Opening up a hardcore gym?

Pbfanatic321 · Sep 18, 2012

I was thinking about opening up a hardcore gym, how well do you think a gym like this would do? It would be in Metro Detroit and I feel like over here we have a big bodybuilding community. I know if there was a hardcore gym here I would drop my LA Fitness membership and sign up at the other gym! Just want to hear you guys' thoughts.

norbit09 · Sep 18, 2012

Well I think you would have to do some good research as for how many hardcore gyms in the area. Also by going 100% hardcore you limit your business growth ? Is powerhouse gym still around there.

ajdos · Sep 19, 2012

Like norbit said research your demographics big time.

TrenSweater · Sep 19, 2012

I would give anything to quit my job and open the sane kind of gym your talking about , no old ladies on the tread mil , no fat chics in spandex , good luck bro

Google&Pubmed · Sep 19, 2012

What's the start up cost
How can you prevent others from entering the market
How are you going to advertise for it
How far is it from where people are living and from other gyms

You have to look at a lot of things but remember this. Hardcore gyms are good and fun but the reason people make typical gyms is because A LOT of people sign up and then never show up or rarely show up. Average people are intimidated of hardcore gyms and that's were the markets at.

ericraven2003 · Sep 19, 2012

Theres a reason why there are not a lot of hardcore gyms. Just saying. I would rather blow my money at at a casino then try to make a real living opening a hardcore gym. NOW, if its a side thing for a hobby and you do not need for a real income then go for it.

mrpower · Sep 19, 2012

I think its a great idea!

CPA and JD here, let me know if I can be of any help.

SqWark! · Sep 19, 2012

ericraven2003 said:
Theres a reason why there are not a lot of hardcore gyms. Just saying. I would rather blow my money at at a casino then try to make a real living opening a hardcore gym. NOW, if its a side thing for a hobby and you do not need for a real income then go for it.

I agree with the above. I love the idea of owning a hardcore gym, or at least I did for many years, not so much of a goal of mine now, but I don't remember hearing of very many guys who were able to make a good living from doing so. Heard many times about guys who lost their ass and many stories of guys who were doing ok for a while but ended up having to close their doors sooner or later (bad economy etc...).

2ez · Sep 19, 2012

SqWark! said:
I agree with the above. I love the idea of owning a hardcore gym, or at least I did for many years, not so much of a goal of mine now, but I don't remember hearing of very many guys who were able to make a good living from doing so. Heard many times about guys who lost their ass and many stories of guys who were doing ok for a while but ended up having to close their doors sooner or later (bad economy etc...).

I co-sign. I was a silent partner at a spot here in the NJ/NY area. We turned our hobby and interest into a business idea. This lasted a few years, but the novelty wore off and the money was just not coming in. We changed the business plan and remodeled the joint.

To the OP

We went from Hardcore (Dinosaur Training and all), to offering Cycling, Crossfit, Zumba, MMA classes and a host of others. one of my dudes own a gentleman's club and we offered free membership to the lovely ladies that worked in this establishment. We were constantly thinking of ways to keep things going. I sold out, but recently they added daycare, Personal session packages, PT and MMA for kids. There are talks of 24hrs opening.

D. Jetter, LA Fitness, NYSC, The GYM are some of the big competitors around here with a lot more money backing them. these cats are adding a variety of classes thus weeding out the smaller gyms, hardcore and all. One has to stay vigilant on keeping the members happy.

do your due diligence....I never say never, but make sure you have a well thought out current and long term plan. Google to see if there are any business plans on the net to see what others have/had in mind.

Mr Power has offered his services....use him (in a good way). always good to have someone business savy on your team.

my 2cc's.....Good luck

MrX · Sep 19, 2012

2ez said:
We went from Hardcore (Dinosaur Training and all), to offering Cycling, Crossfit, Zumba, MMA classes and a host of others. one of my dudes own a gentleman's club and we offered free membership to the lovely ladies that worked in this establishment. We were constantly thinking of ways to keep things going. I sold out, but recently they added daycare, Personal session packages, PT and MMA for kids. There are talks of 24hrs opening.

D. Jetter, LA Fitness, NYSC, The GYM are some of the big competitors around here with a lot more money backing them. these cats are adding a variety of classes thus weeding out the smaller gyms, hardcore and all. One has to stay vigilant on keeping the members happy.

That's quite an innovative approach which obviously helped

xray man · Oct 20, 2012

Pbfanatic321 said:
I was thinking about opening up a hardcore gym, how well do you think a gym like this would do? It would be in Metro Detroit and I feel like over here we have a big bodybuilding community. I know if there was a hardcore gym here I would drop my LA Fitness membership and sign up at the other gym! Just want to hear you guys' thoughts.

Trust your instincts.

Vanilla Mandingo · Oct 20, 2012

We are a minority. Most people go to get on the treadmill for a while (many people don,t want a huge treadmill in their livingroom), meet people or let themselves feel better because they just showed up. If we did have a real gym in my area, like you are discussing, I would definately go there. The kind of gym where you can leave your job in your blue jeans and come do your work out, because that is the goal, not looking sporty, and nobody thinks you strange. Where it is ok to sweat, do deads off the floor. That is why I just work out at home.

Simpllyhuge · Oct 20, 2012

NYSC has no lifting platform and doesn't even have round plates to deadlift. It really sucks.

Ironlover · Oct 21, 2012

do it

dont wanna be old · Oct 21, 2012

Hey Friend .
Live in SCS but came from downriver .
Let me explain why you will do well .
The powerhouse chain Detriot and surrounding area are nice , been to almost every locatioin . There problem is worn , outdated equipment , cramped space , cardio equip past life expectancy . Still a good choice .
Planet fitness , Fitness 24 and Anytime fitness more for fitness .
Oakwood gym is not bad .
Muscles on harper is hardcore and power lifter friendly . ( Chalk @ counter ) . The bars on worn and collars slip off , Cables are on there 9th life .
The LA fitness places are costly and I have only looked at a couple. Bars too thick to dead lift .
Detriot has the YMCA downtown and the original PH in highland park .
I have seen closed gyms in several areas east and west Detriot .
There was 2 PH locations on Jefferson that closed .

With basic knowledge of reason gyms closed .
Franchise Fees
Rent to high
Too few members
Equipment cost astronomical .
Membership dues too low or high .

Robs gym was a Icon downriver until family matters killed the gym .
His success was finding a partner to buy building as investment .
Convincing members that the gym was there club to take care of .
Personal commitment to the success of his gym .
Coffee and juice/supplement bar .
Employees that share YOUR vision and interest . #1 probably

The 16 and Gratiot Powerhouse is good example of success .

I guess I will quit my preaching and say go for it .
There is room in the D for a successful gym .
The Jefferson corridor between downtown and indian villiage is good area if people can get past the burning from PH franchise .
I would just not pick a building of a failed gym to try new venture .
Grossbeck north of 8 mile is prime location with plenty empty warehouses . The further you travel north the better .

Good luck
DWBO

Let me know if I could help in any way .