Feeling stuck at a big box gym? Tired of the corporate setting and ready to strike out on your own?
Going independent could be the perfect solution to take your training business to the next level.
As an independent trainer, you have the freedom and flexibility to run your business your way. But making the transition can feel daunting. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to rent gym space to go independent, the pros and cons to consider, and actionable tips to set yourself up for success.
Two Paths to Independence
When it comes to going independent as a personal trainer, there are two main options:
- Rent space from an existing gym or facility
- Build out your own dedicated training space
For most trainers, especially those just starting out, renting space is the more accessible and affordable route. Building your own space requires significant upfront investment and overhead.
Renting allows you to get up and running quickly with minimal startup costs. You can tap into an existing client base at the gym and avoid the headaches of maintaining your own facility.
That said, having your own space does give you ultimate control and can be a great option down the line as your business grows. For this guide though, we’ll focus primarily on how to successfully rent gym space.
Benefits of Renting Gym Space
So why rent instead of staying at your current gym? Here are some of the key advantages:
- Avoid paying for expensive equipment, maintenance, rent and utilities of your own facility
- Get started immediately training clients without setup or construction time
- Leverage the gym’s existing membership base to attract clients
- Maintain a professional training environment and atmosphere
- Flexibility to rent space at multiple gyms to expand your clientele
- Low risk way to test going independent before opening your own gym
For many trainers, renting space provides the ideal balance of independence and simplicity. You get the freedom of running your own business without all the overhead and logistics of operating an entire gym.
What to Look for in a Rental Gym
Not all gyms are created equal when it comes to renting space as an independent trainer. As you evaluate potential facilities, keep these factors in mind:
Equipment
Does the gym have the equipment you need to effectively train your clients? Think about the specific needs of your training style and clientele. If Olympic lifting or heavy powerlifting is your bread and butter, make sure the gym is properly equipped.
Scheduling and Availability
What are the gym’s hours of operation? How much flexibility will you have in scheduling time to train clients? Are there dedicated spaces or studios you can reserve? Understand the scheduling logistics upfront.
Other Trainers
How many other independent trainers are operating in the space? While some friendly competition is fine, you don’t want to be fighting over clients or tripping over each other. An overcrowded facility may not be the right fit.
Rental Terms
Get clear on the gym’s rental pricing model and terms. Most facilities charge either a flat monthly rate, a percentage of your client fees, or a per session fee. Make sure you understand what’s included (equipment access, locker rooms, parking, etc.) and if you need to sign a long-term contract.
Culture and Vibe
Don’t overlook the importance of culture fit. You want to train somewhere with a vibe and atmosphere that aligns with your training style and personality. Visit the gym at different times to get a feel for the environment and membership base.
Setting Your Rental Budget
Of course, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to determine how much you can afford for monthly gym rent. Rates can vary widely depending on the type of facility, location, amenities and rental terms.
On the low end, you might pay around $500/month for a no-frills neighborhood gym with limited equipment. Renting space at a higher-end facility in a major metro area could run upwards of $2,000+/month.
Do the math on your anticipated monthly client revenue to back into a rental budget you’re comfortable with.
Gym Rental Red Flags
As you tour potential gyms, watch out for these warning signs that could spell trouble for your rental experience:
- Overcrowding and lack of open training space
- Outdated, broken down, or limited equipment
- Unclean locker rooms and common areas
- Disorganized and unhelpful staff or management
- Restrictive rules around independent training
- Lack of community and unfriendly vibe
Trust your gut – if something feels off about a facility, keep looking. Choosing the wrong gym can lead to headaches and hinder the growth of your independent training business.
Streamlining In-Person Training
Going independent doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the systems and technology that make your job easier. With a tool like Superset’s Coach Mode, you can streamline your in-person training.
Coach Mode allows you to seamlessly integrate online and in-person sessions into your client programming and scheduling. You can design workout programs, track client progress, and easily switch between remote and face-to-face coaching, enabling a hybrid training model to cater to the evolving needs of fitness professionals and their clients.
Having a central hub to manage the admin work of training frees you up to focus on what matters most – helping your clients get results. Get started with Superset for free to simplify your coaching business.
Grow Your Independent Training Biz
Renting gym space is a fantastic way to gain independence as a personal trainer without the major investment and risk of opening your own facility. By understanding the benefits, key considerations, and how to set a smart rental budget, you’ll be well equipped to make the transition successfully.
Start by touring gyms in your area to find the right fit. Prioritize facilities that have the equipment and amenities you need, a great vibe, and reasonable rental terms. Leverage tools like Superset to streamline your business operations from the start.
With a solid gym rental in place, you’ll have the freedom and foundation to grow your independent training business on your own terms. The future is bright for ambitious, entrepreneurial trainers like you. Now get out there and make your mark!
