A proper platform, with a good amount of bumper plates, and a couple bars designed for olympic lifting. That alone would set a gym apart from every other gym in my state.
http://asp.elitefts.com/qa/training-logs.asp?qid=84014&tid=124
Everything here minus the Monolift (although it would be badass) and add some more Power Racks,
Incline Bench, Some HS Machines, and it would be pretty sweet if you sold some quality supplements i.e. Biotest.
Will most likely always be a fantasy but caged strippers.
- Heavy DBs that go up in small increments
- Music that will help me get in the “zone”
- Chains, bands
- Power racks
- Banning curling in the squat rack
- Glue ham raise machine
- Reverse hyper machine
- Back extension bench
- Long opening hours
- No personal trainers who weigh less than one of my legs
- Area that you can do medicine ball slams without being asked to leave
- Seated calf raise machine
- Assortment of non standard bars (safety bars, trap bars etc)
- Posters of big strong guys up to inspire me
- Boxes for squatting and jumps
- Farmer handles
- Sledge/prowler
- Belt squat machine
Good music- which obviosuly depends on who your gym brings in.
A records board- get these people motivated.
And then think about the toys I say.
[quote]ndiddy85 wrote:
http://asp.elitefts.com/qa/training-logs.asp?qid=84014&tid=124
Everything here minus the Monolift (although it would be badass) and add some more Power Racks,
Incline Bench, Some HS Machines, and it would be pretty sweet if you sold some quality supplements i.e. Biotest. [/quote]
That’s a good video. I came across it a week or two ago and thought if I were to open my own gym, I’d pretty much model it after that video. I’d change a few things here and there, but that would be my basic template.
that would be wonderful.
I think though from a perspective of someone on this website of course deadlifting platforms, and a bunch of power racks, and a oly-lifing room, and chalk, would be great. But from a perspective of trying to run a successful business I don’t think so. I know 2 people who deadlift at the gym I go to, which is commercial, and successful, and I am one of them. And squatting? Forget about it. There is 2 squat racks and they usually accomodate people doing bicep curls/back swings. I used chalk one day and was asked to stop because it was “making a mess.”
Most successful gyms appeal to all people. They have certain classes to get fat old ladies in there, child care for convenience, spin classes, “juice bar,” a good sound system, heat and air conditioning, clean surroundings. Most people who go to gyms dont seem to be like the people on this site, they should just have a T-Nation gym. My .02, for what its worth.
Strongman equipment is a tell tale sign of a hardcore gym.
If you’re going for the commercial aspect, I heard of a gym once that had the “dungeon” and health club areas separated by a wall and backroom; most of the soccer moms didn’t even know that the other area existed.
A designated squat rack or power cage… just for curls.
Mirrors in the showers.
go with the suggestion of the caged stripper,
[quote]plateau wrote:
- Heavy DBs that go up in small increments
[/quote]
Something i do for small (really small) increments with DBs is to
take ankle weights (wrap em around your wrists) that go up to 5 lbs with 1/2 lb weights filling them, and use them to increase the load by 1/2 lb… If you didnt already think of that.
football bars
How about;
A station for rack chins.
a place for walking lunges, either in the gym or based on the location have bars that you could take outside to use
Competent trainers/proactive outreach to weekend warrior types who would otherwise use the machines at the local Globo Gym.
[quote]jstines wrote:
My suggestion is a little less specific as to equipment and more geared towards a business perspective. I strongly recommend you be very clear about the type of environment you wish your gym to have and what does and does not fit in this environment. DO NOT try to be everything to everyone - you will succeed only in mediocrity. Do everything you can to get the type of members you want and get their input on a regular basis. Let your core, ideal customer base help guide your business.[/quote]
I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it! Exactly, find your niche! Personally, if I were going to open a gym I would cater to the powerlifting and strongman crowd, not the “fitness” crowd. Very few machines (a few cable machines maybe) and lots of power racks. Also, lots of specialized bars-cambered squat bar, safety squat bar, etc. Yoke, farmers walk, sled etc. No cardio equipment. Dip and chinning units. Chalk, chains and bands. The usual stuff.
definitely some benches with DB stands attached.
if you really want some special equipment
http://www.fractionalplates.com/cgi-bin/edatcat/PDAstore.cgi
I think about this ALL the time. It’s one of my 5 yr goals.
Ideas:
-
Semi-Quarterly/Quarterly competitions. 1 rep max bench, squat, DL, etc. 225lbs for reps. Pullups. Post their name on the wall if they win.
-
If there is one guy who continuously wins a contest, or he’s obviously the biggest mofo in there, give him his own locker. Or make that a reward. I know i’d like to keep all my shit at the gym if I could. Shaker, towel, etc… The big guys should be your star customers. Give them a reason to stay.
3a. Network: Discount to military, police, and firemen. These all seem to be pretty active dudes, one would imagine, and probably the type of people you want at your gym.
3b. Network (again): (goes along with number 3). Get with coaches, players, etc of sports. Offer deals to teams, leagues. Ex: The high school lacrosse team gets a special deal over the summer or something like that. Or maybe one hour reserved a day over the football season. It would be kinda neat to have 10 hockey players all train at your gym together in prep for the season. Shit like that.
3c. Networking (again x 2): Go to other gyms (ninja-like). See who the big guys are. Talk to them. If you’re around town and see a guy who obviously trains, ask him where he works out. See if he would be interested in changing places. Tell him you have a new and exciting place. A hardcore place.
-
Post T-Nation articles (for ex) for customers to read. Have a sign that reads: “KNOWLEDGE” or something, and below it post a new article weekly/daily.
-
Maybe try and find images similar to “Powerful Images” on this site to post up on the walls. Big ones. Lifesize.
-
Provide complimentary chalk. Maybe put it in those big bowl things that gymnasts use.
-
Have a sign when you first walk in: “Chalk: Encouraged; Yelling During a Rep: Motivating; Sweating: Mandatory” … Some kind of motivational crap like that.
-
Sell protein shakes. Not muscle milk in a can or anything. Just like you make it at home. Tell them: “Here’s the powder, here’s the shaker and the milk/water. Rinse it out at that sink right over there.” And then they give you 1 dollar, for example. Very cheap and affordable. Dont need to make a huge profit on it.
-
Have a “backyard” that has a few BBs for walking lunges, etc, as well as 1 or 2 big ass tires, sand bags, and a sledgehammer or two.
-
While Im a bit skeptical of Cross-Fit, they have some good ideas and, more importantly, some good equipment (tires, etc). Maybe see if you want to share a building. I’ll scratch yours (bigger space, more funding, for ex), if you scratch mine (let my bodybuilders/powerlifters use your shit occassionally).
-
Create the ENVIRONMENT. It would be AMAZING to have a place that favors a good environment over a good building, machine, etc. I think a lot of these things helps to establish the environment. Borderline free protein shakes. Free chalk. Big ass posters of big ass mofos on the wall.
small cold pool by the steam room for ice plunges. I love that shit.
no music. people can bring ipods. this way your personal taste in music doesn’t ward anyone off.
1 free training session at the beginning to learn about the different equipment that you have that other gyms dont.
Cheap group session training so that people can learn to do the lifts without the cost being restrictive. each night have a different 1 hour class on say power lifting or o-lifting or how-to-use-the-rings. run it like a yoga class, have a section of the gym with bars/broom sticks and lead the class in how to squat or deadlift or something. that way people have a means to learn about lifting. This will create the ENVIRONMENT that so many are looking for. get the soccer moms squating and put basic 5x5 and starting strength programs on the wall for people to follow.
I’m such a communist.
-chris
[quote]RossDB wrote:
plateau wrote:
- Heavy DBs that go up in small increments
Something i do for small (really small) increments with DBs is to
take ankle weights (wrap em around your wrists) that go up to 5 lbs with 1/2 lb weights filling them, and use them to increase the load by 1/2 lb… If you didnt already think of that.
- Assortment of non standard bars (safety bars, trap bars etc)
football bars
How about;
A station for rack chins.[/quote]
That’s a really good tip thanks, there is a jump in 5kg for the next DB I want to get onto - been struggling, so will try and buy some of these.
[quote]jetztodernie wrote:
I think about this ALL the time. It’s one of my 5 yr goals.
Ideas:
-
Semi-Quarterly/Quarterly competitions. 1 rep max bench, squat, DL, etc. 225lbs for reps. Pullups. Post their name on the wall if they win.
-
If there is one guy who continuously wins a contest, or he’s obviously the biggest mofo in there, give him his own locker. Or make that a reward. I know i’d like to keep all my shit at the gym if I could. Shaker, towel, etc… The big guys should be your star customers. Give them a reason to stay.
3a. Network: Discount to military, police, and firemen. These all seem to be pretty active dudes, one would imagine, and probably the type of people you want at your gym.
3b. Network (again): (goes along with number 3). Get with coaches, players, etc of sports. Offer deals to teams, leagues. Ex: The high school lacrosse team gets a special deal over the summer or something like that. Or maybe one hour reserved a day over the football season. It would be kinda neat to have 10 hockey players all train at your gym together in prep for the season. Shit like that.
3c. Networking (again x 2): Go to other gyms (ninja-like). See who the big guys are. Talk to them. If you’re around town and see a guy who obviously trains, ask him where he works out. See if he would be interested in changing places. Tell him you have a new and exciting place. A hardcore place.
-
Post T-Nation articles (for ex) for customers to read. Have a sign that reads: “KNOWLEDGE” or something, and below it post a new article weekly/daily.
-
Maybe try and find images similar to “Powerful Images” on this site to post up on the walls. Big ones. Lifesize.
-
Provide complimentary chalk. Maybe put it in those big bowl things that gymnasts use.
-
Have a sign when you first walk in: “Chalk: Encouraged; Yelling During a Rep: Motivating; Sweating: Mandatory” … Some kind of motivational crap like that.
-
Sell protein shakes. Not muscle milk in a can or anything. Just like you make it at home. Tell them: “Here’s the powder, here’s the shaker and the milk/water. Rinse it out at that sink right over there.” And then they give you 1 dollar, for example. Very cheap and affordable. Dont need to make a huge profit on it.
-
Have a “backyard” that has a few BBs for walking lunges, etc, as well as 1 or 2 big ass tires, sand bags, and a sledgehammer or two.
-
While Im a bit skeptical of Cross-Fit, they have some good ideas and, more importantly, some good equipment (tires, etc). Maybe see if you want to share a building. I’ll scratch yours (bigger space, more funding, for ex), if you scratch mine (let my bodybuilders/powerlifters use your shit occassionally).
-
Create the ENVIRONMENT. It would be AMAZING to have a place that favors a good environment over a good building, machine, etc. I think a lot of these things helps to establish the environment. Borderline free protein shakes. Free chalk. Big ass posters of big ass mofos on the wall.
[/quote]
Excellent ideas! Are you a in the PR and marketing field?