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Fitness and recreational sports centers have the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code of 713940. The NAICS definition of a fitness and recreational sports centers are establishments primarily engaged in operating fitness and recreational sports facilities featuring exercise and other active physical fitness conditioning or recreational sports activities, such as swimming, skating, or racquet sports.
Some of the types of businesses that are operated as a sports center are:
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Aerobic Dance and Exercise Centers Athletic Club Facilities, Physical Fitness Body Building Studios, Physical Fitness Dance Centers, Aerobic Exercise Centers Fitness Centers Fitness Salons Fitness Spas Without Accommodations Gymnasiums Handball Club Facilities Health Club Facilities, Physical Fitness Health Spas Without Accommodations, Physical Fitness Health Studios, Physical Fitness Ice Skating Rinks Physical Fitness Centers |
Physical Fitness Facilities Physical Fitness Studios Racquetball Club Facilities Recreational Sports Club Facilities Rinks, Ice or Roller Skating Roller Skating Rinks Spas Without Accommodations, Fitness Sports Club Facilities, Physical Fitness Squash Club Facilities Strength Development Centers Swimming Pools Tennis Club Facilities Tennis Courts Wave Pools Weight Training Centers |
Sports centers provide fitness facilities and training. Not only do the owners need to have a basic knowledge of physiology and technique, but they also need to know how to people and facilities.
Start-up costs can range from $50,000 to over $1,000,000, depending upon how you structure your business and how much equipment you are going to need. Most centers function in rented space which may or may not need remodelling. It is also purchase a franchise for many of these businesses. The upside of buying a franchise is that you will receive a lot of help in design and operation. The downside is that the franchise will be a high initial investment and there will most likely be restrictions on what you can do in your center.
The primary requirements to run this business are being physically fit yourself, knowledge of equipment and technique, and CPR training. A number of Professional Resources offer certification, which can offer an additional credibility to your business. Many states have relatively strict licensing requirements for such centers so be certain to check what your state requirements are in the licensing link below.
In addition to setting up a place to exercise, an exercise plan, and professional marketing materials about your business (business cards, flyers), you need to make certain you are covered by appropriate liability insurance and develop a health disclaimer that each client should sign. The health disclaimer should cover basic health conditions, physician and emergency information, and a waiver of liability should an accident occur.
Introduction | Books | Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
ACSM's
Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines
An industry consensus in regard to designing and operating a safe and high-quality
health/fitness facility. The accompanying guidelines are recommended specifications, policies,
and procedures.
The Business of
Fitness
Understanding the financial side of owning a fitness business.
Facility and
Equipment Management for Sport Directors
Methods for inspecting, repairing, and replacing equipment and facilities. Plus, 47 forms and
21 facilities inspection checklists.
The Management of
Clubs, Recreation, and Sport
Activities that a club manager, recreational sports manager, or competitive sport manager face
everyday on the job.
Training
Nutrition: The Diet and Nutrition Guide for Peak Performance
Written by a sports nutritionist and an exercise physiologists who have worked with elite
Olympic, professional, college and high school athletes.
Exercise Testing
& Program Design
A fitness professional's handbook from Exercise Science.
Weight Training
Workouts That Work
The most productive exercises and proper form, how many sets and repetitons to do, what days to
workout and how much weight to use.
Managing Sport,
Fitness, and Recreation Programs
Practical management issues from budgeting and facility management to personnel management,
legal issues, and risk management.
Small Club
Start-up
Outlines what it takes to start and operate a club successfully.
Health Fitness
Management
A Comprehensive Resource for Managing and Operating Programs and Facilities.
Making Money in
the Fitness Business
Covers conceptualizing the business, the financial foundation, member service, profit centers,
staffing, marketing, and sales.
How to Buy and
Manage a Health Fitness Club
Practical management concepts, skills, and techniques.
Introduction | Books | Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
Fitness
A lifestyle magazine for active, young women that presents a realistic, balanced approach to
good health and wellness covering a wide range of topics that promote total fitness of body,
mind and spirit.
Inside
Triathlon
Provides information for triathlon and duathlon insiders around the world. Features training
tips and techniques form the pros, extensive race coverage, interviews with top athletes and a
calendar of events.
Health
Woman's guide to life, covering beauty, well-being, fitness, and food/nutrition.
Men's
Health
Articles for men on fitness, exercise, nutrition, grooming tips, fashion, new products and
men's health questions.
Powerlifting
USA
Covers the sport of powerlifting, with contest results, training techniques and athlete
profiles.
Runner's
World
Contains profiles of running personalities, race coverages, medical & training advice, diet
& nutritional information & running product reviews.
Running
Times
Expert information on training, racing, sports medicine, inspiration, profiles and more.
Shape
A magazine devoted to mind and body fitness for women. Articles on exercise, sports and
adventure, fashion and beauty, mind/body health, diet and nutrition and consumer information.
Spa
Management
Contains articles on thalossotherapy, anti-aging, mineral spring areas, health, thermal cures,
fitness, hydrotherapy, day spas, desitination spas and how to manage spas.
Swimming
World
The national magazine for competitive aquatics, swimming, diving and water polo at all levels,
including the Olympics. Articles on coaching, nutrition and training.
Tennis
For the active tennis players of various levels and ages. Issues contain features on playing
instruction, the mental aspect of the game, tips, equipment, fitness and travel to tennis camps
and resorts.
Triathlete
A monthly publication of, about, and for triathletes. It tracks and details the updates in the
triathlon world, including the bikes of the month, and shoes of the month. It gives summaries
on leaders in the sport, gives tips on clothing apparel, and gives attitude notes.
Helpful Links
