Private garage gym for a few members

Neighbours and local people who want a quiet, personal gym with no crowds, such as beginners, older adults and shift workers.

Monthly memberships with a capped number of members, plus paid coaching sessions or small group sessions.

• Fitness knowledge and coaching ability
• Friendly and reliable with clients
• Organising bookings and keeping the space safe

• Council approval for home-based business, including client numbers, hours, parking and noise, as rules vary by council
• Public liability insurance that covers members using equipment at your home, and check your home and contents policy
• Neighbour complaints about noise and traffic, and check any body corporate or lease rules
• Injury risk, so have members complete a health screening form and hold a current first aid certificate
• Check the qualifications you need if you coach, such as a Certificate III or IV in Fitness

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the equipment you buy and how much work your garage or studio needs. Insurance and any coaching qualifications are further costs to factor in.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many members you take, your session pricing and your hours. A small, by-appointment gym limits numbers. These are estimates only.

Things to check include council approval for a home-based business (client numbers, hours, parking, noise), public liability cover for members at your home, body corporate or lease rules, health screening, first aid, and qualifications if you coach.