Fitness Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc. is thrilled to announce that its recent Young Earth Human Alliance ("YEHA" ) Camp was an incredible success. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 - There is a unique Dahn Yoga workshop that includes a special mind body program for young people called the Young Earth Human Alliance (YEHA). The YEHA Camp, developed by the national leader in health and wellness, took place at Honors Haven in upstate New York in late March and recently at Sedona Mago Retreat Center, near Sedona, Arizona. The event welcomed a number of notable young people to get in shape and find ways to truly understand their dreams and ambitions. The event featured nature walks and meditation techniques. The event allowed scores of young individuals to build self-confidence and engage in exercises to explore their true hopes and dreams...

May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // Velocity Sports Performance, specializing in advanced sports performance training for athletes of all ages and skill levels, is an Official Sponsor of the 51st Annual Athletic Awards Breakfast in Newport Beach. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce on May 31, the local community event honors the achievements of the top 30 athletes from Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor high schools during the 2011-12 school year.
"We're excited to be involved in the Athletic Awards Breakfast in support of our local high school sports community," said Linda Archer, owner of the Newport-Mesa sports performance center, which opened in December. "These young athletes and their families are no doubt very proud that many years of hard work and dedication are being recognized among their peers and neighbors before they go off to college...

Grueling, Emotional Experience Left "Blisters On Their Hearts"
Episode Airs Sunday, June 10th on ABC-TV
HASTINGS, Minn. (May 22, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Minnesota natives and self-made millionaires Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen are no strangers to hard work. But neither of the co-founders of Anytime Fitness could anticipate how emotionally and physically exhausted they’d be after five days of filming an upcoming episode of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire.”
Runyon and Mortensen were selected to be featured on the hit ABC show “Secret Millionaire” which taped in the summer of 2011 in Oklahoma City. The co-founders were dropped off in a poverty-stricken neighborhood with only $75 for the two of them to spend the entire week...

Fitness Franchise Offers Opportunity for Retired Veterans, Military, Police and Fire Personnel Who Want to Own Their Own Businesses
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest-growing health fitness franchises, will open its first cardio kickboxing gym in California on June 1 at 7094 Miramar Road, Suites 115 and 116 in San Diego, to provide high-quality cross training in a friendly, comfortable home-like setting in the Mira Mesa area.
Grand Opening festivities are in the works for Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to CKO Kickboxing of San Diego owners Trisha Virga and Joe Virga.
"You can work up a sweat and burn calories without worrying about getting a black eye or breaking a bone with cardio kickboxing," Virga said of the cardio kickboxing gym that will serve residents of San Diego, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch and UTC...

The Purple Bench program is a community offering by Anytime Fitness in Niantic, Connecticut.
East Lyme, CT, May 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Purple Bench program is all about free outdoor fitness to inspire the community to be more active. In an effort to get folks outdoors to enjoy the season and get fit, they have enlisted the help of their personal trainers who will lead activities each week that are free, educational and will inspire the community to be more active. It is led by personal trainers and volunteers from Anytime Fitness. The program originated three years ago and was the brainstorm of Anytime Fitness co-owner Axel Mahlke. He had the idea to inspire his staff to volunteer their services to lead walks, runs, hikes, and Nordic Walks to encourage folks to get out and enjoy the great outdoors...

CHICAGO, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicagoland-based Charter Fitness is opening its newest club in Mokena, IL. Charter Fitness of Mokena is located at 19816 La Grange Rd, Next to Brookhaven Marketplace, and is scheduled to open late summer of 2012. The new location boasts 13,000 square feet of updated, spacious interior, over 75 pieces of cardio equipment, more strength machines, a private personal training studio, expanded free weight area, bigger and nicer locker rooms, and more parking.
"We're very happy to be opening Charter Fitness of Mokena and proud to be part of the community. Charter Fitness of Mokena is going to be a great place to get fit and healthy. We invite everyone to come check us out," said Dan Collins, Charter Fitness' Director of Sales...

Set to Open First Two Clubs in London
May 21, 2012 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The more than 30 million UK adults who take part in sports or exercise will soon have another option when choosing a health and fitness facility.
Snap Fitness, the franchisor of more than 1,300 24/7 fitness centers worldwide, recently announced plans to open 75-100 clubs throughout the UK during the next five years, including 10 in Greater London by the end of the year.
London’s first two facilities will open in Kenton and Milton Keynes in June and July respectively.
“There is real opportunity for sector growth ahead, as more people see health and fitness as a necessity versus a luxury,” said Peter Taunton, who founded Snap Fitness in 2003 and has since expanded the brand throughout six countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, Australia and New Zealand...

Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc,. a national leader of health and wellness, is thrilled to announce its Brooklyn Heights studio as the Center of the Month for May. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 18, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, is proud to highlight the accomplishments of its Brooklyn Heights, New York, Dahn Yoga studio. Located in one of the most diverse boroughs of the Empire State, the center features a number of creative, high-energy participants. Students at this diverse Dahn Yoga location have been actively fostering a sense of togetherness while balancing their bodies and minds.
Center manager, Amy Long decided to become a Dahn Yoga master after attending a Young Earth Human Alliance (YEHA) camp...

Rockland, MA, May 9, 2012 - On May 2nd, Koko FitClub co-founders, Mike Lannon and Mary Obana, presented American Cancer Society and Relay for Life representatives with a check for $6000 on behalf of the company's franchises nationwide. The donation was the result of the first ever “5 Million Point Challenge,” a fundraising effort that capitalized on the ability of the innovative fitness club’s patented Smartraining™ technology to do something no other health clubs can do: collect and compile all the exercise activity data of its members across the country and translate it into points tallied toward a unique fundraising goal.
During the weekend of March 24-25, 2012, in the true spirit of Relay for Life, participants in 66 clubs across 27 states linked arms virtually and walked with their fellow “Koko Nuts” to raise the money for cancer research...

National Fitness Chain Opens 20 New Locations in 2011, Inks an Additional 25 Franchise Agreements
COLTS NECK, N.J., May 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In early-May, more than 150 RetroFitness franchise owners, vendor partners, and company corporate executives joined together at The Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. to celebrate the growth and success of the national fitness company's franchise system.
With an emphasis on providing value to consumers at the current $19.99 a month memberships, the two-day event kicked off with a vendor trade show where RetroFitness franchise owners experienced firsthand new product and equipment innovations available to them to gain a more competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Eric Casaburi, founder and CEO of RetroFitness, held an hour-long corporate meeting and shared the company's vision for 2012 and strength of the brand as a whole...

HOBOKEN, N.J., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - CKO Kickboxing announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs Magazine.
The health fitness franchise company honors military veterans all year round by offering service members a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.
"I have been involved with the CKO Kickboxing family for over 10 awesome years as a trainer and as a franchise owner for over 3 years," said Salvatore A. Ferrara, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, and now owns CKO Kickboxing franchises in Lodi, Teterboro and Wallington, N.J.
"One of the best things about CKO Kickboxing is that I get to help people of all different fitness levels get into great shape...

Weight Management Genetic Test Enables BalanceDiet™ to Individualize Targeted Lifestyle Plans Based on Clients' DNA
TAMPA, Fla., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BalanceDiet™ Company is pleased to announce that its clients can now take advantage of an exclusive genetic fat test to obtain personalized diet and fitness recommendations as part of their complete lifestyle program. The weight management genetic test was a key component of the services offered by Results Weight Loss, which BalanceDiet recently acquired, and the company has subsequently introduced the genetic fat test at all of its BalanceDiet Centers nationwide as well as through its BalanceDiet At Home program.
Interleukin Genetics developed the genetic test panel used within the BalanceDiet program...

Dahn Yoga believes mothers are people who are so special they deserve their own month! To celebrate, all mothers will receive 20% off new memberships this May.
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 10, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, celebrates May as “Mother’s Month.” Mothers will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of Dahn Yoga exercises with this Special Offer.
Dahn Yoga believes mothers are people who are so special they deserve their own month! To celebrate, all mothers will receive 20% off new memberships this May. Dahn Yoga exercises are good for everyone and can especially help mothers nurture themselves.
Dahn Yoga benefits are not limited to time spent on the mat, but extend to other aspects of a practitioners life...

Fitness Franchise Offers Opportunity for Retired Vets, Military, Police and Fire Personnel Who Want to Own Their Own Businesses
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest-growing health fitness franchises, recently opened a cardio kickboxing gym in Tottenville, Staten Island at 236 Richmond Valley Road. The high-quality, cross-training gym provides a family-friendly setting to south Staten Island residents who are looking for an alternative to Pilates, yoga, martial arts and spinning classes.
"We're excited to offer cardio boxing classes in Staten Island," said Jimmy Selleck, a former New York City Police Department lieutenant who co-owns the health fitness franchise with Nick Orlando and Mark Radu, who also own the CKO Kickboxing franchise in Great Kills, Staten Island...

Highly skilled branding executive joins Senior Management Team
Miami, FL (PRWEB) May 05, 2012 - BalanceDiet™ Company is pleased to announce Candy Tree as the Chief Marketing Officer of the fast-growing chain of diet and wellness centers. Formerly the CMO of industry leading brands FreshDiet® and Crunch™ Fitness, Candy will help expand the brand experience and grow the strategic retail vision of the fast-growing wellness player.
Candy Tree is a highly skilled marketing executive with an extensive background directing and managing leading brands in the lifestyle and media categories. Candy has been a driving force behind the success of many huosehold brands. Tree brings over 15 years of direct experience and relationships to BalanceDiet...

CHICAGO, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 22-year-old, 5-foot-tall Marc Isabel is quite a celebrity at Charter Fitness of Sycamore. In fact, he is an inspiration to people to test their own limit.
Marc, who has Down Syndrome, plays in a Special Olympics soccer team called "The Ice Cubes" which represents DeKalb County in competitions across Illinois. His soccer coach, Mary Forest, works as the general manager of Charter Fitness of Sycamore where Marc and his mother have been members since 2007.
"Three days a week, Marc comes in and does his routine of cardio and a variety of weights, while his mom, Jeanne, trains in our personal-training program," said Mary.
Marc works very hard to be an athlete. He is extremely strong, and impresses everyone with how much weight he is able to lift...

Dahn Yoga is proud to announce the continued success of one of its primary workshops. The YoungGaMuDo retreat introduces individuals to simple and effective meditation techniques. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 02, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, is proud to announce the continued success of one of its primary workshops. The YoungGaMuDo retreat represents a significant advance in the fifteen year Dahn Yoga history of helping individuals balance their bodies and minds. Uniquely aiding in the development of self-awareness, attendees can go on to make the most of Dahn Yoga practice.
For Dahn Yoga, meditation has played a key role in classes and programs for 2012. Recently held at the Honor's Haven Resort and Spa, in New York's Catskills region, the YoungGaMuDo retreat introduces individuals to simple and effective meditation techniques...

Lady of America Wants to Make Sure Women Understand the Health Benefits of Walking and Add it to their Workout Routine
Miami, FL (PRWEB) May 01, 2012 - In its effort to promote women’s fitness, good health and living a healthy lifestyle, Lady of America wants to make sure women are incorporating walking into their fitness program.
Walking five to seven days for a minimum of 30 minutes exposes women to many health benefits of walking. Studies have shown that for every hour of regular exercise two hours of life are gained. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reports that walking one mile burns about 100 calories, depending on intensity, pace and speed. Walking has also been shown to help control weight, lower cholesterol, strengthen the heart, improve muscle tone and reduce the likelihood of serious health problems...

Plum Mom's Club Powered by Stroller Strides® brings women together for "mommy and me" exercise, social activities and fundraising announces Virginia Franchisee
Woodbridge / Manassas, VA (PRWEB) April 29, 2012 - Stroller Strides, the country’s largest pre- and post-natal fitness program for moms, is announcing a new partnership initiative with Plum Organics™, the leading provider of organic nutrition for babies, toddlers and kids. Both companies have come together to support the launch of the Plum Mom’s Club Powered by Stroller Strides, a nationwide initiative that brings women together for social activities and fundraising events for charitable causes.
To date, Plum Moms Clubs exist at more than 1,200 Stroller Strides locations nationwide...

Local Franchising Group to Open Washington’s First LA Boxing Gyms; Company Plans Call for a Total of Six Locations to Open Throughout the Market in the Next 18 Months
April 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // SEATTLE – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with local franchising group Huntro, LLC to open three LA Boxing gyms in Seattle. The announcement stems from a larger company expansion plan, which calls for a total of six locations to open throughout the market within the next 18 months.
With a family history in franchising that spans more than 50 years, Huntro, LLC’s Managing Director Terry Wynia was looking for the right franchise opportunity that he could embark on himself...