Lift Lounge

Lift Lounge or Lyft24 (a franchise) is a 6000-8000 square foot gym space. Unlike big box gyms, there is no cardio equipment, which saves hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, electrical requirements, and repair needs. We will have high end, beautifully engineered resistance training machines, and barbell lifting stations. A turfed functional training area will be available for group fitness sessions, personal training and functional training (mobility, stability, stretching, TRX, etc). Along one wall will be zero-gravity reclining chairs for compression therapy use. In a separate Recovery area,  we will offer cold plunges, infra-red saunas, shower, and changing room. Current research is showing us that locker rooms are no longer desirable or used in gyms, that saves space as well, allowing us to offer more recovery area. In the entry/lobby we will have an organic smoothie bar and branded merchandise.

The general public is finally hearing about the myriad of health and longevity benefits of resistance training. Gyms aren't keeping up with what people are going to want or need in addition to training. This business offers wellness in addition to training so it can be visited and used every day of the week for a member, even if exercise is only a couple of those days. The all encompassing wellness services thereby offers a community feel. 

As a woman over 40 and mother to 5, I am focused on not just living a long life, but an active one. After age 30, we begin to lose muscle and that rapidly increases through the years.  Putting on and maintaining muscle mass contributes to higher testosterone levels which contribute to fat loss, higher energy, less joint pain, and a longer stamina. Muscle gain also makes bones stronger, which mitigates osteoporosis and osteopenia. Regular exercise protects against heart disease and other lifestyle related diseases and illnesses.

Offering saunas and cold plunges allows members to engage in contrast therapy which has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety and depression, not just at the time, but long term. 

I was raised by a single mom, and I was a single mother to my 2 girls for several years before I met my husband. That struggle helped me realize that not only do I want to build generational wealth, I also want to exemplify what women can do financially for themselves, their families, and their communities. I've worked in many Industries in many capacities over the last 30 years. I've learned invaluable skills  effective business practices, and learned from brilliant financial minds.  I've also seen greed, bad treatment of staff and customers, missed income opportunities, terrible management, and dirty environments from business owners. I know that I can run a successful business without cutting corners, for a long-term sustainable profit.

This model requires only 1-2 staff, and the gym area can operate 24 hours a day.  The operator (myself) will be able to run front desk, smoothie bar, and act as customer service/manager, especially at start-up and while growing. When gym is at highest capacity, 1 additional employee is all that is needed. I plan to hire myself, and only 1-2 other employees to start.  I will be able to train group fitness classes and train one-on-one sessions as well.  Additional independent contractor- personal trainers will be able to train members and keep 80% of their rates, paying the business 20%. Knowing that the average percentage trainers get at big box gyms is only 20-30% of the clients hourly session rate,  trainers will be easy to acquire and retain. They and their clients will also be paying members so this is an additional income stream for the business. 

I like the Lyft24 franchise model for the support and marketing aspect of a franchise so I am amenable to either them, or a singular start up. 

Either way, I'm interested in buying a commercial building as opposed to leasing. Ideally, the building will offer additional spaces which would be leased out for additional income. This way, I'd also have an asset in the property. In my area of Denver/Boulder/ metro areas, there are plenty of spots that could support this business. Commercial buildings of this size are around 2-3Mil. The 1Mil is for a down payment on the building. I would likely obtain an SBA loan for the business build out etc, unless additional funding is available.