Anytime Fitness to enter Australia with 350 new clubs expected

US-based Anytime Fitness, Inc has announced plans to enter the Australian market, with 350 clubs planned to open in the next five years.

Having reached an agreement with brother-sister fitness industry veterans, Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez, to serve as master franchisees for all of Australia and New Zealand, Anytime Fitness' first Australian club is expected to open in Sydney, followed by a further four clubs in the next 12 months.

"We're extremely excited that Justin and Jacinta are joining our team", said Anytime Fitness co-founder Chuck Runyon.

"We had several candidates who applied for the territory rights, but our choice was clear. Justin and Jacinta demonstrated the fitness industry expertise, the financial backing and the passion for Anytime Fitnessâ business model that made them the most qualified applicants."

As Justin McDonell adds, "we grew up in a family that runs health clubs in Australia. We know what works and we know what members want. Anytime Fitness focuses on convenience and affordability (and) that's what people are looking for these days, but they also demand quality exercise equipment in a clean, friendly environment. Australians are just as busy as Americans. The model works in America and it will work in Australia and New Zealand, too."

Anytime Fitness currently has nearly 800 clubs open in 46 US states, plus another handful of clubs in Canada. Founded in 2002 and nearly doubling in size in 2007, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world. The Australian clubs will be the first Anytime Fitness facilities to open outside of North America. Clubs in New Zealand are expected to follow.

For more information go to www.anytimefitness.com.au