients and who will benefit from your new services in the customer analysis section. Creating multiple customer profiles can give readers a closer picture of who your client will be, their demographics, likes, dislikes, disposable income, and where you will be able to target and market your services. Use this section to also show you have a great understanding of  what people look for in online fitness  and how you can deliver that.

These details will help your reader understand who is the best fit to obtain your services and take advantage of your offering. While you might already have clients interested in obtaining your services, don’t limit yourself to one market if you know there are others who can benefit from what your business has to offer. It’s always helpful to identify those so your reader can explore if there is potential to grow and be successful in those areas.

4. Competitor analysis

A support section for your industry analysis and customer analysis is the  competitor analysis . Here you will provide a more in-depth look at the competitors already operating in the online fitness market. You can also draw comparisons on competitors in the in-person versus online spheres and how you will compete with businesses in your region, as well as global seeing as an online platform can scale well beyond your local area.

You should also research and comment on what competitors are typically offering in their businesses, for example, online workouts, memberships, on-demand, in-person, hybrid, and how your business can fill needs those businesses are not filling. Expand on why your business is different and how you will compete and attract clients to your business. Listing your strengths as well as weaknesses can help readers of your business plan make suggestions and present ideas once they have all the information.

5. Online business operations and security

The creation of online fitness has been very popular throughout the industry. With more opportunities to participate in the online market and earn a large income, every day more and more trainers and instructors are going the route of launching their own businesses rather than working in a traditional gym or studio setting. Not to mention managing a business online comes with incredible flexibility. However, because of the relative newness of online fitness, the rules and regulations of a typical fitness business fall into somewhat of a grey area.

Important factors such as health and safety protocols to legalities to music licensing are still being created and updated as time goes on. Showing your readers that you have a thorough understanding of the best practices for  running a safe, secure, and protected online business  —both for the protection of your future customers and yourself—will reassure readers that you are aware of what you should be doing to run a professional and legitimate online business. 

Highlight the ways you will protect and keep your customers’ information secure for example, using tools such as secure online booking and customer management software that will keep your data protected and your business safe.

6. Products and services

At the core of your business is the products and services you offer. In this section or your online fitness business plan, you will explain all of the different types of services, classes, and packages, for example, memberships, you will offer your clients. You can explain the various levels of packages you intend to have as well as how you will deliver these products and services to your customers. For example, you could offer: 

• Unlimited group fitness packages with access to all online classes and on-demand content.
• One on one virtual personal training with downloadable guides and nutrition planning
• Access to an on-demand library with workout content that can be used on the go. 
• Online consultations for new members to build their workout routine to best achieve their goals.
• Online class packs with a number of classes and content customers have access to in a given period of time.

As you will be delivering your core services, for example, online fitness classes, you will also need to include the systems and products such as equipment, tools, and  online gym management and booking software  you will need to do so. Informing your readers how you will deliver the best service and product to your customers will make it easier for them to understand how you will operate a professional and customer-friendly business.

7. Marketing strategy and analysis

One of the more creative areas of your business plan is the  marketing strategy  and analysis section. In this part of your plan, you will reveal what strategies you will implement to attract clients, earn sales, grow in your market, and further. A great way to prove you understand the market and demands of fitness customers today is by sharing successful strategies that you will implement to attract clients, generate sales, and grow in the digital fitness space. Use your customer analysis to show how you will market to the different types of customer profiles that will benefit most from your business. 

Speak on popular trends and how you intend to capitalize on them. Discuss what other online fitness businesses are doing that has and has not worked, and what you will do differently. Dive deep into what marketing opportunities have not been utilized or have been utilized well to build success and how you will follow suit. For example, you can discuss how you will use social media and email marketing to target your audiences, what digital marketing platforms you will use to automate your marketing, how you plan to use your software to build retention and deliver a seamless customer experience. 

You don’t have to be a marketing expert to write a great marketing analysis and plan. Simply share the most effective strategies online fitness business owners are leveraging to successfully market their businesses and how you will use, expand, build, and execute those strategies to achieve your goals. 

8. Financial plan

The financial plan section of your fitness business plan should discuss everything relating to your revenue, income, and budget. It helps to have an accountant or financial planner help you build this section as you will need to share projections, define early costs and future costs, as well as determine what revenue you will need to earn in order to afford your business.

Start up costs for an online fitness business  can really vary depending on the type of investments you want to make. They can be as low as almost free to as high as the 10s of thousands, especially when investing in high-tech equipment. But when starting out you can keep your expenses and costs light, you don’t need to spend all of your initial funds and investment on the most expensive equipment and technology. 

Focus on the essential equipment you need such as a microphone, camera either built in or on its own, a laptop or recording device where you will host and record your sessions, basic equipment such as weights, mats, bands that customers can easily purchase on their own, and affordable online gym management software that will make it easy for you to manage your business and your customers to book your classes. 

You can also discuss in this section what you hope to gain financially for yourself, how you plan to collect payments from customers, for example using software with reliable payment processing, and how you will allocate budget to marketing, operations, development, and expenses.

9. Facility and location

Starting a new business does not necessarily have to be expensive to be successful, however, start-up costs when it comes to renting a facility or location can be high. Although you are running your business online you still have to consider where you will run it from, whether that be your home, a rented facility, or a facility you purchase. Considering the location and taking into account how you will operate from the area you are in, be sure to identify the costs and what makes the most sense for your business.

Even if you plan to start your business from home and grow to a facility or physical space, later on, you will still need to register your business in a specific location and address. Be sure to choose an appropriate location to conduct your business and provide your services to your clients, as well as a place that will help boost more business and clients and have an opportunity to grow. It’s also important in this section to state how much budget you are considering putting towards the location of your business and what revenue you will need to generate to afford these costs.

10. Management team

While many online fitness business owners start out as sole traders, one of the main areas for potential growth is hiring staff or a team of other instructors and trainers. Even if you do not plan on having any staff or management in your employment at the start, if you plan to down the line, this section of your business plan is a great place to layout your future plan. You can include details such as the type of staff you would hire, where you will recruit from, salaries or payment, and where your staff will need to reside. For example, you could consider hiring:

• A marketing manager to assist you with your marketing and outreach efforts
• An accountant to manage your finances and business revenue 
• Additional coaching and training staff to provide more classes and content
• Coaches in other time zones to augment the hours you are able to operate

An important note to consider when hiring for a remote and online position is ensuring you have the correct legal documentation to hire in a specific area. When you begin creating your hiring plans, consider hiring a lawyer to help you get all of the paperwork you need organised so that you don’t fall victim to any legal or hiring issues. 

• Start writing your online fitness business plan

Knowing all of the must-have items your online fitness business plan should include in order to be successful,  now is the time to get writing . Don’t worry if your final draft isn’t perfect. What matters most is that you thoughtfully and clearly articulate what your business is, who it is for, and how people in your industry will benefit from the existence of your business. 

Be sure to include each of the sections above, and it never hurts to have a member of your network give your business plan a read before beginning to share it with potential investors, banks, and partners. With a business plan in hand, you’ll be on track to launching a successful online fitness business.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Jessica Armstrong is on the marketing team at TeamUp , fitness management software for studios, gyms, boxes, personal trainers, and their in-person and online classes and on-demand content. A California native, living in Sevilla, Spain, Jessica is passionate about travel, fitness, wellness, and helping the fitness community learn how to run the best versions of their businesses.

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