It's Getting Hot in Here

The variety of gyms available nowadays makes finding one that meets an individual’s budget and style pretty effortless. Want to attend yoga and spin classes? There’s a studio down the road. Just want to lift some weights, bro? Walk around the corner. As more and more people open their eyes to the reality that we live in a society where more than one-third of U.S adults are obese, the more likely they are to join a gym to avoid becoming a part of the statistic. In fact, more than 50 million Americans owned health club memberships in 2012, an increase of almost 10 million since 2005, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IRHSA). The IRHSA also reported that as of January 1, 2012, there were 30,500 health clubs across the nation. However, based on a report released by IBISWorld in February 2014, fitness franchise concepts need not worry about the segment becoming over-saturated. So long as consumers continue this trajectory of increasing health-consciousness, there is still room for development. According to IBISWorld, the number of gym and fitness franchises grew by 5.2 percent year-over-year, made almost $3 billion in revenue, and provided jobs for 68,220 employees. The growth experienced by GYMGUYZ, a mobile fitness and personal training concept, serves as evidence of the ample potential to thrive in the ever-growing industry. Founded in 2008 by a 25-year-old named Josh York, the one-man show has since grown to include a system of 10 vans servicing more than 700 clients per month. Most significantly, the company has recently signed their first franchisee, Sam Langer, who bought 13 territories. “We’re gearing up for a record year of growth, given the extraordinary demand for top-notch fitness expertise, in addition to the demand for prime business ownership opportunities in a booming industry,” York said. “Individuals like Langer with a passion for fitness and business will be ideal operators to help lay a proper foundation as GYMGUYZ continues growing on a national scale.” The strides made by WORKOUT ANYTIME*, a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept also highlight the momentum of growth that is currently carrying the fitness industry forward. The Atlanta-based health and fitness franchise recently celebrated a milestone with the opening of its 50^th location this year. The brand also forecasts a minimum of 100 percent growth in 2014. “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be working with a fitness franchise because the industry is booming more than ever,” Co-Founder & CEO Steve Strickland said. “Our goal is to continue opening fitness locations throughout 2014 for the added convenience of our consumers, but also to provide additional business opportunities for our current and prospective franchisees.”