I need advice

[Rob Haan]

I bought a small gym in May, it has free weights including a power rack and a platform, bumper plates, machines, and cardio equipment. I have a members that are over 70 years old and some in high school. The gym is loosing money because I do not have enough members. The gym also has a bad reputation, because years ago their was illegal activities going on and it is supposedly the hard core gym in the area.

A week ago a guy came in and offered to buy the gym for more than what I have put into it. He wants to turn it into a personal training studio and put up tv's so fat women can watch Oprah. He told me he is going to get rid of the weights because they are intimidating, and that he is more interested in taking peoples money than training them.

My options sell and find something else to do or take a chance and maybe lose all my money


If I stay do you think changing the name is enough to change the reputation?

[Stu Christensen]

Changing the name is a good start for sure. Then some hefty PR work etc would be good. Even if its just getting out and supporting some local events and shaking hands and kissing babies etc....that'll do wonders for the image. Also, try offering deals or specials to target audiences...such as college students or soccer mom's etc. Making sure the place is spic 'n span will also help with keeping the middle aged personnel in there. Hate to say it, although most of us want a hardcore place to train - you'll only make money if you appeal to the masses. Fitness and health gyms are what make money and what the majority of people want to see. Just maybe have some hardcore stuff in the corner or off to one side awar from the cardio equipment to create a bit of separation. The gym I train at has achieved this really well... and it shows in the diverse membership the owner has. A doze strogmen, to national level BB'ers and PL'ers to soccer moms, high school students, to elderly looking to stay fit.

[Grant Buhr]

Sell it on the condition that you get the equipment. Take the money, open in a new location and do what Stu suggests.

[ADAMBAUER]

I second what both Stu an d Grant said, its the image that the place has and no amount of PR for the current place will challenge the doubt in the publics mind, to the masses that place will always be "that gym"wink wink nudge nudge.

[Declan Mac Daid]

I have to echo what has been said already, new location, new start and go for it!

[Dan Eberhardt]

Sell it on the condition that you get the equipment. Take the money, open in a new location and do what Stu suggests.

Do this! At the very least you can set up a pretty good garage gym.

[chad coy]

I agree with teh guys above...sell and get out...take the equipment and re- open...BUT have a PLAN...........This business can be awesome if you run it like a businessman and not a meathead......PM me and I can help you!

[Jim Wood]

If you have two rooms or the space to build a dividing wall, put the free weights and hardcore equipment on one side and the cardio on the other. A friend of mine did this and it was easier to appeal to everyone. Also i agree with alot of pr work like flyers, poster and cut price memberships.

Have some t.v's that show music channels and always keep the place clean. Good changing facilities are also a good plus point.

Hope everything turns out well whatever you plan to do. Email me if there is anything else you want to know.

Best of luck jim

[Rob Haan]

thanks for the advice, I will not be opening another gym,

[Matthew White]

What does the little strongman angle on your shoulder tell you to do!?