Gym Studio Owner

---
name: gym-studio-owner
description: |
  Complete operations guide for fitness facility owners covering membership models, class scheduling, instructor management, equipment maintenance, member retention, challenge and program design, community building, and liability management. Use when the user asks about gym studio owner or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "entrepreneurship strategy planning fitness"
  category: "business-strategy"
  subcategory: "operations"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Gym Studio Owner

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- The user wants to open or improve operations for a gym, fitness studio, or yoga/pilates studio
- The user needs help with membership models, class scheduling, instructor management, or equipment planning
- The user wants guidance on member retention strategies, challenge programs, or community building
- The user needs liability management, facility layout design, or financial planning for a fitness business

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- The user wants personal fitness or workout programming (use relevant health-wellness skill)
- The user is starting a general small business not in fitness (use business-planner instead)
- The user needs salon, spa, or beauty business operations (use salon-owner instead)

## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to gym studio owner.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on gym studio owner
- User asks about gym studio owner best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to gym studio owner

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of gym studio owner

## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the owner's situation:

1. What type of facility? (Boutique studio, CrossFit box, traditional gym, yoga studio, martial arts, personal training studio)
2. Are you in the planning phase or already operating?
3. What is your square footage and location type?
4. What is your current membership count and capacity?
5. How many instructors/trainers do you have?
6. What is your monthly revenue and primary revenue streams?
7. What is your membership pricing structure?
8. What is your current member retention rate?
9. Who is your target demographic?
10. What differentiates you from competitors within 5 miles?

## Membership Models

### Pricing Structures

```
MODEL 1: MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP (Most Common)
  Tiers:
    Basic:    $____/month - Access during off-peak hours
    Standard: $____/month - Unlimited access
    Premium:  $____/month - Access + classes + perks

  Terms:
    Month-to-month: Higher rate (15-20% premium)
    6-month commitment: Mid-range rate
    12-month commitment: Lowest rate
    Annual prepaid: Additional 10% discount

MODEL 2: CLASS PACK / PUNCH CARD
  Single class drop-in:  $____
  5-class pack:          $____ (10-15% discount per class)
  10-class pack:         $____ (15-25% discount per class)
  20-class pack:         $____ (20-30% discount per class)
  Expiration: 30-90 days from purchase

MODEL 3: HYBRID (Membership + Class Credits)
  Base membership for facility access: $____/month
  Class credits included: X per month
  Additional class credits: $____ each

MODEL 4: TIERED CLASS MEMBERSHIP
  2x/week:   $____/month
  3x/week:   $____/month
  Unlimited:  $____/month

MODEL 5: PERSONAL TRAINING PACKAGES
  Single session:    $____
  4-pack (1x/week):  $____
  8-pack (2x/week):  $____
  12-pack (3x/week): $____
```

### Pricing Strategy Framework

```
Cost-Based Minimum:
  Monthly Fixed Costs / Break-Even Members = Minimum Price
  Example: $15,000 costs / 200 members = $75/month minimum

Market-Based Positioning:
  Budget:    $10-$30/month (Planet Fitness model, high volume)
  Mid-Range: $50-$100/month (standard gym with classes)
  Premium:   $100-$200/month (boutique, specialized)
  Ultra:     $200-$400+/month (personal training studio, exclusive)

Value-Based Additions:
  Base membership:          $XX/month
  + Personal training:      +$XX/session
  + Nutrition coaching:     +$XX/month
  + Recovery services:      +$XX/session
  + Childcare:              +$XX/month
  + Locker rental:          +$XX/month
```

### Revenue Per Square Foot Benchmarks

```
Facility Type              | Target Revenue/Sq Ft/Year
---------------------------|-------------------------
Traditional Gym            | $30-$60
Group Fitness Studio       | $50-$100
CrossFit/Functional        | $60-$120
Yoga/Pilates Studio        | $50-$90
Personal Training Studio   | $80-$150
Martial Arts               | $40-$80
```

## Class Scheduling

### Schedule Design Principles

```
PEAK HOURS (staff and program accordingly):
  Early morning:  5:30-7:30 AM (before work crowd)
  Lunch:          11:30 AM-1:00 PM (lunch break crowd)
  After work:     4:30-7:00 PM (highest demand)
  Saturday AM:    8:00-11:00 AM (weekend warriors)

SCHEDULING RULES:
1. Signature classes in peak slots (your best instructors)
2. Variety throughout the week (no two identical classes back-to-back)
3. 15-minute transitions between classes (cleanup + setup)
4. Beginner-friendly options at accessible times
5. Consistent weekly schedule (members memorize "my Tuesday class")
6. Review attendance data monthly; cancel classes under 40% capacity
7. Test new class formats in off-peak slots first

CAPACITY PLANNING:
  Studio capacity: [X] spots per class
  Target utilization: 70-85% (leaves room for drop-ins)
  Waitlist threshold: Open new section when 3+ classes/week are full
  Cancel threshold: Under 30% capacity for 4 consecutive weeks
```

### Class Format Mix (Example Weekly Schedule)

```
MONDAY:    AM Boot Camp | Noon Yoga | PM HIIT | PM Strength
TUESDAY:   AM Spin | Noon Pilates | PM Boxing | PM Yoga Flow
WEDNESDAY: AM Boot Camp | Noon HIIT | PM Strength | PM Mobility
THURSDAY:  AM Spin | Noon Yoga | PM Boxing | PM Conditioning
FRIDAY:    AM Boot Camp | Noon Pilates | PM HIIT | Open Gym
SATURDAY:  AM Community WOD | AM Yoga | AM Spin
SUNDAY:    AM Yoga | AM Open Gym | PM Recovery/Stretch
```

## Instructor Management

### Compensation Models

```
MODEL 1: PER CLASS RATE
  Flat fee per class: $25-$75 (varies by market and class type)
  Pros: Simple, predictable cost
  Cons: No incentive to grow attendance

MODEL 2: BASE + PER HEAD
  Base per class: $25-$40
  Per attendee bonus: $2-$5 per person
  Pros: Incentivizes attendance growth
  Cons: More complex payroll

MODEL 3: REVENUE SHARE
  Instructor receives 30-50% of class revenue
  Pros: Aligned incentives
  Cons: Variable income for instructor

MODEL 4: SALARY (Full-Time)
  Annual salary: $35,000-$60,000
  Expected: 15-25 classes/week + admin duties
  Pros: Loyalty, consistency
  Cons: Highest fixed cost

MODEL 5: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
  Instructor sets own rates and brings own clients
  Studio takes 30-50% of session revenue
  Pros: Low risk for studio
  Cons: Less control over scheduling and quality
  WARNING: Ensure proper IC classification (IRS rules)
```

### Instructor Quality Standards

```
HIRING CRITERIA:
[ ] Current certification from accredited organization
[ ] CPR/AED certification current
[ ] Liability insurance (or covered under studio policy)
[ ] Audition class observed and evaluated
[ ] Reference check from previous facility
[ ] Personality and culture fit assessment
[ ] Availability matches schedule needs

PERFORMANCE METRICS (Review Quarterly):
  Average class attendance:       ___/capacity
  Attendance trend:               Growing / Stable / Declining
  Member feedback scores:         ___/5
  No-show/late rate:              ___% (target: 0%)
  Substitute coverage reliability: ___% (target: 100%)
  Continuing education completed:  Yes / No

DEVELOPMENT:
  Quarterly 1-on-1 feedback sessions
  Annual certification renewal support
  Continuing education budget: $200-$500/year per instructor
  Peer observation program (instructors attend each other's classes)
  Annual instructor retreat or team building
```

## Equipment Maintenance

### Preventive Maintenance Schedule

```
DAILY:
[ ] Wipe down all equipment surfaces (antibacterial)
[ ] Check cardio machines for display errors
[ ] Inspect free weight area for damage
[ ] Verify all equipment is in proper position
[ ] Clean and restock towel stations
[ ] Check water fountain/hydration station

WEEKLY:
[ ] Lubricate treadmill belts
[ ] Check cable machine cables for fraying
[ ] Inspect all bolts and pins for tightness
[ ] Clean under and behind equipment
[ ] Test emergency stops on cardio equipment
[ ] Vacuum and mop all flooring

MONTHLY:
[ ] Deep clean all equipment
[ ] Inspect upholstery for tears (repair immediately)
[ ] Check resistance settings and calibration
[ ] HVAC filter inspection/replacement
[ ] Emergency lighting test
[ ] Flooring inspection for damage or lifting

QUARTERLY:
[ ] Professional equipment service (cardio machines)
[ ] Cable replacement assessment
[ ] Belt tension and alignment check (treadmills)
[ ] Structural equipment inspection (rig, rack)

ANNUALLY:
[ ] Full equipment audit and replacement planning
[ ] Deep carpet/flooring cleaning or replacement
[ ] HVAC professional service
[ ] Fire extinguisher inspection
[ ] AED battery and pad check
```

### Equipment Budget Planning

```
Annual Maintenance Budget: 5-10% of total equipment value
Equipment Replacement Reserve: 10-15% of equipment value per year
Average Equipment Lifespan:
  Treadmills:          7-10 years
  Ellipticals:         8-10 years
  Spin bikes:          5-8 years
  Free weights:        15-20+ years
  Cable machines:      10-15 years
  Rowers:              8-12 years
  Rubber flooring:     10-15 years
  Mats and accessories: 2-5 years
```

## Member Retention Strategies

### Retention Metrics

```
KEY FORMULAS:
  Monthly Retention Rate = (Members End of Month - New Members) / Members Start of Month x 100
  Annual Retention Rate = Members retained from 12 months ago / Total members 12 months ago x 100
  Average Member Lifetime = 1 / Monthly Churn Rate
  Lifetime Value (LTV) = Average Monthly Revenue x Average Member Lifetime

BENCHMARKS:
  Excellent retention:  Monthly churn under 3% (36%+ annual churn)
  Good retention:       Monthly churn 3-5%
  Needs improvement:    Monthly churn over 5%
  Industry average:     ~50% annual churn for traditional gyms
  Boutique studios:     30-40% annual churn (better due to community)
```

### Retention Playbook

```
FIRST 30 DAYS (Critical Window - 50% of cancellations happen here):
  Day 1:  Welcome email/text with key information
  Day 1:  Free introductory session or orientation
  Day 3:  Personal check-in from staff
  Day 7:  "How was your first week?" message
  Day 14: Invite to a group class or community event
  Day 21: Progress check-in, ask about goals
  Day 30: Celebrate first month, introduce next challenge

ONGOING RETENTION:
  - Know members by name (train all staff)
  - Track attendance; reach out after 7 days of no visits
  - Birthday and milestone recognition
  - Regular goal-setting and progress tracking
  - Social events beyond workouts
  - Member appreciation events quarterly
  - Loyalty rewards program
  - Exit interviews for every cancellation

AT-RISK MEMBER TRIGGERS:
  Trigger: No visit in 10+ days
  Action: Personal text/call from trainer or manager

  Trigger: Reduced visit frequency (dropped 50%+)
  Action: Check in, offer free PT session or class recommendation

  Trigger: Cancellation request
  Action: Retention conversation (pause option, downgrade, freeze)
```

## Challenge and Program Design

### 6-Week Challenge Template

```
CHALLENGE NAME: [Theme] - e.g., "New Year Transformation" / "Summer Shred"

STRUCTURE:
  Duration: 6 weeks
  Entry fee: $99-$299 (or free for members as retention tool)
  Includes: Workout programming, nutrition guide, accountability group

WEEK-BY-WEEK:
  Week 1: Baseline assessments, goal setting, habit tracking introduced
  Week 2: Nutrition focus, meal prep workshop
  Week 3: Midpoint check-in, community workout event
  Week 4: Intensify training, introduce advanced options
  Week 5: Progress photos and measurements
  Week 6: Final assessments, celebration event, before/after reveals

TRACKING:
  - Body composition (InBody or measurements)
  - Benchmark workout performance
  - Attendance percentage
  - Habit tracking completion
  - Before/after photos (with consent for marketing)

PRIZES:
  Grand prize: 3-month membership or $500 value
  Most improved: 1-month membership
  Best attendance: Merchandise package

  Prize budget: 10-15% of total challenge revenue
```

### Ongoing Program Ideas

- **Foundations program**: 4-week onboarding series for new members
- **Specialty programs**: Olympic lifting, running club, flexibility
- **Kids/family programs**: After-school, parent-child classes
- **Corporate wellness**: Company-sponsored group memberships
- **Senior fitness**: Low-impact, balance, mobility focused
- **Pre/postnatal**: Specialized programming with certified trainers

## Community Building

### Community Event Calendar

```
MONTHLY:
  - Community workout (free, open to public - lead generation)
  - Member social (happy hour, potluck, movie night)
  - Charity workout (raise money for local cause)

QUARTERLY:
  - Challenge launch event
  - Member appreciation party
  - Competition or throw-down
  - Workshop (nutrition, mobility, sport-specific)

ANNUALLY:
  - Anniversary celebration
  - Holiday party
  - Summer outdoor event
  - Year-end awards ceremony
```

### Building Culture

```
TACTICS:
1. Create rituals (bell for PRs, first class celebration, birthday WOD)
2. Member spotlight board (physical or social media)
3. Team-based competitions (keeps members accountable to peers)
4. Private member Facebook/WhatsApp group
5. Branded merchandise (creates tribal identity)
6. Photo wall or hall of fame
7. Member-led initiatives (book club, running group, sport league)
8. Coach-member ratio that allows personal connections
9. Music and atmosphere that match your brand identity
10. Staff training on names, goals, and personal details
```

## Liability Management

### Insurance Requirements

```
REQUIRED:
  General liability: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate minimum
  Professional liability (for instruction): $1M minimum
  Property insurance: Replacement value of all equipment and build-out
  Workers compensation: Required if you have employees

RECOMMENDED:
  Umbrella policy: $1M-$5M additional coverage
  Cyber liability: If storing member data electronically
  Business interruption: Covers lost revenue during forced closure
  Employment practices liability (EPLI): Protects against employee claims

ANNUAL INSURANCE BUDGET: $3,000-$10,000 depending on size and type
```

### Risk Management Checklist

```
DOCUMENTATION:
[ ] Membership agreement with liability waiver (attorney reviewed)
[ ] Assumption of risk form signed by all members
[ ] Minor waiver signed by parent/guardian
[ ] Incident report forms available and staff trained
[ ] Photo/video release forms
[ ] Independent contractor agreements (if applicable)

FACILITY SAFETY:
[ ] AED on premises, staff trained
[ ] First aid kit stocked and accessible
[ ] Emergency action plan posted
[ ] Emergency exits marked and unobstructed
[ ] Equipment spacing meets safety standards (3 ft between machines)
[ ] Non-slip flooring in wet areas
[ ] Proper lighting throughout
[ ] Security cameras in common areas (not locker rooms)
[ ] Temperature and ventilation adequate

OPERATIONAL:
[ ] Staff CPR/AED certification current
[ ] New member orientation/fitness assessment process
[ ] Equipment orientation for all new members
[ ] Trainer certification verification on file
[ ] Regular safety audits (quarterly)
[ ] Incident log maintained and reviewed monthly
```

## Financial Management

### Monthly P&L Template

```
REVENUE:
  Membership dues:               $________ (___%)
  Personal training:             $________ (___%)
  Class packs/drop-ins:          $________ (___%)
  Retail/merchandise:            $________ (___%)
  Challenges/programs:           $________ (___%)
  Other (childcare, etc.):       $________ (___%)
  TOTAL REVENUE:                 $________

EXPENSES:
  Rent/mortgage:                 $________ (target: 15-25% of revenue)
  Payroll (staff + instructors): $________ (target: 30-40% of revenue)
  Utilities:                     $________
  Insurance:                     $________
  Equipment lease/maintenance:   $________
  Marketing:                     $________ (target: 5-10% of revenue)
  Software (management, music):  $________
  Cleaning/janitorial:           $________
  Supplies:                      $________
  Professional services:         $________
  TOTAL EXPENSES:                $________

NET OPERATING INCOME:            $________ (target: 15-25%)

KEY METRICS:
  Revenue per member:            $________/month
  Cost to acquire new member:    $________
  Member lifetime value:         $________
  Revenue per square foot:       $________/year
  Payroll as % of revenue:       ________%
  Occupancy as % of revenue:     ________%
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underpricing to attract members (creates the wrong culture and thin margins)
2. No new-member onboarding process (leads to early cancellations)
3. Ignoring the first-30-days experience
4. Over-relying on one instructor (if they leave, members follow)
5. Not tracking attendance and engagement data
6. Skipping equipment maintenance (safety liability and costly replacements)
7. No cancellation prevention process
8. Failing to diversify revenue beyond just memberships
9. Not investing in community beyond the workouts
10. Growing too fast without systems (adding locations before mastering one)


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Gym Studio Owner deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with gym studio owner for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete gym studio owner framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest