Or Call Us Today:
   1 (800) 704-5004

Franchising FAQs

  1. Why franchise?
  2. How long will this type of business be popular? Is the market growing?
  3. Who should I consult with about becoming a franchisee?
  4. What is a UFOC?
  5. What is a franchise agreement?
  6. What can I expect to make from my business?
  7. How much training will I receive? After training is completed, how much assistance will be available? Will that cost more?
  8. Do I get an Operations Manual?
  9. How much time will I need to spend working at my Anytime Fitness club each week?
  10. How much are the franchise fees?
  11. Are there benefits to owning more than one club?
  12. How will I know if my market is big enough?
  13. How much help will I be given when selecting a site and beginning the club build out?
  14. Who are the biggest competitors for Anytime Fitness®?
  15. How is the fitness industry affected by a recession?
  16. Do I get an exclusive territory with my Anytime Fitness franchise?

1. Why franchise?

The reason for franchising is simple. Most independent business people have their hands full just relating to the numerous challenges they face on a daily business. The demands and needs of consumers are constant. As a franchisee, you have the backing of an experienced organization that can help you not only solve immediate problems, but also help you identify future trends. Other benefits include researching and developing new services, assistance buying equipment, and ongoing marketing strategies. Franchising provides the opportunity to be in business for yourself - but not by yourself. You also have the strength of a highly-recognized brand. Anytime Fitness clubs are located in 47 states. Currently, there are more than 500 clubs open and over 1,400 territories sold. Anytime Fintess opens a new club every day and adds a new member every 3 minutes.

2. How long will this type of business be popular? Is the market growing?

The United States has led the world in understanding and promoting the benefits of physical activity since the 1950’s. At that time, a national effort was launched to encourage young Americans to be physically active - with a strong emphasis on participation in team sports. *In the 1970’s, a national effort was made to educate Americans about the cardiovascular benefits of vigorous activities, such as running and playing basketball. *In the 1980’s and 1990’s, breakthroughs were made about the health benefits of even moderate intensity activities, such as walking, gardening, and dancing. *Now, the national press, Surgeon General, and even the President of the United States, are calling attention to our national epidemic of unfit Americans, which is the second leading cause of death behind smoking. *Our product, better health and fitness, is not only here to stay, it is on the forefront of our nation’s concerns.

*Taken from the 2002 National Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Report to the Surgeon General on Physical Activity and Health.

3. Who should I consult with about becoming a Franchisee?

You should consult an attorney, an accountant, your family, your friends, and anyone else that you trust and know well. Will they support you in your endeavor? What if you need to occasionally work long hours? Do they think you would be a good entrepreneur? Any advice you receive should be measured carefully.

4. What is a UFOC?

The UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) is the main disclosure document of franchising. The first part of the UFOC is primarily concerned with the franchiser, its predecessors, affiliates, legal background, franchise fees, franchise obligations, and financing. The first half of the UFOC requires that the franchiser disclose the minimum and maximum franchisee cost. The UFOC is a wealth of knowledge and provides the prospective franchisee with valuable information needed to make the right business decision. 

5. What is a franchise agreement?

It is the written contract between the franchiser & franchisee. The franchise agreement tells each party what it is supposed to do and not supposed to do. It lists both parties’ obligations and responsibilities to each other.

6. What can I expect to make from my business?

Income from each Anytime Fitness club varies based on many variables, for example, market size, demographics, efforts made by owners, competency, and economic factors. We can put you in touch with many different Anytime Fitness owners, and you can discuss their revenue and income with them.

7. How much training will I receive? After training is completed, how much assistance will be available? Will that cost more?

With Anytime Fitness, the training never stops. Initially, we have a mandatory, one-week training course. This is held at our home office in Minnesota. Once the first week is completed, we provide daily or weekly assistance via the phone, onsite visits, email communications, and various publications. Assistance is available for as long as you need it. There is no additional cost for this valuable training and assistance.

8. Do I get an Operations Manual?

When you become a franchisee, you will be granted access to our online operations manual. This is a web-based program that is regularly updated with new information. It contains hundreds of topics designed to help you launch and operate an Anytime Fitness franchise.

9. How much time will I need to spend working at my Anytime Fitness club each week?

That decision is completely up to you. Some owners maintain full-time jobs and watch over the operation of their club with occasional check-ups. Other owners operate their Anytime Fitness club as a full-time job. Depending on your circumstances, it can work both ways.

10. How much are the franchise fees?

In comparison to other franchises, the fees for Anytime Fitness are considerably lower. Our fee structure includes a one-time $13,499 franchise fee and an ongoing $419 monthly payment. Most franchisors take a percentage of gross sales and charge a fixed advertising fee. With Anytime Fitness, you don't pay fees based on sales totals.

11. Are there benefits to owning more than one club?

Yes. We provide a discount on your franchise fee for each additional Anytime Fitness club you open. 

12. How will I know if my market is big enough?

We can help you determine which city offers a viable market and also offer assistance on selecting an appropriate site, both of which will increase your chances of success. 

13. How much help will I be given when selecting a site and beginning the club build out? 

As much help as you request. Remember, your success is our success. Therefore, we will do whatever it takes to get you started in the right manner.

14. Who are the biggest competitors for Anytime Fitness?

Obviously other health clubs, community centers, hospital wellness facilities, and YMCA’s are direct competitors. We can help you evaluate your competition and explore the possibilities of adding an Anytime Fitness club within your market before you make any commitment.

15. How is the fitness industry affected by a recession?

According to the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IRHSA), the growth in the number of health clubs provides even more evidence of the industry’s ability to resist economic recession. *During the last period of economic recession in the U.S., consumer demand for health clubs remained steady. Between 1989 and 1992, the number of health club members remained at 21 million and thus far in 2002, evidence indicates that Americans continue to join health clubs. *"What is particularly encouraging is that the number of clubs continued to grow even as the county’s economy slowed,” said John McCarthy, executive Director of IHRSA.

 

16. Do I get an exclusive territory with my Anytime Fitness franchise?

Yes. You will be granted an exclusive territory. Your territory radius is dependent upon market density and demographics.

*Information retrieved from the International Health Racquet and Sports Club Association – www.IHRSA.com