Unique Culture and Strong Franchisee Support System Enable Anytime Fitness to Outshine the Competition in the Booming Fitness Segment

It’s no secret that the fitness segment of the franchising industry is experiencing rapid growth. Right now, health clubs across the globe are bringing in a total revenue of $78.1 billion, with one million people signing up to become a member at a local gym every year. And that momentum isn’t expected to slow down—because more consumers are making health and fitness a top priority in their daily lives, the industry has a 2.8 percent annual projected growth rate from 2014 to 2019. But when it comes to tapping into that climbing demand, there’s one brand that’s consistently outshining the competition: Anytime Fitness.

Since first launching its franchising opportunity back in 2002, Anytime Fitness has been experiencing rapid growth. That’s because the brand has created a unique culture across its entire system that’s focused on support and progress in addition to profits and recurring revenue. And according to Chuck Runyon, the CEO and co-founder behind the leading fitness concept, it’s that one of a kind culture that continues to fuel Anytime Fitness’ growth.

“Our business ultimately comes down to people. We’re only as strong as our franchisees, which is why we go above and beyond to support them and provide them with the tools and resources that they need to succeed,” said Runyon. “At its core, Anytime Fitness is all about helping people get—and stay—healthy. To continue making that mission a reality at our gyms all over the world, we’re focusing on providing our franchisees with the best ongoing training and education services possible.” 

Anytime Fitness’ focus on continued education and support goes back to its main franchising philosophy, which is focused on four “Ps.” The first—people—represents the fact that the brand takes its responsibility of helping millions of people get healthy seriously. That’s why every Anytime Fitness franchisee works alongside the brand to set and achieve growth goals. The second “P,” on the other hand, highlights Anytime Fitness’ purpose. Every member of the brand’s system shares the same passion for helping others realize their health and fitness goals.

Being profitable is another driving force in Anytime Fitness’ franchise system. The brand’s model is designed to provide its franchisees with the opportunity to make a living while doing what they love and still having time for friends and family. That’s especially emphasized through Anytime Fitness’ commitment to play—being a part of the brand’s ever-growing team doesn’t have to feel like work.

“We pride ourselves on offering franchisees the chance to be a part of a brand that’s focused on success both personally and professionally. Our number one priority is ensuring that our local owners are thriving across the board so that they can provide the best possible service to their customers,” said Dave Mortensen, president and co-founder of Anytime Fitness. “There isn’t another brand innovating in the fitness space in the same way that we are. By catering to the needs of our franchisees and customers, we’re solidifying our position as the leaders in the increasingly popular fitness segment.”

With more than 3,500 franchise units and dozens of company-owned gyms operating in all 50 states and in 30 different countries on five continents, it’s clear that the Anytime Fitness brand is catching on among consumers and franchisees alike. And with an initial investment that ranges from $114,950 to $677,800, including a $39,500 franchise fee, the brand is making its low cost, high potential model accessible to a wide variety of local owners.

Beyond its traditional business ownership opportunity, Anytime Fitness also offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to become Master Franchisees. Under that agreement, owners purchase the exclusive rights to develop the brand within a specific geographic region. But regardless of whether franchisees sign on to run one unit, multiple locations or develop a territory, Anytime Fitness ensures that their owners are operating in the market that’s best fit for them.

“From real estate selection to the grand opening process, our corporate team is there to support our franchisees in their business ventures every step of the way. We’re also constantly looking for ways to improve our system to better position our local owners for long-term success,” said Runyon. “Going forward, we’re eager to continue welcoming more passionate and driven franchisees into our system. While we’ve grown a lot over the past 15 years, there are still endless opportunities for the Anytime Fitness brand to expand and reach its fullest potential.”