CrossFit is a multimillion-dollar fitness industry that shows no signs of slowing down. Do not let your excitement and dreams of becoming a successful CrossFit business owner cause you to overlook potential challenges on your path to success. Successful business owners have one of several things in common—discipline. When it comes to CrossFit entrepreneurship, you will need it in spades on your journey to success. Whether you are a new entrepreneur who is interested in starting a CrossFit affiliate or a current gym owner who is looking to diversify and make your mark in the industry, the keys to your CrossFit business’ success are listed below.
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Procure CrossFit Certifications
CrossFit gyms are not stand-alone franchises. They are affiliates. You need to become a certified CrossFit specialist to qualify as an affiliate. Initially, only a level one CrossFit certification is necessary. But at some point, you should consider getting certified up to level four. There are also specializations you can use to make yourself and gym more marketable and appealing to customers and investors. The more credentials and fitness specializations you have, the more credible and competitive your CrossFit venture will be.
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Develop a Good Business Plan
A solid business plan is vital for your gym’s success. At some point, your CrossFit business is going to need funding, investors, and other critical resources to help it grow in today’s highly competitive environment. There are many ways you can structure your business plan. To start, use the following questions to establish your CrossFit affiliate’s goals and milestones.
- Where do you see your CrossFit business three to five years from now?
- What goals and achievements do you want to pursue during that time?
- What steps, resources, and strategies do you plan to use to achieve those goals?
The answers to those questions are critical. They provide an outline or blueprint to help you assess your company’s progress and make changes as necessary. Do not forget to incorporate these key provisions into your business plan as well: market analysis, operational procedures, financial forecasts, contracts, and costs.
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Establish a Unique Brand Identity
With so many CrossFit gyms and fitness centers out there, what sets your venture apart from all others? You need a distinct brand that is easy for CrossFit enthusiasts to remember. It is what helps connect them to your business. Do not rely solely on the CrossFit name to engage your target audience. You should research and learn what people really want and expect out of their dream CrossFit gym. By knowing what fitness enthusiasts desire and expect, you can better adapt your affiliate and service offerings to better meet and exceed their expectations.
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Choose a Favorable Facility and Location
You need a building in a good location that is visible and easily accessible to members of the CrossFit and local community. The facility itself, should be safe and structurally sound and include aesthetic and functional features. Do not cut corners in your quest for the perfect CrossFit facility or location. Thoroughly research where your target audience lives and works. Factor in potential commute challenges that may affect your CrossFit affiliate’s accessibility. Do not forget to consider the pros and cons of each potential building and location from a business security and liability standpoint as well.
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Invest in Quality Equipment
Before your box gym is ready for action, it needs equipment. Not just any fitness equipment will do. To ensure members get the most of their CrossFit experience at your gym, secure quality equipment that provides members with a solid foundation to support all individual and group fitness goals. Do not cut corners on equipment selection and quality. To start and maintain a successful CrossFit business, invest in quality dumbbells, weight benches, kettlebells, pullup bars, quick release collars, climbing ropes, exercise mats, jump ropes, Plyo boxes, and complete weight sets. Keep in mind that is a nonexclusive list.
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Stay Realistic
Maintain a realistic view of what you expect for your company. As your gym grows, you may encounter different challenges that require flexible solutions. Keeping an open mind and level head about things makes it easier for to you to identify opportunities that allow you to leverage solutions that sustain your gym’s longevity.
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Mitigate Risks and Liabilities With Insurance
No successful business is without insurance. Comprehensive insurance coverage may seem like an additional expense, but it is significantly more beneficial than many fitness entrepreneurs realize. Think of it like the most solid back up plan you can rely on to protect your CrossFit affiliate’s operations and reputation, should accidents (employee or customer), perils (fire, flood, or catastrophic) and other covered events happen. Insurance protects the fruits of your labor, your CrossFit equipment and customers against the many risks successful businesses and fitness centers/affiliates encounter today. To reap the peace of mind and rewarding opportunities that successful affiliates enjoy, you need a good CrossFit insurance policy.
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Hire Qualified Staff and Employees
Hire staff with the proper credentials. Credentials, certifications, and professional fitness achievements, even from specialties outside of the CrossFit sphere (you may decide to diversify your gym in the future) can help boost your affiliate’s credibility and help solidify you and your staff as experts in the field and community. Besides, CrossFit trainers must maintain active certifications in their specific level of expertise. All other staff should be personable, courteous, supportive, and knowledgeable.
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Offer Customer Amenities and Rewards
Give customers reasons to choose your CrossFit affiliate over all others. Go above providing the right equipment and environment. Show them you are serious about their health and well-being. Offer individual and group lessons on various CrossFit techniques to help members achieve their fitness and health goals. Work out accessories, rewards programs and incentives, recovery supplements, beverages and foods, comfortable and functional lounge areas, and secure parking accommodations are among the endless possibilities you can pursue to woo and transform fitness enthusiasts into long-term members. (This is also a great marketing tactic, by the way!)
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Develop the Right Mindset
Once you make the leap into owning a CrossFit affiliate, you will need an overabundance of confidence and the right attitude to maintain its success. Keep in mind that most major fitness centers and gyms were not overnight sensations. It took time, the right resources, hard work, perseverance, and dedication for those companies to become the industry titans they are today
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Enjoy the Experience
Use your CrossFit passion to learn, nurture, and improve your business acumen and results. You will become more efficient at maintaining a long-term and extremely rewarding connection with the CrossFit community. You will also become more adept in anticipating your members’ needs and adapting your business strategies and goals accordingly.
Contact Us
CrossFit affiliates, trainers, and entrepreneurs count on CrossFit RRG for employee, property, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance options to provide comprehensive protection for their personal and commercial CrossFit assets. Call (310) 937-2007 to learn about custom coverage options. Also, we encourage you to check out and join our CrossFit community.