Australasian team leads Anytime Fitness record growth

With nearly 40 clubs now open and more than 100 franchise territories sold, Anytime Fitness Australia/New Zealand has quickly become the fastest-growing segment of the world's fastest-growing fitness club chain.

In recent weeks, Anytime Fitness announced plans to open clubs in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands. However, the co-ed fitness club franchise is expanding most rapidly in Australia and New Zealand, says Anytime Fitness spokesman Mark Daly.

Most of the credit, according to Daly, belongs to Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez, the brother and sister team who signed a deal to become 'master franchisees' for Anytime Fitness in Australia and New Zealand in 2008.

In less than two years, the pair opened 35 new gyms and sold more than 100 franchise territories in Australia. They've also opened three gyms and sold 10 territories in New Zealand. Currently, they are opening gyms at the rate of one per week. To assist with this accelerated growth, Justin and Jacinta have added David Ciantar, a veteran franchisee (formerly with Gloria Jean's Coffee, New Zealand Natural and McDonalds) to their team as General Manager. Long-term goals include 300 clubs open in Australia and 50 clubs open in New Zealand within the next three years.

As Justin McDonell explains "we have discovered what works and what our members want â mainly, convenience and affordability.

"They also demand high-quality equipment in a friendly, non-intimidating environment â we satisfy all these needs and more."

As for selling over 100 territories in less than two years, Justin adds that "we've been able to attract qualified franchisees with our low-cost business model which requires minimum staffing.

"Owners get a great return on their investment and like the opportunity to make a significant difference in people's lives."

Jacinta McDonell adds "we pride ourselves in providing our individual franchisees with tremendous support. With help from the corporate staff in the USA., we're able to give club owners the tools they need and the guidance they require every step of the way - from finding ideal locations to equipping and marketing their gyms. We are a full-service franchise."

As brand awareness of Anytime Fitness grows in Australia, Jacinta is most pleased about the positive impact the clubs have on new members.

"We've always been passionate about helping others improve their own health and well-being", adds Jacinta, concluding "it's one of the most important things you can do."

6th August 2009 - ANYTIME FITNESS EXCEEDS PROJECTIONS FOR FIRST YEAR IN AUSTRALASIA

13th July 2009 - ANYTIME FITNESS TO OPEN IN NEW ZEALAND

18th May 2009 - GYM MEMBERSHIP IS A CASUAL AFFAIR

9th February 2009 - 24/7 FITNESS CLUBS OFFER OBESITY SOLUTION 

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

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