Fitness Premier

With 19 operating clubs and countless athletes in the system,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-premier/info">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> has proven to be a strong opportunity for former athletes. While a gym or fitness concept seems like a natural choice for a franchise for athletes due to the continued connection to physical fitness,&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/own-a-fitness-premier/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> finds additional value in the skills that many athletes develop over the course of their time in team sports.“We find that former athletes have the intangibles that we look for in great teammates,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-markowicz-cfc-9a87592a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jason Markowicz</a>, CEO of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs. “They know how to win, and they know how to lose and get back up. Athletes can communicate well and know how to make sacrifices for the sake of the end goal. When we think about what teamwork should look like within our system, former athletes consistently shine through as prime examples.”In an emerging franchise system, it is vital that franchisees are able to collaborate with each other, club-level staff and members of the franchise leadership team. As the brand grows and adapts, entrepreneurs must have the grit and determination to grow their own location while also creating space to lead and be led in the context of the larger system.Many of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs’ most successful owners and team members have been able to reach their goals by leveraging these skills and a willingness to be coached.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hettiger-8a50991a3/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Josh Hettiger</a>, COO and a franchisee;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisknake/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alexis Knake</a>, a multi-unit operator; and Keegan Mraz, a franchisee, are all prime examples of athletes who were drawn to Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs at the club level and quickly showed potential to grow into ownership roles.<h3>Discipline and Commitment to Grow the Business</h3>“As an athlete, if you want to get on the field, a lot of times, you have to take it upon yourself to do more than everyone else, and this translates well to business — especially in the first few years of ownership” said Hettiger. “You have to be willing to show up even when you don’t want to. Many people are not able to handle that at a young age, but learning that skill through athletics sets you up for success. Myself,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-king-3954a1143/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rick [King]</a>, Jason [Markowicz], Lexi [Knake]... everybody got into the business in their 20s and has been able to succeed because we had already developed those crucial skills.”Franchising offers a strong model and support systems, but with any concept, local units are not guaranteed to succeed just because they have leveraged recognized branding and are part of a larger system. The franchisee’s commitment to their business and willingness to consistently adapt and overcome is just as important. This holds true for the business-specific aspects of ownership, but Mraz explained that he sees great benefits from his overarching ability to demonstrate commitment.“Showing up every day, no matter how busy my schedule is, and still getting in my planned workout is huge,” he said. “Even if I have to wake up at 4 a.m. to do it, I make it happen. I think that sets a huge example for my staff and the members because that’s something I always talk about. If we can’t find time in our own schedules to reach our goals, fitness-related or otherwise, how are we going to help others do it?”Demonstrating this leadership to club-level team members specifically allows athletes-turned-owners to drive a great member experience while ensuring the teamwork aspect of the Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs system is baked into as many processes as possible.<h3>Teamwork and Collaboration Allow Franchisees to Respond to Varied Demands</h3>“In athletics, you start to learn what it means to have teammates. As you grow up, those teammates just become co-workers,” explained Knake. “It’s really hard to try to do everything by yourself in this industry, so you have to rely on the people that are around you. That’s one of the biggest benefits of having a background in athletics; you learn those basic people skills at a really young age, and you’re able to quickly understand what it looks like to have good teamwork and be a leader. Those skills stick with you and can be applied in adult life.”Ongoing collaboration within the club and throughout the entire system makes owners more likely to succeed, and athletes who transition into ownership have both a well-established understanding of just how important this aspect of the business is as well as the soft skills necessary to really drive connection and collaboration among other team members.“When it comes down to encouraging a team of people to buy into our mission, whether that’s members or employees, athletes have the experience and intangible skills that allow them to draw a crowd,” added Markowicz.“A lot of the leadership skills that I learned from my coaches when I was younger, including servant leadership and ‘practice what you preach’ has transferred directly from sports to what I do now,” said Mraz.<h3>How Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Serves Ambitious Athletes</h3>Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs offers franchising opportunities for athletes and is also excited to welcome former athletes to the system as operations partners and general managers.“We find that a lot of former athletes gravitate towards us because we’re a fitness and wellness concept, and that’s what they’re used to,” said Markowicz. “We find that they build a passion and deep habit for exercise. They’ve seen the benefits of their sport firsthand, and that enables them to believe in our mission on a deeper level.”Hettiger explained that, whether they’re pursuing ownership or a leadership role with Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, former athletes should understand that they already have the skills necessary to succeed with the franchise.&nbsp;“You have already excelled in time management, working with a team, meeting deadlines and hitting goals,” he said. “A lot of athletes share the dream; don’t limit yourself. Find a company that offers pathways to ownership and go for it. It’s going to be hard, but Fitness Premier rewards the work ethic and reinvests in you if you prove yourself.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafitnesspremier.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fitness-premier-247-clubs-turns-athletes-into-entrepreneurs-2724084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://ownafitnesspremier.com/</a>&nbsp;

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Turns Athletes into Entrepreneurs

1851 Franchise

With the discipline and collaborative skills developed through sports, athletes successfully leverage the fitness franchise’s model to build fulfilling careers.

This brand page has been paid for by FITNESS PREMIER. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Opens First-Ever Florida Location in Sarasota

Building a Fitness Business With Staying Power: Why Fitness Premier Is Looking Ahead to 2026

Don't Go It Alone: Fitness Premier's Support System for Franchise Owners

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As&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/own-a-fitness-premier/">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> continues to grow beyond its Midwest roots, Florida is a new priority, particularly in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota markets. The decision is driven by member behavior, population trends and the ability to enter growing communities with a model that’s already been validated.“We started our search in the Florida market a couple of years ago,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-king-3954a1143/">Rick King</a>, vice president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-premier/info">Fitness Premier</a>. “We were really amazed by the percentage of the community that’s a member at a fitness center in Florida compared to Illinois. It’s drastically different.”King says that Florida’s population tends to place a stronger emphasis on fitness, personal wellness and consistency, creating a deeper pool of potential members. That cultural alignment matters for a brand built around engagement, coaching and long-term results.“Florida has people whose mentalities are more along the lines of fitness and personal wellness,” King said. “So there’s a lot more of those we would consider potential members.”That demand is already translating into growth on the ground. In 2025, Fitness Premier opened its first Florida location in Sarasota, owned by franchisee Dani Stiegelmeyer. The opening gave the brand an early foothold on the Gulf Coast as it builds momentum across the Tampa Bay and Sarasota markets.<h2>A Market Where Demand and Growth Intersect</h2>While Florida isn’t the only region Fitness Premier is evaluating, Tampa Bay and Sarasota stand out as markets where growth, real estate opportunity, and fitness demand intersect.“There are a lot more members in those markets because a higher percentage of the population is focused on exercise and fitness,” King said. “So that’s kind of an easy opportunity for us.”Beyond demand, the brand looks closely at how markets are expanding and where gaps exist. Tampa Bay and Sarasota continue to attract new residents, creating opportunities for well-positioned fitness concepts to establish themselves early.“When we look at the real estate opportunities, the rental opportunities, the gaps in the markets and how much those markets are growing, there’s a real opportunity to establish yourself where the growth is going,” King said. “You get in there, do a good job and secure that market for the future.”<h2>The Type of Owners Fitness Premier Wants in Florida</h2>Fitness Premier is looking for the right operators to lead those locations. In Florida, that means owners who bring discipline and a team-first mentality.“We’ve always believed our ideal franchisees have an athlete’s mindset,” King said. “You win as a team. You’re competitive. You’ll put in the effort. You’ll constantly be improving yourself and being better.”That mindset doesn’t require an athletic background. Instead, it’s about how owners approach business, leadership and growth.“We’ve been talking to some potential franchisees who have never been athletes in their lives, but they have that entrepreneurial spirit and all the mindset qualities we’re looking for,” King said.<h2>Reducing the Time From Signing to Opening</h2>One of the advantages for franchisees entering Tampa Bay or Sarasota is the amount of work Fitness Premier has already completed behind the scenes. For identified priority markets, the brand doesn’t start from scratch.“We already have our real estate team doing market analysis,” King said. “We have performers ready to go. We have sites available for those markets.”That preparation allows new owners to move faster and with more confidence.“We’ve already done some performance analysis and demographic analysis,” King said. “We’re not talking in theories or guessing at what that market can do.”As a result, the timeline from franchise agreement to opening is significantly shortened.“It’ll shorten the time frame pretty drastically since we’ve done a lot of the prework already,” King said.<h2>A Strategic Entry Point in Florida</h2>For Fitness Premier, Tampa Bay and Sarasota represent more than expansion dots on a map. They reflect markets where culture, growth and preparation align — and where franchisees can enter with momentum already built in.By pairing high-demand regions with upfront real estate work and hands-on support, Fitness Premier is positioning Florida franchise owners to launch faster, compete effectively and grow with their communities for the long term.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.">https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Why Fitness Premier Is Targeting Tampa Bay and Sarasota for Expansion

Fitness Premier is prioritizing Tampa Bay and Sarasota because Florida’s fitness-focused culture, population growth and market gaps create strong conditions for long-term gym ownership.

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Fitness Premier Franchise - Looking Ahead to 2026 - 1851 Franchise

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Fitness Premier Enters Montana with First Conversion Deal in Bozeman

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For the operating partners behind&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/own-a-fitness-premier/">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> in Grundy County, Illinois, the future of fitness goes far beyond lifting heavier weights or adding more machines to the floor. Franchisees Dana Odegaard and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bergeson-535180156/">Brent Bergeson</a> are expanding the traditional gym model to include Fitness Premier’s Relax and Restore across clubs in&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/locations/minooka/">Minooka</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/locations/coal-city/">Coal City</a> and soon,&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/locations/morris/">Morris</a>. This gives many members something they didn’t even realize they were missing: intentional recovery.&nbsp;Relax and Restore at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-premier/info">Fitness Premier</a> is a dedicated recovery space designed to help members recharge after workouts and daily stress. These rooms combine calming, easy-to-use recovery therapies — like heat, massage, compression and light therapy — to ease sore muscles, improve circulation and support overall wellness. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reset and let recovery work hand-in-hand with your fitness routine.“It kind of brings a different dynamic to the gym,” Bergeson said. “You come here to work out, but we also have this other avenue that’s really focused on recovery and restoring your body versus just beating it up.”Relax and Restore has become a meaningful business driver for Fitness Premier franchisees. By adding a premium wellness layer to the traditional gym model, Odegaard and Bergeson have created a clear upgrade path that supports higher membership adoption, stronger retention and more consistent usage across the week. The recovery suites also give clubs a built-in differentiator in competitive markets, positioning Fitness Premier as more than just a place to work out.<h2>Building a Recovery Experience Members Actually Use</h2>The Relax and Restore suites were designed to be more than a checklist of trendy equipment. Every amenity was selected based on usage, feedback and real-world impact.Human Touch massage chairs quickly became one of the most popular features across all clubs. Even after transitioning away from hydro massage beds, member response was overwhelmingly positive.In addition to massage chairs, members have access to saunas, red light therapy, jet compression boots, percussion massage guns and salt chambers — all positioned as part of a complete post-workout routine, not a luxury add-on.<h2>Location-Specific Amenities That Elevate the Experience</h2>While each Grundy County club offers a consistent set of recovery tools, the Minooka location stands out with additional amenities that give members more options in how they recover.One of those features is the Frost Locker, which delivers the benefits of cold exposure without the setup or intensity of a traditional cold plunge. It offers a more accessible way to experience cold therapy, especially for members who are curious about recovery trends but want something simple and approachable.“Cold plunge is a really popular thing right now,” Odegaard said. “But the Frost Locker gives you a lot of the same benefits with way more ease of access.”For members looking for a more traditional contrast therapy experience, Minooka also offers the Fire &amp; Ice Lounge, which pairs an infrared sauna with a cold plunge in the same space. This setup allows members to move between heat and cold to support circulation, muscle recovery and overall relaxation.“If you want a more authentic experience, we do have the cold plunge and an infrared sauna together,” Bergeson said. “You can bounce back and forth between the two. It's called our Fire &amp; Ice Lounge.”<h2>Letting Member Feedback Lead the Way</h2>Rather than guessing what members might want, Odegaard and Bergeson rely on constant feedback and usage data to guide decisions.“We’re tracking how much use each thing is getting,” Bergeson said. “Those massage chairs are so highly used that we’re already talking about getting another one in Minooka.”That approach has translated directly into membership adoption. Since launching Relax and Restore, roughly 50% to 70% of members across their clubs now use the recovery amenities.“It just shows us that this is a category people really want to have access to,” Odegaard said. “More than half of our new members are joining on the membership that includes these amenities.”<h2>Collaboration Without a One-Size-Fits-All Mandate</h2>While Fitness Premier’s leadership team gives operators flexibility to test new ideas, collaboration across the system plays a major role in shaping future upgrades.“We’re always talking with other clubs that have had Relax for quite some time,” Bergeson said. “Asking them what’s working, what people like and what trends they’re seeing.”That collaboration extends beyond recovery, allowing operators to share insights on new technology and emerging member preferences, with successful ideas often spreading organically throughout the network.<h2>Redefining the Purpose of the Gym</h2>One of the biggest surprises for the team has been how many members were unfamiliar with recovery tools before Relax and Restore launched.“We assume everybody knows about these things, but we're constantly getting members in every day that don't know about these recovery tools and things that can absolutely change their life and change their workouts and the way that they see results in the gym,” Odegaard said.&nbsp;By educating members through staff training, in-club materials and trial periods, the team has reframed the gym as a place not just to push harder, but to feel better leaving than when you arrived.“Everyone looks at the gym as hard work,” Bergeson said. “Now we can say, yes, you come in and work hard, but let’s take care of your body too. That longevity aspect changes how people experience the gym.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.">https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.</a>&nbsp;

image of  Dana Odegaard and Brent Bergeson Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Minooka, Coal City and Morris.

Operating partners Dana Odegaard and Brent Bergeson are redefining what it means to be a local gym with Relax and Restore suites. These wellness-focused upgrades are driving retention and growth.

Relax and Restore: How Fitness Premier’s Grundy County Clubs Are Expanding From Fitness to Full-Body Wellness

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SARASOTA, Fla.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafitnesspremier.com/">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> has opened in Florida for the very first time with a new location in Sarasota under the leadership of new franchise owner Dani Stiegelmeyer. With a strong background in fitness, sports and marketing, Stiegelmeyer is excited to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-premier/info">Fitness Premier’s</a> community-focused approach to Florida for the first time.&nbsp;The gym is located at 3530 Clark Road, just outside Gulf Gate Estates in South Sarasota. It’s conveniently situated less than 10 minutes from Siesta Key Beach and 10 to 15 minutes from the UTC District and University Parkway. Nearby landmarks include the intersection of Beneva Road and Clark Road, with easy access from U.S. Route 41. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gym can be reached at 941-298-0823.&nbsp;"I've lived in Sarasota for a while now, around five years, and I've been in the gym for a long time,” Stiegelmeyer said. “That location is honestly such a prime spot — it's beautiful. Sarasota is one of my favorite places I've lived so far. I actually used to work right across the street, so I know the area and all the businesses really well.”As Stiegelmeyer and her team prepare for the opening, updates to the space are well underway. Fresh paint and design changes are being finalized, and she is eager to transform the gym into a space that reflects Fitness Premier’s signature clean and welcoming style.Fitness Premier’s strong corporate support and emphasis on transparency stood out to Stiegelmeyer when choosing to join the brand. She also points to unique features that set Fitness Premier apart from other local gyms, including user-friendly technology at the front desk and the&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/fitwave-club/">fitWAVE group training program</a>, which offers small group sessions that blend the benefits of personal training with a community atmosphere.“fitWAVE is really cool to see because you don't get that at a lot of other places,” she said. “Usually you’re either by yourself or it's one-on-one with a trainer. You might have classes elsewhere, but not smaller, personal training groups like this.”Building a sense of community is a major priority for Stiegelmeyer, who views fitness as an important part of life for busy professionals, parents and business owners alike. She hopes to create a welcoming space where members feel connected not just by their workouts, but by the shared experiences of everyday life. “We're all in this together,” she said.In the short term, Stiegelmeyer’s focus is on ensuring a smooth opening and making sure every member feels confident and comfortable from day one. Long term, she has her sights set on expansion. “We would like to, down the road, have more than one,” she said.&nbsp;Ahead of the opening, Stiegelmeyer and her team are planning presale membership opportunities and considering options like a hard hat tour to give prospective members a sneak peek of the renovations. The goal is to show the community the transformation and invite them to be part of something new and exciting.The Sarasota Fitness Premier 24/7 Club will deliver a personalized, supportive fitness experience designed to empower members and strengthen community ties. Ready to take the first step? Call 941-298-0823 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/locations/sarasota/membership-payments-sarasota/">here</a> to find a membership that fits your lifestyle.About Fitness Premier 24/7 ClubsFitness Premier 24/7 Clubs is a fast-growing fitness concept that fosters community between its staff and guests. With a focus on strategic growth markets, Fitness Premier differentiates itself through its people, culture, and systems. Founded by Jason Markowicz, Fitness Premier began franchising in 2016 and has since expanded to 19 locations. Fitness Premier offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to join a brand with the support, innovation, technology, marketing, culture, and product differentiation they need to succeed. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.">https://ownafitnesspremier.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Local entrepreneur Dani Stiegelmeyer leads the brand's Sunshine State debut, bringing Fitness Premier's clean, community-first gym experience to the Gulf Coast.

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Turns Athletes into Entrepreneurs

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