I’m in the process of setting mine up now.
I’ve selected one in the next suburb over from me. It’s an affluent area and within walking distance to where I will be living so I’ll save money on fuel. It’s behind a row of shops, so there’s parking and I get some walk by business but not every one can look in and see what I’m doing unless they specifically come down.
I think the most important thing is to be somewhere you won’t mind working out of everyday where your targeted demographic live. Ie: middle aged people with disposable income.
I got my equipment from a gym I used to go to that went bankrupt. From them I’ve bought 1)squat rack, 2)variable bench, 3)Seated row/lat pulldown, 4)2 olympic bars 5)DBs from 1.25 - 30kgs. 6)leg prss, 7)treadmill, 8)x-trainer & 9)400kgs of olympic plates.
I already have swiss balls, boxing gear and adj DBs that fit olympic plates along with 60kgs of olympic plates.
I’m curious as to why you don’t do cardio at all. I find the machines invaluable whether for doing light recovery work in between heavy sets or in doing interval work to reduce fat. This is everything I need. I would love a power rack but the squat rack will suffice, and would love a cable X-over and some calf machines but it’s just not economical.
The shop I’m renting is 13.5k a year plus outgoings. It’s been empty for a year now, which means they’ll be pretty keen to get someone in so I’m offering 12k a year with 2months rent free OR they carpet it for me. I’m only going to sign a 1 year lease with an option to extend. They want 2 years but unless there’s a good escape clause I’m not biting. I don’t think I’ll go out of business, but it’s my first business and anything’s possible so don’t want to get too committed.
For the shop I need to paint it, floor it and get signage. Lots of signage. Signage will be my biggest expense but it will pay for itself in the long run.
For payment I’m using an eftpos machine from my local bank and I also have a lock up cash box. There are bars on all windows however I’ll still get insurance. Mad not to. Furniture will be some shelves for protein powder, a desk and chair with a laptop and internet connection for those ‘slow times’. I’m hoping to do a deal with Biotest so I can onsell their products.
My fees are going to be $50 a session. $40 if you buy 10 at once. $36 if you buy 20.
The going rate in australia for personal training is between $60 & $80 an hr, so I’m undercutting the competition slightly. If you go too cheap people tend to think your dodgy, but I do think most PT is a rip off for the money. I want to get long term clients who train 2-3 times a week with me. Steady money is my goal. Once I’m working 30hrs a week solid, I’m going to increase my rates as by then I won’t need the business. Current clients will always get their initial rate.
I’m a bit nervous, this is going to cost me at least 20grand to get off the ground and there are no guarantees. But in the time I’ve been where I am now I’ve become the busiest trainer (by far) and get about 1 new client each week by referrals alone. I keep 7/10 clients which is a pretty good strike rate. The big clincher is I’m making $1500 a week for my boss, out of which I’m lucky to see $400 after tax. Why not go out on my own and get to keep $800 after tax, rent and insurance?
That’s my plan.
1)venue - make it look nice, 2)equipment - must be decent, 3)signage and advertising.
