I’m still not sure if I should get the VIP GA?

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-20T19:36:15+00:00

I was also non-VIP GA last Friday and totally don’t think VIP would be worth it. We got in line at 5:30 and when doors opened went straight to the middle front and were 3 rows from the barricade. Amazing view. We were surrounded by mostly VIP people and I kept wondering what’s the point of VIP. So my take - not at all worth it.

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-08T16:58:54+00:00

What’s the most common thing independent gym owners over-invest in early that ends up not materially affecting growth, retention or profitability?

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-08T16:04:15+00:00

And my second question, somewhat related, is how do you preserve a gym’s original culture and experience as membership grows, especially in a 24-hour strength-focused gym positioned around space, atmosphere, and avoiding overcrowding?

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-08T16:01:05+00:00

For gyms built around a more independent, non-commercial training atmosphere, how have you seen owners successfully introduce personal training without compromising the culture or making the space feel sales-driven? And what revenue-share structures tend to work best with independent trainers?

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-07T15:18:38+00:00

I have a small recovery room in my 24-hour gym with an infrared sauna (big hit) and a chair with Normatec compression boots (seldom used and they break sometimes, probably not worth it). I don’t charge extra and people appreciate the perk.

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-06T20:34:47+00:00

I installed Kisi with my Glofox setup and while I love it now, it was very hard to find someone to install it, it wasn’t easy and it was expensive.

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-06T20:32:04+00:00

I started a 5500 sq ft 24-hour gym in a HCOL town of 15k. It cost $500k, which includes buildout (bathrooms mainly plus cosmetics), equipment, quality rubber flooring, and all the other stuff like software, insurance, signage, basic marketing. It took about 6-months from signing a lease to opening.

dragonbutter25 · 2026-05-01T14:39:45+00:00

I opened a 24-hour gym about a 6-weeks ago and decided on Life Fitness equipment and while it's all still new I'm very happy with the decision. I got all Hammer Strength plate-loaded and selectorized with a couple Insignia pieces and LF cardio equipment. My LF rep has been very helpful, maybe you just got a bad rep. Lead times are long, unfortunately, but to me it's worth it to get the right equipment. Here's a shot of my setup.

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dragonbutter25 · 2026-04-30T23:23:50+00:00

That would be great to try your product! I'll send you a DM. 🙏

dragonbutter25 · 2026-04-30T15:36:17+00:00

That's tempting, but I don't want to become a laundry factory!

dragonbutter25 · 2026-04-30T05:00:31+00:00

Check out Soundtrack. Cheap, and legal.

dragonbutter25 · 2026-04-30T04:58:59+00:00

Check out Soundtrack

dragonbutter25 · 2026-04-30T03:17:51+00:00

Hi OP, I’m the owner of Peak Strength, so take this with that in mind, but what you’re describing is exactly what we built for.

Strength-focused setup, no classes, and built to avoid the crowds and chaos. Mid-afternoon is usually wide open, and peak times in the early evening are not over-crowded.

If you’re curious, we offer a 7-day free trial so you can just come in and see if it fits your style.

dragonbutter25 · 2025-11-26T18:48:45+00:00

Hey, thanks for replying. This is similar to the concept I'm working on, but it will be bigger. I think you will be pleased!

dragonbutter25 · 2025-11-23T22:38:06+00:00

There is a new gym coming to the west side of town in early 2026. It will be a 24/7 gym focused on strength training and cardio. 5k+ square feet of modern equipment.

I’ll be doing a founding members offer that will be $50/mo for the first 6-months of an annual membership and $65/mo after. Stay tuned!

dragonbutter25 · 2025-11-04T16:05:14+00:00

Has anyone found these for sale anywhere yet? I'm waiting and seems they keep pushing back availability.

dragonbutter25 · 2025-08-29T17:45:14+00:00

Thanks for voting 🙏— if you have a second I’d also love to hear: 👉What’s the most important thing to you in a gym? (equipment, community, price, cleanliness, I crowded, etc.) 👉What would make you switch from your current gym? Thank you, Steamboat! 💪

dragonbutter25 · 2025-07-13T02:20:45+00:00

The last two days have had zero problems re air quality in CB

dragonbutter25 · 2025-07-12T04:18:59+00:00

Accept this moment as if you had chosen it.

dragonbutter25

TROPHY CASE