How to Run a Fitness Boot Camp in a Low-Income Area

Successful television programs such as Celebrity Fit Camp and The Biggest Loser demonstrate that fitness boot camps are becoming more and more popular. Fitness training programs generally cost a lot to run, but the economy of scale offered by the boot camp format makes it a suitable choice for people in low-income areas. Your boot camp can make a fitness regime widely accessible while simultaneously allowing you to target a larger market for your fitness business.

Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire the relevant qualifications. If you have not already done so, contact your local government office to determine what licensing and qualifications you require to run a fitness training business. You may need personal trainer certification, first aid training, or permission from the owner of the location where you will hold your boot camp.

    • 2

      Choose a location. You may be able to negotiate a reasonable price with a gym or sports center. But you can hold a boot camp almost anywhere. A local park or green space could be suitable, and hosting a camp in a public place can cut your overhead. Depending on the climate in your area, you may need to take weather into account. You may also need permission from the landowner.

    • 3

      Decide on a target audience. Will your boot camp be open to people of all ages and fitness levels or will you specialize?

    • 4

      Develop a program. Based on your location and target audience, work out a suitable training routine. Include stretching, warm-ups, and exercises as needed. To cut costs, you could focus solely on body weight exercises.

    • 5

      Identify the benefits of your program. "Losing fat" or "increasing fitness" are expected. What other positive outcomes will these results bring? Increased self-esteem? More attention from the opposite sex? Will people enjoy looking in the mirror again? Write down the top three ways your clients can expect to benefit.

    • 6

      Decide on a price for the program. As you're running the boot camp in a low-income area, don't risk pricing yourself out of the market. You might want to ask around the area to see what people would be willing to pay, and consider offering a discount for first-time visitors.

    • 7

      Produce marketing materials based on the benefits you have identified. Use images of people in your target audience, and make sure your benefits are prominent. Don't forget pricing and contact details, such as your email address and phone number, and of course the time and location of the boot camp.

    • 8

      Spread the word. Distribute your marketing materials. Drop fliers in letterboxes, leave them in local shops after asking the shopkeeper if you can post them in the windows, put posters in or near churches, community centers, gyms, sports centers -- anywhere your target audience will potentially notice them. Talk your friends into attending, too.

    • 9

      Sit back and wait for inquiries to come in. Show up at the location early on the day of the boot camp to get set up. During the session, introduce yourself and try to maintain a welcoming, supportive atmosphere as you go through your routine.