How to Start a Gymnastics Classes Business

A gymnastics classes business provides gymnastics instruction to people of all ages with a particular focus on youngsters. This business serves a number of important purposes. It promotes physical activity, gets people in shape, boosts confidence, enhances coordination and fosters relationships that have the potential to last a lifetime.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a gymnastics classes business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Gymnastics Classes Business
  2. Form your Gymnastics Classes Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Gymnastics Classes Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Gymnastics Classes Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Gymnastics Classes Business
  7. Get Gymnastics Classes Business Insurance
  8. Define your Gymnastics Classes Business Brand
  9. Create your Gymnastics Classes Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your gymnastics classes business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Gymnastics Classes Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a gymnastics classes business?

This business requires the use of a local gymnasium and gymnastics equipment. Though it is possible for the business to open its own gym, it is much cheaper to rent a local gym for the hours in which lessons are conducted. The business should also have a website to boot. Plan on spending at least $500 to build a website. Renting space at a local gym including gymnastics equipment will likely run several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month at a bare minimum. The exact cost depends on the level of demand for the space as well as the number of lessons you conduct.

What are the ongoing expenses for a gymnastics classes business?

The business requires a gym, gymnastics equipment, a website, insurance, instructors, marketing and utilities. Budget a couple hundred dollars per month for utilities and a high-speed internet connection. The gym itself will likely cost several hundred dollars per month to rent at a bare minimum. Budget at least $100 to $200 per month for gymnastics equipment. Website maintenance and marketing will require another couple hundred dollars per month. Plan on paying instructors between $15 and $30 per hour. If you add an accountant or marketing expert, these professionals will command a yearly salary in the range of $30,000 to $50,000.

Who is the target market?

Though people of all ages take gymnastics lessons, the vast majority of these individuals are young. Target your services to families with kids age 18 and under. Ideally, parents with multiple children will sign up their kids for gymnastics lessons as a group.

How does a gymnastics classes business make money?

Money is made by charging clients for gymnastics lessons. These instructors typically charge by the half hour or hour for lessons.

How much can you charge customers?

In general, customers can be charged between $25 and $50 per hour of gymnastics instruction.

How much profit can a gymnastics classes business make?

This type of business tends to make between $10,000 and $100,000 per year. The exact level of profit will hinge on the demand for your services, the location of your business and the number of competitors offering similar services. Market your business in a prudent manner, produce successful gymnasts and your business will ramp up, creating the possibility for a six figure yearly profit.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Consider offering a gymnastics camp in which your instructors train participants across an entire week or longer. You can also make money by selling instructional DVDs. Sell your old equipment when upgrading to newer versions. If you own you a gymnastics facility and do not have enough customers to fill it during business hours, consider renting out your space to others.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your gymnastics classes business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your gymnastics classes business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a gymnastics lessons business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Release of Liability

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, gymnastics businesses should have their clients sign a release of liability. Here is an example of one such form.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your gymnastics business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A gymnastics classes business is generally run out of a gymnasium. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a gymnastics lessons business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your gymnastics lessons business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Services Contract

Gymnastics lessons businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such services agreement.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Gymnastics Classes Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Gymnastics Classes Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a gymnastics classes business

Use the web to promote your gymnastics classes business. Establish a website and social media accounts. Produce a steady stream of content that is optimized for search engines so locals can find your website with ease. Be sure to highlight the physical benefits of gymnastics to motivate parents to sign their children up for your classes. Advertise on local radio, TV, magazines, and newspapers. Key in on advertising in specialty publications popular in your area such as health or sports magazines. Place flyers by libraries, gyms, shopping spaces, and other areas where youngsters congregate. It will also help to sponsor local gymnastics events. Such a sponsorship will enhance your company’s brand awareness.

How to keep customers coming back

The best way to attract and retain customers is to provide high-quality instruction, flawless gymnastics equipment and a comfortable practice space. Consider offering a price discount to new customers. This low price will convert those who are on the fence into paying customers. Treat each student with respect. Do not yell at your students. Provide constructive criticism, key in on detailed instruction and you just might produce a successful gymnast who brings attention to your gymnastics classes business.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for an individual who would like to make a difference in his community. Open a gymnastics classes business and you will have the opportunity to shape young people in a meaningful manner. Your gymnastics classes just might turn a couch potato into a superstar gymnast. If you would like to help people get in shape, have fun and spend time with others, you should open a gymnastics classes business. Ideally, you will enjoy working with kids and have motivational skills as this line of work requires extensive interaction with youngsters.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What happens during a typical day at a gymnastics classes business?

This business is centered on teaching youngsters the nuances of gymnastics exercises. The day is spent refining students’ gymnastics techniques, guiding students through practice performances and marketing the business. The business owner might also perform accounting duties, answer phone calls and update the company’s social media pages to boot.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful gymnastics classes business?

The business owner should have a background in gymnastics. It will help if the instructor(s) has competed in gymnastics in the past. The most successful gymnastics classes business owners also have business savvy. The manner in which this business is marketed matters a great deal. Even the details of the agreement for the use of a local gym can have a monumental impact on the success of the business.

What is the growth potential for a gymnastics classes business?

Though gymnastics is not the most popular sport, parents are certainly on the prowl for a means of getting their kids off the couch and active with athletics. Locate your gymnastics classes business in an area that is rife with families, market it properly and it will gradually grow. It is possible to expand the business to the point that you hire additional instructors for the facility. Some such businesses grow to the point that they expand to other cities and even entire regions.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a gymnastics classes business?

If possible, secure your own gym and gymnastics equipment from the get-go so you don’t have to worry about sharing a rented gym with others. The availability of a private gym goes a long way in convincing prospective customers to sign up for lessons. If you have a background in gymnastics, be sure to tout it when attempting to persuade prospects to sign up for lessons. If you are short on money at the business’s launch, start out with used gymnastics equipment and gradually replace it with new items as time progresses and revenue rolls in.

How and when to build a team

If you have a background in gymnastics, you can teach the lessons on your own for the first couple of months or even the first year. However, as the customer base expands, it will be necessary to add gymnastics instructors, a marketing expert and possibly even an accountant.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading