Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Growth is a ‘Snap’: Snap Fitness Ranked Among Fastest Growing Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®

Snap Fitness has been named one of the top 500 franchises in the United States, ranking #51 in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500®. A fast-growing franchisor of state-of-the-art 24/7 express fitness centers, Snap Fitness was also ranked as the 20th Fastest Growing Franchise and 44th Top Global Franchise.

The rankings for all 500 companies are determined using an exclusive formula that takes into account objective and quantifiable factors. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. The franchises that grew the most were the ones who serve a budget-minded consumer, didn't cost as much to set up, or both.

According to company Founder and CEO Peter Taunton, Snap Fitness’ success is attributed to a business model that is set up to thrive in a fitness industry that has averaged an 8% annual growth rate since the early 1990s. “Snap Fitness continues to grow as we have proven to be the right business concept for those who wish to secure financial freedom and allows for franchise owners to follow a turnkey operational system that sets them up for success,” he added.

Snap Fitness makes its compact, state-of-the-art clubs easy to own, manage and market. Start-up costs range from $77,000 to $272,000, putting it well below the price tag of well-known franchisors in other categories. The ability to manage operations via web-based tools with little need for on-site staffing makes it attractive for entrepreneurs and others seeking opportunities that accommodate semi-absentee ownership. Snap Fitness also offers its more than half a million members a convenient, low-price alternative to traditional big-box health clubs.

Consistently opening 300-400 new clubs each year, Snap Fitness has nearly 2,000 locations open or under development worldwide. Company plans call for a total of 3,500-4,000 centers within the next several years.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Fitness Franchise | Ranked No. 1 in Growth Category by the AllBusiness AllStar Franchise Rankings



Burgeoning Snap Fitness Brand Ranks in Top 25 List of Nation’s Top 300 Franchise Companies

Snap Fitness continues to “flex” its muscle as one of the top franchise companies. The fastest growing franchise system featuring compact, state-of-the-art fitness centers recently ranked No. 1 in the growth rank category for the second consecutive year and No. 23 overall in a comprehensive listing of the nations top 300 franchise companies by AllBusiness.com.

AllBusiness.com’s team of editors researched, compiled, and analyzed more than 800 franchise systems to compile the AllStar Franchises list. The rankings assessed the strengths of franchising companies based upon criteria such as Web visibility and the latest financial strength scores from Dun & Bradstreet.

“Our overall ranking further validates why our business has grown at such a rapid pace,” said Peter Taunton, CEO and Founder of Snap Fitness, noting that the company has just opened its 1,000 location. “We are truly honored to be recognized as a fitness concept that offers what consumers increasingly want – a fast, convenient and affordable workout solution – and offer an appealing franchise opportunity to potential investors and club owners.”

Economically, the fitness industry has proven to be recession-proof, averaging an 8% annual growth rate since the early 1990s. Snap Fitness is the right business concept for those who wish to secure financial freedom, as it allows for franchise owners to follow a turnkey operational system that sets them up for success. Franchisees receive one-stop financing assistance, ongoing operational and marketing support and the flexibility of running their gyms as a side business. In fact, 60% of them are absentee owners with other full-time jobs.

After spending more than 20 years in the fitness industry owning and operating various big-box clubs, Taunton realized that many of the costly amenities offered in his facilities such as swimming pools, racquetball courts and childcare sat idle most of the day. Knowing most people are on the go, constantly seeking balance between work and family, he designed a model that incorporated the most readily used health club equipment into a smaller, more efficient, passcard-secure facility. By doing this, he was able to deliver 24/7 access, affordable membership pricing and top-quality exercise equipment worldwide.
Today, Snap Fitness has nearly 2,000 locations open or under development worldwide. Company plans call for a total of 3,500-4,000 centers within the next five years.

For more information or to learn how to open a Snap Fitness Franchise, please visit www.snapfitness.com.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Survival of the Franchise Fittest | Snap Fitness Opens 1,000th Club


Less than six years after opening its first club, Snap Fitness, the fast growing franchise system featuring compact, state-of-the-art fitness centers, announces the opening of its 1,000th club in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Having opened its first franchise in 2004, Snap Fitness is the fastest franchise system to reach 1,000 club openings in such a short period of time. Today, the burgeoning brand operates clubs in 48 states, Canada, Mexico and India – serving more than half a million members – with additional clubs currently being developed in Australia and New Zealand.

“Snap Fitness has grown at such a rapid pace because we offer what consumers increasingly want – a fast, convenient and affordable workout solution – and offer an appealing franchise opportunity to potential investors and club owners,“ said Peter Taunton, CEO and Founder of Snap Fitness. “This is a tremendous milestone for us, as we launched our franchise in Minnesota and are now opening our 1,000th club where it all began.”

Economically, the fitness industry has proven to be recession-proof, averaging an 8% annual growth rate since the early 1990s. Snap Fitness is the right business concept for those who wish to secure financial freedom, as it allows for franchise owners to follow a turnkey operational system that sets them up for success. Franchisees receive one-stop financing assistance, ongoing operational and marketing support and the flexibility of running their gyms as a side business. In fact, 60% of them are absentee owners with other full-time jobs.

After spending more than 20 years in the fitness industry owning and operating various big-box clubs, Taunton realized that many of the costly amenities offered in his facilities such as swimming pools, racquetball courts and childcare sat idle most of the day. Knowing most people are on the go, constantly seeking balance between work and family, he designed a model that incorporated the most readily used health club equipment into a smaller, more efficient, passcard-secure facility. By doing this, he was able to deliver 24/7 access, affordable membership pricing and top-quality exercise equipment worldwide.

“As more people see health and fitness as a necessity versus a luxury, we’ve honed in on what consumers want and expect from their fitness program,” Taunton added, emphasizing the company’s more than half a million members. “Snap Fitness looks forward to continuing to offer health enthusiasts worldwide with a no-frills workout option.”

Today, Snap Fitness has nearly 2,000 locations open or under development worldwide. Company plans call for a total of 3,500-4,000 centers within the next five years.

On December 14, the 1,000th fitness club, located at 1557 West Larpenteur Avenue in Falcon Heights, MN, will celebrate its opening by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with the local Chamber of Commerce at 12:00 PM CST.

Franchise veteran Ben Cowan, owner of the new location, as well as four others in the Minneapolis/St. Paul marketplace, has played an instrumental role in opening new clubs and reenergizing existing locations throughout the past three years. In addition, he has served as an ambassador to the brand, lobbying local government to accept the idea of 24/7 fitness clubs in the region, creating jobs and bringing new business opportunities to the local economy.

“I was looking for a franchise business that wasn’t too complicated and that would allow me to help people,” Cowan said, who also owns a 1-800-Got-Junk franchise serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. “I found what I was looking for in Snap Fitness and am proud to be the owner of the concept’s 1,000th club.”

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Fitness Franchise Partners with Popular Blog, SweetiesSwag.com to Combat Holiday Excesses!

Fitness Franchise Partners with Popular Blog, SweetiesSwag.com to Combat Holiday Excesses!

Social Media the New Weapon in the Fight Against Obesity!

Snap Fitness, the fastest growing fitness franchise featuring compact, state-of-the-art fitness centers, announces a FREE holiday give-away, especially for SweetiesSwag readers.

SweetiesSwag readers are always on the look-out for a bargain, wanting to get something for free, or finding out about fabulous events they can attend inexpensively or for free. During the month of December, Snap Fitness will offer SweetiesSwag readers who are looking for free holiday gifts or stocking stuffers, a one week trial gym membership to any Snap Fitness location nationwide. This is a great gift to give a family member or friend to jump start their New Year’s Resolution – at no cost to you!

With most holiday events focused on eating elaborate meals and sweet treats, the holidays are a hard time to keep off the weight. It’s estimated that most people gain four to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. If that weight gain adds up over the years it creates a big concern for people. That is why Snap Fitness is offering a free holiday give-away in December.

All participants must register online by zip code to find the nearest Snap Fitness location. Registrants will receive a FREE coupon by email and a follow-up call from their local Snap Fitness representative in order to redeem their one week trial membership and security key card to the nearest 24/7 fitness center.

“Snap Fitness is excited to offer SweetiesSwag readers this unique online opportunity during the holidays,” said Peter Taunton, Founder and CEO of Snap Fitness. “What better gift to give than fitness, which is fast, convenient and affordable at any of our 1,000 clubs located nationwide.”

For more information or to view the promotional offer details, visit http://tinyurl.com/yhyqd2w