How many of you own Gyms?

Hey everyone,

Long time lurker and idea generator, thought I'd ask the community on something tickling my interest recently.

I've been a hobby powerbuilder for the better part of my life at this point, and am considering getting my personal training cert to do some side work from the regular job.

I had a thought for a commercial gym in a rapidly growing community with some extra income that could be tangible but I know historically gyms aren't a great pathway to wealth.

But it is what I know, and I think I could combine it with some other H&F related ideas in the future, while potentially doing some weekday sales work while operating.

The question here is, who of you has successfully ran, scaled and maybe even exited or expanded a chain? Who among you is currently running a gym, and who has started one that ultimately didn't work out.

I'd love some insight here. I think the path of self reliance income is the dream, and this seems to combine a few interest and ideas together cleanly, but operating costs and other variables do lead this to a potentially savings set back move.

Love to hear from those out there