Small local gym with memberships

Locals who want a friendlier, less crowded alternative to big chain gyms, including beginners, older adults and shift workers.

Recurring weekly, fortnightly or monthly membership fees, with extra income from casual visits, class passes, personal training and a small range of drinks or supplements.

• Customer service and community building
• Basic budgeting and lease negotiation
• Fitness knowledge or the ability to hire trained staff

• Check council zoning and any development approval needed to operate a gym in the premises you choose
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire (check your state scheme)
• Long commercial leases and fit-out costs are a major risk, so get the lease reviewed before signing
• Staff running classes or personal training should hold current fitness qualifications and first aid, check requirements with your insurer
• Membership contracts need to follow Australian Consumer Law, check rules on cancellations and fees
• Memberships can drop in quieter months, so keep cash reserves

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, lease terms, fit-out and how much equipment you buy. Getting the lease reviewed before signing helps you understand your commitments.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on member numbers, fees and the classes you offer. Memberships can drop in quieter months, so keeping cash reserves is wise. This is revenue before costs.

Check council zoning and any development approval for your chosen premises. Also check insurance, workers compensation once you hire, staff fitness qualifications and first aid with your insurer, lease terms, and whether membership contracts meet Australian Consumer Law on cancellations and fees.