What would you be willing to pay for a gym membership?

[chicken_hawk]

I know we have at least one gym owner and several members here so what better place to ask? I also know there are many opinions as well as several ways to skin a cat. That being said, there is wisdom in many councilers and this board just gave me some great advice regarding friendships.

So, here is the history and the potential plan. My buddy purchased a 10k sf gym two yrs ago as it was taking on water. It was at one time thee place in town, all Hammer and Flex stuff, jungle and dbs to 150. But, after a series of bad owners and new commercial chain gyms taking over it lost members with every change. He bought it with the pitch of making it a hard corish gym, but folded on that idea initially and tried to compete with the big boys. But, he had no capital to invest, the A/C died in July after the building owner foreclosed on the building and on top he split the property with a gymnastics studio who had the other half. So, he shared the front desk, parking lot and bathrooms.

This had always been the way, but the gymnastics studio bought the building and as cool as they were started flexing a little bit making it more their place then the gyms. So, fast forward to my buddy asking me for advice. I said, if youre going to go down dont do it without a fight. Let's go with your original vision and go a little more hard core. He changed the name, moved things around, put up a wall so we could crank the tunes and we actually gained 200 members, but it was too little too late. We still were hemoraging money and answering to the the gymnastics studio and paying $7sf plus competing with planet fitness and two 24 hr fitness. So, when it came time to renew the lease the equiptment went into storage at my buddies wharehouse.

So, for three months he has looked for investors, but unless he could move it to some undeveloped area no one wants to touch it. We are in the burbs of Kansas City and flooded with commercial chains. There are two crappy gyms in my town, but people go there because well its all we got. The equiptment is old and one owner is a tool and the other bought the place because the previous owner couldnt foot the bill on 20k sf. Thats were I am at, but hate it.

Then two weeks ago, i said baby lets look for a small place to rent and i will buy a rack n bench and get a few friends to help pay the rent. Then I had a few rum n cokes and before i knew it I was meeting with him to propose a 3 to 5k place in some shitty wharehouse for serious lifters ala metroflex. Bare bones, clean, no selfies or gym bros. I think we can find an affordable location close to a major intersection and he is willing to part with some stuff, but the key would be memebrship fees would need to be like $60 month. I know most will shit on that but that's ok as we dont need or want everyone. I polled my friends and there are the more committed type who arent there to flirt or watch tiny guys post insagram pics and they would be in for 60. One even said, $100 but lets keep it real.

Anyway, burgers are done so I will wait to replies and comment more later.

Hawk

 

[Big B]

Honestly, gym memberships are dirt cheap. Especially for serious lifters. 60/MTH is nothing if it meets my need. If it has exactly what I need and has mostly serious lifters, I be more than willing to pay 100/MTH. There aren't hardly any gyms out there like that any more. I know you want us to be serious but I am. I pay 200-250 a week on groceries. So 100/MTH for a REAL gym membership, you bet I will!!!

 

[chicken_hawk]

Honestly, gym memberships are dirt cheap. Especially for serious lifters. 60/MTH is nothing if it meets my need. If it has exactly what I need and has mostly serious lifters, I be more than willing to pay 100/MTH. There aren't hardly any gyms out there like that any more. I know you want us to be serious but I am. I pay 200-250 a week on groceries. So 100/MTH for a REAL gym membership, you bet I will!!!

Thanks Big B, many bros say they are serious and complain about gym bros, but spend zero on supps (not even a multi) and lift at planet fitness. Even on boards it can be that way lol. I tried a crossfit gym and couldnt squat there cuz I could only fit 405 of bumper plates on their bars. They were great people, but I am here to lift heavy stuff and not take selfies or wait for a gym bro who likes showing his nips in his cut off shirt finish up.

Guys like you are who we need and we would only need 3to400 to cut a decent profit @ $60. But, the 60 also weeds out the gym brahs. Some would go, hey the gym down the street only charges 30/month plus a $50 sign up fee and a $75 annual gym improvement fee so no way I'd pay $60. And thats ok, because not everyone would pay $5 for a coffee, but Starbucks doesnt need every coffee drinker, just enough.

For us, there are other serious gym, but none within 30 minutes of us and 300k people. So, we would be an anomaly in our locality.

Hawk

 

[Dawgpound_Hank]

Depends on how much competition there is in the area. If my choices were only Planet Fitness , Anytime Fitness and a hardcore gym, I'd fork out the $60 per month for the hardcore. $100? IMO, pushing it. Maybe if they supply me with a vial of test quarterly.

 

[Dawgpound_Hank]

For us, there are other serious gym, but none within 30 minutes of us and 300k people. So, we would be an anomaly in our locality.

Hawk

Considering THAT, I can't see you guys having any problemo whatsoever. 300k is a nice size city, and who dafuq want's to drive friggin' 30 minutes when you have local? Not I.

 

[liftsiron]

I pay 35/mt but I live in a small city with a bunch of gyms so the prices here have to be competitive. I have a membership at the University also.

 

[Guest]

For a hardcore gym, atmosphere, good equipment, $60 month - No problem!

There are a couple small hardcore gyms in my area, they are "key" gyms though - your membership fees get you 24hr access after your first year. After im cleared from shoulder surgery, im signing up; I dont do well in over crowded, crappy commercial gyms.

 

[Bigpapapumpaf]

Here's the problem with the gym business. You really, really, really have to know your costs. Its one thing to say OK, it's $60 month but lets assume you get 500 people. That's only $360,000 a year. Is that going to be enough to cover all of your overhead? Equipment, utilities, insurance, payroll, repairs, replacements, etc? Planet Fitness survives because they more than over sell their capacity and also charge a yearly fee. That yearly fee is their profit margin. If you start at 500 people, what happens when 100 drop out? Or 50 can't pay on time?

Send me your zip code and I will pull a demographic report of your area that shows the need for and how much is spent on gym memberships. YOu might have 300,000 people but if there is no money spent on gyms, you're heading for trouble.

Back to your question, I pay for 3 gyms. One that is very small but I love the equipment, the other a huge spa like setting that has the best cardio equipment in town plus steam room and another one that my wife uses while watching her kid play hockey. So, we're about $200 a month in memberships. I pay for what I want but also like to switch things up every once in awhile. I am not loyal to any particular gym as they are all different. It takes one bad day from the owner, or a group of dickheads in the pit or too many fags and I'm on to the next one.

BPP

 

[Roughrydr]

I pay the $10 a month at what used to be Golds but is now a private owned gym. I havent been going there much lately. The perfect gym member. Pay my monthly, and my annual, but never use it. Stupid I know. But I keep telling myself I'm tired of the heat, the rain, the mosquitoes in my back yard. But I have a hard time walking into the gym. It feels so friggin corporate, like its this fake machine that's trying to suck the life out of me.
Also there are lots of hot women there that seem to like big muscled biker types and I tend to get distracted very easily and wind up going home with one of them for a "protein shake." Or to eat chocolate chip cookies and say we didnt.��
But I would pay up to $45 for a real hard core environment. There is one in the area but I would have to drive over an hour to get there when I can just go home, use my prison yard weight setup which has yielded great results for me. But yeah, for me, a lower income, ex convict, Outlaw type, $45 would be about it for me with my current situation.

 

[chicken_hawk]

Considering THAT, I can't see you guys having any problemo whatsoever. 300k is a nice size city, and who dafuq want's to drive friggin' 30 minutes when you have local? Not I.

There are no good gyms period, even the private ones have swear jars on the counter if you cuss during your workout

Hawk

 

[chicken_hawk]

Here's the problem with the gym business. You really, really, really have to know your costs. Its one thing to say OK, it's $60 month but lets assume you get 500 people. That's only $360,000 a year. Is that going to be enough to cover all of your overhead? Equipment, utilities, insurance, payroll, repairs, replacements, etc? Planet Fitness survives because they more than over sell their capacity and also charge a yearly fee. That yearly fee is their profit margin. If you start at 500 people, what happens when 100 drop out? Or 50 can't pay on time?

Send me your zip code and I will pull a demographic report of your area that shows the need for and how much is spent on gym memberships. YOu might have 300,000 people but if there is no money spent on gyms, you're heading for trouble.

Back to your question, I pay for 3 gyms. One that is very small but I love the equipment, the other a huge spa like setting that has the best cardio equipment in town plus steam room and another one that my wife uses while watching her kid play hockey. So, we're about $200 a month in memberships. I pay for what I want but also like to switch things up every once in awhile. I am not loyal to any particular gym as they are all different. It takes one bad day from the owner, or a group of dickheads in the pit or too many fags and I'm on to the next one.

BPP

I will shoot you a pm, but two things. The guys did ownnthe gym for over two years and is doing the p/l. I am indifferent to a point, but the issue I have in these discussions is that everyone wants to use the quick mart coffee model and not the Starbucks model. I own my own contracting bizz (i know apples and oranges) but I charge more and do way less volume while focusing on customer service and I do ok

So, while I am not an authority, i am really put off by the corporate model. You are either the same as McDonalds and by default less than or differant. If you are different than you play by your rules and not thiers. The key as you said is the overhead and hell if we cant get the numbers I'll just rent a garage for me and some buddies. I have no dog in this fight at the moment.

Hawk

 

[Big B]

I have a membership at the University also.

damn, had a friend been begging me to go to a local University as he was bragging about it. Finally gave in and wow, NICE! Had everything in health & fitness industry you can think of...

 

[chicken_hawk]

damn, had a friend been begging me to go to a local University as he was bragging about it. Finally gave in and wow, NICE! Had everything in health & fitness industry you can think of...

Yeah, Missouri Uv has a kick ass gym, but 2 hrs is a long commute LOL. I think there are a good cross section of gym people who would prefer a more personal and serious environment. Its not about getting all of them, just enough.

Hawk

 

[b52]

I am going through the process of buying a gym, and the memberships currently are $25 month. And this place is definitely geared towards lifters, but we'd never get $60 month. The doors would be closed before a year. The thing is guys like us would be willing to pay the $60 month but we are few and far between in this generation. $60 is very high, considering most all the gyms around here excluding planet shitness are getting between $20-40 month. The latter being all inclusive(tanning, guest privileges, steam room, group classes etc.) And these gyms have big boy weights too.

If you don't mind driving a little look for an area that needs a gym or needs a better gym. For an idea we're going to add a crossfit section/ functional training area because the market calls for it today. People love it. I hate it, but it's big up here and it would be stupid to alienate that part of the market. Think of ways to reach out to more people to entice them rather than raise the rates.

You don't want to scare people off. The goal is members not personalities. Student discounts, police/fire discounts. Donate old equipment to schools, fire, and police if you have any. Get involved in the community. I know the usps has an every door direct mail service where you can send a flyer to every address in whatever towns you choose. Throw 2 free passes on every flyer to get people in the door. Have a refer a friend program for current members and give them say 2 free months. This gives them incentive to get their friends to join. Juice bar/protein is a must. Throw a questionnaire on the front desk when you open to ask what you can do to make the place better? Remember not everyone works out like us here at this board. I see people doing some weird shit, but if they're happy to pay the membership to do their weird shit then have at it. Hope this helps.

 

[chicken_hawk]

I am going through the process of buying a gym, and the memberships currently are $25 month. And this place is definitely geared towards lifters, but we'd never get $60 month. The doors would be closed before a year. The thing is guys like us would be willing to pay the $60 month but we are few and far between in this generation. $60 is very high, considering most all the gyms around here excluding planet shitness are getting between $20-40 month. The latter being all inclusive(tanning, guest privileges, steam room, group classes etc.) And these gyms have big boy weights too.

If you don't mind driving a little look for an area that needs a gym or needs a better gym. For an idea we're going to add a crossfit section/ functional training area because the market calls for it today. People love it. I hate it, but it's big up here and it would be stupid to alienate that part of the market. Think of ways to reach out to more people to entice them rather than raise the rates.

You don't want to scare people off. The goal is members not personalities. Student discounts, police/fire discounts. Donate old equipment to schools, fire, and police if you have any. Get involved in the community. I know the usps has an every door direct mail service where you can send a flyer to every address in whatever towns you choose. Throw 2 free passes on every flyer to get people in the door. Have a refer a friend program for current members and give them say 2 free months. This gives them incentive to get their friends to join. Juice bar/protein is a must. Throw a questionnaire on the front desk when you open to ask what you can do to make the place better? Remember not everyone works out like us here at this board. I see people doing some weird shit, but if they're happy to pay the membership to do their weird shit then have at it. Hope this helps.

Hey b52, first thanks for chiming in and I am going to politely and respectively disagree. Here is another take, first if you are buying a gym that is set up like a corporate gym then yeah you have to play buy their rules and prices. Why, because they are your competition because you are trying to offer the same thing so how can you do anything different..you're appealing to the masses. But, by that logic Audi, Five Guys Burgers and Buckle should have been driven out of bussiness.

Not everyone views cars, burgers, jeans or gyms the same. We failed the last time because we tried to compete with them and had to play buy their rules...ie an ever expanding inventory and dirt cheap memberships. But, if like the aforementioned companies we relaunch as a new thing offering quality over quantity then price is secondary. Why, because its a niche market like crossfit $135 a month, The Sweatte Shop $150 month or maybe less specialized places like Joe DeFranco or Wesley Kieths place. There is a market for the serious gym in our market surrounded by Planet Fitness and 24hr as well as some others. But, we also have bbers strongmen and plers as well as HS and other athletes who feel out of place at those places.

Ok, here is the part where I agree. If you buy a gym, it already has a personality, price point and expectations. Trying to change that was our mistake and led to the demise of the gym. Ironically though we picked up one new member for each one we lost, but it was not enough to sustain our large overhead and no one wanted to pay the additional ten bucks. But, we tried to change the branding the gym had for 12 years. But, we had to try something at the end. So, your point is well recieved, but there are exceptions in my opinion.

Respectfully,
Hawk

 

[b52]

Wish you the best brother. Hope you do well in your venture. They're is a serious hardcore Pl gym and bodybuilding dungeon down the street from me. This seems like weat you want to do. I'll find out what he charges and let you know so you have an idea.

 

[b52]

This is the hardcore gym about a mile from me. I'd go here if I didn't have my own gym built at the house. Look over the site. Rates are cheap and this seems like the niche you want.

http://www.centrecitygym.com/rates-and-services

 

[chicken_hawk]

Pretty good prices for that part of town, but has a bit of a run down look. And thanks for the encouraging words. I wish you all the best as well.

Hawk

PS gonna post some pics of the previous gym.

 

[b52]

Pretty good prices for that part of town, but has a bit of a run down look. And thanks for the encouraging words. I wish you all the best as well.

Hawk

PS gonna post some pics of the previous gym.

Cool. Would love to see it

 

[Dakota]

My take is all those "hardcore" lifters that say they will pay $60-100/month won't. Not a chance. It is easy to say it but when it comes time to swipe the Visa they will choose a cheaper gym.

B52 also has it right that we are an odd lot. A minority. Look around your gym, even the few hardcore gyms left. Make up and fashion, selfies and no sweat. Ask yourself why there are no hardcore gyms left? Because there is not enough interest.

I wish you only the best but I think you are being romantic rather than realistic. The yearly membership and low monthly works because you can way over sell and only a fraction of members ever show up after the first month. That is the business model that works. I had a friend who had a Gold's membership. It was $7/month and he said he hadn't been to the gym in 20 years, but he wouldn't cancel because it was $7/month.

I think a realistic sell is under $29.99/month maybe up to $45 if there is a serious lack of availability in the area.

 

[TommyD]

I just can't do heavy weights anymore....or bench or squat or deadlift, I'm too old and broken from all the years of doing all I can't do anymore so hardcore gyms just aren't an interest for me. I go for clean facility, machines that are repaired quickly if they break down, a good selection of equipment like selectorized and plate load and a decent selection of cardio equipment. If they occassionally bring in new equipment AND they ask the membership what equipment they would like to be brought in I would be willing to pay a slightly higher membership.

I also like gyms where the front staff is friendly and bonus points if they remember my name.

 

[chicken_hawk]

I just can't do heavy weights anymore....or bench or squat or deadlift, I'm too old and broken from all the years of doing all I can't do anymore so hardcore gyms just aren't an interest for me. I go for clean facility, machines that are repaired quickly if they break down, a good selection of equipment like selectorized and plate load and a decent selection of cardio equipment. If they occassionally bring in new equipment AND they ask the membership what equipment they would like to be brought in I would be willing to pay a slightly higher membership.

I also like gyms where the front staff is friendly and bonus points if they remember my name.

I totally get that. And your points about cleanliness and staff are well recieved as well. Hardcore does not need to be dirty and lazy and cheap.

Hawk

 

[Dawgpound_Hank]

I also like gyms where the front staff is friendly and bonus points if they remember my name.

You can't be serious, right? :at:

Hawk, like I said before, if we're talking $60 and the only other hardcore gym around is 30+ minutes away, I don't see any problem. But $100 is not realistic IMO. I live in a small town of population around 20k, and I go to 1 of 2 "hardcore" gyms in my area. There is also a Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness. The gym I go to had 90 members when PF and AF came to town, and it still has 90 members - didn't lose one member. While I don't pay $60 per month & it's only $35 per month, I'd bet due to the hardcore members we have, that even if it were $60, nobody would leave. Hell 90% of them joke about the lunk alarms and 75lb db's. Atmosphere is EVERYTHING for the hardcore guy -guys busting ass, hard rock/metal on the sounds, chalk bins everywhere, etc. No hardcore guy is going to leave for a gym that only has a Smith machine with no barbells, 75lb db's and Mariah Carey blaring with smells of donuts or pizza lingering around pffttt. You being in a city of 300k should have a shitload more hardcore members than in this puny town haha.

 

[TommyD]

You can't be serious, right?

Dead serious. If I'm going to pay above the local going price for a membership I would like the respect of those whom I pay their wage. Maybe you don't care but I know others do, everybody likes to be remembered. How frickin hard is it to remember a persons name, it's part of a service and it shows they care about membership. You have your opinion and I have mine, no use on ranking on me for it. I can go to a cheaper gym, no issues. I recently left my gym of 8 years because the front staff was indifferent when people walked in, too busy on their phone to even look up, let alone say 'good morning'. Report a broken piece of equipment and they still couldn't make eye contact AND the equipment stayed broken for far too long, one time it was 3 MONTHS before it got fixed. The locker room stunk and crap stayed on the floor far too long before it was cleaned. Showers didn't work and were filthy.

You want me to pay more? Give me a reason to do so. Sorry if you disagree but your opinion is your opinion, don't insult me for mine.

 

[Dawgpound_Hank]

Dead serious. If I'm going to pay above the local going price for a membership I would like the respect of those whom I pay their wage. Maybe you don't care but I know others do, everybody likes to be remembered. How frickin hard is it to remember a persons name, it's part of a service and it shows they care about membership. You have your opinion and I have mine, no use on ranking on me for it. I can go to a cheaper gym, no issues. I recently left my gym of 8 years because the front staff was indifferent when people walked in, too busy on their phone to even look up, let alone say 'good morning'. Report a broken piece of equipment and they still couldn't make eye contact AND the equipment stayed broken for far too long, one time it was 3 MONTHS before it got fixed. The locker room stunk and crap stayed on the floor far too long before it was cleaned. Showers didn't work and were filthy.

You want me to pay more? Give me a reason to do so. Sorry if you disagree but your opinion is your opinion, don't insult me for mine.

Didn't insult you - only trippin' bcoz never heard of anyone before who put having their name remembered as a priority at a gym. I didn't say shit about you paying more. I go to the gym to train and could give a ratz ass if someone remembers my name or not. Yeah opinions vary for sure.

 

[b52]

Do you 2 need a hug?