Starting a gym is exciting, but choosing what type of gym to open is the most critical decision you’ll make. Each model has different costs, target audiences, space requirements, regulations, staffing needs, and growth potential.
This guide breaks down every major gym category, helping you understand what it takes to start, operate, and scale each one.
1. Traditional commercial gyms
Traditional commercial gyms are the most recognisable and widely accessible fitness facilities in the world. These are the classic, membership-based gyms offering a balanced mix of cardio equipment, resistance machines, free weights, and group exercise classes. They serve a broad audience, from casual exercisers and beginners to intermediate-level fitness enthusiasts, making them a popular choice for communities of all sizes. Their business model thrives on volume: the focus is on attracting large numbers of members through competitive pricing, brand visibility, and wide-ranging amenities.
Commercial gyms typically include treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowers, selectorised machines, squat racks, cable stations, and stretching zones. Many also include group fitness rooms offering Zumba, spin, yoga, HIIT, or body pump-style classes. Locker rooms, showers, saunas, and sometimes swimming pools enhance their appeal and justify tiered pricing structures.
From an investment perspective, these gyms require significant capital. A mid-sized 8,000 to 12,000 square foot commercial gym can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $1.5 million to launch, largely depending on location, equipment quality, and included amenities. Monthly operating costs, such as staff salaries, equipment maintenance, utilities, software, and marketing, also tend to be substantial. To mitigate financial risk, consider validating your cost estimates with a lean startup methodology. Running a short-term pop-up gym or conducting a pre-sale for membership can help test the market and gather valuable insights before committing to larger investments.
The primary advantage of this model is scalability. Commercial gyms can evolve into multi-branch networks if the first location succeeds, especially when backed by a strong brand identity and efficient management systems. However, competition is intense; entrepreneurs must differentiate with customer experience, community building, or unique class offerings.
For beginners entering the fitness business, commercial gyms offer the broadest opportunity but also the highest responsibility. They require strategic planning, smart automation to reduce labour, and excellent member retention systems to ensure profitability. When executed well, traditional gyms deliver strong long-term growth and appeal to a wide demographic.
2. Boutique fitness studios
Boutique fitness studios are smaller, specialised gyms focused on a single training modality or philosophy. Their rise has reshaped the global fitness industry, attracting members who crave a more personalised, community-driven experience. Unlike commercial gyms that aim for mass membership, boutiques specialise in depth over breadth, intimate spaces, highly curated training, premium coaching, and emotionally engaging environments.
Examples include HIIT studios, barre studios, Pilates studios, boxing boutiques, spin studios, and yoga-inspired formats. These spaces typically range from 800 to 3,000 sq. ft. and rely on small group classes, often capped between 8 and 20 participants, to maintain attention and energy.
Boutique studios thrive on personality. Branding, music, lighting, class narratives, instructor charisma, and the culture of the space contribute as much to success as the workouts themselves. Members join not just for training but for belonging, making retention rates significantly higher than commercial gyms when done right. To create unforgettable differentiation, consider adopting a signature vibe that resonates with your studio’s identity. This catchy label can serve as a unique selling point and travel through word of mouth faster than any advertising campaign.
Start-up costs vary widely based on equipment and design. A basic HIIT studio might start at $80,000, while a reformer Pilates studio with premium machines could reach $250,000 to $450,000. Operating costs are lower than large gyms, but revenue potential is often higher due to premium pricing and loyalty-driven memberships. For instance, if a reformer Pilates studio targets a break-even point within the first year, it would need to secure memberships reaching $20,000 to $37,500 per month, assuming average monthly rates of $250 to $350 per member. This calculation underscores the importance of disciplined financial planning to ensure that the initial higher equipment investment can justify the anticipated premium rates.
Boutique studios are particularly attractive for first-time entrepreneurs because they are manageable, profitable, and scalable through franchising or multiple niche concepts. The model also supports hybrid services such as nutrition coaching, workshops, merchandise, and online classes.
The core challenge is consistency; members expect a world-class experience every single visit. This demands well-trained coaches, tight operational systems, and strong brand storytelling. If crafted with care, boutique studios can become powerful community hubs with incredible lifetime value per member.
3. Strength and conditioning gyms
Strength and conditioning gyms are designed for those who want to build muscle, improve performance, and train like athletes. Unlike general commercial gyms, these facilities prioritise free weights, heavy lifting, specialised equipment, and structured programming over cardio machines or general fitness classes. They attract a more dedicated demographic, strength athletes, powerlifters, strongman competitors, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts seeking serious progression.
A typical strength gym features squat racks, deadlift platforms, benches, bumper plates, calibrated plates, specialty bars, sled tracks, turf, dumbbells up to 150 lbs or more, cable systems, and accessory stations. Some also include strongman equipment such as yokes, atlas stones, logs, and farmers’ carry handles. Because these gyms require less cardio equipment, upfront costs often focus on high-quality strength tools.
These gyms typically range from 2,000 to 8,000 sq. ft., with start-up costs between $60,000 and $250,000 depending on size and equipment grade. Operating costs are moderate, as staffing is minimal; many strength gyms operate successfully with a small team or hybrid PT-led model.
One of the biggest advantages of this gym type is member loyalty. Strength-focused communities are tight-knit, supportive, and driven by results. Members stay for years, creating strong retention and predictable revenue. Many gyms also offer powerlifting teams, coaching programs, workshops, competitions, and personalised training.
The core challenge lies in niche positioning. These gyms cater to a specific market segment, so location and branding are essential. Additionally, heavy equipment means higher insurance and strict safety policies.
Entrepreneurs entering this space should be passionate about a strong culture. Success depends on authenticity, knowledgeable coaching, community building, and offering a training environment that commercial gyms simply cannot match. When executed well, strength and conditioning gyms become iconic spaces for serious lifters and aspiring athletes.
4. CrossFit and functional training boxes
CrossFit and functional training boxes specialise in high-intensity, varied training that blends Olympic lifting, gymnastics, conditioning circuits, and functional movements. These gyms prioritise group-based energy, coach-led sessions, and a culture built on grit, progress, and community. Members join not only for fitness but for accountability and belonging.
A typical CrossFit box is raw, industrial, and minimalist, with rubber flooring, pull-up rigs, barbells, bumper plates, plyo boxes, kettlebells, rowing machines, bikes, sleds, battle ropes, and wall balls. Instead of polished aesthetics, the focus is on utility and open space. Most facilities operate within 2,000 to 6,000 sq. ft. warehouses or open studios.
Start-up costs can range from $70,000 to $200,000, depending on licensing fees, equipment quality, and interior setup. CrossFit affiliates also pay an annual affiliation fee, while functional training studios without the CrossFit branding avoid this cost.
The strength of this model lies in community-led retention. Functional training gyms boast some of the highest retention rates in the industry because members feel supported, challenged, and celebrated. The coach-led format makes scalability easier—programming becomes centralised, and staff can run large classes efficiently.
Revenue can come from memberships, CrossFit courses, merchandise, nutrition coaching, competitions, youth programs, and specialty classes like Olympic lifting or mobility training.
Challenges include maintaining safety, managing high coaching standards, and ensuring consistent programming quality. Because workouts are intense, coaches must be trained to prevent injuries and modify exercises for different fitness levels.
For entrepreneurs who love dynamic training and community building, CrossFit and functional training boxes offer a powerful business model. With strong branding, structured programming, and a welcoming culture, these gyms can attract a dedicated, long-lasting membership base.
5. Martial arts and combat sports gyms
Martial arts and combat sports gyms cater to members seeking discipline, technical skill, self-defence, and athletic conditioning. These gyms specialise in structured training environments rooted in tradition, respect, and progression. Training often spans striking, grappling, and hybrid combat systems, depending on the discipline offered. Popular examples include boxing gyms, MMA gyms, BJJ academies, Muay Thai studios, Karate schools, Taekwondo dojos, Kung Fu schools, and youth-oriented wrestling clubs.
These gyms typically run on instructor-led classes rather than open gym access. The format is highly community-driven and built around belts, rankings, sparring sessions, and technical drills. Because combat sports attract a wide demographic, from children learning confidence to adults seeking fitness or competitive ambition, the membership base can be diverse and extremely loyal.
Facility sizes range from 1,500 to 5,000 sq. ft., depending on the disciplines offered. Boxing and Muay Thai gyms require heavy bags, pads, open mat space, and sometimes a ring. BJJ and grappling centres need large mat areas with premium tatami flooring. MMA facilities combine striking and grappling zones, often requiring cage panels and conditioning equipment. Start-up costs vary widely, typically ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on size, equipment, and branding.
Martial arts gyms have some of the highest retention rates in the entire fitness industry because progression systems (belt testing, competitions, sparring milestones) keep members engaged. Many owners generate additional revenue through uniforms, protective gear, private coaching, seminars, tournaments, and kids’ programs.
Challenges include scheduling flexibility, safety management, instructor quality, and maintaining culture. Coaching talent is central to the business; poor instruction or inconsistent standards can quickly damage reputation.
For entrepreneurs passionate about martial arts or combat sports, these gyms offer a deeply fulfilling and financially stable business model. When built on strong coaching, progression-based training, and community values, martial arts gyms become long-term, multi-generational training hubs.
6. Personal training studios
Personal training studios are intimate, private or semi-private fitness spaces designed for 1:1 training, small-group training, or premium coaching programs. Unlike commercial gyms, these spaces focus on highly personalised service rather than large membership volume. They attract clients seeking accountability, results-driven programs, privacy, or specialised coaching such as weight loss, hypertrophy, rehab-focused training, or athletic performance.
A typical personal training studio ranges from 600 to 2,000 sq. ft., equipped with functional tools like dumbbells, kettlebells, cables, racks, benches, sleds, resistance bands, and sometimes specialty equipment, depending on the coach’s niche. Because space is used efficiently and machines are limited, start-up costs are generally lower, usually between $20,000 and $100,000, depending on location and design.
What sets PT studios apart is the revenue model. Instead of $20–$80 monthly memberships, clients usually invest in high-ticket packages ranging from $200 to $1,200+ per month. As a result, PT studios can be highly profitable even with modest membership numbers. This model also offers flexible hours and fewer staff requirements, as many studios operate with one to three trainers initially.
PT studios tend to attract loyal clients seeking transformation, making retention strong when systems are well-designed. Many studios expand into nutrition coaching, body scans, online programming, and hybrid services. The studio environment also fosters trust, making upsells natural and sustainable.
Challenges include client acquisition, managing trainer schedules, ensuring consistent quality across coaches, and avoiding burnout. Since PT studios rely heavily on personal relationships, owners must master sales, communication, and service excellence.
For fitness entrepreneurs who prefer coaching depth over volume, personal training studios offer an accessible, scalable, and impactful business model. With premium service, professional branding, and high-quality coaching, these studios can become thriving local businesses with exceptional client transformation stories.
7. Yoga and mindfulness centres
Yoga and mindfulness centres offer a sanctuary-like environment focused on balance, breath, movement, and mental well-being. These facilities prioritise holistic health over intensity, making them ideal for individuals seeking stress relief, flexibility, spiritual grounding, or gentle physical conditioning. Yoga centres vary widely in style, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Hot Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and mindfulness-focused programs such as meditation and breathwork.
A typical yoga studio ranges from 800 to 2,500 sq. ft., often featuring serene lighting, natural materials, soundscapes, and temperature-controlled rooms. Hot yoga studios require additional investment in heating systems, humidity control, and ventilation. Equipment needs are minimal—mats, bolsters, blocks, straps, and sound systems, making start-up costs relatively modest compared to other gym types. Most yoga studios cost $30,000 to $150,000 to open, depending on location and design quality.
Yoga centres attract a wide demographic, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and often build deep, emotionally connected communities. Memberships can be structured through class packs, unlimited monthly access, or drop-in rates. Many studios also offer workshops, teacher training certifications, retreats, and wellness programs, creating multiple revenue streams.
The strengths of yoga studios lie in the atmosphere and instruction quality. Members expect consistency, compassion, safe progression, and mindfulness-driven coaching. Community engagement is strong—many members treat the studio as a second home.
Challenges include maintaining class variety, retaining skilled instructors (often freelancers), and competing with low-cost online yoga platforms. Studio owners must differentiate through experience, connection, and local presence rather than pure pricing.
For entrepreneurs inspired by wellness, yoga, and mental health, these centres provide a meaningful business opportunity. When built with authenticity, strong instruction, and a calming environment, yoga studios offer long-term community value and high retention.
8. Pilates studios
Pilates studios specialise in controlled, core-focused training that enhances posture, flexibility, balance, and functional strength. There are two primary formats: mat Pilates and equipment-based Pilates, most notably reformer Pilates, which has surged in global popularity. Reformer studios deliver premium, low-impact workouts that attract a broad demographic, including professionals, athletes, seniors, and rehabilitation clients.
A Pilates studio typically ranges from 800 to 2,000 sq. ft., depending on the number of reformers and group classes. Equipment requirements vary dramatically between mat-based studios (low cost) and reformer studios (high cost). A single high-quality reformer can range from $3,000 to $8,000, and a fully equipped studio may require 6–12 machines. For this reason, start-up costs for Pilates studios range from $60,000 to $300,000+, depending on equipment, branding, and instructor certifications.
Pilates attracts clients seeking results without high-impact stress, making it ideal for injury prevention, posture correction, and long-term wellness. The training style supports slow, deliberate movements, creating a premium, sophisticated feel. As a result, Pilates memberships often command higher pricing than traditional gyms or yoga studios.
Revenue streams typically include class memberships, private sessions, workshops, teacher training programs, and specialty classes such as prenatal Pilates or Pilates for athletes. Retention is strong when instruction quality and class consistency are maintained.
Challenges include securing certified instructors, managing class scheduling efficiently, and ensuring proper equipment maintenance. Because reformer classes have limited capacity, profitability depends on optimal pricing and utilisation.
Pilates studios offer a strong business opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to provide high-value, specialised training. With the right instructors, premium design, and consistent class experience, Pilates studios can achieve strong community loyalty and long-term financial success.
9. Women-only gyms
Women-only gyms provide a safe and welcoming environment tailored specifically to female members. These gyms are designed with privacy in mind, often including features such as separate locker rooms, gender-specific equipment zones, and women-focused group classes like barre, Pilates, or strength training. The emphasis is not only on fitness but also on comfort and community, fostering a supportive space where women feel encouraged to work out confidently.
Typical programs may include personal training, group fitness, wellness workshops, and lifestyle coaching. Women-only gyms often focus on holistic health, combining physical fitness with nutrition advice and mental wellness programs. Due to the tailored environment, marketing is usually targeted toward women’s groups, local communities, and corporate wellness programs.
Setting up a small to mid-sized women-only gym can range from $70,000 to $250,000, depending on the location, size, and equipment quality. A larger facility in a premium area could cost upwards of $500,000, especially if offering luxury amenities like spa services or boutique studios.
Monthly memberships range from $50–$150, depending on facilities, classes, and services offered. Personal training packages can add $500–$2,000 per month per trainer.
Location and privacy are crucial; many successful women-only gyms are situated in suburban areas, near corporate offices, or in women-focused communities. Retention strategies, such as personalized programs, loyalty rewards, and regular community events, are essential for keeping memberships high.
10. Senior fitness centres
Senior fitness centres cater specifically to older adults, focusing on improving mobility, balance, strength, and cardiovascular health through low-impact workouts. These facilities address age-related concerns such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and fall prevention. Classes often include light resistance training, stretching routines, aquatic exercise, and functional movement programs designed to improve daily living activities.
These gyms emphasize safety and personal guidance, often staffed with trainers certified in senior fitness or corrective exercise. Many centres also integrate wellness workshops, nutrition consultations, and social activities to combat isolation and promote mental well-being. Accessibility is a priority: equipment is chosen for ease of use, and spaces are designed with minimal hazards.
Opening a senior-focused fitness centre typically costs $80,000–$200,000 for small to mid-sized facilities. Larger centres with specialized equipment or pools can reach $400,000–$600,000.
Membership fees usually range from $40–$100 per month, often with group discounts for couples or family memberships. Specialized programs, such as physiotherapy or personal training, can bring in $600–$1,500 monthly per instructor.
Marketing should target local senior communities, healthcare providers, and retirement communities. Safety, accessibility, and personalized attention are the biggest selling points. Successful centres also emphasize long-term engagement with milestone tracking, social clubs, and ongoing health education.
11. Athletic performance centres
Athletic performance centres are specialised training facilities designed to improve the physical capabilities of athletes, sports teams, and performance-focused individuals. Unlike traditional gyms, these centres prioritise measurable outcomes such as speed, power, agility, and injury resilience. Staffed with certified strength and conditioning coaches, sports physiologists, and biomechanical specialists, these gyms design science-backed programmes for school-level competitors, semi-professionals, and professional athletes.
Equipment is highly specialised: sprint tracks, sled lanes, plyometric rigs, Olympic lifting platforms, force plates, and motion analysis systems are common. These gyms operate more like academies than general fitness clubs, offering structured programmes, athlete assessments, team packages, and seasonal camps. Recovery tools, cold tubs, compression therapy, and mobility labs are also part of the package.
Startup costs are moderate to high, ranging $65,000–$200,000, depending on technology and facility size, usually occupying 4,000–10,000 sq. ft. Revenue comes from programme packages, team contracts, elite athlete coaching, and off-season camps. Entrepreneurs often have backgrounds in sports coaching or conditioning. Differentiation is a major advantage; few gyms offer true athletic performance training, but success relies heavily on staff expertise, measurable results, and strong relationships with teams or schools.
Athletic performance centres attract a niche but dedicated client base, creating strong community credibility. They offer high-value programmes and long-term memberships, often paired with team contracts or seasonal workshops. For entrepreneurs, this model is ideal for building a purpose-driven fitness business with impact and growth potential. These gyms combine measurable athletic results with premium coaching, giving clients tangible value and owners a scalable business model.
12. Outdoor/hybrid fitness gyms
Outdoor and hybrid gyms have surged in popularity due to flexibility, lower overheads, and strong community appeal. They combine outdoor training, parks, fields, rooftops, or waterfronts, with optional indoor spaces. Programs focus on functional fitness, bootcamps, calisthenics, mobility sessions, or hybrid circuit training. Members enjoy fresh-air sessions, social engagement, and varied workout routines.
Outdoor gyms are cost-efficient. Entrepreneurs can start with $3,000–$16,000, depending on equipment and branding. Common tools include kettlebells, battle ropes, suspension trainers, plyo boxes, sleds, and bodyweight stations. Hybrid gyms may add small indoor areas for storage, changing rooms, or sessions during inclement weather.
Community-building is central. Members enjoy sunrise workouts, weekend bootcamps, and transformation challenges. Flexible class scheduling allows rapid scaling. Revenue comes from monthly memberships, class packs, or challenge-based programmes. Marketing relies heavily on social media, local presence, and word-of-mouth.
Challenges include weather dependency and regulatory permissions for public spaces. Hybrid gyms mitigate these issues with indoor facilities, providing continuity and retention. They thrive on quality coaching, innovative class formats, and engagement-driven programs.
This format is ideal for new entrepreneurs or trainers transitioning into business ownership. Lower initial investment, minimal infrastructure, and flexible operations make outdoor/hybrid gyms attractive. Strong community engagement enhances retention, while social media-driven marketing drives growth. These gyms combine profitability, lifestyle branding, and experiential fitness, making them an appealing, modern gym concept.
13. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy fitness clinics
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy clinics combine fitness with medical expertise to help clients recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and restore mobility. Staff typically includes physiotherapists, corrective exercise coaches, and sometimes chiropractors or sports doctors. These clinics focus on assessment-driven, personalised programmes, often starting with movement screening, posture analysis, and range-of-motion evaluation.
Programmes are tailored to post-injury recovery, chronic pain management, or mobility restoration. Equipment may include reformers, resistance machines, balance trainers, therapy tables, laser therapy units, and mobility tools. Unlike general gyms, these facilities emphasise safety, rehabilitation progression, and measurable improvement over casual fitness.
Startup costs are $33,000–$100,000, depending on licenses, equipment, and staff expertise. Space requirements vary but usually range from 800–2,500 sq. ft. Revenue comes from physiotherapy sessions, corrective exercise programmes, post-injury packages, corporate wellness partnerships, and preventive classes.
Success relies heavily on expertise and trust. Clients often require reassurance and personalised guidance. Tracking progress, clear communication, and a safe environment are critical. These gyms can complement commercial facilities via partnerships, creating referral networks and cross-service opportunities.
Rehab gyms offer entrepreneurs a high-value, in-demand niche. They attract clients seeking long-term health solutions rather than casual fitness. With proper marketing, certified staff, and measurable results, these gyms can command premium pricing and establish a reputation as a trusted health destination.
14. Luxury / high-end gyms
Luxury gyms provide premium, lifestyle-driven fitness experiences with top-tier amenities. Facilities typically include spa zones, pools, hot/cold therapy suites, massage rooms, nutrition bars, and concierge-style services. High-quality design, lighting, and finishes create a sophisticated environment. The focus is on exclusivity, personalised service, and convenience.
Memberships are high-end, with monthly fees ranging $100–$500, depending on location and services. Startup investment is substantial, between $165,000–$660,000, covering architectural design, premium equipment, spa-grade installations, and luxury interiors.
Luxury gyms offer a mix of personal training, Pilates, yoga, strength programs, recovery sessions, and nutrition guidance. A higher staff-to-member ratio ensures attention and tailored experiences. Upselling includes spa treatments, wellness retreats, and advanced training programmes.
Advantages include strong member loyalty, long-term stability, and premium margins. The target market includes corporate executives, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy, comfort, and elite services. Marketing relies on exclusivity, service quality, and branding.
Challenges include maintaining consistent excellence and meeting high expectations. Service lapses can impact reputation. However, when executed properly, luxury gyms provide significant profitability, lifestyle branding, and a strong position in the fitness market.
15. Corporate wellness gyms
Corporate wellness gyms are fitness centres built inside corporate offices or campuses to improve employee health, productivity, and workplace wellness. Facilities often include functional training zones, cardio areas, stretching zones, and wellness rooms for meditation or physiotherapy. These gyms may be fully staffed or partially self-service.
Startup costs depend on size and scope, ranging $33,000–$133,000. Corporations may fully fund the gym or partner with external fitness providers. Revenue comes from corporate contracts, employee memberships, workshops, and personalised programs.
Programs are designed to reduce stress, improve energy levels, and address mobility or mental health issues. Success relies on alignment with company culture, participation metrics, and employee satisfaction. Corporate gyms typically operate on long-term contracts, providing predictable revenue.
For entrepreneurs, corporate wellness gyms offer high stability, guaranteed traffic, and impactful results. They promote healthier employees and can reduce healthcare costs, making them attractive to companies. These gyms combine fitness with organisational wellbeing, providing both financial and social impact.
16. Specialty niche gyms
Specialty niche gyms focus on unique training disciplines or lifestyle communities, attracting highly motivated and loyal members. Examples include calisthenics gyms, parkour facilities, indoor cycling studios, rowing clubs, dance-fitness studios, pole fitness spaces, and obstacle course gyms. Members join for mastery, community, and passion rather than general fitness.
These gyms emphasise expertise, skill progression, workshops, competitions, and themed challenges. Community engagement is central, creating strong retention and brand identity. Staff are highly specialised in the discipline, enhancing credibility.
Startup costs vary: cycle or dance studios can begin around $16,000–$50,000, while parkour or OCR gyms require $66,000–$133,000 due to custom-built structures. Space requirements vary widely: 1,500–10,000 sq. ft., depending on discipline.
Revenue streams include memberships, class packs, premium skill programmes, workshops, and competitions. Marketing relies on social media, niche forums, and word-of-mouth. Challenges include market size limitations; careful targeting ensures a sustainable member base.
For entrepreneurs, niche gyms provide differentiation, community engagement, and loyal membership. When executed authentically, they become cultural hubs and profitable businesses.
GymRoute works well with all gym types
No matter what type of gym you operate, be it a bustling commercial chain, a boutique studio, a specialised athletic centre, or even a niche discipline space, managing operations, memberships, and member engagement can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where GymRoute steps in as the ultimate solution. With its all-in-one platform, GymRoute streamlines payments, automates member communication, tracks attendance, and provides actionable insights, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional fitness experiences. Whether you’re scaling a luxury facility or running a community-focused outdoor gym, GymRoute ensures your business runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably, empowering you to grow with confidence.
