Anytime Fitness
Aary Walia is 24 and owner of Anytime Fitness Bermondsey, and has further London launches planned with the gym brand
Why did you go into franchising and why Anytime Fitness? Franchising offered a platform where I could build a business with the backing of proven systems and brand recognition, while still allowing room for entrepreneurial thinking. I’ve always known I wanted to run my own business. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so that mindset was instilled early on. The franchise model offered a great balance of independence and guidance. As for Anytime Fitness – it stood out immediately. It’s a global leader with a well-established reputation, but more importantly, the UK network is incredibly supportive and forward-thinking. I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, so investing in a brand that changes lives through fitness felt like a natural alignment with my values.
How has business been so far? Fantastic! Bermondsey has exceeded expectations and is one of the highest-performing clubs in the UK in terms of KPIs. It’s been a busy few years, but incredibly rewarding.
How are you supported by your franchisor? Anytime Fitness has built a great support structure, from property and build support to operations and marketing. They give you all the tools you need to hit the ground running. Ongoing support is strong too. There’s a genuine sense of community within the franchisee network, and the head office team is always approachable. A standout moment was launching Bermondsey and seeing it outperform so quickly – it confirmed I’d made the right call and fuelled my motivation to expand.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a franchise? Particularly advice for your generation? Do your research, find a brand you genuinely connect with, and be prepared to work hard. Franchising isn’t a shortcut – it’s a serious business, and you have to show up every day. For younger entrepreneurs, I’d say don’t let age hold you back. If you’re hungry to learn and willing to put in the work, it can be the best decision you’ll ever make.
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What are your plans for the future? I’m committed to growing my territory in Southeast London with Anytime Fitness, with the next opening in Q1 2026 and another planned. Long-term, I want to keep building businesses that have a positive community impact while helping other young entrepreneurs find their path.
anytimefitness.co.uk/own-a-gym
“For younger entrepreneurs, I’d say don’t let age hold you back”
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