How Much Does it Cost To Open a CrossFit Box?

The cost of opening a CrossFit gym varies, but it can be a relatively affordable fitness business.

New CrossFit gyms cost $20,000-$100,000 or more to open, on average. The most important factor for determining the cost is the gym’s location. Additionally, the size of the gym, the number of staff members, and whether the business is leasing or owns the gym can all affect the initial cost to open a CrossFit box. 

Don’t let the potential cost of opening a CrossFit gym deter you from moving forward. Technically, your garage can become a CrossFit Affiliate and you can grow from there. There are no size minimums or maximums for CrossFit gyms. No size minimum or maximum is a benefit of having an affiliate program versus a franchise program.

Let’s break down the costs that go into opening a CrossFit Box.

Cost to Become a CrossFit Affiliate

To open a CrossFit box, you must become a CrossFit Affiliate. Affiliate gyms can use the CrossFit trademark in branding and marketing. Plus, you need to be a CrossFit Affiliate to offer CrossFit classes. 

The gym owner must have a CrossFit Level 1 Certification (or higher). This course currently costs $1,150 and takes two days. In addition to the certification, the gym is required to have a website and proof of insurance to become an affiliate. The name of your gym must also be approved. It has to be unique and include “CrossFit”. 

Being a CrossFit Affiliate costs $3,000 per year. Even if the price increases in the future, you are locked in at the same annual rate as when you become an affiliate. 

Average Costs to Open a CrossFit Gym

• Level 1 Certifications: $1,150
• CrossFit Affiliation: $3,000 annually
• Rent/Mortgage: $1,000-$5,000 monthly (plus initial down payment or security deposit)
• Permits/Licenses: $100-$500
• Renovations: $1,000-$10,000
• Equipment: $20,000-$50,000
• Website/Branding: $250-$1,000
• Insurance: $1,500 annually
• Payroll: Varies

Breakdown of Costs to Open a CrossFit Box

Certification and Affiliation

The owner of the CrossFit box must have a CrossFit Level 1 Certification (or higher). All coaches should also hold a CrossFit certification because most insurance requires coaches to be certified in the movements they coach. There may be other coaching certifications that cover the insurance requirements. 

CrossFit certifications are earned by completing a course and/or passing an exam. 

CrossFit Certification Rates

• Level 1 Certification: $1,150
• Level 2 Certification: $1,150
• Certified CrossFit Trainer (Level 3): $650
• Certified CrossFit Coach (Level 4): $1,000
• CrossFit Kids: $500
• Specialty – Aerobic Capacity: $349
• Specialty – Gymnastics: $645
• Specialty – Weightlifting: $645

The annual affiliation fee is $3,000. This fee allows the gym to use the CrossFit name and provide CrossFit classes. Your fee rate is locked in from the start of your affiliation. 

Rent or Mortgage

You’ll first need to decide if your business will be purchasing a property for the gym or leasing one. Most CrossFit gyms lease their space (at least initially). 

The largest expense with your location is going to be your initial down payment or security deposit. After that, you’ll be paying monthly rent or mortgage payments. If you own the property, you’ll also be responsible for taxes and maintenance. 

Your location is going to be the biggest determining factor of your property costs. Big cities tend to have the highest property costs while rural areas are the most affordable. Most likely, you’ll have monthly payments between $1,000 and $5,000. 

Permits and Licenses

If you are doing construction or renovations, you may need to get the necessary permits. Take with your contractor and local governing bodies to determine any permits to acquire. 

You will also need a business license and any mandated operating licenses. Once again, check with your local governing body for all requirements. If you plan on selling supplements, beverages, or food items at your gym, those sales may require additional licenses. 

The cost of permits and licenses will vary by location and which documents are necessary for your gym. Budget $100 to $500 for these documents.

Renovation Costs

Any renovations necessary will depend on the gym space you choose. Typically, major renovations of a leased space will need to be approved by the landlord and/or management company. Don’t forget to check with your contractors about necessary permits for large renovations. 

One of the most important things to include in your CrossFit gym is protective flooring. Rubber mats or matting are typically used for flooring. This protects the concrete subfloor when heavy barbells are dropped. On average, rubber flooring costs around $5 per square foot. 

Most CrossFit boxes include a front desk and seating area. This gives members a space to relax before or after class. Potential customers who are stopping in to ask questions will appreciate having a designated space to speak with an employee. 

Bathrooms are a must-have for any business. If possible, your CrossFit gym can greatly benefit from including showers at your facility. This makes it easier for members to work out before work or other activities. 

Once you have your gym space chosen, you can create a more detailed budget for necessary renovations. 

CrossFit Equipment Costs

It is very easy to get over-excited when purchasing equipment for your CrossFit gym. For example, most CrossFit competitions use Rogue equipment. While their equipment is high quality, it is also some of the most expensive equipment you can buy for your gym. If you do not have a large equipment budget, look into more affordable brands that still have excellent reviews. 

If you are opening a CrossFit gym, then you are surely a fan of CrossFit already. That means that you’ve seen the competitions and all the workout combinations. During CrossFit competitions, it is common to see a variety of equipment pieces and movements used. That does not mean that your members need access to every possible piece of equipment to get a good workout.

When you are just starting, focus on core pieces that can be used for multiple movements. For example, skip the GHD (glute ham developer). This is a one-trick pony and you can create the same movement using a box, ab mat, and a partner. 

Some ideas of basic equipment to prioritize for your gym includes:

• Squat racks or rig 
• Barbells
• Plates
• Boxes
• Rowers or bikes

As your business grows (and therefore income increases), you can add additional pieces of equipment to your gym. Most gyms spend $20,000 to $50,000 purchasing equipment to open. 

CrossFit Website and Branding Costs

You probably already have a name picked out for your CrossFit gym. You might even have a logo idea already. Don’t underestimate how helpful it can be to hire a designer to help with your logo and branding. Graphic designers can put together a beautiful and eye-catching logo in little to no time. Plus, cohesive branding across your marketing platforms gives the gym a professional appeal. 

Since you are required to have a website to be a CrossFit Affiliate, you might as well make it a good one. Spend a little extra upfront to start your business with a high-quality and easy-to-use website. Functional and attractive websites generate more sales than glitchy or outdated sites. You can hire a website designer to create your initial website. From there, a virtual assistant or website manager can keep everything running smoothly and up-to-date. 

CrossFit Insurance Costs

Insurance is an ongoing cost, but you will need to have a plan in place to open your CrossFit gym. Your specific rates will depend on the size of your property, the number of members (or potential members) at the gym, and the location. Most gyms spend around $1,500 per year for insurance. 

The two main forms of insurance that you should have for your CrossFit gym are liability and property insurance. Basic liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits or bills resulting from an accident. Professional liability insurance protects your business and your coaches from claims of negligence. 

Property insurance will come in a different form for those renting versus owning. Either way, the insurance covers your property from natural disasters and certain accidents. Since fitness equipment can be expensive, it is helpful to get an insurance plan that covers your property and all your belongings inside. 

CrossFit Business Payroll Costs

Payroll is another variable cost that depends on how many employees you have. Some gyms start with a single owner who is also the only coach. By wearing all the hats initially, a single owner can reinvest money back into the gym while the business grows. Once it is financially wise, then the owner can hire additional staff members. 

You’ll also need to determine if you will be hiring employees or independent contractors. Employees require additional costs like unemployment insurance and benefits. However, there are stipulations around the use of independent contractors (specifically the ability to choose their schedule). 

Final Thoughts

While these numbers are averages, the cost to open a CrossFit box varies wildly. Your location is the factor that has the most effect on initial and ongoing costs. CrossFit certification and affiliation will cost at least $4,150 in total. Other than initial property costs, buying equipment will take up the largest chunk of your opening budget. The great thing about CrossFit is that gyms of all budgets, from the smallest to the largest, have been able to open and run successful and profitable boxes around the world.