Starting a business isn’t for everyone. It requires dedication, commitment, planning and a lot of hard work. There is no shortcut to the top, and if you want your business to be sustainable, you will need to follow a carefully laid out plan. However, if it is a success, the advantages of having our own business are substantial and you can reap all the benefits of being your own boss. The key is to do your homework so that you are properly prepared before you embark on this adventure. Here are some things you should consider before starting a business in fitness.
Guidelines to start a fitness business
What type of fitness business do you want to run?
The fitness industry is diverse with many facets. It goes without saying that you should enter an area that you are already interested in. Another aspect to consider is to enter a market where you recognise a need. To be a success, your business will need to marry your interests and abilities with what your target audience wants. For example, is there a fitness facility or gym in your area? Are people opting for bootcamp classes or CrossFit? Is there a Yoga studio near where you live? These factors will influence what you offer and where. This is where you’ll need to conduct plenty of market research. Each fitness market will require a different plan and a different set of objectives.
Above all, you need to be passionate about what you do. You will be spending a lot of time and energy on your new venture, building it into something successful. So it’s fairly crucial that you enjoy doing it.
Are you adequately trained?
Before starting a business in fitness, you’ll need to be trained in whichever fitness course you plan to offer. Proper training will give you a sound understanding of the human anatomy and the principles of exercise, nutrition and fitness. Contact a college or institution that offers locally and internationally accredited qualifications to give your course a bit more weight. If you can advertise that your qualification is accredited with REPSSA or CATHSSETA, it will do wonders for your reputation and credibility. REPSSA and CATHSSETA both provide a system of regulation that ensures that exercise professionals meet the health and fitness industry standards. These accreditations provide assurance and confidence to the public that you (as an exercise professional) are appropriately qualified.
Developing a business plan
When you’re thinking of starting a business, the main purpose of a business plan is that it helps you avoid throwing your time and money into a business that will not succeed. Put simply, a business plan is a written description of the future of your business. It describes what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. It also gives you the means to stay on track and not lose focus by giving you a plan that accounts for all areas of your business.
There are various ideas of what a business plan should include but essentially, it should cover all the aspects that will lead to the success of your business. These aspects are:
- Your basic business concept where you discuss the industry, your business structure, your service, and how you plan to make your business a success.
- Your strategy and the specific actions you will take to implement it. The goals you have for your business and how you will reach them.
- All the reasons why your services are superior to your competitors’.
- The marketing plan which describes who your customers will be, and how you will attract and retain enough customers to make a profit.
- Your financial needs based on your projected financial statements.
Your plan should account for growth, should clearly lay out your business goals and the means for achieving them, and it should account for all marketing activities. Although the plan should be followed as closely as possible, you should also allow room for adaptation when and where it is needed.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today
Are you considering starting a business in fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited health and fitness courses at affordable prices. We also offer an Entrepreneurship course, giving you all the tools you need to start your own successful business. To find out more about our health and fitness courses, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.
