Budget: Sh500,000
Many Kenyans are now into physical fitness, primarily driven by the urge to live a healthy life. Science keeps on giving us reasons to exercise and keep fit. As more and more people appreciate the benefits of regular exercise, more will be keen to join a gym. This is also helped by the fact that most working-class Kenyans claim to be too busy to exercise; therefore, joining a gym is their only option. Well-to-do people lead a sedentary lifestyle–working, taking the car, and then going to the bar. Life has put a lot of pressure on them, giving many of them no choice but to turn up at a gym if they want to survive.
Starting a gym business in Kenya can be a lucrative idea. This will especially do well in middle or upper-income areas. This group has the reason to exercise and the means to pay for it. With the number of them consciously aware that they need to flex and stretch their muscles regularly, you will likely get a steady stream of clients from these groups. Low-income areas also have a market for a gym business; therefore, do not overlook these areas.
Location
Choosing a good location for your gym business is of utmost importance. This ensures that your area is accessible for people who want to exercise and use gym equipment. You have to, therefore, determine whether a location that you are eyeing for your fitness gym business is accessible to the majority of your target market.
A gym business needs ample space. The best location would be upstairs in a tall building, say 2nd or 3rd floor, away from the distraction of the streets below. Upper floors also tend to be cheaper to rent than the ground floor. It will also be more affordable to rent space within a residential area. This may be convenient for your clients since they can frequent the gym on weekends.
A good space big enough to accommodate your gym business will cost Ksh10,000—Sh80,000 in a middle—or high-income residential area.
Equipment
The gym business requires some essential equipment to start with. Some equipment can be costly because of its commercial nature and because few shops sell it. You may visit some well-established gyms and check on their equipment. This can form part of your market research and competitor analysis before you set up your gym business. You can then offer better or newer equipment.
Any gym worth talking about should have a treadmill. Nearly all clients expect to use this, one of the most fundamental gym equipment. You should, therefore, ensure that you get one, a simple one to start with if you can’t afford an advanced model. These are used by those wishing to lose weight by running or walking but do not have the time. Various treadmills are available in supermarkets. Prices range from Sh100,000 — Sh300,000. They have multiple functionalities, speeds, sizes, etc.
A good gym should also have an elliptical trainer, a static exercise bike, weight benches, and dumbbells. For clients who wish to build up or tone their muscles to look good, you should have many weights they can use. For another Sh100,000—Sh150,000, you will get all this equipment in supermarkets. You may add other equipment after some time to have a complete set. You may also add more depending on your client’s needs.
Staff
Apart from the equipment, a good gym is as good as its staff. You will need qualified personnel, such as trainers and nutritionists, to help you run your gym business.
These people should be able to advise and train your clients. Many clients come to a gym with specific objectives. While most may want to lose some weight, others may want to keep fit or gain muscle. Others may have been instructed by their doctors to attain certain fitness limits. Your staff should be able to deal with such diverse objectives.
Ensure you hire qualified, experienced, and well-trained staff. You also need an excellent receptionist to talk to existing and potential clients when they enter the gym.
License
You will require a business permit/license from the county government to set up your business. If you will play music, you will also require an MCSK permit. Depending on the size and noise expected, you may need NEMA clearance.
Charges
Many gyms charge differently depending on the time of day. They have off-peak charges and high-peak charges. Off-peak is when very few people frequent the gym, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these hours, charges are at their lowest to attract more clients. Peak hours between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and evenings from 4 p.m. until closing attract many clients. Weekends and public holidays also attract more clients.
Depending on your location, offerings, and size, you can charge Sh200-Sh500 daily or Sh5,000 to Sh10,000 monthly. You may also enrol members and discount them when they pay for one year. Membership should entitle clients to free reserved parking, complimentary refreshments, free daily access, dedicated professional and nutritional advice, or other extras. This will encourage more people to become members and pay for a longer duration, like one year.
Health and Safety
Health and safety are essential parts of running a gym and involve several concerns depending on what services you provide. Upkeep of the gym and the machinery/equipment is necessary, as poorly maintained equipment can fail and cause injury. People can also slip on floors, so you must install carpet or non-slip mats.
Ensure safety measures and rules are observed to make your gym safe for clients. Hygiene should also be followed to avoid diseases. Ensure clients use towels to wipe out sweat during workouts, and equipment should also be cleaned before and after every use. You don’t want all the equipment covered in sweat. This helps to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
It is necessary to have washing facilities where clients can shower after exercising. These should be kept clean and neat and should have hot water.
Market Your Gym Business
It would be best if you told people about your gym and activities. Today, the world is online, so you should consider online marketing alongside traditional marketing methods. Get on relevant social platforms, showcase your gym and facilities, and promote your business. Also, be sure to get a website; it gives the impression that your business is significant, even if you are starting.
When it comes to marketing, you might feel overwhelmed. But do not worry; we will help you reach the right audience and create a brand for your business.
Pros
• High demand due to healthy lifestyle needs.
Cons
• Can be very expensive to set up
• Lack of clients for some hours during the day.
Attracting clients may be easy, but retaining them may be a challenge. Good customer service and extras such as music, TV, refreshments, ambience, extra offerings, and sound/varied equipment may keep clients returning.
Offerings such as aerobic and dance classes can also attract and retain clients.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact our Business Lawyers through our contact us page. We aim to become your preferred choice for Business SEO-savvy lawyers in Nairobi, Kenya.