Expanding Your Fitness Studio: Do You Have the Tools to Succeed?

You own a fitness studio, and you’re finally seeing your business boom. You’re thrilled with the turnout and anxious to expand to a second location. Yet, the thought of starting another business brings a host of questions and doubts along with it.

You may be asking yourself:

• Do I have the tools to manage an expansion?
• Am I too busy now to manage new services and/or a new location?
• What if the demand drops off?

These concerns are understandable, but in this post, I’ll help you navigate the path to a successful expansion.

Here are 5 things to consider before making the jump from one location to two.

1. Do you have an operational foundation in place?

“Operational foundation” may sound too corporate for you but stick with me. The first thing you need to do before even thinking about opening a second location is to establish a strong operational foundation. This means having a clear process for every aspect of your fitness studio's operations.

Processes are essential to replicating success at another location. Ensure you have operational standards in place, including clearly written and standardized work processes, job roles and responsibilities, policies and procedures, and a system for measuring success and tracking outcomes.

2. Do you have a solid organizational structure?

Next, make sure you've assigned clear responsibilities and established accountability in each role. Pro tip: Lean on expert guidance, such as a business consultant or a business coach, to sort out your organizational structure. This outside perspective will help you determine whether or not your current structure will continue to work as you grow. Your structure should enable swift decision-making, smooth communication, and flexible repurposing of your staff.

3. Have you built a positive team culture?

A second location will require additional headcount and a positive internal culture. After all, the culture of your business can make or break productivity, teamwork, and morale. Team health matters just as much as your financial health so do everything you can to make sure your employees feel valued and supported. When you do, your team will be invested in the long-term success of your business.

4. Do you have the resources to make an expansion a success?

Expansion requires resources—money, time, and emotional bandwidth. I’m not saying this to scare you, but to make sure you have a plan to get the necessary resources in place before making any moves to a second location.

Make a detailed plan to determine what you'll need for establishment, operation, and marketing of the new location. Be prepared for an increase in expenses as well as the associated risk and potential challenges.

When looking at your financing options, don’t forget to check out Mindbody Capital, which offers eligible businesses funding they can use to manage their short-term cash flow needs or make investments in their business.

5. Are you ready to embrace change with confidence? (I believe the answer is yes!)

At the end of the day, an expansion is just as much about growing your business as it is about embracing change. Even when properly planned out and managed, growth brings new challenges and unforeseen obstacles. You simply must embrace these changes with confidence and positivity. And guess what? Even when you’re brimming with confidence, you’ll stumble across days where you’ll need support. Take advantage of the Mindbody One community for advice and support.

Time to put it all into action

Expanding your fitness studio is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration, forward planning, and a strategic approach. The ability to say “yes” to each of the above questions will not only strengthen your overall business and increase the likelihood of success but will also pave the way for future growth.

Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you. Take the leap and watch as your opportunities and success grow. I’m cheering you on.