Top weekend franchises: No. 7 Workout Anytime

Workout Anytime URL: http://workoutanytime.com/ What It Will Cost: $211,000 - $383,000 Why We Like It: Founders John Q. and Steve Strickland spent much of their careers figuring it out. Working at major fitness chains, the entrepreneurial duo continuously thought bigger was better. Then the economy dipped and the partners realized something – paying a premium price for all the bells and whistles of the workout club was not as necessary anymore. In fact, people just needed simple for a simple price. Thus, Workout Anytime took the important pieces - a little cardio, a little weights and a little experience - and developed a cost effective (memberships are $15/month) with no commitment (they realized customers did not desire the yearly contract). With the model perfected, Workout Anytime doubled in size and then doubled again. Franchisees love the flexibility of concept (open 24 hours/7 days week), the overhead (only 1-3 employees – period - per location), and the opportunity (many franchisees are quickly becoming multi-unit). Today, with 43 clubs, the duo has their eyes 100 units awarded by end of 2012. Flexibility, lifestyle and wealth are all present in this brand.