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As a prospective gym owner, you might be considering opening your own CrossFit affiliate. This is a significant step in your career, and it's essential to understand the process thoroughly to ensure your success. This article will guide you through the process, using insights from the CrossFit Affiliate Playbook and the Gym Fit Out Guide 2023.

 

Business Planning

Before you start, you need to have a clear business plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap, providing direction for your affiliate. It will help you identify your business opportunity and examine its technical, organizational, and financial feasibility.

Your business plan should include your business vision, mission, and an action plan. The vision refers to the long-term growth direction of your business. The mission encompasses your business objectives and your approach to reaching them. The action plan outlines how you will achieve your main goals to become profitable and sustainable.

 

Choosing a location and setting up your gym

The location of your gym is crucial. When negotiating a lease, try to have the landlord cover as many expenses within the build-out or building prep as possible. Consider factors like parking, handicap accessibility, and signage.

The rig is the most important piece for your space. It determines the layout of the rest of the equipment and is used for more movements than any other piece of kit. Depending on your space, you might choose a wall-mounted or freestanding rig.

When it comes to flooring, you have two main options: standard flooring (complete crumb) or premium dual-layered flooring (EPDM top layer + crumb base). The choice depends on your budget and cleaning preferences.

 

Staffing

You will likely choose to hire a combination of employees and contractors to meet the needs of your business. It's critical to properly classify each person working with you and meet your obligations under employment law.

When hiring a new coach, find out their goals and aspirations personally and professionally. Understand whether they are looking for short-term or long-term employment, their coaching ambitions, and their CrossFit background and education.

 

Equipment

The equipment you choose for your gym will depend on the types of workouts you plan to offer. For example, if you're planning to cater to a 1RM strength day for a deadlift, you'll need to consider the number of squat spaces you'll require.

In terms of bumper plates, we recommend a spread of 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, 25kg + 1.25kg & 2.5kg change plates. Always have more 5kg, 10kg, 20kg as they are the most commonly used.

 

Serving Your Community

Remember, your gym is not just a business; it's a community. Listen to your members, understand their pain points and passions, and act professionally. Forget your previous biases and believe in your product.

Starting your own CrossFit affiliate is a rewarding journey. With careful planning, the right team, and a commitment to serving your community, you can create a successful and sustainable business. Good luck on your journey!

Planning your training space? Check out our Gym Fit-out Guide, expertly put together by Jed and the AF team after hundreds of successful partnerships in Australia and New Zealand.

 

Got a question about gym equipment or need assistance with fitting out a gym?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us or message Jed at jed@againfaster.com.au.

Fill out the form below and we'll be happy to help!