Small fitness studio with class timetable

Local residents who want a community feel, coaching and a regular routine rather than a big gym.

Weekly or monthly memberships, class packs and casual visits, with extras like personal training blocks or challenges.

• Coaching and programme design
• Running a small business and managing cash flow
• Marketing locally and keeping members engaged

• Council planning and zoning approval for a fitness centre, plus building and fire safety requirements, so check early
• Commercial leases can be long and costly, and usually need a bond or bank guarantee plus fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Public liability, professional indemnity and contents insurance
• Workers compensation insurance and super obligations once you hire staff or contractors
• Check music licensing for classes (for example through OneMusic Australia)
• Membership income can drop in quiet periods, so keep a cash buffer

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the lease, bond or bank guarantee, fit-out, equipment and insurance. Get advice before signing a commercial lease, as these can be long and costly.

Check council planning and zoning approval for a fitness centre, plus building and fire safety requirements, early. Also check music licensing for classes, insurance, and workers compensation and super obligations once you hire staff or contractors.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on membership numbers, class pricing and timetable. Membership income can drop in quiet periods, so keep a cash buffer. Expect at least about 30 hours a week.