The Owner's Corner: What Gym Owners Wish They Knew at the Start


The Owner's Corner

Helping gym owners achieve sustainable growth

What Gym Owners Wish They Knew at the Start

Hi Reader,

We read a summary on BarBend about the lessons that some longtime CrossFit affiliate owners have learned over the years. We felt it was incredibly useful advice to all gym owners and we wanted to summarize the highlights here:

"I wish I would have known this is a people and relationship-based business more than a fitness program."

Dealing with members and staff is probably one of the hardest challenges there is. Focusing your efforts on becoming an expert people manager (for both populations) can be the difference in your business.

"I was too focused on being a competitive gym catering to high-level athletes"

Your ideal client is a busy person that works and maybe wants to lose a few pounds, gain some muscle, and feel better about themselves. Most people don't necessarily aspire to compete, and if we focus on that, we're missing the boat. Focus on the population that needs you the most.

"Consider your family, coaches, and members with all decisions"

Don't forget that you didn't start a gym for yourself. You did it for the good of others. Don't lose sight of that, and make sure that you operate with those you serve in mind. This is a people business!

"Most of the worst decisions have come from rushing into hiring a staff member due to feeling like it was an emergency and being understaffed"

This is literally the reason Barbell Jobs exists - find the right talent the first time and watch your gym flourish!


Post a Fitness Job

If you're ready to grow your business, let us help you on the hiring side. We help you find quality talent using our vast fitness network.


Until next time!

Team Barbell Jobs

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
Unsubscribe · Preferences

BarbellJobs.com

Get industry news and fitness job opportunities in the world of functional fitness delivered to your inbox.

Read more from BarbellJobs.com

The Owner's Corner Helping gym owners achieve sustainable growth Five Gym Owner Hacks to Crush It the Rest of 2025 Hi Reader, Want to pump up your business and dominate the fitness game in 2025? Here’s the no-BS scoop on what’s working in the new fitness economy, straight from the trenches. 1. Boutique is Still King Big-box gyms are so last decade. Clients crave boutique spots with personality—think curated playlists blasting through sleek sound systems, Insta-worthy murals on the walls, and...

The Owner's Corner Helping gym owners achieve sustainable growth How 8th Day Gym Grew to 30,000 Sq Ft—And How You Can Too Hi Reader, If you’re looking to grow your gym, take notes from 8th Day Gym in Grand Rapids, MI. They started small in 2010 with just two members in a rented room. Fast forward 15 years, and they now operate out of a 30,000-square-foot facility with multiple revenue streams and a thriving team of coaches. Here’s what they did right—and how you can apply it to your gym: 1....

The Owner's Corner Helping gym owners achieve sustainable growth Sales is the Best Tool in Your Toolbox Hi Reader, While we say we are in the fitness industry, we really make our living by selling. Being skilled at sales has a direct and undisputed correlation to success in your business. But not all owner-operator trainers are good at selling, and we've seen too many business casualties despite an owner being an arguably world class trainer. What do great sales people have that makes them so...