Lazy First Blog Post
I'll most likely be posting all updates on the Mui Wo Gym Project Facebook Page, linked here. As something to fill the space here's my first post from the group:-
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Hello All,
Welcome to the Mui Wo Gym Project. The purpose of this page is to keep you updated on my progress in opening what I hope will become the premier fitness facility in Mui Wo, and to get a handle on what sort of things people would like to use.
The early market research has been interesting. Just to outline a few key points:-
1. People do not seem too fussed about the location of the gym so long as it's within walking distance of the bus or ferry or a convenient parking location. I think the latter is pretty difficult because there is no convenient parking location in Mui Wo. My preference is towards Silvermine as I believe it meets all criteria and is a 5 minute walk from the ferry in any event, and there is sufficient space outside the location for bikes.
2. The average user would primarily use free weights, as expected. This is good because free weights do not take up so much space and, if used properly, are safer than most machines. Power racks for benching/squat/DL and a full range of dumbbells are a necessity.
3. For other equipment, people want cables/pulleys, a leg press machine, lat pulldown and a pullup machine primarily. Kettlebells are a second priority, but can be quite expensive so maybe can be acquired gradually while people use dumbells in the mean time. There is also favourable response for stability balls and foam rollers, which are very cheap to acquire so we should get them.
4. People would need sufficient floor space for use of these items, stretching and classes. One of the locations I'm scouting has a separate area that would be suitable for this, allowing room in the main area for people to use free weights.
5. There are many people who would be interested in utilizing the gym for classes or PT sessions. I feel this could become a major source of revenue for the gym, so facilities ought to be geared towards ease of use for those who want to hold kickboxing/pilates classes.
6. Without going into the particulars of financials too much, people are paying *too damn much* at their current gyms and if the people who responded to the survey would join the numbers are sufficient to make the business sustainable at a price that's reasonable. Tentatively, I am entertaining the idea of keeping the price mid-range for Hong Kong *as a starting price per month* and offer the option of a rebate for attendance/achievement of goals.
7. The latter is a key point in my business model... I will believe the gym will attain success through USE and not merely collecting subscriptions. Successful gyms are those that inspire passion and create a buzz for exercise in the community, and THAT's how I want to attract new members. If people are using the gym, if they're encouraged to achieve goals, not only will they *continue* to use the gym but they will attract new members.
8. Many people would prefer complementary training sessions and exercise/nutrition plans. This is good, because exercise routines ought to be varied over time and it'll be cool to come up with individualized programmes for people as they obtain their goals and figure out where they want to go next.
9. The overwhelming preference is for a monthly membership plan, which I have pledged to provide. I believe this is the way gyms should be run. As it is, joining a gym in Hong Kong is a major expense and a massive disincentive for most people. It's not as if the gym get your money *guaranteed* for the term of the contract anyway... you can cancel the payment on your credit card and the gym will pocket your last month's membership... but in practice the model isn't that much different. They'll steal a month's payment from you and I won't, is the major practical distinction.
10. Keeping the group private just now as I don't want to bleed too much of my market research. The group is confined to people interested in the project and looking to help provide feedback on how to set it up... basically potential future members. In future there will be a new page for people 'just interested' to check it out but for now I want to keep some cards close to my chest. Accordingly, please confine your invites to such people.