If you are researching information on how to open your own CrossFit gym, then you are in the right place. In this post, you will find a quick CrossFit checklist to run through. Similar to opening any other gym, you want to make sure you have the right location and equipment and proper startup costs. This checklist will touch on all of those items and help you get started.
Do you have the right location?
Location is big when opening a gym, because as you know, there are things to consider like if it’s in a central enough area and if people are able to find it okay. Then, there are questions about the building itself like–is it sandwiched between other businesses and will you need to do any remodeling?
However, location is especially important when opening up a CrossFit box. You have people climbing ropes, dropping barbells and dumbbells all over the floor, tossing wall balls, doing walking handstands and push-ups, etc.
Here are some things to consider when looking for your perfect CrossFit business:
- Are you alone in the building or do you have neighbors?
- If you have neighbors, are you on an end or sandwiched between them?
- Is there a way to sound-proof or mask some of the noise?
- Are the ceilings high enough for rope climbing workouts?
Is there room to grow?
This one goes along with the part about selecting a location suitable for CrossFit activities. If you’re teetering between starting small or big, here is food for thought.
It’s true, they do call it a “CrossFit box”. While we agree it could be financially wise of you to start off with a more modest space since you don’t know how your small business will take off. We also know there’s a lot going on in a CrossFit gym and you need sufficient space. There are pros to going bigger right away, as long as you are comfortably within your budget range.
- Are you able to envision many different athletes doing their workouts all at the same time, without being in each other’s way or getting hurt?
- If you have your heart set on a smaller space, is there an available space next door?
- If not, is there a way to put your name on a first dibs list, for future expansion opportunities?
What type of equipment do you need?
Startup costs can add up quickly. While most of the purchases are necessary and have set prices, like in the case of legal fees and certifications, there are a couple of other ways to cut down costs. One of the biggest ones is by being extra careful with your equipment expenses. Gym equipment alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars, if bought brand new. So, make sure to take your time researching this area.
- What are the essential items you need to start?
- What items can wait to be purchased at a later date?
- Do you plan to buy or lease equipment?
- Have you considered buying secondhand pieces from the internet? Ex: eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace
We hope this CrossFit checklist helps you get started on the right foot with your small business. If you’ve already started your own list and have something to add, let us know in the comments.