Pay as you go Gym - Dublin

profit_roler

What would people reaction be to a very low cost no frills pay as you go gym in North Dublin City Centre. I think this is a good business Idea would would like to get peoples opinions.

There would be no pool, no sauna, a shower would cost extra. There would be no instructors just one person manning the entrance. The gym would open for the morning rush then close mid day and open again for the evening rush.

Entry would be E4 per go or E8 for a 3 day pass. Equipment would be threadmills and cross trainers with free weights and benches no weight machines though.

People could also buy a protein shake afterwards for E2 mixed by the lovely receptionist on the way out.

Saltash

profit_roler wrote: »

What would people reaction be to a very low cost no frills pay as you go gym in North Dublin City Centre. I think this is a good business Idea would would like to get peoples opinions.

There would be no pool, no sauna, a shower would cost extra. There would be no instructors just one person manning the entrance. The gym would open for the morning rush then close mid day and open again for the evening rush.

Entry would be E4 per go or E8 for a 3 day pass. Equipment would be threadmills and cross trainers with free weights and benches no weight machines though.

People could also buy a protein shake afterwards for E2 mixed by the lovely receptionist on the way out.

I wouldnt go if i cant have a free shower after, water doesnt cost you anything, so why should you charge for the use of a free commodity??

Zamboni

Saltash wrote: »

I wouldnt go if i cant have a free shower after, water doesnt cost you anything, so why should you charge for the use of a free commodity??

The electricity that heats the water is not a free commodity.

Hanley

What are the insurance implications of not having someone on the gym floor?

How many people do you expect to get thru the door?

What's the max capcity of the gym gonna be at any one time?

Do you think you'll cover rent and insurance on a per use basis without having to charge membership fees?

beefjerky

Zamboni wrote: »

The electricity that heats the water is not a free commodity.

Either would the electricity that keeps the lights on; would people have to rent a head torch going in?

Hanley

beefjerky wrote: »

Either would the electricity that keeps the lights on; would people have to rent a head torch going in?

There's also the floor space that is given up to the showers. And the installation costs. And the fact it's a cost centre and not a profit centre.

Nobody goes to the gym for a shower, they go to lift weights.

beefjerky

Hanley wrote: »

There's also the floor space that is given up to the showers. And the installation costs. And the fact it's a cost centre and not a profit centre.

Nobody goes to the gym for a shower, they go to lift weights.

gotcha!

dory

Hanley wrote: »

What are the insurance implications of not having someone on the gym floor?

My gym in Kilmaimham had one person for gym/reception/pool. They were always on the reception. So, they seem to get away with it anyway.

COH

Doesnt sound like a viable business model at all to be honest. Limited hours, limited facilities, limited capacity... and absolutely no guarantee of return customers.

From my experience more people 'pay as you go' for classes like spinning etc. If somebody really wants to train they'll buy a gym membership.

At 4 euro a go, it isnt going to save a regular gym goer any money over the course of a month either. If I were to train 4 times per week I'd be paying 64 euro per month... and I still wouldnt be able to have a shower after I trained?

More research required

If I were a dragon... I'd be out!

Zamboni

COH wrote: »

At 4 euro a go, it isnt going to save a regular gym goer any money over the course of a month either. If I were to train 4 times per week I'd be paying 64 euro per month... and I still wouldnt be able to have a shower after I trained?

More research required

If I were a dragon... I'd be out!

He could always spend a couple of grand on a crossfit affiliation and quadruple his prices...

muboop1

To expensive for poo facilities (no pool or shower)

also, to have someone make a protein shake up for you...
Health implications and would have to be very regulated as a food place would be. Would effectively double as a smoothie bar legaly I think...

Now imagine 1 person covering reception, the floor, cleaning and running a protein shake bar...

Not realistic.

Imagine they had to go to the loo!!!

Zamboni

profit_roler

Like setting up any business in Ireland, every naysasyer will tell you why it can't work.
However, there is definately a niche not currently filled for a gym on the North City Centre area for a low cost gym.
Put the research in and visit gyms in the city centre and surrounds that charge similar prices, examine their product and see what points you can compete on.
Personally if I was setting up a gym, I'd be targeting the Dorset St/Drumcondra area as there is the least competition in that area.
You may find a model like the Simply Fitness in Milltown may work
http://www.simplyfitness.ie/

Work on a decent business plan if you need finance and post your progress in the Entrepenurial forum.
Best of luck if you do go with it.

Hanley

Zamboni wrote: »

profit_roler

Like setting up any business in Ireland, every naysasyer will tell you why it can't work.

I love this. If people aren't 100% positive, they're obviously trying to run your business into the ground and sh!t all over your ideas.

Sure what use is pragmatism. Lets all just be cheerleaders.

PAYG-Gym Rah rah rah!!

COH

Zamboni wrote: »

However, there is definately a niche not currently filled for a gym on the North City Centre area for a low cost gym.

Disagree, there have been a variety of relatively cheap gyms in the north city centre over the years, the majority of which have since closed down. Dominic St, Dorset St, Moore St and Camden St among others have all in the recent past housed no frills relatively cheap gyms haven't they?

Hanley

COH wrote: »

Disagree, there have been a variety of relatively cheap gyms in the north city centre over the years, the majority of which have since closed down. Dominic St, Dorset St, Moore St and Camden St among others have all in the recent past housed no frills relatively cheap gyms haven't they?

World Gym on Talbot Street and Powerhouse on Dominic St are closed - they've moved location out of the city centre.

There's the old Atlas still going on North Fredrick Street, Hercs is around the corner just off North King Street too. I'm sure I'm forgetting some too.

The Gym above tesco in Killbarack shopping center is a simple €15 a week, you pay em €15 when you go and get a week of use. Dont go next week you dont pay.

Isnt near as big as the super gyms like westwood or total fitness but it has everything needed, with a sweet amount of weights. Lads that work up there are sound as too. Lad called Keith will help you out and even make up a routine for you.

Has a small sauna in the changing room too. Communal showers and lockers.

tomdublin

There is a German gym chain called McFit or something like that which uses the same business model (i.e. no frills, charging for showers, etc). But the thing is that even though they are cheap and no-frills their equipment is absolutely first rate, which would be the make-or-break issue in Dublin as well. Dublin is full of gyms that have degenertated into second-rate leisure facilities with poor, outdated gym equiment and an obsession with peripheral gimmicks such as plasma TVs. If your gym differentiated itself by forgoing leisure facility-type gimmickry but instead concentrated on basic but high-quality equipment it could work. Two more things: first, why not offer the option of monthly membership in addition to pay-as-you go? Second, I don't see the point of closing in the afternoon since the additional marginal costs of staying open all day are so low.
Good luck with it.

Zamboni

Hanley wrote: »

I love this. If people aren't 100% positive, they're obviously trying to run your business into the ground and sh!t all over your ideas.

Sure what use is pragmatism. Lets all just be cheerleaders.

In fairness, I was hardly sugar coating it myself!

Zamboni

COH wrote: »

Disagree, there have been a variety of relatively cheap gyms in the north city centre over the years, the majority of which have since closed down. Dominic St, Dorset St, Moore St and Camden St among others have all in the recent past housed no frills relatively cheap gyms haven't they?

I suppose thats why I was hinting at going slightly further afield toward the Dorset St/Drumcondra area which seems to come up here from time to time with people looking for a gym in that area.

TommyKnocker

cisk wrote: »

Communal showers and lockers.

Are you saying that Guys & Gals shower together, at the same time?? Seriously???

I didn't think anywhere in Ireland had moved that far into the 21st centruy.


M

B-Builder

B-Builder wrote: »

Are you saying that Guys & Gals shower together, at the same time?? Seriously???

I didn't think anywhere in Ireland had moved that far into the 21st centruy.


M

Whoops, no there's male & female changing rooms with there own showers.

Giggipaws

profit_roler wrote: »

What would people reaction be to a very low cost no frills pay as you go gym in North Dublin City Centre. I think this is a good business Idea would would like to get peoples opinions.

There would be no pool, no sauna, a shower would cost extra. There would be no instructors just one person manning the entrance. The gym would open for the morning rush then close mid day and open again for the evening rush.

Entry would be E4 per go or E8 for a 3 day pass. Equipment would be threadmills and cross trainers with free weights and benches no weight machines though.

People could also buy a protein shake afterwards for E2 mixed by the lovely receptionist on the way out.

I like the idea. I am Slovak and this is the model we have there - it works very, very well. However, shower and one fully qualified staff member is a must. You will see that not too many people will probably shower, so you might be fine starting your business with one shower only.

But - I am not sure about the prices you mention, that is up to you to make your research We pay very little to get in each time, or we buy discount cards (that might be a good idea for you! You will stamp or punch a hole in the little card that people prepaid...easy and cost effective, it motivates them to come, they bring friends, etc).

I am sorry to say that Irish/UK/US model of costly monthly/yearly membership are bit OTT for my taste - talking from the owner's point of view it is just soooo expensive to run!!! Sauna, pool, jacuzzi expecially. So yes, I think you have a good idea there - just not sure of the prices you mention.... But I am sure you gonna work that out!

Good luck and all the best!;)
Giggi

squod

Yep, discount cards. Or a club membership (once off ) fee.

hinault

Used to go to the Crumlin Gym (leisure centre) : swimming pool/small gym/sauna : beside the Crumlin SC

Very rudimentary but it was good value.

andywozhere

cisk wrote: »

The Gym above tesco in Killbarack shopping center is a simple €15 a week, you pay em €15 when you go and get a week of use. Dont go next week you dont pay.

Sounds interesting, might check it out. Do you know their opening times?

arse..biscuits

My gym is very close to the city centre (Bridgefoot Street), it has no pool, jacuzzi, TV's on the wall etc. It does have showers though and good equipment. Annual cost is €220. Thats just over €4 a week.
People who are serious about training will probably stick to annual memberships, your likely to attract people who go training once or twice a month.
They also sell protein shakes for €2 (never had one)