COVER STORY
fitness NICHE
FRANCHISES
Fitness franchisors are getting creative with boutique brands.
“I
By Jill Abrahamsen
nvesting in a big-box gym isn’t the only option in fitness franchising today. Boutique fitness brands are popping up everywhere. They offer a community-type environment and efficient workouts. They are also affordable, with many that only need 1,200 square feet of space. That means less expensive leases, fewer employees and fewer members needed for the business to be profitable. Here, we talk to leaders of some innovative fitness brands and learn the inspiration behind their businesses. Take CITYROW, for example. Founder Helaine Knapp launched CITYROW after suffering injuries from overdoing it at a high-impact gym. The studio offers a high-intensity sweat with a low-impact burn. A terrible accident was the driving force behind Pilates Proworks. After suffering for years with a crippling injury, founder Oscar Sanin turned to Pilates and got life-changing results. He was so thrilled with his recovery, he was inspired to open his own studio. Whatever the inspiration, fitness franchising is a hot market. On the following pages you’ll find some very interesting concepts. Could one of them be for you?
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