Fitness Franchise

If you've ever considered entering into the fitness industry, now is the time. While other industries struggle, the fitness industry generated nationwide revenue of $18.5 billion in 2007. Additionally, a recent report by the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association shows that this past January, 41.5 million people in the United States belonged to a health club.

The franchise industry is also flourishing. In 2006, franchised businesses provided 11 million jobs, met a $278.6 billion payroll and contributed $880.9 billion to the U.S. economy, according to an International Franchise Association study. This association also lists health and sports as two of the fastest-growing franchise concepts from 2000 to 2006.

With increasing numbers of people declared overweight and obese and the diet culture present among our population, including those that are not considered overweight, there are many gym franchise opportunities available.

According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 64.5% (127 million) of adults in the U.S. are overweight, 30.5% (60 million) are obese, and 4.7% (9 million) severely obese. This is a significant growth from the 56 per cent of people overweight and 23 per cent obese recorded ten years earlier. Unsurprisingly, this has led to major spending on diet products to try and cut down weight. This amount has been over $40 billion for a number of years and according to a new report from market analyst Datamonitor, this figure has been forecast to grow to $54 billion by 2009.

Taking these statistics together, it appears that dieting alone has not produced results for many people, so a large number are going to gyms and fitness centers to work off the pounds, with many of these franchised.

Within this sector, there are many gym franchises, where people can do a series of aerobic and circuit training exercises and work with weights they are happy with at a speed they can work effectively to.

In this industry, franchising is a big advantage over starting an independent center, as a gym franchise will help to find the location and give franchisees most or all of the gear they require to attract people to the gym or center.

Not only are franchisees provided with the necessary fitness equipment, they also benefit from having in place a tailored fitness program that has proved to be successful elsewhere.

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