How to Start Gym Business In India – Simple Steps
Are you wondering how to start gym business in India? Here are some simple yet effective steps. Read the article to know more.
With the world being more careful about its health and lifestyle, gyms have really grown over the period of time. More and more people want to start going to the gym and adopt a healthy lifestyle. This means that starting a gym is one of the best business plans that you can opt for.
People are very enthusiastic about it and are looking for gyms where they can work out for hours and a gym that offers them a variety of options when it comes to workouts.
If you want to know how to start a gym business in India then here is everything you should know about it.
How To Start Gym Business in India From Scratch?
The demand for gyms has really increased in the past few years. More and more people are focusing on living a healthy and active lifestyle where they are fit. People are looking for gyms that can help and challenge them to push their bodies to reach their best.
Everybody wants to be a part of the gyming cult hence the gym business plan can be very profitable and flourishing but only if you are very passion-driven.
To start a gym business you need to follow these steps.
Pick the Business Model
This can be a crucial decision as the business model you choose will decide how well your gym can do. Your business models can be
1. Membership Model
- A normal business model used by gyms for a very long time. The customers pay a monthly fee, and it gives the gym a regular income.
- Set up in an area where the demand for a gym is high so you’ll have more customers. This model can be quite profitable.
- If your monthly expense is Rs. 50,000 and the monthly membership fees are Rs. 1000, then you will need a minimum of 50 members to cover your expenses.
2. Pay As You Go Model
- Works best for amateurs who are just starting out and are looking to get new customers to the gym.
- Great for people who cannot be regular to a gym and would prefer to pay a small amount for every visit to maintain their fitness.
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3. Dynamic Pricing Model
- Works if you start a gym or a franchise with coaches for weight loss or bodybuilding, or other fitness-related programs.
Customers are offered different packages based on their needs and goals. It’s a more profitable model if you open your gym close to high-end localities in big cities.
4. Integrated Model
- Combining the membership, and the pay-as-you-go model helps both gyms and customers.
- Regular members can benefit from the membership model, while irregular members can choose the other. It makes sure you have a high customer base and a steady income.
Finalise An Area/Locality
Like any other business model, a gym’s success also depends upon the kind of locality it is in. Starting your venture near a residential property is going to be very beneficial as it would be easier for people to come to work out.
You can easily earn substantial profits each month. If you select an area that is non-residential or the footfall of people is low then your gym is doomed. Hence choose a location that always has a crowd and is easily visible to people.
Have A Solid Business Plan
This would not be a mandatory step if you are funding the business from your own pocket or with the help of your family. But in case you are asking for a bank loan or pitching to investors, you must prepare a solid business plan. The opening amount of a gym in India is quite expensive hence you must work on a pitching plan which is very impressive to get that loan or investment.
Obtain All Licenses
All businesses in India must be registered officially and should follow the governed laws. Businesses must obtain building permits, initial investment-related documents, licences and tax procedures.
If you are planning to open a gym where there is going to be a swimming pool, steam, sauna and spa, you would require licences and permits for all of those separately. You would also need to have business insurance to avoid any damage along with GST registrations.
Hire Certified Trainers
This is a crucial part of any gym. All gyms must have good and certified trainers who can guide people in achieving their physical fitness. A certified trainer is essential because they would bring that authenticity to the gym and improve the quality of your business. They must also have prior experience. While hiring certified trainers, consider hiring the ones with these certificates:
- GFFI (Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute)
- CBT (Certified Bodybuilding & Gym/Personal Trainer)
- BFY Sports & Fitness
- IAFT (Indian Academy of Fitness Training)
A trainer for a standard gym starts from 15,000 and ranges up to 1 lakh rupees depending on their qualification and experience.
Get The Right Types Of Equipment
Getting all the right equipment should be one of your top priorities. Consider the safety aspect, modern technology as well as timely maintenance that each of the machined equipment would require. The cost to set up a standard gym can range from 3,00,000 to 40,00,000 lakh rupees.
Some of the most common equipment are:
- Treadmills
- Free weights
- Stationary biCycles
- Yoga mats
- Cable pulleys
- Weight benches
- Bosu balls
- Dumbbell/Kettlebell sets
- Aerobic Steppers
- Ellipticals
- Abdominal crunchers
- Stair-master
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Invest In Interiors
While working on the interiors of the gym, your passion and drive should be visible in it. It should be a place where people want to come and feel motivated which cannot just happen with motivational posters. Research on the designs, good-quality speakers, matching equipment and other such things during purchase.
Offer Member-Friendly Incentives
Give your customers a range of options to pick from other than the traditional membership. Many gyms today also offer fat loss and physiotherapy along with many amazing offers. Lure your customers in with the option of customising the packages as per their needs adding up to your profits.
You can offer activities like yoga, pilates, boxing, circuit training, HIIT, cardio, Zumba and many more.
Promotion & Marketing for Gym Business
Promote your business with the help of several campaigns that range from fitness activities, merchandise, attractive discounts and demo classes. Offer great annual package deals or additional benefits and special discounts for bringing your family, friends etc. People are always looking for great offers.
Opt For Franchise
One of the best ways to start your own gym is to buy a franchise of a renowned brand and work towards obtaining it. You can either choose a franchise of a big and successful gym chain or even a mediocre gym.
Staff & Maintenance
To run any gym you would require the following people at work.
- Receptionist
- Sales Rep
- Cleaning personnel
- Special Trainers
- Housekeeping
- Service Technicians
- Doctors who provide Physiotherapy
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Conclusion
To open a gym one really needs to figure out a lot of things, amongst which money and finances are the most important. One really needs to have a full plan in order to start a successful business. Make sure you plan everything well in advance and strategize every minute detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the common problems Gym owners face?
The main problem, in the beginning, is getting new clients. Then comes managing the staff, expenses and finances.
How much investment is needed to start a gym in India?
To start a good quality gym in a decent area where you can expect many customers, you will need a minimum of about Rs. 50 lakhs. If you are on a limited budget and starting small, it can be done within Rs. 10 lakhs.
Are opening gyms profitable in India?
Profitability depends on the locality of the gym and the services offered. A rough estimation is that for an investment of Rs. 50 lakhs, your annual profit would be about Rs. 15 lakhs after the operational costs.
How much does gym equipment cost in India?
1. The gym equipment cost in India depends on the quality and brand of products you choose.
2. Modern gears can cost easily in lakhs while old school or even second-hand pieces will be cheaper.
3. Gym equipment including cardio machines costs around 2 to 3 lakhs approx. in India.
How much space is needed for a gym?
1. It all depends on the number of clients coming in every day, you have to take care of.
2. For example, if you have approx. 200 people dropping in every day around 2000 square feet are needed for everything.
3. Your spaces will include- a cardio space, free workout space, machine area, and weights area.
which is better yoga or gym?
Both yoga and gym work in different ways. Yoga is for flexibility, mind and strengthening of the body.
Who invented the gym?
Gymnase Triat was the brainchild of Hipplyte Triat.
