December 15, 2009 // Franchising.com // Chanhassen, Minn – 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.
About Snap Fitness, Inc.
Named the 16th fastest-growing private company in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2009 Inc. 500 ranking, Snap Fitness is experiencing phenomenal growth with more than 2,000 locations sold nationwide and some 30-40 new stores added monthly. Founded in 2003 by CEO Peter Taunton, the Minnesota-based franchisor offers compact, state-of-the-art, 24/7 express fitness clubs that emphasize fast, convenient and affordable workouts in neighborhoods across America and worldwide.
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