Some random advice about opening a gym - Page 2

Jean-Paul · 12-30-2008, 11:30 AM

Yes, the mom and pop gyms are almost dinosaurs. Mine included. I recently sold it, and I can't tell you how happy I am to be free of it.

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Don't buy a smith machine if you are going to spend money on home gym equipment. Even if you went to a gym I would advise you to avoid the smith machine. My not-so-humble opinion.

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kfisherx · 12-30-2008, 03:10 PM

Hmmmm.... sounds like owning a gym is sort of like owning a boat. The two happiest days of ownership are the day your buy it and the day you sell it.

MAXX · 12-30-2008, 04:23 PM

JP, you sold your gym??

Jean-Paul · 01-04-2009, 10:17 AM

AdamD · 01-11-2009, 08:35 AM

Congrats man.

I just want a huge room big enough to get to full speed in, a powerrack, a horiz press rack and barbell, sandbags, and a heavy bag. That would be heaven right there. Oh and a harder section to do breakdancing on. That's a good workout in its self.

LukeZ · 09-01-2009, 12:09 AM

Hi all! I'm new here, and I joined after reading this topic, which I found from a google search on starting up a gym.

You mentioned the economy is harsh on smaller, self-owned gyms and I read that one of you avoided going into the business and the other recently sold his.

What say you to the concept of fitness franchises? Like Anytime Fitness or LA Fitness and their ilk? What are the major drawbacks of opening up a center with their name on the building? Is it like any other franchise? How would it be different than owning your own gym, besides the obvious full control self-ownership would allow?

An example:

http://www.anytimefitness.com/en-us/opportunities

They always make it sound so good. If only owning a business were so easy.

Thanks for any replies.