Anytime Fitness looks to open up to 500 franchises in China by 2020

Having been granted a licence to franchise across China, international fitness group Anytime Fitness is aiming to open up to 500 gyms in the country by 2020.

Since opening its first gym in China in 2014, the franchise group currently has eight gyms operating and a further 20 agreements signed.

Now, the group’s master franchisee for China, Maurice Levine, who also owns the rights for Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, is eager to provide Chinese people access to 24-hour fitness opportunities anticipating the opening of between 300 and 500 gyms in China in the next two-and-a-half-years. It opened its first gym in the country in 2014.

Commenting on the planned expansion Anytime Fitness President and co-founder Dave Mortensen (pictured) explains “with more than 3,500 gyms serving nearly three million members on five continents, we are confident our business model paired with the China capacity, will prosper thousands of gyms.”

Currently, less than 1% of China’s population of 1.3 billion people are members of a gym.

Explaining a strategy to build a culture of fitness, which includes creating a ‘wellness university’ in Shanghai for career development and certifications of personal trainers, Levine adds “our goal is to bring fitness to the Asian community and support people on their journey to get to a healthier place.

“While the atmosphere and amenities are upscale, the gym is inviting, unintimidating and priced right. It brings a much-needed service to the community. It’s accessible, affordable, provides supportive coaching and is a great place for community members to get to know each other while achieving their fitness goals.”

29th June 2017 - ASIA’S LEADING FITNESS TRADE SHOW GROWS BY 30%

20th February 2017 - ADVERTISING WATCHDOG FINDS ANYTIME FITNESS CAMPAIGN BREACHES STANDARDS 

11th January 2017 - ANYTIME FITNESS RUNS LARGEST EVER MEMBER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM AND NEW YEAR ACQUISITION CAMPAIGN 

18th July 2016 - ANYTIME FITNESS RETAINS TOP PLACE ON ANNUAL TOP GLOBAL FRANCHISE LIST 

1st July 2016 - FIBO CHINA TO CREATE A BRIDGE TO CHINA’S GROWING FITNESS MARKET 

22nd May 2016 - CHINA GRAPPLES WITH RISE IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY

11th May 2016 - CHINESE SPORTS INDUSTRY TO BE WORTH MORE THAN US$460 BILLION BY END OF 2020

20th January 2016 - 

ANYTIME FITNESS AUSTRALIA FILL NEW HEAD OF FITNESS ROLE

6th November 2015 - ANYTIME FITNESS’ GLOBAL GROWTH INCLUDES 100 GYM OPENINGS IN JAPAN 

13th August 2013 - CHINA MARKS NATIONAL FITNESS DAY AS NATIONAL SURVEY SHOWS A DECLINE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG YOUNG

5th November 2015 - ANYTIME FITNESS ANNOUNCES 3,000TH GLOBAL CLUB OPENING