How to Start a CrossFit Gym: Essential Tips for Success

If you’re a fitness entrepreneur ready to create a thriving community of like-minded individuals, you’ve likely been wondering how to open a CrossFit Affiliate gym.

Why open a CrossFit gym? The industry shows no signs of slowing down. A 2021 report from Grand View Research projected the CrossFit gym equipment market would reach $901.6 million by 2028.

Additionally, with its unique and challenging workouts, CrossFit was the seventh most popular type of workout among Americans. This is according to a 2021 YouGov survey.

CrossFit Affiliate gym owners must be able to:

• Retain clients
• Attract new ones
• Maintain high class attendance

Launching a new business can be exciting, but overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to start a CrossFit gym. We’ll cover everything from gym equipment costs to becoming a CrossFit Affiliate.

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find in this post:

• How to start a CrossFit Gym: The importance of a solid business plan
• Find the right space for your CrossFit Affiliate
• Boost your credibility and become a CrossFit Affiliate
• Get business insurance for your CrossFit Gym
• Acquire high-quality CrossFit equipment
• Find supportive instructors with CrossFit certifications
• Choose the right business management software

How to start a CrossFit Gym: The importance of a solid business plan

The journey to opening a CrossFit gym requires more than just passion and high-quality CrossFit equipment. You must create a solid business plan. Think of it as your roadmap, outlining the path from concept to reality for your fitness business.

To create a robust business plan, you must include the following:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Financial plan

In the earliest stages of your CrossFit Gym, your business plan will inform important business decisions. Remember to revisit and potentially amend your business plan annually or whenever you launch new products or services.

A well-crafted business plan allows you to stay focused on your values, find new opportunities, and cultivate a sense of community as your CrossFit Affiliate grows.

Find the right space for your CrossFit Affiliate

The right venue creates a strong foundation for affiliate owners aiming to create a thriving community that fosters camaraderie and personal growth. Here’s what you should look for when choosing a CrossFit Affiliate gym location:

• Accessibility: Ensure your gym is easy to get to and near public transportation if applicable so members will attend sessions more frequently. If you operate in an area where most of your members will drive to sessions, be sure your gym has free and easy parking nearby.
• Size: Start with a smaller space to keep overhead costs down, but ensure your CrossFit Affiliate has ample room for classes, equipment, and potential expansion as your community grows. CrossFit gyms are typically 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, allowing enough room for classes, safety zones, and equipment.
• Permits: Remember that you may need to get permits to alter the space to make it more suitable for CrossFit workouts.
• Competition: Check out other fitness businesses in the area to get an idea of the gaps your business can fill.

A prime, easily accessible location ensures your members can attend sessions without the hassle of long commutes, thus improving attendance rates. Visibility is key in attracting newcomers; an Affiliate hidden away is a gem undiscovered.

Equally, ample parking removes a significant barrier to entry, making it convenient for members to choose your facility over others. Every detail, from the layout to the ambiance, contributes to the overall experience, encouraging members to keep coming back.

Remember, the space you select will be the heart of your CrossFit community and a place that fuels your members’ transformations.

Boost your credibility and become a CrossFit Affiliate

Becoming a CrossFit Affiliate is a pivotal step for affiliate owners looking to provide the official CrossFit experience. This affiliation connects you to a global network of fitness business owners and resources, while increasing your credibility in the competitive fitness industry. This affiliation legitimizes your gym and gives you access to a wealth of resources to help grow your business.

The affiliate application process can be broken down into three steps:

Understand the requirements

Any instructors working at your gym must complete the CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course, an essential foundation for all aspiring CrossFit Affiliate owners. This certification provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively coach CrossFit to your future members. You’ll complete a weekend workshop consisting of about 15 seminars covering everything from safety to proper workout techniques. Affiliate costs include $1,000 for the workshop and $4,500 annual fees that cover marketing kits, Affiliate owner roundtables, programming guides, and much more.

Complete the application

Visit the website and fill out the affiliate application. You’ll have the opportunity to share your vision, experience, and the unique aspects of the community you plan to build. Turn to your business plan, as the application asks you to share your vision for your CrossFit Affiliate gym. Be ready to share details about your proposed location, your coaching team, and how you envision your CrossFit Affiliate impacting your local community.

Submit your affiliate fee

Along with your application, you’ll need to submit the $1,000 affiliate application fee. Consider it an investment in your gym’s future and your way into the global CrossFit family and all its resources. The CrossFit Affiliate team will review your application to ensure alignment with CrossFit’s standards and values. Once approved, you’ll have the right to use the CrossFit name in your gym’s branding and marketing efforts.

Get business insurance for your CrossFit Gym

Safeguarding your CrossFit Affiliate against unforeseen incidents is non-negotiable. That’s where business insurance comes into the picture. For CrossFit Affiliate gym owners, instructors, and members alike, business insurance isn’t just a safety net. It’s a cornerstone of trust.

From property damage to liability claims, business insurance is there to ensure that these hurdles don’t damage your business. Here are some of the types of insurance you should consider:

• General liability covers a range of costs and damages, including property damage to your rented space, medical expenses for anyone injured at your gym, and legal expenses for personal or advertising injuries.
• Professional liability covers medical expenses and legal fees for anyone who is injured while under your gym’s watch. This is important to have if you offer at-home coaching.
• Excess liability kicks in when your general liability isn’t enough to cover an accident or incident so you’re less likely to pay out-of-pocket.
• Worker’s compensation protection for employees who are injured at work. This protection covers missed wages, medical bills, and more while reducing your gym’s liability.

Acquire high-quality CrossFit equipment

High-quality CrossFit equipment is all about helping your members build strength, challenge themselves, and achieve their fitness goals.

Your inventory should include:

• Barbells
• Bumper plates
• Kettlebells
• Medicine balls
• Rowing machines
• Pull-up bars

Gym equipment costs can be a significant investment, often ranging from $30,000 to $75,000. The quality and variety of your equipment speaks volumes about your commitment to the client experience and your members’ individual progress.

When calculating these costs in your business plan, be sure to factor in any changes you might need to make to your space to accommodate the equipment. For example, you’ll likely need to change the flooring and install rigging systems.

Find supportive instructors with CrossFit certifications

Qualified and inspirational instructors are the beating heart of any successful CrossFit Affiliate gym. Start by scouting for candidates with CrossFit Affiliate certifications, ensuring they bring both knowledge and passion to the table.

Instructors with experience in coaching people of varying fitness levels can give your gym a competitive edge.

During the interview stage be sure to assess candidates for the following:

• Technical skills
• Ability to motivate and connect with members
• Passion to make each class a transformative experience

You should also audit at least one of their classes to evaluate their leadership and people skills. Taking all this into consideration will help you find instructors that will boost client loyalty and help your business grow.

Choose the right business management software

Business management software is command central for successful CrossFit Affiliate gyms. The right solution enables you to build a strong sense of community and deliver unparalleled fitness experiences.

WellnessLiving’s FitBUILDER is an all-in-one solution for studios that use structured group fitness models, including CrossFit Gyms.

Here’s how FitBUILDER transforms the way your gym operates:

• Building community and engagement: Features such as likes, comments, and leaderboards encourage and help members stay motivated while building a sense of community.
• Workout planning: This feature includes a range of exercises and timers to ensure clients meet their goals.
• Supporting progress with whiteboard visualizations: As a WellnessLiving customer, you can track and visualize client progress on your gym’s whiteboard screen and use that data to enhance the individual training experience.
• Streamlining gym operations: A centralized scheduling and workout management system enhances gym efficiency for you, your staff, and your members.
• Enhancing client engagement: Use instant notifications to drum up excitement about participation and new workouts of the day (WODs).

FitBUILDER caters to the dynamic needs of a CrossFit Affiliate gym. Integrated seamlessly into WellnessLiving, FitBUILDER makes it easier to attract, engage, and retain clients.

Discover how WellnessLiving and FitBUILDER can streamline your administrative tasks and transform your CrossFit Affiliate.

Book your free demo today.