The Small Group Gym Pod #12 From Garden Shed to 5,000 sq ft: How Ian Stevenson Did It
Oct 28, 2025
In this chat, Ian Stevenson, a seasoned gym owner and founder of EK Fitness & Performance, shares his inspiring journey from running a gym out of a garden shed to a 5,000 sq ft facility. He emphasizes the power of 45-minute sessions starting at 5:30 a.m. and accessible pricing that prioritizes community. Ian discusses the pivotal changes that helped him step back and let his gym operate independently, as well as his effective marketing strategies and how handwritten cards cultivate member loyalty. A must-listen for aspiring gym owners!
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Use 45-Minute Timed Sessions
- Run 45-minute sessions to increase efficiency and fit more classes into mornings.
- Use timed blocks for warm-up, main work and a finisher to keep sessions tight.
Grow Incrementally And Seize Opportunities
- Ian grew incrementally from a garden shed to 5,000 sq ft by moving when opportunity arose.
- Opportunistic expansion can work if you retain the culture and service model.
Sell A Short Paid Trial First
- Offer a short paid trial (Ian uses a 6-week £109 trial) so prospects experience the sessions before committing.
- Then convert them to monthly plans with simple options (12 or 8 sessions/month).
