Starting my own small gym business: Advice Needed

[projectaero]

Hello.
I am looking at starting up a personal trainer's gym in the next 8 months or so.
Basically i know where i wanto go and where to expand i just got to get your opinion on what are some things i need to do.

Equipment:
What do you think are the items i need, i dont want to have all machine weights, basically i want it old school with a part of new school, so bench, leg press, squat rack, dips, boxing bags, what else you think would be needed

Flooring:
As i am renting out a location do you think that it would be best to buy specialized flooring, but something easy to move somewhere else maybe a type of those jigsaw mats.

Rent of Buy Equipment:
Do you think i should rent or buy equipment, basically i can cancel my membership and work out at the gym what i will have, say for instance if its $400 week for all equipment thats close to $20,000 in equipment per year, so would it be best to buy it all first?

Cost:
What costs do you think would be involved in basically getting it up and running, ie building rent, equipment, advertising etc.

What i will be offering: Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, Group Classes, Eventually Competition preparation but not yet, Nutritional help and maybe eventually kick boxing/ boxing. I will be doing it all myself as its going to be a quiet location where people who arent comfortable to get out there, or who are beginning or someone who wants to come to a gym workout hard. Basically going to be there to motivate them, spot them, show them correct techniques etc.

Also if i buy a commercial fridge etc do i have to lock in a contract with a drink business or can i buy my own stuff like bottled water, protein shakes etc and charge what i want, within reason ?
Also on that topic would i be allowed to have protein there for customers to use say if they are on a bulk and charge say $1 - 2 per shake or is that illegal ?

Making Money:
As i don't have the money i will be getting a loan from a bank etc so i am wondering with a private one on one gym how much should i be offering per client within reason ans with that how long would it take on average for me to make enough money to pay back the loan as i dont care how much i make just wanting to get this business off the ground and working full time on it.


There the only details i have at the moment as i am just brainstorming still.
Have about 6-8 months to get it worked out.
Any help will be appreciated

Cheers

 

[Inhibitor13]

Im not a man to help you on this BUT that is my dream..some day to have my own gym! I wish you a lot of luck bro !

 

[profits]

I like your ideas, Project! However, it might be wise to back up a bit. First off, instead of planning the gym, you should be doing extensive market research. I can't really answer your question about how much to charge because I don't know what area you live in, or the demographics of the area you are proposing to put up a facilities.

I'm just trying to get you to think about your competition, location, your USP, demographics, and trends in the training in your area. You should have a very comprehensive business and marketing plan completed prior to even thinking about opening up a facilities. I want you to succeed, big time! So please do your homework by researching, and surveying the market. Good luck!

Jim

EDIT

 

[Pure Pilates]

Equipment and flooring won't pay the bills. Look for a place in a section of town where people live who can afford personal training. Don't expect your clients to drive to your gym in some bad and dangerous part of town because you got a good price per square foot. Make a marketing plan to obtain your clients. Once you have your location, make sure it has good exposure for people to see your gym. Make sure your landlord allows a nice big sign.