What to Expect When Renting and Hiring a Gym Space
Looking to rent a gym space for your business needs? This comprehensive guide provides insights into the process of hiring a gym, including what to expect, FAQs, and tips for a successful rental & hire. Explore the benefits of renting fitness space and find out how to make the most of your gym rental experience. Are you on the lookout for a suitable gym space to rent? Whether you're a personal trainer, fitness instructor, Production company, or someone planning a special event, finding the perfect gym to cater to your needs is crucial. The process of hiring a gym space can be both exciting and overwhelming, as you want to ensure you're making the right choice for your fitness goals or event requirements. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about hiring a gym space, from what to expect during the rental process to tips for maximizing your experience. So, let's dive in and discover the ins and outs of hiring gym space and renting fitness space! 
Benefits and Advantages
- Flexibility: When you hire a gym space, you gain the freedom to set your own schedule and design your workouts according to your preferences. No more crowded fitness centers or waiting for equipment to be available. A rented gym space allows you to focus on your fitness business needs without distractions.
- Personalized Training: Personal trainers and fitness instructors can benefit greatly from renting a gym space, as it provides a private and dedicated environment to work closely with clients. You can customize training sessions to suit individual needs, ensuring a more effective and tailored approach to fitness.
- Access to Specialized Equipment: Gym rentals often come equipped with a wide range of fitness equipment, including machines, weights, and cardio gear. This allows you to access high-quality equipment without the need for large investments, making it an attractive option for trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
- Event Hosting: Gym spaces can serve as the perfect venue for hosting fitness-related events, such as workshops, seminars, or even group workout classes. The spaciousness and appropriate facilities of a gym provide an ideal setting for participants to engage in physical activities and learn from experts.
- Networking Opportunities: Renting a gym space allows you to connect and collaborate with other fitness professionals or enthusiasts who may be utilizing the same facility. This creates opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge, and building relationships within the fitness community.
How to Prepare and Research
When embarking on the journey of renting a gym space, it's important to have a clear understanding of what to expect during the process. Here are the key aspects to consider: Researching potential gym spaces and comparing their value is crucial before committing to renting a gym space. It is important to conduct comprehensive research and consider various factors to make an informed decision. Here's a detailed explanation of the process:- Explore Gym Options: Start by exploring different gym options in your area. Look for gyms that are conveniently located and easily accessible. Consider factors such as proximity to your target audience, parking facilities, and public transportation availability. Narrow down your choices to gyms that are suitable for your fitness goals or event requirements.
- Assess Amenities and Size: Evaluate the amenities provided by each gym. Check if they have the necessary equipment and facilities required for your training sessions or events. Consider factors such as the availability of cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, functional training areas, group exercise studios, locker rooms, and showers. Additionally, assess the size of the gym space and ensure it can comfortably accommodate your clients or participants.
- Consider Cost and Rental Price Structures: Pay close attention to the cost and rental price structures offered by different gyms. Compare the pricing options and see if they align with your budget. Some gyms may offer discounted rates for long-term rentals or provide personalized packages for personal trainers. Evaluate the value you will be getting for the price and consider if the amenities and services provided justify the cost.
- Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Utilize online resources to gather insights from reviews and recommendations. Read reviews from other personal trainers or individuals who have rented gym spaces from the gyms you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable information about the quality of the gym, its cleanliness, customer service, and overall satisfaction. Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as fellow trainers, fitness communities, or industry professionals to gain additional perspectives.
- Make an Informed Decision: With all the information gathered, carefully analyze the gyms you have researched. Consider the location, amenities, size, cost, rental price structures, and feedback from reviews and recommendations. Prioritize the factors that are most important to you and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Make sure to meet the Gym Owners or Management
It is highly important for personal trainers & Production teams to meet with gym owners or managers when considering fitness spaces. This meeting allows for a valuable exchange of information and ensures a mutually beneficial arrangement. Here are a few reasons why meeting with gym owners or managers is crucial:- Understanding the Gym's Policies and Expectations: Meeting with the gym owner or manager provides an opportunity to discuss the gym's policies, rules, and expectations. This ensures that you are aware of any specific guidelines regarding equipment usage, scheduling, client management, or any other pertinent factors that may affect your training sessions. It allows you to align your practices with the gym's requirements, promoting a harmonious working relationship.
- Discussing Rental Terms and Negotiating Contracts: Meeting with the gym owner or manager allows you to discuss rental terms and negotiate contracts. This ensures clarity regarding the rental duration, pricing, payment schedules, and any additional services or amenities included in the agreement. Meeting face-to-face can help build rapport and establish a professional connection, making it easier to negotiate mutually beneficial terms that suit both parties involved.
- Assessing the Gym's Environment and Facilities: By meeting with the gym owner or manager, you can personally assess the gym's environment and facilities. This gives you an opportunity to evaluate the cleanliness, maintenance, and overall suitability of the space for your training sessions. It allows you to ensure that the gym provides the necessary equipment, amenities, and ambiance that align with your client's needs and your training style.
- Building a Professional Relationship: Meeting the gym owner or manager helps you establish a professional relationship, fostering open communication and collaboration. This can be beneficial in the long run, as it allows you to address any concerns or requests promptly and work together to create a positive hire experience. Building a rapport with the gym's management can also lead to potential referrals and future business opportunities.
Planning Your Schedule & Time
Planning your schedule in advance after securing a gym rental is crucial for several reasons. Here are some detailed explanations of why it is important to plan ahead:- Optimal Time Management: By planning your schedule in advance, you can effectively manage your time. Knowing the specific days and times you'll be utilizing the gym space allows you to structure your other commitments and activities around it. This ensures that you make the most efficient use of your time and avoid any scheduling conflicts or overlaps.
- Consistency and Client Management: Planning ahead allows you to establish a consistent routine for your training sessions. This consistency is not only beneficial for your own personal organization but also for your clients. By setting regular days and times for your sessions, you can better manage your clients' expectations and provide them with a predictable schedule. It helps create a sense of reliability and professionalism, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
- Maximizing Gym Availability: Many gyms have peak hours when the space gets crowded, and certain equipment may be in high demand. By planning your schedule in advance, you can strategically choose times when the gym is less busy, allowing you to have better access to equipment and ensuring a smoother training experience. It helps you optimize your use of the gym space and avoid potential frustrations due to overcrowding.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Planning your schedule in advance also allows you to have a clear overview of your availability. This enables you to be more flexible and adapt to any unforeseen circumstances or client requests. If a client needs to reschedule or if you have personal commitments that arise, having a planned schedule gives you the ability to make adjustments without causing disruptions or inconveniences.
- Mental Preparation and Focus: Having a planned schedule in advance helps you mentally prepare for your training sessions. It allows you to focus on the specific goals and objectives you want to achieve during each session. By knowing when you'll be utilizing the gym space, you can mentally gear up, visualize your workouts, and approach each session with the right mindset, leading to more productive and effective training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How much does it cost to hire a gym space?
- A: The price of renting a gym space can fluctuate based on various factors, including the location, size, amenities, and duration of the rental. To obtain accurate pricing information, it is advisable to directly contact gym owners or managers. Fitness professionals often encounter monthly pricing for gym usage, but there are also studio setups designed specifically for rental and hire, offering flexible packages like PT Workspace.
- Q: Can I rent a gym space for a one-time event?
- A: Yes, some gym spaces provide the option to rent their facilities for one-time events such as workshops, seminars, or fitness classes. When reaching out to gym owners, it's advisable to inquire specifically about event rental options and the type of requirements for the specific booking. PT Workspace not only accommodates production requests from large filming companies but also assists independent trainers. Additionally, they offer low-cost entry bookings for private content rooms and provide options for full site capacity.
- A: Certain gym rentals may entail additional expenses such as security deposits, insurance prerequisites, or fees for utilizing specialized equipment or amenities. To prevent any unexpected costs, it is advisable to have a detailed discussion with the gym owner or manager regarding these specifics. For gym rental and hire at PT Workspace, it is essential to have public liability insurance. It is also important to allocate a budget for a qualified fitness professional, as their presence is often expected to ensure health and safety when filming or photography commences.
Personal Training & Studio Rental in Islington
Conquering The Winter Months…
We have had an awesome summer with the weather this year, so it is little wonder why many personal trainers head to the nearest park with their portable training kits and TRX ropes to make the most of the long summer days and glorious weather. As a personal training studio, we get it…This is why we transformed our outside space so you could have the best of both worlds! Not only to keep cool inside but to have the luxury of taking gym equipment outside, which has been great for PTs this year. Regardless we understand why parks are a hit…
With London having been your playground all summer you now have to find a new strategy to keep your business going whilst the weather transitions.
As we creep into winter and the nights start drawing in, you have to start rethinking your options, as your clients do not want to workout in the rain or the dark at 6am in the morning (well we are yet to meet one who does). So before Winter hits us with all its glory, now is the time to start planning a backup plan! Which will see you through these tough months ahead.
It’s not easy for personal trainers trying to find a space that has the freedom and flexibility to accommodate an independent business. You have to think about…
- Where will I take my clients?
- How will I afford monthly rentals? (what if you have a quiet month or have booked a holiday?)
- Will you have to up your rates to afford higher overheads?
- Is it necessary to go back to working full-time in-house at a corporate/budget chain gym?
- How do you keep finding new clients? Or combat those you might lose?
With everything you have to think about, moving forward into winter can be very daunting, so we have some tips which might help you out along the way.
- Start marketing yourself before winter arrives fully (so ideally around now) to make up for clients who you know might move on or if you need the extra income.
- Do your research! There are personal training studios that take independent trainers, but they are few and far between. If you are reading this then you have already found one of them…
- Once you have found a space to train clients, choose a residential area in which you can offer your services locally, this can be your bread and butter. Let potential clients know you are in the area and available! This could be via a flyer for example. Introductory offers can go a long way in helping to generate leads.
- If the residential area is of a high-income bracket you can afford to up your rates if you need to, again do your research on the local clientele.
- Do not wait until the last minute to prepare for winter, take action now!
PT Workspace is here to support independent personal trainers with their businesses, and if you would like help transitioning into winter with finding space to train your clients then feel free to talk to us [email protected].
You can take a look at our very fair rental packages here.
Marketing yourself as a personal trainer is a fundamental part of modern business, and if you’re hoping to create a successful brand then it’s never been more important. Establishing a strong website and social media presence helps create a digital footprint for potential clients to find you. So, what do you need to think about before hiring a studio and creating content?
Finding an affordable fitness space to rent
Finding space to hire in London has been a constant battle for personal trainers since what feels like the dawn of time, so when looking for a studio or gym to hire for filming the search can be challenging. First off you need to consider if the gym allows filming and second whether you will have to share the gym with the public. Private hire can be an investment so if there is anyone else you can work with to make the cost manageable it’s worth checking. Personal trainers have been known to hire a fitness space together and share the creative costs for photography.
Striking a deal with a gym that rents space regularly
If you are looking to create content regularly it is often worth asking if a special rate can be worked out for regular bookings. If you know you need to hire every month or twice a month, most businesses will be happy to have loyal customers. You may have to show some commitment first so bear that in mind if you are expecting discounts straight off the bat. Gyms that have a large public membership or are not used to hiring gym space will charge thousands to close facilities so searching out independent gyms that you can build relations with can save a lot of money.
What equipment is available in a Fitness space for filming?
Every gym and studio will vary in the equipment that is provided, so to make sure you have everything you need for your shoot, request an equipment list or virtual tour prior to booking. Any professional establishment will have a list ready for you. Particularly if fitness spaces are designed for rental, they should have a variety of functional equipment which should showcase the strongest exercises visually. We all love seeing compound big lifts, battle topes and kettlebells, this should be a minimum expectation.
Are there changing rooms?
Seems like an obvious question but it is often overlooked. If you are working with models, then you will need them alongside toilet facilities. If booking a space for filming, it would be important to have at least two changing rooms if the shoot consists of over 5/7 Models.
What’s the maximum capacity?
Sometimes shoots can be a one-man band other times it requires models, creatives, and support, so it’s always worth asking if there is a maximum capacity especially considering Covid-19 restrictions. Most Personal studios that are set up to allow renting for a full commercial filming crew would at least 1000 SQ ft. If a Fitness space for rental has less than 1000 SQft it is likely a small personal space often only able to support Personal trainers,
Timing is key
Planning for unforeseen eventualities when filming is a must. When working with people there will always be an element of uncertainty, so give yourself extra time to make allowances for the little things which could take you off guard and be time-consuming. Plan to always arrive 30mins prior most locations that hire fitness spaces out will allow setup time ahead of paid shoots, but this will often need to be confirmed.
Location and parking
When hiring a gym or personal training studio you need to make sure it is accessible for all involved in bringing together your project. Can the location be reached easily? Is there parking nearby or on the premises? Where is the nearest station? How long does it take to reach? All questions worth asking. A large percentage of Gyms and Fitness facilities will be located near tube stations but if you’re travelling with a large film crew it would be suitable to check private or street parking.
Equipment
Phones have come a long way in the last 10 years especially cameras, so whether you’re using a 4k Redcam or your mobile phone, make sure you have your equipment in check, backup storage, chargers, batteries, lighting, microphones, which can all become a nightmare if left unchecked. Save yourself the headache and make a list of the essentials so that nothing gets left behind.
Be respectful
When you are finished take time to put equipment and things you have used back in the rightful place, respecting the facilities will help build a good working relationship overall which can only be a positive. Think of a relationship of an Air Bnb rental model, or being a guest at someone’s house. Most Gyms/Studio will supply Rental and Rules so a clear checklist will be available to compare against. Often giving a few extra mins can help secure a good first impression to the Facilities Manager.
For more information please contact [email protected] with studio hire in the subject line.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace team
Studio Hire at PT Workspace
Since opening our doors in 2016 in the borough of Highbury & Islington, PT Workspace has gone from strength to strength and the fully equipped personal training studio has now many wonderful new additions like the recently renovated outside space. Our Facilities include but are not limited to, equipment such as weight racks, dumbbells, kettlebells, spin bike, battle ropes, punching bags, pull up bar, leg press, sledge, tyres (etc)
We understand more than most, how difficult it can be to find the right space in London. Which is why we are now offering studio hire opportunities for photographers, videographers and personal trainers alongside collaborative projects & events relevant to the fitness industry. Whether personal or commercial we welcome you to get creative in our personal training studio with hourly and day rates available.
Please request rates: [email protected]
As we are a full-time personal training studio, we do have personal trainers and their clients to consider when confirming your booking. Weekends and most flexible and our prices reflect this. Weekday bookings are subject to the studio manager’s approval and will be priced accordingly.
For more information please contact [email protected] with studio hire in the subject line.
P.S If you are interested in finding out more about personal training at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition, why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/trainers/.