Fitness Premier

Just after Thanksgiving, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-biba-302953129/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-fitwaves-group-fitness-model-creates-explosive-new-store-openings-2718271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Josh Biba</a> opened a new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fitwavefit?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-fitwaves-group-fitness-model-creates-explosive-new-store-openings-2718271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FitWAVE</a> franchise location in Minooka, Ill. The gym is Biba’s 2nd unit with the fitness brand’s parent franchisor, <a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/own-a-fitness-premier/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-fitwaves-group-fitness-model-creates-explosive-new-store-openings-2718271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a>, so he knew the operation had strong potential for success. But even Biba was surprised at just how quickly FitWAVE caught on in his community, rapidly taking on new clients and reaching a couple hundred memberships within just two months of opening.Biba attributes the size and speed of that membership growth largely to the brand’s group fitness classes, which encourage both referrals and retention.“There are so many people in this community who prefer to exercise in groups, whether that’s just for the camaraderie or to hold each other accountable,” he said. “We have one group of women who have been doing group programs together for a decade, so when they learned a FitWAVE was opening in town, they signed up immediately. They were here on day one, and because they’re in it together, they keep coming back. It’s a packed class every week.”&nbsp;Biba says FitWAVE’s group classes have inspired a snowball of referrals, with each new member recruiting their own partners to join them.“That’s really the beauty of this model,” Biba said. “One person brings a friend, or even five friends, and then each of them brings a friend the next week. We had a class a week ago with ten people, and this week it had 17. Beyond the referrals, that kind of validation is just incredible.”But FitWAVE’s member retention isn’t due exclusively to its group glasses. Biba says the brand’s proprietary fitness trackers are a profound motivator to keep members coming back.“Our trackers allow members to see how many calories they are burning in real-time, which is incredibly exciting, and it motivates people to keep coming back and compete with each other,” he said.&nbsp;Because FitWAVE’s programming is designed to accommodate every level of exerciser, Biba says his gym holds broad appeal in his community.“Our model was designed to be effective for any fitness level, so we get 300-pound athletes who are looking to cut weight as well as slim people who have never lifted a barbell and are looking to dip their toe in the water, and they’re all able to find the results they are looking for,” he said.Among the diverse demographics drawn to FitWAVE, the brand’s CEO, Jason Markowicz, says parents have become increasingly well represented.&nbsp;“We’ve been so excited to see more and more interest from young moms and dads between the ages of 25 and 50,” Markowicz said. “They are really into weight and strength conditioning — especially the dads. It’s fantastic because that is not a mix you tend to see at most gyms, but it has come very organically to FitWAVE, which reflects how well our gyms are attracting larger customer bases than the industry at large.”On the heels of FitWAVE’s early success in Minooka, the brand is embarking on an ambitious growth plan to establish franchise locations in markets across the country, starting with Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee, &amp; Indiana.“Josh’s success in Minooka is no outlier,” Markowicz said. “It’s entirely in line with how our model was built to quickly scale. We’ve seen this opportunity catch on in every market we’ve entered, and we’re ready to partner with talented, passionate franchisees like Josh in new territories that are absolutely ripe for success.”To learn more about franchising with FitWAVE, visit https://www.fit-wave.com/franchise/About Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs:Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs is a fast-growing, 15-location, group-workout gym concept that creates a community with its staff and guests. Backed by franchise executive, Jason Markowicz and his franchisee-focused corporate team, Fitness Premier differentiates itself with great people, culture, and systems compounded by a growth focus in strategic yet smaller markets where some fitness brands would not think to grow. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://1851franchise.com/fitforyoufranchising.

How FitWAVE’s Group Fitness Model Creates Explosive New-Store Openings

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Within two months of opening, the fitness franchise’s newest location in Minooka, Ill. reached a couple hundred memberships, thanks largely to the brand’s group classes.

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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<a href="https://fitnesspremierclubs.com/own-a-fitness-premier/">Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs</a> has partnered with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.truemed.com/">Truemed</a>, a payment platform that enables qualified customers to use health savings account and flexible spending account funds on eligible health purchases, giving members a new way to put their pre-tax dollars toward gym memberships, personal training and recovery services."For a while, everybody in our industry was talking about how to tap into that resource so that people can use those benefits for items like memberships and personal training," 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>. "In the past, there was really never a good avenue or a straight line path for that to happen. I know that I have friends and family who have huge HSA and FSA accounts that they have to go try to spend at the end of the year, and it goes underutilized."The process involves a brief online intake survey that takes roughly 3 minutes to complete. If someone qualifies, they can apply those funds to a gym membership and related services. Coverage varies by plan, but members can apply those funds toward dues and additional services, such as personal or group training.&nbsp;Once the survey is submitted, an independent licensed clinician reviews the information and determines whether a Letter of Medical Necessity can be issued. King said the turnaround is fast and the odds are favorable, with an approval rate above 80%.<h2>A New Angle for Corporate Wellness</h2>Beyond individual members, the partnership gives Fitness Premier a stronger foothold in corporate wellness conversations, where budget constraints have historically made it difficult to build new programs with local businesses."A lot of times employers are saying, 'Hey, we already contribute a lot of money toward corporate wellness, there really isn't any more budget to design a program specifically with you,'" King said. "So it gives us a better angle going into the conversation — we're not asking them to put together a program above and beyond what they're already doing, but just letting them know we can accept the HSA and FSA funds they're already contributing to."Fitness Premier expects the partnership to reshape how prospective members think about gym memberships, encouraging them to see fitness as an ongoing health need rather than a discretionary purchase.“We're definitely seeing more traffic in our gyms, so I know that is going to help with that, but also we have our recovery space too,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillyan-morris/">Jillyan Morris</a>, franchisee success manager at Fitness Premier. “So not only are people invested in their health and fitness journey, but they're also investing in recovery, too, and the extra money they're already putting aside in their HSA or flexible spending account can help cover that as well.”<h2>Built to Last</h2>King said Truemed provided staff training and marketing materials — including email campaigns and in-club signage — to support the rollout, and he encouraged other gym owners to look into the partnership.&nbsp;"If there's any other fitness owners, independent gym owners out there reading this, it would be a really good phone call or contact to make," he said. "They really did a good job as a company, their follow-up is good, and they're serving us well."By unlocking pre-tax health dollars for fitness, the brand is not only lowering barriers to entry but also reinforcing the idea that consistent exercise is a core part of overall healthcare. For members who have long wondered how to use those HSA and FSA balances, the answer may now be as simple as going to 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;

Fitness Premier Partners With Truemed to Let Members Use HSA and FSA Funds

The new partnership gives members a streamlined way to apply pre-tax health dollars toward gym memberships, training and recovery services.

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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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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.

How FitWAVE’s Group Fitness Model Creates Explosive New-Store Openings

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