Anytime Fitness a 'Great Franchise Bet'

US-based CNN Money recently rated fast growing Anytime Fitness as a "Great Franchise Bet".

Launched in 2002, there are over 1,500 franchised clubs in the USA with more than 1.1 million members.

CNN made reference to running an Anytime Fitness gym involving "relatively low overheads, because large numbers of employees are not required. " It also commented on the franchises low start-up costs.

In Australia, Justin McDonell and his sister Jacinta McDonell Jimenez launched Anytime Fitness in 2008. Since then it has become the quickest growing segment of the fitness chain, with over 80 clubs open throughout the country in just over two years and further rapid expansion in the pipeline for 2011/12.

Both the gym concept and business model were unique to the industry which, at the time was dominated by larger chains that had everything from juice bars, group exercise classes and crèches. Anytime Fitness gyms provide members access at any hour, with 24 hour entry, state-of-the-art equipment and top-quality facilities 24/7. Local franchisees also offer communities an exceptional product at an exceptional price with the added benefit of convenience; clubs are located near to home to make exercise easier for members.

Trained staff or franchisees are available during normal trading hours to provide assistance in using the equipment and working with members to identify and achieve their goals. After hours, members can access the gym safely and securely by using their key card.

The franchisee can then monitor the gym from anywhere - franchisees can run multiple clubs remotely and require limited labour, providing them with more free time and a balanced lifestyle. Anytime Fitness' monthly franchise fees are also low and fixed which allows franchisees to benefit from their own business growth.

Justin McDonell says "freedom is what sets Anytime Fitness apart from our competitors. We offer franchisees the freedom to operate their business to suit their lifestyle, freedom to grow within the system and the freedom that comes with knowing they have the support and back-up of the world's fastest growing fitness club franchise."

This business model allows flexibility and autonomy to the clients who use the gym, as well as to the franchisees who own the gym. With minimum staff requirements and secure, remote access to the premises, Anytime Fitness is appealing to individuals who are eager to have a successful career and the free time to enjoy life as well.

The combination of all these factors has resulted in Anytime Fitness becoming recognised as one of Australia's fastest growing companies by BRW Magazine.

The latest annual Fast Starters issue has listed Anytime Fitness Australia at number 46 in its run down of the 100 fastest growing companies in the country, and the fitness franchise is also the only fitness organisation to make the top 100 cut.

This recognition only strengthens the growing opinion that Anytime Fitness is becoming the new face of the Australian fitness industry, with Anytime Fitness moving towards becoming the market leader in the industry.

Jacinta McDonell Jimenez adds "our members love the fact that our clubs are not only convenient and affordable, but that they are not intimidating to workout in.

"They really do see the club as their club, and this is something that the majority of larger clubs can't achieve. Many of our members share the passion that we have for our brand and that is great to see."

Read the CNN Money story at http://tiny.cc/k93go 

30th June 2008 - ANYTIME FITNESS TO ENTER AUSTRALIA - 350 NEW CLUBS EXPECTED