What Is a Micro Gym? Your Guide to UK Personal Training Spaces

The UK fitness landscape is changing. Alongside big-box gyms and boutique studios, a new model is on the rise: the micro gym.

Micro gyms are small, flexible fitness spaces - often owned by personal trainers or fitness entrepreneurs - that allow you to train clients, run your own business, and even create a personal home gym that pays for itself.

So what exactly is a micro gym, and how can you set one up in the UK?

1. What Is a Micro Gym?

A micro gym is a compact fitness space, usually between 200-1,000 sq ft, designed for small-group training or one-to-one coaching. Unlike large commercial gyms, micro gyms focus on:

• Personal training and client experience

• Specialised equipment that delivers maximum value in minimal space

• Flexible ownership models - from PT-run studios to converted garages or sub-let spaces

They’re cost-effective, scalable, and perfect for trainers who want independence without the huge overheads of a traditional gym.

2. Why Are Micro Gyms Growing in the UK?

Several factors are fuelling the rise of micro gyms in the UK:

• Lower start-up costs than traditional gyms

• Demand for personal training and tailored workouts

• Flexibility for trainers to run their own business and set their own hours

• Compact equipment solutions now available that make professional setups possible in smaller spaces

For PTs, a micro gym means keeping more of the revenue instead of handing it to a big-box facility.

3. Where Can You Set Up a Micro Gym?

One of the biggest advantages of a micro gym is flexibility - you don’t need a huge commercial lease to get started. In the UK, PTs and fitness entrepreneurs are opening micro gyms in:

• Converted Garages or Garden Studios
  Affordable, private, and ideal for one-to-one or small-group training. Many PTs start here to keep overheads low.

• Industrial or Commercial Units
  Perfect if you want more visibility or room for growth. Popular with trainers who scale into group classes.

• Shared or Sub-Let Spaces
  Some PTs sub-let their micro gym to other trainers, content creators, or wellness professionals when they’re not using it - creating a new income stream.

• Hybrid Models
  Many micro gyms double as content creation hubs, with PTs filming workouts, streaming classes, and building online coaching businesses in the same space.

💡 The flexibility is what makes micro gyms so powerful - they can be personal gyms, business hubs, and income-generating assets all at once.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Micro Gym in the UK?

Micro gyms are one of the most affordable ways to start a fitness business. Typical start-up costs include:

• Space rental or conversion: £2,000-£10,000 (depending on location and size)

• Essential equipment: £5,000-£15,000

• Insurance, marketing & licensing: £500-£2,000

💡 Many PTs start with £7,000-£20,000 total investment - much lower than opening a full commercial gym.

5. Essential Equipment for a Micro Gym

Because space is limited, versatility and durability are key.

Must-have kit includes:

• Power rack or half rack with integrated storage

• Adjustable bench

• Barbell & bumper plates

• Adjustable dumbbells

• Kettlebells and functional kit (bands, balls, plyo box)

• One or two compact cardio options (rower, air bike, treadmill)

This setup allows you to deliver full-body sessions, small-group classes, and personal training - all without overcrowding.

6. How to Make Money With a Micro Gym

A micro gym can generate income in multiple ways:

• One-to-one PT sessions (premium hourly rates)

• Small group training (2-6 clients at once)

• Online coaching hub (stream sessions from your space)

• Subletting space to other PTs, content creators, or wellness professionals

With smart scheduling, a micro gym can outperform traditional PT income while keeping costs low.

7. Steps to Launch Your Own Micro Gym in the UK

1. Define your model - solo PT studio, group training hub, or hybrid.

2. Secure a space - garage conversion, rented unit, or shared studio.

3. Invest in versatile equipment - compact, commercial-grade kit that maximises space.

4. Sort legalities - insurance, liability waivers, and (if renting) landlord approval.

5. Market your services - build local SEO, use social media, and encourage word-of-mouth.

Conclusion

Micro gyms are the future of fitness independence in the UK. They offer PTs and entrepreneurs the chance to own their own space, deliver high-quality training, and build a profitable business - without the huge overheads of a full commercial gym.

With the right equipment and strategy, your micro gym can double as your personal workout space and a thriving business.

FAQs: Micro Gyms in the UK

1. What size space do I need for a micro gym?
Most micro gyms operate in 200-1,000 sq ft. A converted garage or small studio is often enough.

2. How much does it cost to set up a micro gym in the UK?
Between £7,000 and £20,000, depending on space and equipment.

3. Can I run a micro gym from home?
Yes - many UK PTs convert garages, garden studios, or spare units into micro gyms. Just check insurance and local regulations.

4. Can I sub-let my micro gym?
Absolutely. Many owners rent their space to other PTs, content creators, or wellness practitioners when it’s not in use, helping offset costs.

5. Do I need commercial-grade equipment for a micro gym?
Yes. Commercial kit ensures durability, safety, and a professional feel that clients and collaborators expect.