When it comes to fitness franchises, yep, I definitely have personal experience! This is where I got my franchise feet wet! From November 2001 to January 2017 my life revolved around building a fitness brand.
Now, a LOT has happened within the last year and a half, and it’s caused some major waves in the industry! The core values of building and maintaining health and wellness will always be the same, but let’s take a look at some of the biggest fitness trends that you can leverage when checking out potential fitness franchise options.
1 – The Numbers Don’t Lie
Despite a rocky 2020 for most brick-and-mortar businesses, fitness franchises are still kicking, and are only gaining popularity as the world returns to a new normal. Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500 List includes an unprecedented 19 fitness-based franchises in coveted top spots. This will be the list’s 42nd year in publication, and getting accepted to this lineup is no small feat! Over 150 data points are analyzed in order to secure one’s ranking, including categories like brand strength, growth, support, cost, and financial stability.
2 – More Than Just the Body
The public’s view of fitness is changing, and becoming more expansive. Now, more so than ever, holistic wellness is the goal; this includes the body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, it might serve you well to seek out fitness franchises that include specific subcategories geared towards harboring a mind-body connection like yoga, pilates, or barre.
3 – Working Out From Anywhere
While virtual training has been on the rise for several years now, it has recently skyrocketed in popularity due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is no surprise that, even while group sessions and brick-and-mortar gyms open back up for some face-to-face sweating, consumers will still crave the convenience of a workout that comes to them, no matter where they are. Ask about the online support and virtual options of the franchises you decide to learn more about, you won’t be sorry.
4 – HIIT is a Major Hit
HIIT workouts, or high intensity interval training, is expected to continue it’s rise in popularity in the near future. Most of your potential customers are most likely looking for a way to lose unwanted fat and gain lean muscle, which is exactly what this style of session caters to. HIIT workouts are also relatively easy to program and require little specialized equipment which might reduce your buildout cost.
5 – The Importance of the Individual
Personal training and individualized wellness coaching are proving to be a major draw to the fitness industry, as people struggle with overcoming the inertia of vegging at home during quarantine. It’s not just about motivation, though, as these professionals can provide incredibly useful and fine-tuned information about each person’s specific goals and how they can achieve them. Group workouts will definitely become an important facet to re-socializing, but never underestimate the value of individual attention within a fitness franchise.
I have over a decade of experience specific to the fitness industry and franchising, so trust me when I say I know what to ask and what to look out for. Could fitness be the perfect franchise opportunity for you?