How do you go about setting up a successful Crossfit box?
Crossfit is undoubtedly fashionable. There are many people who prefer to train in a box instead of a regular gym. The training mode is quite addictive: everything is based on increasingly exceeding your limits, and the reward it generates makes you want to train again – the next day.
So, here we tell you everything you need to know to set up a Crossfit box.
What is Crossfit
Crossfit is a fairly recent training technique. It was created by Greg Glassman in the year 2001. He used this form of training to prepare recruits for the police force. The results were so positive that the technique slowly spread to become what it is today.
Crossfit is based on functional exercises and work at a high intensity (cardiovascular exercise). Fun and dynamic circuits are used where different activities are carried out on each base, such as climbing a rope, lifting, climbing, moving a tyre, etc.
What is a Crossfit box and what should it have?
When you enter a Crossfit box you realise that it has many differences compared to a regular gym or yoga class. It is a wide, austere space with concrete walls to withstand the blows of training.
A Crossfit box does not have mirrors or machines: the exercises are not as controlled as in a gym and the training is done with accessories and work routines. You will also see that from the ceiling hang ropes, rings, and sacks, among many others; many accessories for strength and muscle work which are more fun than in a conventional gym.
Depending on the type of training you want to offer, you might need more materials in your box. Still, all these materials are cheaper than any conventional gym machine.
Tips for launching a Crossfit box
Like any business idea, the fundamental thing before launching it to the market is to define it well. For this, there are a number of factors that you have to think about before launching yourself on this undertaking.
- Affiliate yourself to Crossfit: Crossfit is a trademark, not a sport. You have to join to be able to use it and become a level 1 coach to be able to teach at your centre. The company can make decisions about your location or licence, and you will need to pay some fees to use the brand.
- Define your target audience and location: The client profile of this type of training is a mainly young audience (up to 55 years old) of both sexes. Look for a large space (e.g. warehouse) and in an area that is not demographically old. Depending on the demographic profile of the area where your box is located, determine what types of training you are going to offer and what types of materials you will need to purchase.
In addition, Crossfit has a tool to see where their centres are located around the world, so you do not get confused and do not compete with each other.
- Staff: This is probably the most important point. In the service sector, customer service is the point most valued by customers. They also have to be type 1 coaches, and you have to make a conscientious selection. Crossfit trainers must be proactive, with optimism and enthusiasm. They must be able to overcome their own limits to transmit strength and motivation to their customers.
- Materials to offer in your box: As we commented before, there are no limits. It is true that you should have some basics though. To give you a basic notion in order of importance, the materials are cages, weights, dumbbells, ropes and then everything else. Talk to your staff to define the training and help you choose the materials/equipment to buy.
- Marketing campaign and box management: Like any sports company, you need marketing support and a good commercial strategy. Think about how you are going to reach your target audience and use all the channels that are at your disposal to transmit the values of your company. Get yourself the essential management tools and membership software for a Crossfit box that will help you to make all the administrative parts and the management of clients easy and pleasant: try to ensure that most of your time is dedicated to the attention of your clients and the improvement of your service.
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