Luke's Fitness Factory

Starting a Fitness Center

With more and more Americans jumping on to the fitness bandwagon, starting a fitness center seems like an attractive business option. Whether you are a professional trainer who has worked in the industry and now wants to branch out on own or an entrepreneur looking to invest in a profitable business proposition, running a fitness center can be both enjoyable as well as monetarily fruitful.

Starting a fitness center requires sharp business acumen and substantial working capital. While business acumen is something that is more in-born than acquired, you can definitely get some pointers from people who have prior experience in business management before you decide to go it alone.

As far as capital is concerned, you need to be able to present a strong case to the bank you are approaching for a commercial loan if you don’t have the reserves to put in your business. A sound business plan will be required to convince the banks that you are eligible and deserve a loan to start up your fitness business.

The first step towards starting a fitness center is choosing a suitable location. This will impact the commercial success of your business. You need to do a careful analysis of competing fitness facilities in the neighborhood and try to offer services that are unique to attract customers. Your fitness center should also be conveniently located, so your clients are able access it easily.

An important part of fitness center planning is choosing your main customer-base. Your facility should offer services that are congruent with your target audience. For example, full time professionals usually workout before or after their work-day. If you want to attract professionals into your facility, then you may want to extend your operating hours so they are able to fit workout session at the gym in their already busy schedule.

The fitness products you choose will also depend on the demographic profile of your fitness center’s clientele. Women and baby boomers generally like cardio workouts, so you may want to equip your gym with more cardio equipment like treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes etc. if most of your customers are females and aging adults.

In fact, if you are planning on starting a fitness center, targeting baby boomers may not be a bad idea considering the growing awareness about the benefits of fitness and exercise in controlling health conditions like cholesterol and hypertension as well as maintaining a sense of well-being amongst this segment of population.

The next big step is to work on your fitness center design. The design of your fitness center should encompass safety issues, space limitations, equipment layout, architectural features, as well as aesthetic elements that make your fitness studio a class apart from the rest.

Once the facility is ready for operation, you should announce your opening in style. Flyers, radio spots, newspaper classifieds, etc. should be part of your advertising campaign. However, to draw customers to your fitness studio you need to go one step ahead and offer attractive promotional packages to them. Freebies, discounts, special packages will not just help you attract customers, but also win their loyalty.

In the end, however, the success of your venture will boil down to the quality, range, and uniqueness of the services you provide to your patrons.

According to a survey on fitness trends in 2010 conducted by the American Council on Exercise, a non-profit organization committed to promoting health and wellbeing in the country, exergaming (fitness-based video games) and specialty exercise and fusion type classes will continue to be popular amongst fitness enthusiasts looking for non-conventional workout programs. If you want to stay ahead in the race, you may want to include these non-traditional fitness programs in your offerings.

Starting a fitness center can be fun and a learning experience for the owner. But remember the competition is cut-throat and only the “fittest” (pun unintended) will survive in the end!

About the Author

Paul Smith is a certified personal trainer and works at an uptown New York gym. He has a Bachelor’s degree in physical education. He is a sports enthusiast and loves to play baseball. He is a health freak and a recent convert to vegetarianism. He loves sharing his knowledge about fitness services and fitness solutions. When he is not training his patrons, you’ll find Paul playing video games with his son.

Sunnyside Middle School Fitness Center

Newline Electronic Digital Kitchen Food Scale, SAK4162-Silver $16.95 Best Value, great price. One lithium battery powers the digital kitchen scale with a low battery indicator, automatic zero, and automatic shutdown. For measurement with bowls or other containers, users need only to place the empty container on the scale and press the power button to set the measurement at zero for isolated ingredient weights. This Kitchen Scale comes with a plastic bowl. Capacity…

Personalized Keychain or Fridge Magnet – Aerobics – Female Customize the print on the keychain or magnet with the fitness lover’s name and favorite class or gym and you’ve created a unique gift without spending a fortune!…

The Illuminated Chakras – A Visionary Voyage into Your Inner World $11.38 The Illuminated Chakras is a breathtaking 28 minute open-eyed journey through the seven chakras, offering a visual and musical experience of each level of consciousness. Innovative animation of great beauty by 3D artist Alex Wayne works synergistically with a magnificent original soundtrack by Robin Silver to bring the viewer directly to a subjective experience of each of these important power cen…

Walking Music Greatest Hits Volume 1 $8.00 Just hit play and walk to the beat of the music! Whether you’re on the treadmill, at the mall, or pounding the pavement in your own neighborhood, this motivating blend of current and classic hit songs will get you moving and set the pace for an ideal walk. Includes 2 brisk, thirty-minute walking programs with a cool down song at the end of each one….

Broadway Dance Center: Jazz for the Beginner to Advanced Beginner $27.47 Frank Hatchett, internationally celebrated Master Jazz teacher, brings his VOP style to you in this energetic 60 minute video. Join Frank in three easy to follow routines that are perfect for the beginner through the advanced beginner dance student. Unique camera angles facing the mirror allow you to learn as though you were a student in the class. Follow Frank and his staff as they take you step …

Short Cuts – Upper Body Workout – with Leslie Sansone $27.49 This 30-minute strength training workout provides firming and great conditioning for the upper body. You get toned, lean sexy-arms. You won’t believe how great your upper body will look and feels. Best of all, if you tuck in your abs and draw back your shoulder blades while you’re walking, you will get good natural posture into the bargin. – Leslie Sansone…

Karate Box Aerobics [VHS] $2.95 …

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Air King 9016 Commercial Grade Oscillating Wall Mount Fan, 16-Inch $42.49 The 16″ Oscillating Wall Mount Fan features a 3-speed 1/20HP motor with both pull chain and front mounted rotary controls and a 7′ white power cord. The grills are constructed of a powder coated steel front grill with an impact resistant plastic rear grill. Dimensions: 18″L x 14.375″W x 22.625″…

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NATURES BEST Fitness Pak $18.5 This one provides a timed release multi-vitamin, essential and non-essential amino acids. Description: NATURES BEST Fitness Pak is designed for those of us who are fitness oriented and on the go. For the human body to perform at its most potential, it must be fed a vast and complex array of vital nutrients. Becoming deficient in just one of these essential vitamins or minerals breaks down the metabolic pathway that produces optimum efficiency and performance declines.Help ensure the presence of essential cofactors necessary for thousands of metabolic reactions with Fitness Pak. Supplement Facts: Serving Size:1Packet Servings Per Container:30 Amount Per Serving % DV Calories 5 Cholesterol Ingredients: Whey (Milk) Protein Concentrate, Rice Powder, Gelatin, Pharmaceutical Glaze, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Purified Water, Soybean Oil, Silicon Dioxide. Directions: Take one packet daily preferably with a meal. Notes: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fetal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.Niacin may cause flushing , tingling and skin reddening, particularly on an empty stomach.If you develop tingling, numbness sensation, decreased sensation to touch, balance difficulties or taking levodopa, consult your healthcare professional immediately.

Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club $242.22 Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club is located near the beach in Dar Es Salaam and close to University of Dar Es Salaam and National Museum of Tanzania. Additional area points of interest include Kariakoo Market. Hotel Features. Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a health club, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room. The property’s full service health spa has body treatments, massage/treatment rooms, and beauty services. This 4 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers small meeting rooms, a technology helpdesk, and technology support staff. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Dar Es Salaam property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and exhibit space. For a surcharge, shuttle services include a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request), a ferry terminal shuttle, and a casino shuttle. Concierge services and tour/ticket assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a coffee shop/caf?, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Extended parking privileges may be offered to guests after check out (surcharge). Guestrooms. 36 air conditioned guestrooms at Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club feature iPod docking stations and complimentary bottled water. Accommodations offer city, pool, or courtyard views. Beds come with Select Comfort mattresses and premium bedding. Rooms are individually decorated. Bathrooms feature showers, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and complimentary toiletries. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to safes, guestrooms offer phones. 42 inch plasma televisions have satellite channels, free movie channels, and video game consoles. Also included are ceiling fans and windows that open. Guests may request in room massages and irons/ironing boards. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: All citizens of Tanzania will be charged the national value added tax We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or ch

ACCU-FITNESS MYO TAPE MEASURE $9.95 Super-accurate measurement of any body part! Track your body measurements and progress as your muscles grow and unwanted fat goes away! Description ACCU-FITNESS MYO TAPE MEASURE: Measure any body part – waist,biceps,thigh,calf,chest,and more! Easy to use! Push-button retraction and locking feature ensure snug measurement and superior accuracy. Long-lasting vinyl tape. Measures in inches and cm/mm. Directions: Simple to Use: Pull the end of the tape around any body part that you want to measure (pressing the button in the center will make it easier to pull). Place the rod at the end of the tape into the circular slot. Press the button in the center and let the tape retract to a snug fit. Read your measurement on the outer edge of the tape measure (the end opposite the locked-in rod). Watch your improvement!

Fitness Frenzy $19.99 Fitness Frenzy

Fitness Dash $19.99 Fitness Dash

Valencia Center $96.99 Valencia Center is located in Valencia, close to City of Arts and Sciences, Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts, and The Oceanografic Aquarium. Nearby points of interest also include Prince Felipe Museum of Sciences and Plaza de l’Ajuntament. Hotel Features. Valencia Center’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves buffet breakfasts each morning (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This 4 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms and audio visual equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Valencia property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and exhibit space. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 140 air conditioned guestrooms at Valencia Center feature minibars and safes. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. Televisions have satellite channels. Rooms also include welcome amenities and hair dryers. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: EUR 11.88 per dayBuffet breakfast fee: EUR 14.04 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: EUR 11.88 per dayBuffet breakfast fee: EUR 14.04 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Sevilla Center $116.38 Sevilla Center is located in Seville’s Nervion neighborhood, close to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Alcazar, and Seville Cathedral. Nearby points of interest also include Plaza de Espana and Casa de la Memoria de Al Andalus. Hotel Features. Sevilla Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves hot and cold buffet breakfasts each morning (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness facility. This 4 star property has a business center and offers a meeting/conference room and audio visual equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. This Seville property has event space consisting of banquet facilities and exhibit space. For a surcharge, the property offers a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request). Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 233 air conditioned guestrooms at Sevilla Center feature private pools and minibars. Accommodations offer city, garden, or courtyard views. Bathrooms feature bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks and complimentary newspapers, guestrooms offer direct dial phones. Televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. Also included are safes and windows that open. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake up calls. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: EUR 18 per dayHot and cold buffet breakfast fee: EUR 10.80 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: EUR 18 per dayHot and cold buffet breakfast fee: EUR 10.80 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

NH Center $90.93 Located in central Valencia, NH Center is connected to the airport and close to IVAM, Valencia Conference Centre, and Feria Valencia. Other points of interest near this green/sustainable hotel include City of Arts and Sciences and Central Market. Hotel Features. NH Center’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves buffet breakfasts (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a health club, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 4 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers small meeting rooms, secretarial services, and a technology helpdesk. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. This Valencia property has event space consisting of a conference center, banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and exhibit space. Wedding services, tour/ticket assistance, and translation services are available. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. This is a smoke free property. A total renovation of this property was completed in September 2006. Guestrooms. 192 air conditioned guestrooms at NH Center feature minibars and laptop compatible safes. All accommodations have balconies. Beds come with signature bedding and down blankets. Furnishings include desks and sofa beds. Bathrooms feature bathtubs, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and slippers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to complimentary newspapers and safes, guestrooms offer phones. 21 inch plasma televisions have first run movies, free movie channels, and DVD players. Rooms also include windows that open and blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request in room massages, extra towels/bedding, and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No onsite parking is available. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: EUR 20 per dayFee for wireless Internet in business center: EUR 10.60 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Fee for in room wireless Internet: EUR 10.60 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Buffet breakfast fee: EUR 16 (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No onsite parking is available. The following fees and deposits are charged by the prope

Holiday Inn Convention Center $150 Holiday Inn Convention Center is located in Ardmore. Hotel Features. Holiday Inn Convention Center features a restaurant. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This 3 star property has a business center. Additional property amenities include ATM/banking services. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Holiday Inn Convention Center feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Accommodations include refrigerators and microwaves. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer free local calls (restrictions may apply). Cable television is provided. Guestrooms are all non smoking.

Regency Hotel and Conference Center $60.95 Regency Hotel and Conference Center is located in Jackson, close to Mississippi Coliseum, Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, and Mississippi State Capitol. Nearby points of interest also include Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium and Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Hotel Features. Regency Hotel and Conference Center features a restaurant. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a 24 hour fitness facility. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Regency Hotel and Conference Center feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary newspapers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Cable television is provided. Also included are hair dryers and irons/ironing boards.

Heartwood Conference Center $332 Located in Trego, Heartwood Conference Center is on a lake and attractions in the region include Trego Lake. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include a spa tub and a fitness facility. This 3 star property has a business center and offers audio visual equipment and business services. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a casino and self parking. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Heartwood Conference Center feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Kitchens include microwaves and refrigerators. Bathrooms feature bathtubs. High speed Internet access is available.

DS PERSONAL FITNESS MEN $18.99 DS PERSONAL FITNESS MEN

DS PERSONAL FITNESS WOMEN $18.99 DS PERSONAL FITNESS WOMEN

Hilton Columbia Center $219 Located in central Columbia, Hilton Columbia Center is within walking distance of Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and State House. Nearby points of interest also include University of South Carolina and Colonial Life Arena. Hotel Features. Hilton Columbia Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This 3.5 star property has a business center and offers business services. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk and express check out. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Hilton Columbia Center feature coffee/tea makers and safes. Bathrooms feature bathtubs and hair dryers. High speed Internet access is available. Televisions have pay movies. Rooms also include complimentary newspapers and irons/ironing boards.

Harbourtowne Golf Resort & Conference Center $229.99 Harbourtowne Golf Resort & Conference Center is located in the midtown area of St. Michaels. Resort Features. Harbourtowne Golf Resort & Conference Center features a restaurant. Recreational amenities include a golf course. Also located on site are an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This 3 star property has a business center. Guestrooms. 111 guestrooms at Harbourtowne Golf Resort & Conference Center feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. 32 inch flat panel televisions have cable channels.

Days Inn Roanoke Civic Center $119 Days Inn Roanoke Civic Center is located in Roanoke, close to Roanoke Civic Center, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Center in the Square. Nearby points of interest also include Harrison Museum of African American Culture and Virginia Museum of Transportation. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Days Inn Roanoke Civic Center feature coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards.

Best Western Market Center $119.99 Best Western Market Center is located in Dallas’s Market Center neighborhood, close to Dallas World Trade Center, American Airlines Center, and Dallas World Aquarium. Nearby points of interest also include Sixth Floor Museum and Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Hotel Features. Best Western Market Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. Those traveling on business have access to a business center at this hotel. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 98 air conditioned guestrooms at Best Western Market Center feature coffee/tea makers and safes. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail, as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Flat panel televisions have cable channels and pay movies. Also included are hair dryers and irons/ironing boards.

Ramada Conference Center $94.99 Ramada Conference Center is located in Lexington, close to Whiteaker Bank Ballpark, Translyvania University, and Hunt Morgan House. Additional area points of interest include Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena. Hotel Features. Ramada Conference Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 3 star property has a business center and offers audio visual equipment and business services. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. This Lexington property has event space consisting of banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. The property offers a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge). Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Ramada Conference Center feature air conditioning. Televisions have cable channels.

Northeast Inn and Conference Center $81 Northeast Inn and Conference Center is located in Meridian. Hotel Features. Northeast Inn and Conference Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Guests can enjoy a complimentary evening reception on select days. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This 3 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 108 air conditioned guestrooms at Northeast Inn and Conference Center feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary newspapers. Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Bathrooms feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available. Cable television is provided. Also included are irons/ironing boards and clock radios. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake up calls.

Candlewoods Suites Medical Center $120 Candlewoods Suites Medical Center is located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center neighborhood, close to Reliant Stadium, Reliant Park, and Wildcat Golf Club. Nearby points of interest also include Rice Stadium and Texas Medical Center. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool and a fitness facility. Complimentary high speed (wired) Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include barbecue grills and laundry facilities. The property has designated areas for smoking. Guestrooms. 80 air conditioned guestrooms at Candlewoods Suites Medical Center feature coffee/tea makers and safes. Kitchens include stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, and dishwashers. High speed Internet access is available. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer speakerphones with voice mail, as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have DVD players. Rooms also include irons/ironing boards and clock radios.