Fitness and wellness centers have been popular destinations over the years for many people, young and old. These facilities have offered a place for anyone looking for exercise, weight training, sports, and other physical activities to get in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. 

The trend of big gym facilities such as Planet Fitness, Gold's Gym, and LA Fitness has been prevalent for many years. The thing about trends is that they change over time. In the fitness industry, the new thing is micro-gyms.

What are Micro-Gyms?

Micro-gyms are fitness facilities that are smaller by design. Personal trainers and other fitness instructors can use these facilities to offer focused attention to their clients in a one-on-one or small group setting. These facilities can pop up in someone's garage, a storefront, or anywhere with adequate space. 

Micro-gyms meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts through target market-specific programming. Examples of micro-gyms include cross-fit gyms, bodybuilding, cycling, and Pilates, as well as personal training or weight loss specific facilities. 

How Did They Start?

Micro-gyms are the latest growing trend in the fitness sector as people began to rethink their fitness options. As a result, personal trainers pivoted their delivery methods to meet the needs of those who wanted to stay in shape without having to go to a crowded gym.

Gym-goers are taking to functional training, which involves strengthening the entire body using a focused approach, rather than repetitive curls or bench presses.

As the pandemic hit in 2020, big gyms went on lockdown, and industry giants such as Gold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness declared bankruptcy. 

The sudden closures opened the door for new fitness opportunities and trends with the potential for tremendous growth.

Micro-gyms keep consumers engaged and fit through personalized service and a fun environment. Small-scale facilities are typically 100-200 square feet and utilize spaces like home garages, workshops, storefronts, or even online platforms. 

Traditional Gyms vs. Micro-Gyms

Big gym centers use the bodybuilding floor plan. The gyms are laid out based on individual pieces of equipment to provide a workout for all types of users. 

The traditional gym setting does not focus on any one type of exercise or weight training. Instead, the floor space is carefully designated to maximize fitness variety, purpose, and satisfaction. 

Micro-gyms are about a focused and unique personal fitness experience. In addition, they look to build a strong sense of community amongst their members. 

Ready to Start Your Micro-Gym?

If you have a passion for sports and fitness and want to make a difference in people's lives by motivating them to be healthy and fit, then starting a micro-gym might be in your future. The venture is low risk but can be a profitable opportunity that you directly control. 

All you must do is find your fitness niche, a suitable space, and develop a training plan using industry resources like the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) or the Academy of Fitness Professionals (AFP). 

Take to social media to market your micro gym and begin to build a client base. You can even build an online following and train clients through your website and other virtual platforms. 

Some micro-gym owners even rent their space out by the hour to other fitness trainers and small workout groups. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to a career in the micro-gym industry.

Are you interested in channeling your passion for fitness into a degree and a new career? Learn more about pursuing your degree in the sports, entertainment, and event management field at Johnson & Wales University by completing the Request Info form, calling 855-JWU-1881, or emailing onlineadmissions@jwu.edu.