If you are planning to start a boxing gym and you do not have enough money to start the facility you have envisioned; there are alternatives to the traditional gym.

 

You can always start training your boxers or clients in hotel conference rooms, church multipurpose rooms or auditoriums, private school gyms, multipurpose rooms or auditoriums, and small commercial office spaces.  These facilities are often inexpensive and it can give you a start at being a gym owner until you save enough money to build and move into the gym of your dreams.

 

You may find commercial space that has been unoccupied for a long time and the managers of the building will be anxious to make a deal with you. Commercial businesses move for various reasons and sometimes commercial parks are vacant for a long length of time with numerous empty storefronts.  In a situation such as this, the owner or manager may be willing to cut a deal in your favor.

 

Hotels are good places to train boxers, martial artist, etc.  You may not be able to place a ring inside them.  But you can mark the floor with tape for a fighting area.  Depending on the location of the hotel or motel, how much business it brings in and its reputation in the business community.  You may be able to able to cut a good deal.  Often motels are very slow during the week and busy on the weekends.  You may be able to use a multipurpose room at a very reasonable price.  Hotels and motels are always proud to give out publicity about activities that are held there, which can save you a little money in advertising.

 

Ladies have trained in fitness classes at hotels in recent years, and they find the atmosphere of in a hotel setting comfortable and secure.  Ladies may add to your business significantly in a setting such as this, especially, if you add a cardio program such as cardio boxing or kickboxing.

 

Hotels and motels are often located in or around busy business districts, which are a great positive in capturing the high paid executives.

 

An alternative to the traditional gym is the private schools.  Often private schools rent out space to outsiders to earn extra money. Private schools are continually looking for sources of funding and are willing to rent out spaces on a limited or permanent basis.  School officials and the PTA (Parent-Teachers Association) are willing to accept programs that give young males something constructive to do.  Boxing is a great alternative for young males and it gives them discipline and direction.  Most private school officials will resist the idea of a boxing program in their schools, but a good presentation has and will win them over; if it is well thought out and featuring the values and benefits of a boxing program.

 

Churches are harder to make deals with because of moral values.  Most religious organizations do not want to promote fighting for any reason but some churches allow a boxing or martial arts program if you can be successful at explaining the importance to society and how they can benefit.  They will have to be convinced that this is more than just a violent sport but a tool to improve an athlete's mind and body through training and discipline.  Rental rates with churches are like any other business organization, they vary, but you may still find them less expensive than an industrial park's space.

 

Remember, if you are starting off with little money and you have the desire to start and coach a boxing, grappling or martial arts program, these are some inexpensive sources to start with.  It is important for you to develop good negotiation skills and present an acceptable presentation as to why your program can benefit your potential landlord.