Cover Story
wheelchair bodybuilding class in 2011 and 2012. Unfortunately, as Darran’s condition worsened, he was unable to train at his gym due to the lack of access and a friend recommended Anytime Fitness. Darran was immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere, saying: “From the moment I stepped into Anytime Fitness, it was a home from home. I could see that people were not only willing to help, but wanting to help and I knew it was the right choice.” Since joining Anytime Fitness in 2012, Darran has won trophies in several bodybuilding competitions across the world, including Arnold Disabled Strongman and WABBA Universe in 2017. He has also set world records in bench press and seated deadlift in the 82.5kg bodyweight class with an impressive lift of 400kg! Refl ecting on Darran’s win at the National Fitness Awards, Russel Bennett, owner of Anytime Fitness Mansfi eld, says: “Darran is a true inspiration and we’re very proud to have him as a member. He always has a positive attitude, no matter what comes his way. I’m pleased to be involved in an organisation that focuses on helping people – that’s what attracted me to Anytime Fitness in the fi rst place.” Sadly, Darran was unable to attend the award ceremony due to illness, but says: “I’m over the moon to have my achievements recognised in this way. Being a member of Anytime Fitness means that my future is open. I believe that with my mindset, the help of the staff and the camaraderie of the people that train here, I can achieve anything. When I’m at the gym, I’m not Darran in the wheelchair, I’m not Darran who has one of the rarest brain diseases in the world – I’m just Darran.”
Inspirational stories
Anytime Fitness has its own unique way of rewarding and recognising members such as a campaign called My Anytime Story, which encourages members to contribute their stories – from overcoming medical adversity to extensive weight loss. Since 2016, the campaign has accumulated over 70 incredible stories, with quarterly winners receiving an Apple Watch. The most inspirational journeys are also entered into the annual conference awards. Last year, the overwhelming number of My Anytime Story entries resulted in not one, but three winners of the coveted Inspiration Award, one of which was Darran. The other members to take home a trophy were Danielle Smith from Anytime Fitness Ilkeston and Kelly Phillips from Anytime Fitness Bicester.
“Ranked the number-one fi tness franchise for eight consecutive years, Anytime Fitness is an established brand that prides itself on providing a business model that allows a great work-life balance”
Phenomenal transformation Danielle was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and fi bromyalgia, for which she has undergone several operations. After hearing that fi bromyalgia was untreatable, Danielle started her own research and found that strength training could help with symptoms. Anytime Fitness appealed due to its 24/7 nature, as Danielle experienced insomnia and excess energy from her illness. Being a good role model and mother is at the forefront of Danielle’s mind and the club provided a healthy way to cope with her symptoms, showing her children how to deal with stress in a positive way. On her journey with Anytime Fitness, Danielle has lost an incredible 26kg and 46.5 inches, and of this transformation she says: “It wasn’t easy, but the changes I’ve felt in my mood, energy levels and general outlook are phenomenal”.
Taking control
Kelly was also attracted to the 24-hour access at Anytime Fitness, regularly training between 5.30am and 7.00am. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 13 years ago, Kelly suff ered years of severe pain, swollen joints, weight loss, sickness and mobility problems. She also struggled to maintain a healthy weight, fi nding supplements made her sick. After joining Anytime Fitness, Kelly pushed herself to train and gained confi dence as her routine led to success. Kelly has since taken
control of her condition, is now medication free and even ran in the 2017 London Marathon to fundraise for Crohn’s research.
Making a diff erence
The key to operating a successful franchise is choosing the right company, and it’s clear that Anytime Fitness has more to off er than fi nancial benefi ts. Not only does it boast a proven model with a global success rate of 96 per cent, it also has personality at its core and cares about its members, which is refl ected throughout every level of the business. Ranked the number-one fi tness franchise for eight consecutive years by Entrepreneur magazine, Anytime Fitness is an established brand that prides itself on providing a business model that allows a great work-life balance.
Further establishing its commitment to its gym members, the brand has launched Evolve, an initiative that ensures all clubs are performing to the highest standard. Using a balanced scorecard method Anytime Fitness is dedicated to supporting both franchisees and members, assessing metrics from health and safety and cleanliness to member feedback. With this, and the knowledge that the UK fi tness industry is expected to reach a value of £5billion** in 2018, there’s never been a better time to join Anytime Fitness.
The lowdown
Franchisees can snap up either fi ve- or 10-year agreements with a very attractive fi xed fee. Benefi ting from the strength of the brand, Anytime Fitness promises a low staffi ng model with recurring monthly direct debits and robust business KPIs. A background in health and fi tness is not required and most franchisees employ a local manager to take on day-to- day managing of the club. The expertise and support of the central team is also a huge benefi t, allowing franchises to feel confi dent in each step of the process.
Anytime Fitness
Inspiration Award winner Danielle Smith (centre) with her daughter and club owner Emma Bennett
Act now to fi nd out more and secure your location: www.anytimefi
tness.co.uk/bfm
March 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 15
*Based on clubs open over 12 months ** Leisure Database
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