Anytime Fitness, the #1 co-ed fitness club franchise in the world, recently reached an impressive milestone by opening its 1,300th gym. The record-setting achievement occurred as Anytime Fitness prepares to open additional clubs in India, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
What's behind the meteoric growth of Anytime Fitness' small, neighborhood health clubs? Industry experts say members like the gym's 24-hour access, affordable monthly fees and friendly atmosphere -- while Anytime Fitness franchisees praise corporate staffers for their support.
"The tremendous growth of Anytime Fitness demonstrates that the public will respond if you make it easy for them," said Joe Moore, President and CEO of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.
According to Eric Stites, president and CEO of Franchise Business Review, franchisee satisfaction is a primary indicator of long-term system growth and success.
"Anytime Fitness has outstanding ratings by their franchisees and the fact that their franchisee satisfaction has increased during these challenging economic times is evidence of their strong franchise system and recession-resistant business model," says Stites.
For the fifth year in a row, Anytime Fitness was recently honored by Franchise Business Review with a top "Franchisee Satisfaction Award." In addition, Anytime Fitness has also been named a top franchise for minorities and military veterans.
"Our most successful club owners have a genuine concern about the health and well-being of the people in their community," says Anytime Fitness CEO and co-founder Chuck Runyon. "We want our franchisees to enjoy what they do, but we don't want them to spend countless hours on the job. The Anytime Fitness business model is designed to provide our club owners with personal and financial rewards."
In addition to opening its 1,300th club, Anytime Fitness also recently signed up its 900,000th member.
"We like to think that we're the most convenient fitness option in the United States," says Runyon. "Someday soon, we'd like to be the most convenient – and well-known – fitness option on the planet."