Open a Small Fitness Studio with Timetabled Classes

Local members who want coaching, routine and community, usually living or working nearby.

Monthly memberships, class packs, drop-in fees and personal training. Hiring freelance instructors lets you offer more classes.

• Recognised fitness qualification
• Running a business and managing costs
• Customer service and retention
• Managing instructors

• Commercial lease terms and business rates, so get advice before signing
• Planning permission or change of use for the premises, check with your council
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Music licensing, first aid provision and fire safety requirements
• High fixed costs if membership numbers are slow to build

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, equipment and insurance. Fixed costs can be high if membership numbers are slow to build, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on membership numbers, class pricing and whether you add personal training. Revenue is not profit, so set rent, rates and instructor costs against it.

Check commercial lease terms and business rates, and get advice before signing. Check planning permission or change of use with your council, public liability and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff, plus music licensing, first aid provision and fire safety requirements.