How to Start Your Own Gym & Run It Profitably
This course takes the guesswork out of opening a gym—covering everything from legal setup and equipment choices to retention systems and profit levers—so you can build a business that thrives from day one.
- Legal setup, contracts, compliance, and liability protection
- Location selection, lease negotiation, and facility planning
- Equipment decisions (new vs used vs lease) with ROI tools
- Operational systems (SOPs, checklists, staff training)
- Retention systems + profit levers that increase lifetime value
Course Curriculum
Every chapter includes a core lesson plus tools you can download and apply immediately.
Chapter 1: Laying the Foundation — From Trainer to Gym OwnerIncludes: 5 resourcesFoundationMindset
- Laying the Foundation — From Trainer to Gym OwnerLESSON
- Vision & Values Mapping ToolPDF
- Gym Owner Mission Statement AssignmentPDF
- Mindset Shift Readiness QuizQUIZ
- Mission Statement Knowledge CheckQUIZ
Chapter 2: Picking the Right Model & NicheIncludes: 5 resourcesModelNicheStrategy
- Choosing the Right Gym Model & NicheLESSON
- Business Model Comparison MatrixPDF
- Choose Your Target Model & Niche AssignmentPDF
- Gym Models Overview Knowledge CheckQUIZ
- Local Market Scan QuestionnairePDF
See the full curriculumHide full curriculum
Chapter 3: Location & Facility PlanningIncludes: 6 resourcesLocationFacilityPlanning
- Location & Facility Planning EssentialsLESSON
- Facility Buildout Budget PlannerSHEET
- Gym Location Selection ChecklistPDF
- Facility Layout & Traffic Flow AssignmentPDF
- Zoning & Compliance Knowledge CheckQUIZ
- Facility Cost Analysis QuizQUIZ
Chapter 4: Equipment Essentials & OptimizationIncludes: 5 resourcesEquipmentBudgetROI
- Equipment Selection & OptimizationLESSON
- Starter Equipment List Under $25KPDF
- Equipment Cost & ROI CalculatorSHEET
- Buy New vs. Used vs. Lease Decision QuizQUIZ
- Equipment Budget Planning QuizQUIZ
Chapter 5: Operations & Systems SetupIncludes: 5 resourcesOperationsSystemsSOPs
- Gym Operations & Systems FundamentalsLESSON
- Gym SOP Starter TemplatePDF
- Draft Your First SOP AssignmentPDF
- SOP Essentials Knowledge CheckQUIZ
- Avoiding Owner Burnout QuizQUIZ
Chapter 6: Financial Planning & Pricing ModelsIncludes: 6 resourcesFinancePricingForecasting
- Financial Planning & Pricing for Gym OwnersLESSON
- Break-Even Point CalculatorSHEET
- Pricing Model Comparison ToolPDF
- Gym Startup Financial Projection SheetSHEET
- Premium vs. Budget Model Self-AssessmentQUIZ
- Revenue Forecasting Knowledge CheckQUIZ
Chapter 7: Staffing & LeadershipIncludes: 5 resourcesStaffingHiringLeadership
- Staffing, Leadership & Team BuildingLESSON
- Role Clarity & Hiring ChecklistPDF
- First Coach Job Description TemplatePDF
- When Should You Hire?QUIZ
- Culture Fit Self-AssessmentQUIZ
Chapter 8: Creating an Exceptional Client ExperienceIncludes: 5 resourcesRetentionExperienceOnboarding
- Designing a High-Retention Client ExperienceLESSON
- Client Journey Mapping TemplatePDF
- 30-Day Client Experience PlanPDF
- Surprise & Delight Brainstorm WorksheetPDF
- Service Delivery Standards QuizQUIZ
Chapter 9: Legal, Insurance & Risk ManagementIncludes: 5 resourcesLegalInsuranceRisk
- Legal Protection & Risk Management for Gym OwnersLESSON
- Legal & Insurance Readiness ChecklistPDF
- Client Liability Waiver Drafting AssignmentPDF
- Compliance Awareness Knowledge CheckQUIZ
- Risk Exposure Self-AssessmentQUIZ
Chapter 10: Scaling, Profits & Long-Term GrowthIncludes: 5 resourcesScalingProfitsGrowth
- Scaling Your Gym Without BurnoutLESSON
- Scaling Without Burning Out — Strategic WorksheetPDF
- Profit Lever Audit ToolPDF
- Strategic Add-Ons Knowledge CheckQUIZ
- Profit Lever Self-Audit QuizQUIZ
$199
Full curriculum access, downloadable tools, self-paced learning, plus lifetime access with ongoing updates as the course evolves.
- Full curriculum access
- Downloadable tools/templates
- Self-paced
- Lifetime access + ongoing updates
Starting a gym doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Most trainers dream of opening their own gym but struggle with the overwhelming details: legal structures, startup costs, equipment choices, contracts, staffing, and building a client experience that keeps members for life. This course breaks down those moving parts into a step-by-step roadmap.
What makes the course unique
- Business structure guidance
- Contracts + compliance
- Location selection
- Lease strategy
- Facility layout
- Equipment ROI tools
- SOP systems
- Profit levers
Unlike other resources, this course includes worksheets, quizzes, and real-world tools:
- Budgeting spreadsheets for startup costs and under-$25K gyms.
- Contract and liability waiver templates.
- Profit lever calculators.
- Downloadable SOP binders.
- Quizzes that test your knowledge and spark profitable ideas.
Instructors
Emily Carter
- Specializes in the profit levers that increase revenue per member and improve retention
- Helps owners build pricing models and financial systems that protect margins from day one
- Focuses on member experience systems that increase lifetime value
Daniel Brooks
- Focuses on location, facility planning, and the operational systems that keep a gym running smoothly
- Helps owners build SOPs, training systems, and team processes that scale without burnout
- Known for turning complex buildout and staffing decisions into clear, executable steps
Who this course is for
This course is designed for:
- Personal Trainers ready to transition from working for someone else to owning their own gym.
- Fitness Entrepreneurs who want a structured roadmap instead of piecing together advice from blogs and YouTube.
- Small Studio Owners looking to refine systems, increase retention, and prepare for scaling.
- Trainers with Big Ambitions who want to move beyond hourly sessions and create a business that runs with or without them.
If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like:
- “Should I rent, buy, or build my space?”
- “How do I avoid losing money on equipment purchases?”
- “What kind of contracts do I need to stay compliant?”
- “How do I actually make my gym profitable, not just busy?”
This course gives you the answers and the tools to execute with confidence.
FAQ
Does this course cover legal setup and business structure?
Yes. It covers business structure options (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, Ltd.), liability protection, contracts, and compliance basics so you can make informed decisions from day one.
Will this help me choose the right gym model and niche?
Yes. You’ll compare common gym models and pick a niche using frameworks like a model comparison matrix and local market scan tools.
Does it teach how to choose a location and negotiate a lease?
Yes. You’ll learn how to analyze demographics, evaluate locations, and approach lease terms with profitability in mind.
Does it include equipment guidance (new vs used vs lease)?
Yes. You’ll get ROI-driven tools to balance cost, quality, and cash flow—including a decision quiz and an ROI calculator.
Do you cover operations and SOPs?
Yes. You’ll build operational systems like SOPs, checklists, and staff training processes to keep your gym running smoothly.
Does this teach retention and client experience?
Yes. You’ll learn onboarding systems, retention frameworks, and “surprise & delight” tactics that increase lifetime value.
Will I learn how to make the gym profitable (not just busy)?
Yes. The course covers profit levers, revenue per member, retention, and expense management using industry-tested models.
Does it include tools and templates?
Yes. You’ll get worksheets, quizzes, budgeting spreadsheets (including under-$25K scenarios), SOP templates, and other real-world tools to execute faster.
Does it include exit strategies?
Yes. You’ll learn how to prepare for a profitable exit—whether you want to sell, license, or franchise.
Is this legal advice?
No. It’s practical business education that helps you understand the decisions and risks, but it’s not a substitute for legal counsel in your jurisdiction.
The Bottom Line
Starting a gym doesn’t have to be overwhelming, risky, or guesswork. With this course, you’ll:
- Understand every step of the process, from legal setup to profitable exit.
- Avoid common mistakes that sink most new gym owners.
- Access proven tools and worksheets that take you from idea to execution.
- Build a gym that’s not just open—but thriving, profitable, and positioned for long-term success.
By the end of this course, you won’t just know how to start a gym—you’ll know how to crush it.