⌛ FItness Center in Dumaguete

I brought this up a almost a year ago, and am exploring it again as our move to Dumaguete gets closer.

When my family and I move to Dum., for something to do other than look at the beach all day, I wanted to open a nice fitness center.

I know there is Trim Spa, and a couple of small places, but the equipment is outdated and well worn. Has anything better opened up lately?

I would like to open a nice gym - fitness center with new selectorized and free weight equipment, cardio machines, and also have chiropractic services available. I would also teach Krav Maga, and maybe have aerobics classes. I looked at doing it on the Boulevard with an ocean view, but space and parking may be limited. I also thought about the new Robinsons mall.

This is something I would like to do, but wouldn't have to rely on it for my sole income. Make a few pesos a month would be fine, as this is what I love to do.

Any comments again are appreciated.

2 blackbelts

 

2BB

there has nothing opened what I would call Gym in the last year. Getting the right location (and the foreigners arse out of Annabel and Coco) is not an easy task, but the combination you are talking about might have a change.

Parking space might not be a big issue. Evertything goes (like you know) with scooters and tricycles and for a few cars is always some space somewhere around.

cheers

Rhoody

 

I think your customers would be mostly locals, who other than wiggling their wrists or walking on the boulevard for exercise etc aren't apt to pay to work up a sweat.

Even those that would pay wouldn't pay much. It just doesn't seem like a good idea. You might have better luck in Bacolod which is a little more upscale. Sort of.

Lots of foreigners make the mistake of trying to inject what works at home into PI businesses. Ask the morning coffee group of foreigners at Dunkin Donuts what they think.

 

There's a nice well-equipped gym at the clubhouse in the Bacolod subdivision we'll be building in. Haven't seen anyone using it in the couple times we looked, and it's free for residents. I've heard they get some use, but not much. Even the pools, nice ones too, seen only one swimmer...This in a subdivision with nearly a hundred houses so far. Probably 30-40% westerners...suspect most in their 60's wouldn't be interested...and some have their own pools...maybe gym equipment if they want it too.

Couple good gyms in town. One was on TV recently and it looked like business was brisk...all locals.

 

Don't agree with TT.
All will depend of course on the price the customer has to pay for the given service.
If the quality is good at least you will have a foreigner clientele. No...not the regulars from Why Not, Annabel, Happy Fred, Coco Amigo, etc...
If you can combine it with a good neighbourhood, view, drinks .... I expect you will have a good chance. But don't expect a big business.
My GF has looked for a good one more near to our place (24 km from Dgte) but then we had to go to a resort were we had to pay far too much.
People won't come on a daily base so you need to make attractive offers: e.g. for ..x..times per week /or months ...x... pesos.
For foreigners your business will likely be more in the After-Fitness social activities (drinking a beer is one ! ).
Good luck anyway.

 

Fitness center...

Thanx to everyone for their input.

We would offer a very fair monthly rate. It's just too hard to keep books for weeklys.

The times I visited Trim Spa, it was busy all of the time, and I went for three weeks.

We would also have a bar, light food, etc. Mostly though, it will be a fitness center. Also would do some double duty as a social outpost. I know here everyone goes to the gym to talk, look at bodies, get a protein drink, etc.

As Roody said, location will be important. He'll get my first complimentary membership, just for working so darned hard on this forum.

2 blackbelts

 

YES YES YES....

finally after 16 month I get something out DI.

But serious, I am up for some workout once or twice a week... and of the days without working out helping in socialising and watching Jelly's sweetheart and other gwapas workout....

Rhoody

 

Wii Fit by Nintendo is already out... talking about mixing fitness and fun and I'm buying one. Good for the entire family.

Cheers

 

Good luck if you go ahead

I would definately become a member if I decide on retiring to the Dumaguete area. I would early love to have my own indoor climbing wall if there are no public ones but whether I could find someone to build or not will be the problem.

Robert : photos : may 3 2006- powered by SmugMug

Good luck

 

2BBs,

If this is what your really want to do, then go for it. A really good gym has not been tried in Dgte, so you are breaking the ground on this business, many opputunities to venture.

For location: Silliman university is on the process of building 2 commercial buildings (just completed one). They are in SU property but are easily accessible by general population. I don't know if all spaces are occupied already. For more info: SUACONA, click on TwinPortal Building.

May the force be with you. Good Luck.