Fitness Facility

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Fitness Facility? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 6th, 2024

Looking to start a fitness facility?

But curious about:

how much it costs to start a fitness facility?
what are the typical fitness facility startup costs?
or the actual cost of starting fitness facilities?

Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real fitness facilities and how much they actually cost to start.

Let's go over it.

What is the average cost of starting a fitness facility?

Based on our data reported by actual fitness facility founders, the average cost of starting a fitness facility is between $20,000 and $150,000.

Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a fitness facility are around $90K.

Remember, though, not all fitness facilities are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of fitness facilities

Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a fitness facility?

We asked real fitness facility founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?

Here is what they said:

Paul Dickey and Alec Abend

Founder of Hexbox Fitness ($20K/month)

"Paul and I put in $80,000 of our own and received a personal loan of another $50,000."*

Alec Abend and Paul Dickey are the co-founders of Hexbox Fitness, a state-of-the-art fitness facility offering branded classes and 24-hour member access.

Read this case study

Read by 4,601 founders

Bryan Greene

Founder of The LOOK Fitness ($40K/month)

"My initial start-up capital came from my very first business and a small SBA loan of $150,000."

Bryan Greene is the founder of The LOOK Fitness, a boutique fitness facility that caters to executives, business owners, and everyday gym-goers in Newport Beach, California.

Read this case study

Read by 3,444 founders

Kyle Bergman

Founder of Sweat from Home ($25K/month)

"Our startup costs were initially zero. As an adjunct professor at NYU, I was able to use my Zoom account with the school to hold online classes."

Kyle Bergman is the founder of Sweat from Home, an interactive live-streaming group fitness business that started in 2020 and averages $25,000 in monthly recurring revenue.

Read this case study

Read by 9,229 founders

Ann Rivera

Founder of Sweet n Salty Body Works ($10K/month)

"Machines cost from $1,000 to upwards of $50,000, including training."

Ann Rivera is the founder of SAS Body Works, a body contouring spa that provides a range of specialized services including cavitation and cryo body sculpting.

Read this case study

Read by 2,682 founders

Jake Rowzee

Founder of Arsenal Health and Fitness ($130K/month)

"Since we would be providing healthcare, we began by working with a legal firm to make sure we went about creating our business the right way. In all, this cost about $15,000 for legal services, setting up the LLC, and drafting the appropriate contracts/documents. This was personally funded from savings."

Jake Rowzee is the co-founder of Arsenal Health and Fitness, a comprehensive health optimization business that brings in around $130,000 per month.

Read this case study

Read by 527 founders

John Zarbock

Founder of BioFit ($20K/month)

"So I opened a personal training studio with $40,000 of used CrossFit equipment I purchased from a Box that closed down and was looking to liquidate everything."

John Zarbock is the founder of BioFit, a personal training studio business that focuses on High-Intensity Training (HIT) with Adaptive Resistance Exercise (ARX) machines.

Read this case study

Read by 3,480 founders

Enjoyed reading these real world examples?

Our platform is full of case studies of successful fitness facilities that you can learn from.

Starting a fitness facility - what you should know:

Starting a fitness facility requires understanding various costs that can make a substantial difference to your initial investment.

Location Costs

Where you set up your fitness facility significantly affects your startup costs. Urban areas tend to be more expensive, with rental costs ranging from $20 to $50 per square foot annually. In contrast, suburban or rural locations may offer more affordable rates, typically between $10 and $20 per square foot. Remember, a prime location might attract more clients but comes at a higher cost.

Equipment Expenses

The type and quantity of equipment you plan to offer will also impact your budget. Basic setup costs for essential machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and weight stations can range between $50,000 to $100,000. Specialized equipment for niche markets, such as CrossFit or Pilates, may increase your expenses by an additional $10,000 to $30,000.

Licensing and Permits

Don't overlook the costs related to obtaining proper licenses and permits. These can vary by location but typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. This includes business licenses, health permits, and fire safety permits.

Staffing Requirements

Hiring qualified staff is crucial but can also be one of your largest recurring expenses. Personal trainers typically charge between $20 and $40 per hour, and front-desk staff may cost around $10 to $15 per hour. Offering competitive salaries and benefits can help you retain high-quality staff but will increase your monthly expenses by several thousand dollars.

Marketing and Advertising

Initial marketing efforts are crucial for attracting clients. A comprehensive marketing campaign, including online ads, flyers, and social media promotions, could cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 in the first few months. Budget for consistent ongoing marketing to maintain and grow your client base.

Utilities and Maintenance

Ongoing facility costs such as utilities and maintenance should not be ignored. Monthly utility costs usually range between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the size of your facility and the intensity of use. Regular maintenance for your equipment can add another $500 to $2,000 per month to your expenses.

By understanding these various costs, you can better plan and budget for the successful launch and operation of your fitness facility.

Potential Costs of Starting a Fitness Facility

Starting a fitness facility involves a variety of costs, from initial setup expenses to ongoing operational fees. Below is a detailed table that outlines the potential costs you might incur when establishing a fitness facility.

Item	Description	Estimated Cost
Premises
Lease/Rent	Monthly rent for location	$5,000 - $15,000/month
Security Deposit	Initial security deposit for the lease	$10,000 - $30,000
Renovation/Build-Out	Customizing the space to meet your gym's needs	$50,000 - $200,000
Utility Setup	Deposits for electricity, water, gas, etc.	$1,000 - $3,000
Equipment
Cardio Machines	Treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc.	$20,000 - $50,000
Strength Training	Free weights, benches, and machines	$10,000 - $35,000
Functional Training	Kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands	$5,000 - $15,000
Flooring	Specialized gym flooring for different areas	$10,000 - $30,000
Technology
Management Software	Gym management and booking software	$50 - $200/month
Website & Hosting	Domain registration, web hosting, and design	$2,000 - $10,000 (one-time)
Internet	High-speed internet service	$100 - $200/month
Sound System	Quality sound system for music and announcements	$1,000 - $5,000
Security System	Surveillance cameras and security monitoring	$1,500 - $5,000 initial, $50/month
Staffing
Manager Salary	Annual salary for facility manager	$40,000 - $60,000/year
Trainers & Instructors	Annual salary for personal trainers and class instructors	$30,000 - $50,000/year each
Front Desk Staff	Salaries or hourly wages for administrative staff	$25,000 - $40,000/year
Cleaning Staff	Cleaning and maintenance staff	$20,000 - $35,000/year
Marketing
Initial Marketing Campaign	Launch marketing, local advertising	$5,000 - $15,000
Ongoing Marketing	Monthly marketing efforts: ads, promotions	$500 - $2,000/month
Licenses & Permits
Business License	Local business operation license	$200 - $500
Health & Safety Permits	Compliance with health and safety regulations	$500 - $1,500
Insurance
Liability Insurance	Coverage for accidents and injuries	$1,000 - $3,000/year
Property Insurance	Coverage for property damage or theft	$1,000 - $2,500/year
Miscellaneous
Office Supplies	Desks, computers, phones, and office necessities	$2,000 - $5,000
Cleaning Supplies	Cleaning products and equipment	$500 - $1,000/month
Membership Retention	Loyalty programs, merchandising	$1,000 - $2,000/month

This comprehensive breakdown ensures that you have a clear understanding of the various financial commitments involved in starting a fitness facility.

Part of

Starting A Fitness Facility: Everything You Need To Know

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