Sports & Fitness Franchising Feature June 2015

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9ROUND

mixes passion with inspiration

Aging Strong The importance of staying strong and active as you age

how the

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Bulks Up the Fitness Pay Scale Franchising USA

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what’s new!

A New View on Fitness from High Altitude Personal Training When it comes to getting help with physical fitness, it seems you have two choices: pay a high price for personal training, or pay a little less for one-size-fits-all classes. There usually isn’t anything in between. That’s where High Altitude Personal Training comes in.

The fitness facility, aiming to help members achieve better health, is now franchising. Launched in 2009 in Flagstaff, Arizona, by Joey McDonald and Dustin Evans, High Altitude Personal Training provides individualized small group personal training. “We have the cost effectiveness and energy of the group environment, with individualized programs tailored to each client,” says co-founder Joey McDonald. “In addition, we provide ongoing nutritional accountability because the quantity and quality of food can make or break even the best fitness regimes.”

The franchise program is being rolled out in the Southwest region of the country first, with further expansion to follow.

If you eat clean, and move well – you may find that you’ll truly live free!

For more information visit www.haptfranchising.com

PURE BARRE CELEBRATES 300th STUDIO OPENING North America’s leading barre concept positioned for further expansion Pure Barre, the largest and most established barre concept in North America, is pleased to announce the opening of its 300th location.

The franchise has experienced consistent and unprecedented expansion throughout its history, showing a growth of more than 50 percent from 2013 to 2014 alone. Now with locations in 42 states, along with the District of Columbia, Pure Barre is forecasting steady growth and has plans to expand to Canada by year-end.

With three times the presence of any other barre concept, Pure Barre is the clear market leader in the barre sector and a dominant force in the growing boutique fitness industry. Pure Barre is rigorous in its selection of new franchisees and attributes much of its success to organic interest from a dedicated following – 90 percent of franchise owners begin as Pure Barre clients before turning their love of the technique into a business. Pure Barre offers a consistent and unmatched client experience in all of its locations by providing studio partners with an elevated training and support program.

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“We’ve taken great care to establish Pure Barre as the leader in the barre segment by focusing on providing an effective and continuously evolving technique and unparalleled community atmosphere in our studios,” said Sloan Evans, chief executive officer at the company. “Because of that standard, we have attracted amazing business partners and loyal clients across the nation.”

The 300th studio recently opened in Augusta, GA and is owned and operated by Jill Garner-Kraft, who discovered Pure Barre as a beneficial asset while training for a marathon.

For more information on Pure Barre and its 300 locations across the nation, please visit www.purebarre.com

Orangetheory Fitness Orangetheory Fitness®, the revolutionary and rapidly expanding fitness franchise, recently opened its 200th studio in Gainesville, Florida.

The opening represents the latest

milestone for the fitness company, which has been experiencing explosive growth since opening its first studio in 2010.

Today, Orangetheory Fitness continues

to raise the bar in the health and wellness industry, having nearly doubled its footprint in past 16 months. With a total of 525 franchises licenses already awarded, the company shows no signs of slowing down. The company is on track to open an additional 100 locations by the end of 2015, with plans to break into new markets including Hawaii, Oregon, Iowa, Arkansas and Nebraska. Orangetheory Fitness also

has international presence with studios in South American, Canada and the U.K., and has signed a master agreement to bring the concept into Australia. Today, Orangetheory Fitness has become one of the world’s top fitness franchises, with 200 studios in 28 states. The high energy, 60-minute, five-zone heart-rate monitored interval training concept has helped tens of thousands of members lose weight, get toned and meet their overall fitness goals in a short amount of time. www.orangetheoryfitness.com

Tropical Smoothie Café Announces Highest Average Unit Volume in 18-Year History Tropical Smoothie Café has announced an all-time high average unit volume (AUV) of more than $578,000, while the top 50 percent of its cafes nationwide reported exceeding $734,000.

“We are thrilled that in the last year our system’s AUV has grown by nearly 10 percent — an outstanding result of Tropical Smoothie Cafe introducing more fresh food featuring bold flavors and quality ingredients, and our franchisees’ hard work and passion for the brand,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Café.

Tropical Smoothie Café recently announced the signing of 51 franchise agreements and a same-store sales increase of 12.31 percent in the first quarter of 2015. The brand currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and Columbus, Ohio, among others. www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com

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C over S tor y - 9 Round

Fitness franchisor mixes

passion with inspiration

Passion, when combined with the right inspiration, can lead to the biggest ideas.

Co-founder of 9Round fitness centers, Shannon Hudson, took his passion for kickboxing and added some inspiration from the Curves circuit training clubs to establish the kickboxing circuit training franchise.

“I wanted to bring the real training that fighters do to get into phenomenal shape to the average person, but take out the worst part, which is getting punched in the face,” Hudson said during a recent interview from his franchise headquarters in Greenville, SC. Hudson, who has been training in martial arts almost his entire life, co-founded the business with his wife, Heather, in 2008, borrowing money and maxing out their credit card in the process. Without being able to buy a sign for the building and without a marketing budget, the

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couple still signed up 100 members within the first month of operation and it’s been growing steadily since then, with franchising starting in 2009.

Currently, 9Round has 220 locations open in 39 states and four other countries: Canada, Mexico, Australia and Saudi Arabia. The company is opening two to three clubs a week and has another 140 licenses in the process of becoming franchisees, Hudson said.

Short Circuit With their circuit training method, Hudson said, they’ve solved the four problems of the fitness industry. The first is people not being able to get to a gym on time for a workout class.

With 9Round, members perform exercises using common kickboxing gym equipment like dumbbells, kettle bells and punching bags and they switch through nine different stations. A bell rings every three minutes and when the bell rings, members switch stations. This way, there are no classes.

“The client is never late,” he said. “They can jump in anytime.”

Second, is that it’s hard to fit a good workout into such a short amount of time. But, thanks to the specially devised kickboxing-inspired exercises at 9Round, a full body workout can be achieved in 30 minutes.

Thirdly, they’ve solved the problem of repetition by having different workouts every day. The workout programs are made at the Greenville headquarters and communicated to all the 9Round clubs so they are all doing the same program right across the country on any given day.

And finally, 9Round gets around the usual large square footage requirements of gyms by having no machines, allowing them to keep a modest footprint of about 1,200 square feet.

The small size means members always have a trainer there who knows their name and can give them that personal touch by motivating them and ensuring they’re doing things properly.

“The small size means members always have a trainer there who knows their name and can give them that personal touch.”

To keep things light and fun, the 9Round co-founder said, the clubs play good music, keep up good energy, and give everyone a fun-fighter name. His is “Shannon the Cannon,” for example.

Ideal Franchisee Hudson described his ideal franchisee as someone with a passion for fitness and a personality, noting that fitness is a personality-driven industry. “Good trainers have good personalities and can motivate people to do things they wouldn’t normally do on their own,” Hudson said.

The company still has territory available virtually everywhere in the US except for a few cities that have sold out, including Greenville, SC, Kansas City and Charlotte, NC. The company’s goal is to get to 1,000 clubs opened by the end of 2017.

Hudson called 9Round the pickiest franchisor out there. The company doesn’t take everyone and in fact it could have

sold about 40 more franchisee licenses in the past year than it had, but many people were turned away because they didn’t fit the culture and the brand, and were in it for the wrong reasons.

Hudson says 9Round wants owner operators who want to be active in their communities. They also have to be physically fit themselves so they can be an example to others. That’s why they have to undergo a physical fitness test as well as an initial interview.

No Need to Think Fitness is a growing industry, meaning there is always a demand for it, Hudson said. However, it’s such a huge industry with so many offerings that people often get confused by it. That’s where 9Round fits in, giving people a workout that they don’t have to think too much about.

They simply show up to a 9Round location and the trainers there will tell them

exactly what to do, how many to do, and when to do it. “All members have to do is walk in the door and follow the circuit,” Hudson said. The company has effectively streamlined fitness. Anyone can do it, no matter their fitness level or their age, he said, noting that 9Round has seen people from 12 to 70 years old in their clubs.

Training and Support The company has people and programs to help new franchisees. It offers to bring franchisees to the corporate headquarters for four days of training that encompasses sales and software training in the classroom and hands-on training at various clubs around Greenville.

“A lot of time is invested in new franchisees up front to make sure they’re successful,” Hudson noted. 9Round also has dedicated staff members available for ongoing support once a franchise has opened.

Coming from passionate and inspired roots, 9Round continues to inspire entrepreneurs who are passionate about fitness and want to be successful with their own business. www.9round.com

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Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

“The number of hea has steadily incre

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sports & fitness franchising

alth clubs across the country eased since 2005 to keep up with demand.�

Sports

e r u t Fea

The sports industry is a desirable franchise opportunity. Those who are passionate about sports can live their dream by becoming a franchisor in a recreational field that is truly enjoyable.

Sports offers the perfect mix of business and pleasure. People tend to forget that their favorite sport can be turned into a business in a variety of ways and they can create the perfect work life balance.

Sports Retail There are many high profit companies that have become the main source for a lot of sporting equipment. Not only do they provide sporting goods, but they specialize in clothing, services and accessories with a lot of name brands which help establish a well-known presence amongst customers.

The brand has already created a lot of marketing value within the store and drives sales before a franchisee has even attempted their own marketing strategy.

The love of sports is an American staple, it’s become a part of our identity and it is established in our history. People will always be seeking new equipment and there will be an undying interest in sports and its apparel.

Recreational Franchises have recognized a need for organizations that provide sports and activities to children, families and individuals. Both children and adults are playing organized sports and the

opportunity is available to everyone, not just professionals.

With parents putting their kids in more activities and studies showing the need for young kids to develop their athletic bone and gain some new motor skills, little gyms have become huge successes. The market for children has become one of the most profitable and small gyms provide activities, classes, free play, retail products, birthday parties and hosted events, to name a few.

Soccer clubs, hockey adventures and basketball courts are franchise opportunities specific to one sport. Though it may seem isolated, there are always new kids passionate about one certain sport and will remain dedicated to the area. There are also adults who want to keep healthy by playing the game they love.

Industries have learned to expand in sports clubs by providing food, name-brand products, rental space and equipment creating an everlasting industry. The recreational end of sports has expanded in to so many areas including yoga, martial arts, training facilities and dance studios.

All of these fields have created great franchise opportunities for people who have a specific passion; they can utilize this to create great business opportunities.

Fitness America is facing a health crisis that has recently been acknowledged. People are taking ownership for their health and kicking the crisis to the curb with fitness.

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Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

“The love of sports is an American staple, it’s become a part of our identity and it is established in our history.

However, we all need some support and that is where the fitness industry comes in.

The Physical Activity Council Topline Report stated that over 60 percent of Americans partake in fitness sports – which shows it is important in the lives of many Americans and continuous to be an area of potential profit.

Fitness Clubs This is a great franchise opportunity, especially for those with a passion for fitness because they can gain muscle and profit at the same time in their own

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location. A fitness club gains profit from membership fees and services include: use of equipment, classes, training, showers and change rooms to name a few. A lot of clubs also experience extra profit through fitness trainers and specialty classes.

Though a lot of people intend to use their membership to its fullest capacity, 67 percent of memberships go unused. That’s a lot of money going into franchisees pockets without even having to provide a service.

The number of health clubs across the country has steadily increased since 2005 to keep up with demand. There has also been a consistent increase in membership purchases. In 2012, the total revenue reported for the fitness industry was $21.8 billion and this means fitness clubs offer a great opportunity (with a great customer base) for success.

Some gym franchises have diversified their clubs with areas for children, spas and pools, as well as basketball and tennis courts, which helps put them ahead of the game.

Weight Loss Programs To achieve weight loss at fitness clubs can take a lot of hard work and dedication to see results, and sometimes people just want a quick fix. In 2007, over a quarter of Americans said they were on a diet and wanted an immediate solution for their health issues.

The goal for many people is weight loss and they will consider a lot of different avenues to help achieve their objective.

The main target for this industry is women and though that may seem to minimize the potential customer, it’s still a $2 billion revenue industry.

That being said, it is slowly turning into a field for both women and men, since most Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the obesity rates and the associated health risks.

“With continuous growth, possibilities and profit on offer, both sports and fitness offer a variety of opportunities for interested franchisees.”

Weight Loss programs usually provide meal plans, a coach, a calendar of exercises and supplements or protein additives. There are industries that offer health coaches, who usually provide a lot of vitamins and supplements and assessments to determine problem areas in the past and to create a future goal for the client.

A hindrance in this field of fitness is the competition. Though a lot of clients need support and guidance to help achieve weight loss, once they have reached their goal, they are no longer a continuous customer. Once people have received counseling, they may train themselves and retain the information they have learned.

Weight loss industries are in competition with quick fix diet pills and celebrity fad diets. Weight-loss programs can also become a fad themselves and people can quickly lose interest in them. However, that being said, weight loss continues to bring in profit and is a constant concern for Americans, especially in this day and age. The obesity problem shows no signs of ceasing, and with people becoming increasingly aware of the associated risks, they will continue to turn to programs offering help.

Sports are an engrained part of American culture. We are dedicated to the home team and the many of us play a sport

or two. Children are also constantly engaged in activities and they can rekindle a passion for sport in their parents.

While sports and recreation create a healthy atmosphere, fitness is a direct individualized effort to get healthy and take care of one’s body. While some people may need a bit of support along the way, it’s a business prospect that is constantly evolving.

With continuous growth, possibilities and profit on offer, both sports and fitness offer a variety of opportunities for interested franchisees - especially for those who are passionate about the industries.

About the author: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina became a freelance journalist in 2008.

She has worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.

Look out for our next special feature:

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B r itish S w im School

The Business Behind

Teaching Water Safety Survival Skills It’s time parents change the way they think about infant and toddler swim lessons. As the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, drowning claims an average of 3,500 lives every year.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger, and for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. These numbers are absolutely astonishing and even more so saddening because of the fact that tragic water accidents of this nature can be significantly reduced through the participation in formal swim lessons.

Drowning is known as the ‘silent killer’ due to the fact that it happens quickly

and quietly in any location where there is a body of water, and even during the supervision of a loving parent, family member, friend or lifeguard. There is a deadly misconception in our nation that “I love my child, there is no way they will ever fall victim to a drowning death.”

The contrary is true, as loving parents lose their children to an avoidable water accident every single day. In the same sense that tornado or earthquake drills will always be prevalent in school systems, so will the teaching of water safety drills and lessons forever be necessary within

“The swim school franchise concept is a perfect match for the business person who wants to have the opportunity to grow, create high income, yet wants to be part of something worthwhile.” our communities. Children will never stop needing to know how to swim and a network of professional teachers will always be necessary to provide those lifesaving water skills. Therefore, the franchise opportunity within the aquatics industry is one that is ever growing and, perhaps surprisingly, extremely lucrative.

Answering the Growing Demand for Water Safety Programs Serving as a solution for this amplifying demand for water survival skills, participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risks of drowning among children most in danger between the ages of 1-4 by nearly 88 percent. Therefore, it is undeniable that the aquatics industry must continue to press ahead at full speed by promoting water safety survival programs in meaningful ways. This is what will ultimately save the lives of countless children. While industry experts note the crucial need for formal swim programs, parents alike understand the importance and consequently enroll their children in water safety lessons.

To accomplish the mission of filling an increasing demand from parents seeking a program that teaches their child to survive a water accident, it is common for swim school franchises like British Swim School to conduct an average of 250,000 swimming lessons each year, reaching more than 7,000 students per week with a growing number.

Breaking Common Misconceptions of the Swim Safety World With our planet comprising of nearly 70 percent water, swim school franchise experts have noted the industry’s growth at an all-time high, not only during the

Rita Goldberg, CEO and Founder of British Swim School

summer months, but also during the icy winters. While many think that the swim industry is only profitable during the warmer weather, the opposite is true as franchises operate out of pools year round.

Understand that water accidents do not only happen in family pools. These same accidents occur in the dead of winter, for example on a semi-thawed lake.

The necessity of water safety survival programs spans throughout the full 12months of our calendar, hot or cold. As a result, swim school programs are part of a multi-million dollar growing industry, comparable to Best Buy or Walmart, that isn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Another strong misconception that is seen within the aquatics industry is that swim school franchise owners are moms and pops who work part-time during the summer months. However, the most successful swim school programs are led by business-minded professionals with a strong financial acumen. It is important to note that individuals looking into the swim industry do not necessarily have to be aquatics driven; however, they must see the potential business culture and believe in the work being done within the water safety programs. Nonetheless, it is extremely important that the franchisee

hires an aquatics focused team member to help drive the passion for water safety and training at the core level. For example, someone who buys a preschool doesn’t have to know how to teach but they have to have teachers, and the same goes for swim school franchises.

The swim school franchise concept is a perfect match for the business person who wants to have the opportunity to grow, create high income, yet wants to be part of something worthwhile. The trade has an emotional connection in the service industry and is impacting people in a way that may save a life. Caring for children in the community, having fun and saving the littlest of lives is a very rewarding way to earn a successful living and find a strong purpose in daily work life.

Before opening a British Swim School, Rita Goldberg was a national swimmer in Britain, who went on to become a dedicated swim instructor. After finding success in England with the opening of her own private swim school in 1981, Goldberg brought the concept of teaching babies how to roll onto their backs to survive a water accident to American families. www.franchise.britishswimschool.com

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N FP Spor ts

Stand for Something Bigger: Building a Successful Franchise Company in the Millennial Generation In 2009, my business partner, Don Crouch, and I were among the 200 employees laid off by former fundraising giant, Varsity Gold, as the company was forced to declare bankruptcy.

At that time, there was no bigger player in the high school fundraising industry than Varsity Gold and their sudden shutdown left a large void that needed to be filled.

So, drawn together by our common passion for youth sports and unique fundraising tactics, Crouch and I joined forces to start our very own high school sports company - NFP Sports.

Six years later, we can proudly announce that NFP Sports has become the nation’s first and fastest growing high school sports fundraising franchise. Working hand-inhand with our staff and franchisees, we’ve been able to expand to more than a dozen locations throughout the northeast and we’ve helped more than 1,000 high school sports teams raise more than $10 million in the process. In fact, one high school football team in Connecticut was able to raise more than $25,000 in a matter of weeks using the NFP Sports program - a huge success story at a time where billions have been cut from youth sports programs, putting their very existence at risk. And the most beautiful thing? We’re just getting started!

So - how can a small, upstart franchise company like ours thrive at a time when

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a giant national corporation in the same industry stumbled to a halt?

The answer? We have prioritized the millennial generation and created multiple programs, features, and even a national holiday that showcase how NFP Sports stands for something much bigger than effective fundraising strategies.

And in order to help other aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to bootstrap their own franchise company, just like we did, I’d like to share the five key catalysts that have fuelled our success and allowed us to stand for something bigger:

1. We started with a clear and concise value proposition that generates real results Of course, no company, franchise or otherwise, can survive without a powerful value proposition that resonates with target customers. It’s impossible to stand for something bigger until your company does, indeed, stand for something. At NFP Sports, ours is simple – ‘high impact fundraising for sports teams’. When we first got started, we focused all of our attention on establishing our reputation as the most thorough and effective resultsoriented high school sports fundraising coaches in the country. And that’s still the backbone of our success - the merchants and high school sports teams who work with us know we are committed to their success. Here are a few programs we’ve established to show that commitment: • VIP Program - NFP’s next-level fundraising program. We work with leading brands to offer valuable products to local customers through

multi-platform promotional campaigns.

Each VIP relationship includes a custom-designed discount program, eMarketing and social media programs, mobile app exposure, and in person promotional item giveaways, like shirts and gift cards.

• NFP Sports Savings Club - With this mobile app, tailored to each specific team and community, high school teams can offer team-branded discounts from local businesses to customers who are seeking hyper local offers. Customers using the app can geo-locate these offers and ensure their finding the right deals.

• Hometown Heroes Online Campaign This is a secondary fundraising program through which NFP Sports partners can secure online donations instead of writing letters and licking envelopes.

NFP Sports offers each partner 80% of the profits and takes fundraising out of the hands of coaches.

2. We have been early adopters with regard to new technology Unlike many others in sports fundraising, like Varsity Gold, who have been resistant to change; we embrace new technology with open arms. While other fundraising companies stick exclusively to print calendars and coupon booklets, we have created a multi-tiered digital and print fundraising program that appeals to the millennial student athletes who benefit from our fundraising strategies. For example, in addition to the programs listed above, we have recently created a digital calendar app customizable to each local

high school that allows each team to post schedules, share updates, and engage with fans. Further, fans can submit photos, comment on game action, and access deals at local stores and restaurants through the app. Apps like these are key for our target audiences as the digital deals will generate additional revenue while sports teams and merchants extend their reach and influence with local fans/customers.

3. We reward the young athletes who make us great With our unique fundraising concept, our success is completely contingent on our ability to connect with and motivate youth athletes. We take fundraising out of the hands of parents, coaches and administrators by training and incentivizing the athletes themselves to meet and exceed sales numbers that fit their team’s goals. For example, the top sellers each year receive sizeable college scholarship packages. In fact, we’ve given away more than $7,500 in scholarship money in the past three years - helping multiple high school students afford a college education AND develop public speaking and sales skills that last a lifetime.

4. We have created jobs and franchise opportunities that are perfect for young and aspiring minds We also actively recruit young and motivated millennials to work for NFP Sports as staff members and sales people or lead our company in local markets as franchisees. We have noticed that countless recent college graduates and young retired athletes, veterans, and servicemen are eager to return to their communities and make a difference. What better way to do so than helping save the same local community high school sports teams and coaches that helped prepare them for the real world? Always remember that monetary incentives aren’t the biggest motivator for millennials - they want to make a difference and do something significant for their community. Keep that in mind as you build your business.

5. And lastly, we’ve created a powerful annual event and awards program that celebrates the coaches who shape youthful minds To us, this is the key to our future success.

Last year, we created the annual National Coaches Day event and awards program, powered by a website, blog and social media properties, to recognize the official October 6 holiday created in 1972 by Richard Nixon. Coming off an incredibly successful first year, we already have interest from multiple sponsors who want to host National Coaches Day parties in their neighborhood and do their part to help ‘celebrate coach’ in their community.

It’s a perfect fit for us as it inspires all of our target audiences (local business owners, student athletes, coaches, parents, and school administrators) to share emotional stories related to just how important high school sports have been to their development as a human being.

We certainly don’t have everything figured out over at NFP Sports, but we do know that we must appeal to the nation’s youth

if we are to achieve sustainable growth.

This is the new normal for any emerging or established franchise brand - it is the companies who work diligently to showcase how they stand for something bigger than their products or services who will grow and prosper. Be an early adopter...or begin creating your exit strategy!

James Thomson is a national high school fundraising expert who leads NFP Sports, the First and Fastest Growing Sports Fundraising Franchise.

Thomson is a highly motivated entrepreneur with 13 years’ experience in the sports fundraising industry.

His main goal is to build and grow National Fundraising Partners, which goes by the brand of NFP Sports, into the most successful franchise operation in the fundraising industry. With the direct experience of running a highly successful fundraising business and coaching others to achieve similar success, it is Thomson’s passion to build the NFP Sports brand and franchise network. www.nfpsports.com

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Matt D. Essex, MS, ActiveRx

Aging Strong

The importance of staying strong and active as you age As the United States populace continues to age, there seems to be an endless array of ailments that affect this already vulnerable population. From heart disease to arthritis, cancer, diabetes and depression, Medicare is spending a staggering $84 billion annually in treatment.

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While most people know that a healthy diet and stress reduction can contribute to improved overall health, physical activity – specifically strength activity – has been shown to positively impact the effects of these diseases, both from a prevention and management point of view.

Research has shown that muscle loss can actually be prevented and that it can easily be restored at any age. Strength exercise has been proven to effectively manage these conditions by significantly reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with muscle and strength loss.

In fact, companies like ActiveRx®, a brand that is launching a network of Strengtherapy Centers across the country,

are solely focused on improving the quality of life for older adults (those 60 and older) through a system known as Strengtherapy®.

Through strength regeneration protocols like Strengtherapy, older adults are able to regain both their strength and their independence. As strength increases, mobility and balance improve and this helps prevent hazards such as falling.

Falls are a main concern of aging adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among people over age 65 every year. In fact, one out of three older adults fall each year, but fewer than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.

“Preserving and regenerating strength is the single best way to remain vertical and prevent falls as you age.”

Matt D. Essex

any age, and with it comes a cascade of benefits that can give people the ability to do almost anything they set their mind to - climb the pyramids in Egypt, dance at their granddaughter’s wedding, go paragliding in the Swiss Alps. These are all true ActiveRx stories from real people who discovered the power of strength in life and living.

Interestingly, preserving and regenerating strength is the single best way to remain vertical and prevent falls as you age.

Knowing this, it is more important than ever to encourage adults 50 and over to remain strong and active. The sooner one becomes aware of its importance and begins to focus on their strength, the earlier it is that muscle and functional losses and falls can be prevented.

Based on years of academic research, the ActiveRx Strengtherapy System includes professional evaluations, chronic disease prevention and management, and a proven process to efficiently enhance strength, mobility, agility and balance.

According to the World Health Organization, the older adult population is projected to triple by mid-century, from 531 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050.

In the United States, it is expected to more than double, from 41 to 86 million.

As the nation ages and longevity increases, the value that strength delivers cannot

be ignored. Concepts like ActiveRx are built on the proven fact that strength is the foundation of health and wellness. Everyone talks about fitness, but Strengtherapy focuses strictly on functional strength, which research continues to show is the best thing you can do for your overall health as you age.

The time is now to begin redefining the aging process Every older adult has the ability to regain years of their previous ability to function.

Through Strengtherapy, older adults can empower themselves to become more capable of performing daily tasks without struggling, such as walking longer distances without worry of falling lifting groceries and extending to put them into high cabinets, and having the peace of mind that if they sit down they are able to stand back up. Everyday tasks such as these should not be overlooked, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is that strength can be regained at

With strength exercise, adults will be able to live independently for longer than they ever thought possible. Even more importantly, they will live better and with fewer restrictions than they ever thought possible.

ActiveRx services are delivered by fullytrained, degreed and licensed professionals who specialize in working with older adults. The ActiveRx Strengtherapy Center teams work to encourage each patient to achieve their personal optimal state of prevention in a safe and effective manner.

It is through Strengtherapy and strength exercise in general that we can all play our part in helping aging adults around the country get a new lease on life.

Recognized as one of Arizona’s leading authorities in geriatric health and wellness, Matt Essex is the founder of ActiveRx, a Chandler, Ariz.-based company and national leader in preventative senior healthcare that focuses on the allimportant connection between strength maintenance, independent living and a high quality of life.

For more information about ActiveRx and its franchising opportunities visit: www.activerx.com/franchise

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Fitness on the G o

How the Real Estate Business Model Bulks Up the Fitness Pay Scale For years, I’ve heard personal trainers complain about their pay.

This should come as no surprise to anyone in the fitness industry, who has undoubtedly heard the same message from Franchising USA

coworkers, employees or even competitors: “How am I supposed to make a living on $25 thousand a year?”

Americans are investing in their physical

Well, it’s not because the money isn’t

The problem stems not from consumer

U.S. health & fitness clubs alone produce

business model that all but few personal

there. Despite poor paychecks for trainers, over $22 billion a year.

well-being more than ever as 53 million

gym memberships prove that a healthy and happy lifestyle is a growing priority. There are endless reasons to believe that fitness is a flourishing industry- and yet most

personal trainers are struggling to get by. habits, but from the traditional fitness trainers have accepted as the norm.

“U.S. health & fitness clubs alone produce over $22 billion a year.”

2

Typically, two well-traveled paths are used to pursue their career:

1

Most personal trainers choose to work at health clubs. Although they see numerous clients a day and produce plenty of profit for high-priced lessons, much of the revenue goes straight back to the gym. The trainer is only making around $18 an hour when the customer pays $70 for the session. Those from outside of the fitness industry are quick to identify that poor compensation is what hinders any potential career growth. However, it’s the clients in particular that are the fuel behind this conflict. As frustrating as this model is for trainers, customers are equally irritated by watching significant amounts of their payment go to a large gym rather than the trainer they’ve developed a relationship with. The result is less participation from customers, stifled financial growth for trainers and ultimately a career path that leads to a dead end.

Others who are brave enough to choose a less traditional path test the waters of starting their own personal training business. Now they have the freedom to run their training sessions with a more personal touch and often take many of the clients with them when they separate from their former gym. The problem surfaces when it’s time to bring in new customers. Trainers that run their own business don’t have the marketing experience, client resources, structured business model and company support that an established fitness concept offers.

Suddenly, the trainer is wearing several different company hats to make sure ends meet. From a personal standpoint, I’ve tried this route and suffered from working 70 hours a week doing training sessions, sales and advertising on my own. It’s simply exhausting and doesn’t provide enough stable income for success in the long run, nor does it allow for a flexible, balanced or healthy lifestyle.

These are the two options that many personal trainers are aware of. However, once the traditional business model is rethought, another door opens that allows the best of both worlds.

How Does the Real Estate Model Apply to a Personal Training Franchise?

For those that are unfamiliar with real estate, the franchise model is designed for fair compensation and work load at each level. Realtors are aided by franchisee support that oversee a territory. In return, the realtor and franchisee benefit from the company’s brand and resources.

Franchisees aren’t burdened with finding new clients; that’s up to the realtor’s determination for more income. This isn’t an overly complicated model, so why can’t it work in the fitness industry? The day Fitness on the Go used this real estate

model is when it became clear that there was no need to settle for plateaued growth.

Using this business model offers each player the benefit of seeing more rewards based on their work.

• Personal trainers are making double or, in some cases, triple their salary by receiving about 90% of the compensation. The company support and propriety software allows trainers to bring in more business, as well as better manage the clients they already have.

By paying a small fixed amount to the franchisee each month, trainers receive premier marketing, business tools and support and a structured model, so their primary focus remains on training.

• Franchisees benefit from having exclusive rights to a territory for a minimal investment. With corporate aid, they already have a business model and support system in place so that they can concentrate heavily on recruiting and managing their trainers. Thanks to a rare opportunity that makes trainers happier and better paid, building a team in a territory is an easy sell.

• The brand benefits from franchisees and trainers that have more incentive to produce results. Thanks to this model, Fitness on the Go has become the most widespread in-home personal training franchise in Canada. As long as territories have a large population, there’s no end to the growth potential, which is why this year we’ve just announced expansion into U.S. markets.

• Finally, and most importantly, the customer benefits from all of the above.

Clients develop a strong relationship with their personal trainer and are more satisfied knowing a majority of their payment goes to the one they trust.

With more time to focus on sessions, trainers are able to provide customers with improved and more personalized lessons. Happier and healthier clients are retained at a higher rate and business continues to grow to new territories.

For more information on Fitness on the Go franchising opportunities, please visit: www.fitnessonthegofranchise.com

Franchising USA

spo rts & fitness fr anchising

Page 81

spo rts & fitness fr anchising

So l dier Fit

SOLDIERFIT FRANCHISE

Creates Unique Military Fitness Model Franchisees benefit from a tested business model primed for aggressive expansion.

When Danny Farrar and David Posin began SOLDIERFIT nearly a decade ago working out of rented gym space, neither imagined how quickly their militaryinspired fitness concept would spread.

“We believed we had something special, but the amount of growth we’ve witnessed over the past five years has been truly incredible,” said Posin, co-founder of SOLDIERFIT.

Immediate franchise growth plans for SOLDIERFIT Soon after launching its franchising opportunity this spring, SOLDIERFIT signed its first franchisee, a longtime member and follower of the brand.

Harry Santucci will be opening a new SOLDIERFIT location in Ashburn, Virginia, early fall 2015.

Additionally, SOLDIERFIT launched an innovative military veteran franchise giveaway called Mission: Fit to Own. The contest runs now through the end of July and is open only to U.S. military veterans.

SOLDIERFIT will waive the franchise fee and royalties for 12 months to a military veteran who possesses the drive and values it’s looking for in franchisees.

beginnings to an ever-expanding fitness brand with multiple locations across Maryland and the soon-to-open franchise location in Northern Virginia.

And this is only the beginning.

“As we welcome franchisees, we anticipate opening at least 10 to 15 locations in the next few years, with exponential growth to follow,” Posin added. “Our expansion plans currently blanket the East Coast, extending north and south from our Maryland headquarters.”

In addition to Maryland and Virginia, SOLDIERFIT franchise expansion plans initially target Connecticut, Delaware, the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.

What separates SOLDIERFIT from other fitness franchises While SOLDIERFIT benefits from the growing popularity of gym and health club membership – the U.S. health club market is a $22 billion industry – the franchise distances itself from traditional health clubs with an approach that’s more about attitude than appearance. SOLDIERFIT is a fitness organization based on military values that aims to educate its members on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and lives by its mantra ‘pride, not ego’. It helps members live healthy lives through boot camp classes, kids’ fitness classes, personal training, functional fitness and mixed martial arts in some locations.

mentality out of our gyms and into their everyday lives.”

The military theme extends beyond members to the entire gym. Locations are often referred to as ‘The Fort’. A typical Fort features both indoor and outdoor facilities, including an indoor turf field, gym with equipment, showers, a pro shop, and a front desk area designed to look like the front end of a military vehicle.

Locations are usually situated in industrial or light industrial areas and average 7,000 to 10,000 square feet of space. Gyms are equipped with weights, a TRX resistance system, movable resistance objects such as tires and sleds, and a variety of cardio and toning equipment, including bicycles.

Why franchisees are interested in the concept The SOLDIERFIT business model has a number of potential revenue opportunities.

Revenue can come from boot camp classes; personal training programs; kids’ programs; customized training opportunities; and pro shop sales including branded apparel and an assortment of fitness accessories, plus nutritional food and beverage products. And, the customer base is quite broad.

SOLDIERFIT also provides a generous 50 percent discount off the franchisee fee to all qualified veterans who join on as franchisees.

SOLDIERFIT’S unique, fast-paced, military-style workouts incorporate strength, cardiovascular endurance, and core training. It’s all done in a teamoriented environment.

“Our troops come in all levels of fitness experience and every shape, size and age group and include kids, mothers, teenagers, athletes, and even law officers,” said Farrar. “If you’re looking for a gym franchise that’s different from the rest of the pack, you’ll find what you’re looking for through our opportunity.”

Posin’s background in managing multimillion healthcare clubs and Farrar’s passion and dedication as a U.S. Army veteran who served a tour in Iraq have lifted SOLDIERFIT from its humble

“We call our gym members ‘troops’ to help instill the team value and our overall mission,” said Farrar. “We’re about creating opportunities for our troops to become healthy people who carry the team

For more information about the franchise opportunity, visit Soldierfitfranchise.com, email franchise@soldierfit.com or call (240) 341-4126.

Franchising USA

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Franchising USA

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