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Posted by on July 16, 2021 — Updated on August 26, 2025
No, you don’t need a degree to open a gym, but having relevant knowledge and skills can significantly improve your chances of success.
While a formal “gym owner degree” or gym business education isn’t required, understanding gym administration, business management, and fitness industry best practices is essential. Many successful gym owners have gained expertise through certifications, industry experience, or completing a gym administration course, rather than earning a degree. So, while there are qualifications you need to be a gym owner, you don’t need a degree to open a gym.
| Requirement | Is It Necessary? | Why It Matters? |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology | ❌ No | A degree can be helpful, but it is not legally required. Many successful gym owners have no formal education in these fields. |
| Business Management Skills | ✅ Yes | You must understand how to start a gym business, manage finances, and grow memberships. |
| Gym Industry Experience | ✅ Yes | Working in a gym helps you understand gym careers, customer service, and gym operations. |
| Personal Training or Coaching Certifications | ❌ No (for ownership) / ✅ Yes (if training clients) | If you plan to train members, certification from NASM, ACE, or ISSA is required. |
| Gym Licenses & Permits | ✅ Yes | A license required for gym ownership varies by state and includes business registration and liability insurance. |
| Marketing & Sales Skills | ✅ Yes | A strong gym marketing strategy is essential for attracting and retaining members. |
| Gym Management Software | ✅ Yes | Exercise.com is the best software for managing memberships, payments, and scheduling. |
| CPR & First Aid Certification | ❌ No (for ownership) / ✅ Yes (if coaching) | Some states require gym owners to have emergency response certifications. |
| Funding & Financial Planning | ✅ Yes | You need to secure gym funding and budget effectively for how much does it cost to open a gym. |
| Opening a Gym Checklist | ✅ Yes | A well-structured opening a gym business plan ensures smooth operations (use this free gym business plan template). |
Learning how to run a successful gym involves things like understanding how to create a gym budget, how to buy gym insurance, how to manage gym staff, how to increase gym revenue and profitability, how to put gym marketing ideas into action and get more gym members, how to provide great gym customer service, how to retain gym members, finding the best gym software, and much more than just learning how to design workouts for clients (the only fun part for some people who may love fitness, but haven’t learned to love the business of fitness yet).
Instead of focusing on gym academic credentials, prospective gym owners should prioritize learning about how to open a gym, including the legal requirements for opening a gym, how much money do you need to start a gym, and necessary gym licenses and permits.
So if you’re wondering, “Do you need a bachelor’s degree to open a gym?” then the answer depends on your business goals. While a degree in business or exercise science can be helpful, it is not a requirement to own a gym. Instead, focusing on gym qualifications, business planning, and licensing can set you up for success. Get access to all the free fitness templates you need, including gym business plans, contracts, and checklists to help you with the steps to opening a gym.
From determining the requirements to own a gym to estimating how much it costs to open a gym, Exercise.com provides the best gym management software for aspiring gym owners. Whether you’re learning how to start up a gym business or researching how to become a gym owner, our platform helps you manage operations, increase profitability, and scale successfully. Get a demo now.
In reality, opening a new gym is a big undertaking, and it’s not something that should be rushed into. You’ll need to arm yourself with the right knowledge and the right tools (like the best gym business management software) to succeed.
No, you do not need a degree to open a gym. While formal education can be helpful, successful gym ownership depends more on business knowledge, management skills, and industry experience. Below is a table highlighting what is required to be a successful gym owner versus what is not required.
Do you need a degree to open a gym? The short answer is no, a degree is not listed among gym ownership requirements. However, if you have a degree, it will be a huge asset in opening and running your new gym. Check out this guide to learn more about gym degree requirements and gym legal requirements.
So, no, you don’t need a degree to open a gym. It already takes a lot of time and money to open a gym. Spending thousands of dollars and 2-4 years chasing a degree almost sounds like a waste. After all, that’s time and money that could be going towards your new gym, right? (Also, check out what gym manager degree requirements there are or personal trainer degree requirements there are).
💡 Key Takeaway: You do not need a bachelor’s degree, but you must have strong business acumen, industry experience, and the right tools like Exercise.com to succeed in running a gym business.
If you’re wondering, “do you need a bachelor’s to open a gym?”, the answer is no—but having one can be beneficial depending on your goals.
| Requirement | Mandatory? | Why It Matters? |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Exercise Science, or Management | ❌ No | While helpful, many gym owners succeed without a degree by gaining hands-on experience. |
| Gym Qualifications (Certifications & Licenses) | ✅ Yes | Local authorities may require a license required for gym ownership, insurance, and health permits. |
| How to Open a Fitness Gym Knowledge | ✅ Yes | Understanding how to set up a gym business is crucial for long-term success. |
| Understanding Gym Careers & Hiring Trainers | ✅ Yes | If hiring staff, you need to know the best gym qualifications and credentials. |
| Financial Planning & Budgeting | ✅ Yes | Knowing how much does it cost to open a gym is essential for securing funding. |
| Steps to Opening a Gym | ✅ Yes | Following a structured opening a gym checklist helps avoid legal and financial mistakes. |
| Business Plan & Strategy | ✅ Yes | A solid opening a gym business plan improves success rates and attracts investors. |
💡 Key Takeaway: While a bachelor’s degree is not required, strong business knowledge, industry experience, and a well-structured plan are essential for success. Whether you’re exploring how to start a small gym business or a large fitness facility, using Exercise.com helps streamline operations, saving you time and money.
If you’re wondering how to become a gym owner without prior experience, there are several ways to gain the necessary skills before investing in a gym business. Below is a breakdown of the best strategies to gain experience before opening a gym and understanding gym careers before making a financial commitment.
| Method | Why It Helps? | Recommended For? |
|---|---|---|
| Work at a Gym as a Trainer or Manager | Learn daily operations, sales, and management. | Those looking to gain gym qualifications and industry experience. |
| Shadow a Gym Owner | See firsthand what it takes to run a gym. | Those wondering, “how do I open my own gym?” |
| Take Business & Fitness Courses | Gain knowledge in finance, marketing, and gym operations. | Aspiring owners looking for structured learning. |
| Get Certified as a Personal Trainer | Helps with hiring and training future staff. | Anyone planning to train clients in their gym. |
| Intern at a Fitness Facility | Exposure to operations and customer service. | Future gym owners needing steps to opening a gym experience. |
| Attend Gym Franchise Seminars | Learn about franchise gym opportunities before opening your own. | Those considering a gym franchise for sale. |
| Use Gym Management Software | Learn how to track memberships, payments, and scheduling. | Anyone looking to optimize operations with Exercise.com. |
💡 Key Takeaway: Before starting a gym, work in the industry, gain fitness knowledge, and master gym management. This ensures you are prepared for the requirements to own a gym and manage finances effectively.
One of the most common questions from aspiring gym owners is how much does it cost to open a gym? While the cost varies depending on location, size, and business model, here’s a general breakdown.
| Gym Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Boutique Fitness Studio | $50,000 – $500,000 |
| Small Personal Training Gym | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Large Commercial Gym | $500,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Franchise Gym (e.g., Gold’s Gym, Crunch Fitness) | $200,000 – $2,000,000 |
| 24/7 Access Gym | $50,000 – $500,000 |
💡 Key Takeaway: The opening a gym cost depends on the type of facility and business model you choose. Using a detailed opening a gym business plan and Exercise.com can help streamline expenses and increase profit margins.
Read More:
Yes, most states require a gym business license and permits before opening. Below is a list of essential gym licenses and permits needed to operate legally.
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business License | Allows you to legally operate your gym. |
| Health & Safety Permits | Ensures compliance with sanitation and safety laws. |
| Zoning Permits | Confirms your gym meets local zoning laws. |
| Liability Insurance | Protects against accidents and legal claims. |
| Employment Tax ID (EIN) | Required if hiring staff or personal trainers. |
💡 Key Takeaway: The license required for gym ownership varies by state, but Exercise.com helps you manage compliance, payroll, and client records seamlessly.
Choosing the best place to open a gym is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are key factors to consider:
| Factor | Why It Matters? |
|---|---|
| Population Density | High foot traffic increases memberships. |
| Competition in the Area | Too many gyms can make it hard to attract members. |
| Income Levels of Residents | Higher-income areas may support premium pricing. |
| Accessibility & Parking | Members should have convenient access. |
| Nearby Businesses (e.g., cafes, offices) | Potential for corporate gym partnerships. |
💡 Key Takeaway: The best locations to open a gym depend on demand, accessibility, and competition. Exercise.com helps with marketing and business automation, ensuring your gym thrives in any location.
Successfully running a gym business requires more than just opening the doors. Here’s what new gym owners should focus on:
| Priority | Why It’s Important? |
|---|---|
| Member Retention Strategies | High retention rates improve profitability. |
| Sales & Marketing | Attracts new members and keeps revenue flowing. |
| Hiring & Managing Staff | Good trainers keep members engaged. |
| Gym Management Software | Automates billing, scheduling, and communication. |
| Financial Planning | Helps maintain positive gym business profit margin. |
💡 Key Takeaway: A successful gym business depends on strong marketing, staff management, and retention strategies. Exercise.com simplifies all these aspects, allowing gym owners to focus on growth.
If you’re wondering how to open up a gym, following a structured plan is essential. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to ensure a smooth launch.
✅ Step 1: Create a gym business plan with financial projections.
✅ Step 2: Register your business and obtain all necessary gym licenses and permits.
✅ Step 3: Find a suitable location with high foot traffic.
✅ Step 4: Purchase commercial gym equipment for sale or lease equipment to save costs.
✅ Step 5: Hire qualified trainers or operate solo at first.
✅ Step 6: Set up Exercise.com for member management, billing, and scheduling.
✅ Step 7: Launch a marketing campaign with social media, local ads, and referral programs.
✅ Step 8: Host a gym grand opening event to attract new members.
💡 Key Takeaway: Following a structured plan is critical when opening a gym business. Using Exercise.com for business operations ensures long-term success.
If you’re wondering, “should I open a gym?”, the answer depends on your passion, financial resources, and commitment to business success. While the gym opening cost can be high, owning a gym cost can be offset by proper planning, efficient operations, and the right software.
💡 Key Takeaway: Whether you’re exploring how to start a small gym business or a large fitness center, Exercise.com is the best tool for automating processes, increasing revenue, and making gym ownership profitable and manageable.
📢 Ready to launch your gym the right way? Request a demo of Exercise.com today! 🚀
While you don’t need a degree to own a gym, there are several other requirements and considerations to address. Below are key areas to focus on when preparing to launch your gym business.
Complying with gym licenses and permits cost is one of the first steps to legally opening your gym. This includes securing local business permits, health and safety inspections, and liability insurance.
Certificates for safety compliance and employee training may be required depending on your region. Additionally, specialized gyms, such as boxing gyms, may require extra permits or licenses related to their activities. Understanding these gym licensing requirements ensures you operate within regulations and avoid legal issues.
The cost to open a gym can vary widely depending on the type of facility, equipment, and location. For example, a small CrossFit garage gym might cost around $50,000 to $150,000 to start, while larger commercial gyms or gym franchise locations can require $250,000 or more.
For those wondering how to open a gym with no money, consider creative gym financing options like partnerships, gym business loans, or starting small and scaling over time.
Although a formal degree isn’t necessary, many gym owners pursue certifications and industry-specific courses to build credibility and skills.
While a degree isn’t mandatory, knowledge of business operations, fitness, and marketing is crucial. Additionally, being a certified personal trainer can enhance your expertise and credibility. Courses like a certified personal trainer course or fitness management certifications can help prepare you for ownership.
Read More:
Yes, you can open a gym without formal qualifications, but having relevant knowledge can help you navigate challenges like marketing, member retention, and financial management. Experience in the fitness industry or business training can make a big difference.
If you lack formal qualifications, consider alternatives such as gym administration courses for business operations training, mentorship programs, or learning from experienced gym owners. Online courses covering how to start a gym or creating a business plan for opening a gym can also be valuable.
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The cost to open a gym depends on factors like location, equipment, and gym size. Small studios may require $50,000–$150,000, mid-size gyms might need $150,000–$500,000, and larger gyms or franchises can exceed $500,000.
Understanding the gym licenses and permits cost and ongoing monthly gym owner expenses, such as rent and payroll, is critical when planning your budget. A detailed business plan for opening a gym can help estimate these costs accurately.
A well-crafted business plan for opening a gym is essential to secure financing, attract investors, and guide your operations. Your plan should cover startup costs, including gym licenses and permits cost, revenue projections, and operational strategies like hiring and training.
If you plan to personally train clients at your gym, obtaining a certified personal trainer course or similar certification is highly recommended, even if it’s not legally required. This ensures you provide safe and effective training while boosting your credibility.
For those wondering how to become a personal trainer without a degree, certifications like NASM, ACE, or ISSA are widely recognized and accessible without formal academic prerequisites.
While you don’t need a degree to open a gym, understanding how to open your own gym and acquiring relevant knowledge through certifications, mentorships, or hands-on experience is critical for success. From meeting the legal requirements for opening a gym to managing startup costs, preparation and planning are key. Whether you’re opening a boutique studio, a CrossFit garage gym, or exploring gyms for sale, the right approach will set you on the path to building a thriving fitness business.
No, you don’t need a degree to open a gym, but having knowledge in business management, fitness, or marketing can be beneficial. Some aspiring gym owners take a gym administration course or pursue certifications to gain relevant skills.
While there is no formal education requirement to be a gym owner, a background in fitness, business management, or marketing can be advantageous. Many gym owners complete certifications or courses in gym administration and personal training to understand industry standards.
To open a gym, you need a business plan, proper licenses and permits, suitable zoning for a fitness facility, liability insurance, and gym equipment. Legal requirements for opening a gym vary by location, so researching your area’s regulations is crucial.
Read More: Requirements to Open a Gym
No, you do not need a bachelor’s degree to open a gym. Owning a gym is primarily about securing funding, choosing the right location, and creating strong business systems. However, a degree in exercise science, business, or sports management can give you credibility with investors and help you make better strategic decisions. More important than a degree is having the right software infrastructure—like Exercise.com—to streamline billing, contracts, and member management from day one.
There are no mandatory owner-specific certificates required to start a gym, but you’ll need business licenses, liability insurance, and possibly local health or occupancy permits depending on your location. If you plan to train clients yourself, having personal training certifications from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM is highly recommended. Exercise.com helps owners stay compliant by managing liability waivers, contracts, and digital forms all in one platform.
Yes, you can work in a gym without formal qualifications, but your role may be limited to front desk, sales, or operations. To train clients or teach classes, most gyms require nationally recognized certifications. Exercise.com makes managing staff easier by tracking trainer qualifications, certifications, and expirations—helping gym owners maintain compliance and credibility.
To work as a personal trainer or fitness instructor in most gyms, you’ll need an accredited certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA, or ACSM are popular). Group fitness instructors often need specialized training, while gym managers typically need leadership and business experience. Exercise.com supports these professionals with tools for scheduling, training program delivery, and performance tracking—all inside one app.
To become a fitness instructor, you’ll typically complete a certification program (NASM, ACE, AFAA, or others), gain CPR/AED certification, and build hands-on experience. From there, instructors often grow their careers by offering classes, personal training, or specialty programs. Exercise.com helps instructors scale by selling sessions, managing schedules, and delivering workouts digitally.
To open a gym in the UK, you’ll need to register your business, obtain liability insurance, complete health and safety assessments, and meet local council requirements for occupancy and zoning. If you sell supplements or food, additional licenses may apply. Exercise.com helps UK gym owners maintain compliance by managing digital waivers, contracts, and automated records of member agreements.
An exercise science degree can open doors to careers in personal training, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, wellness coaching, or gym ownership. For gym owners, it provides credibility and a deeper understanding of client programming. Pairing that expertise with Exercise.com allows you to deliver scientifically backed training plans through a branded app that scales your impact.
To open a gym business, you need a clear business plan, startup capital, insurance, licenses, equipment, and a system for managing members. The mistake many first-time owners make is focusing on equipment but neglecting operations. Exercise.com ensures your business is ready from day one with billing, scheduling, marketing funnels, and branded apps in place.
Before building a gym business, research your market, secure financing, choose the right facility, and plan your services. You’ll also want to line up permits, insurance, and staff. Most importantly, establish operational systems early so you can scale. Exercise.com provides the platform you’ll need for contracts, payments, bookings, and member retention before you even open your doors.
While not required, degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, or business management can give gym owners an edge. A background in exercise science strengthens credibility with members and trainers, while a business degree improves financial and leadership decision-making. Exercise.com complements that knowledge by giving you the operational tools to apply your expertise at scale.
Gym manager jobs often require leadership experience, customer service skills, and sometimes certifications in fitness or business management. While formal degrees aren’t always necessary, employers look for proven organizational and leadership ability. Exercise.com helps gym managers succeed by providing centralized dashboards for tracking staff schedules, member engagement, and key performance metrics.
The average gym owner salary ranges widely depending on location, size, and business model—typically between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with top-performing gyms exceeding that range. Profitability depends heavily on controlling expenses and maximizing retention. With Exercise.com, owners cut operational costs, reduce member churn, and create new revenue streams, raising take-home pay.
Owning a gym can be profitable, with average annual earnings ranging from $50,000 to over $200,000 depending on the gym type, location, and revenue streams. Boutique gyms and gyms offering specialized services often see higher profit margins.
Read More: How profitable is owning a gym?
To be a gym instructor, you typically need a certified personal trainer course from a recognized organization such as ACE, NASM, or ISSA. Some states may also require CPR and first aid certification.
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The zoning required to open a gym depends on local regulations. Most gyms need commercial or mixed-use zoning. Before leasing or buying a space, verify zoning compliance with your local government.
Read More: Gym Zoning Requirements
To get accredited for opening a gym, obtain certifications in fitness or gym management and meet legal requirements like acquiring a business license and liability insurance. Joining professional organizations can also add credibility.
The cost of a gym license varies depending on your location and the type of gym you’re opening. Gym licenses and permits can range from $200 to $2,000, depending on local regulations and additional fees for health and safety inspections.
Gym owners typically earn between $4,000 and $16,000 per month, depending on membership volume, additional revenue streams, and overhead costs. Profits are often higher for gyms that utilize efficient gym management software.
Read More: Gym Owner Income
The toughest part of being a gym owner is balancing member retention, operational costs, and competition. Effective marketing, strong member engagement, and streamlined operations are key to overcoming these challenges.
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Boutique gyms offering specialized services like personal training, CrossFit, or yoga are among the most profitable due to their ability to charge premium rates and maintain high retention.
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While certificates aren’t legally required to open a gym, certifications in personal training or fitness management can enhance credibility. It’s also essential to meet local legal requirements for opening a gym, such as acquiring licenses and permits.
To get started in the fitness industry, consider obtaining a certified personal trainer course, gaining experience at a gym, and developing a business plan for opening a gym. Starting small with personal training or group classes can also help build a client base.
Read More: Ways to Make Money from Fitness
Yes, anyone can open a gym if they meet the necessary legal and financial requirements. No formal qualifications are required, but understanding fitness trends and business management is crucial for success.
To open a gym, you need a space that complies with local zoning regulations, has sufficient square footage for equipment and classes, and meets safety standards. The space should also allow for amenities like locker rooms and parking.
Read More: What type of space do you need to open a gym?
A yoga studio is not technically a gym but falls under the broader category of fitness facilities. Yoga studios often focus on specific wellness services and may have different zoning and licensing requirements than traditional gyms.
The cost to open your own gym ranges from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the size, location, and type of gym. Budget considerations include rent, equipment, licensing, and initial marketing expenses.
Read More: How much money do you need to open up a gym?
Yes, you need a license to open a gym in Florida. This includes a business license, liability insurance, and compliance with state and local health and safety regulations.
Read More: How to Open a Gym in Florida
Yes, Texas requires a business license and liability insurance to open a gym. Additionally, compliance with local zoning and safety regulations is mandatory.
Read More: How to Open a Gym in Texas
Yes, opening a gym in California requires a business license, liability insurance, and adherence to state and local health and safety regulations. Be sure to check for specific city requirements as well.
Read More: How to Open a Gym in California
Yes, opening a boxing gym requires a business license and insurance. You may also need additional permits or certifications for boxing-specific safety equipment and compliance with local regulations.
Read More: How to Start a Boxing Gym
Yes, owning a gym franchise is possible, and it can be a profitable venture. Franchise opportunities often come with established branding, training, and operational support, but they require an upfront franchise fee and adherence to corporate policies.
For better or worse, you absolutely do not need to have a degree to open a gym. In fact, you don’t technically need any qualifications at all. If you can obtain the financing, business licenses, and permits, nothing legally stops you from opening a gym.
Even though you don’t need to get a degree before opening a gym, and there are a ton of things you should know before opening a gym, it’s not a bad idea. According to the IHRSA, 81 percent of new fitness businesses fail within their first year.
There are many reasons why gyms fail, and a degree will help equip you with the education you need to face these hurdles. Classes focused on business, accounting, marketing, administration, and health and fitness will all be extremely useful to the future gym owner.
Not only will having a degree help prepare you for a career as a gym owner, but it can also make it easier to get financing. Banks and other financial institutions will have an easier time trusting you with their money when you have a degree that shows you know what you’re doing.
Read More: How to Start a Fitness Business
Beyond a formal degree, many certifications will help boost your expertise and your credibility.
You and your staff will likely be required to obtain certifications in basic life support and first aid. Any personal trainers, athletic trainers, or nutritionists you hire should have an accompanying license and/or certification. And finally, specialized certifications (such as obesity management or pre-natal fitness) will add validity to any additional classes or programs you decide to offer.
You absolutely do not need to have a degree to open a gym. However, experience with business, accounting, marketing, administration, and health and fitness will help give your new gym the best chance of succeeding. Take the time to learn what you need before opening your gym.
The best gym management software is Exercise.com, which provides an all-in-one platform for scheduling, payment processing, member engagement, and fitness programming. Its customizable features are designed to help gym owners streamline operations and maximize profitability.
Tyler Spraul 
