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A warehouse wafting the smell of coffee lures me every Monday evening to join a like-minded group of athletes in a cycling training class. It is near the railroad tracks on an industrial road not too far from a Costco. It’s not fancy. Rather, it is a private space for our group to prepare for the next big race, big weekend, or warm day.
We bring our own trainers, our own bikes, and our own towels. We utilize a private coach and pay plenty for it, even though all the equipment and space are ours. Why? Because we represent every age group that seeks to be in better shape and more intelligent about our activities and physical exercise.
Any one of my fellow riders would be good fitness franchise owners. Why? Because it fits a lifestyle that we all value. What can it do for your own lifestyle? These six things at least:
1. It Can Keep Your Passion at the Forefront of Each Day.
If you’re already passionate about fitness, you’re probably enjoying spreading the happy buzz and recruiting others to exercise with you. You get to work out and stay competitive while helping others and making money—who isn’t in shape for that?
2. It Will Keep Your Life Moving Fast.
As part of a growing franchise sector, you grow along with it. As Canadians adopt healthier and more active lifestyles, you become the go-to location for new ways to stay fit.
3. You Can Focus on Your Own Areas of Expertise.
Fitness industry franchises offer everything from gyms to yoga studios. If you want to narrow the field to your expert base of knowledge, you can do it. Maybe you prefer to engage children in healthy activities and lifestyle practices. Or perhaps focusing on rowing training is where your arms and oars take you.
4. You Get to Share Your Knowledge.
Because you enjoy being fit, you will naturally be teaching others how to do it well. If you focus on nutrition or injury recovery, your knowledge will improve lives and impact your customers. Those clients become ambassadors for your business, providing the next class of learners.
5. It Can Be Big or Small as Suits Your Needs.
You can choose to hire employees and expand your hours and services. But if you want a small, niche franchise that is all you, there is a franchise for you. Small fitness franchises that offer things like yoga or pilates classes can be open only at class times, so you don’t need an employee besides yourself.
6. It Keeps Your Wallet Fuller.
Many small fitness franchises have low entry-level investments and do not require multiple asset purchases or large spaces that eat up overhead. Depending on your specific preference, a fitness franchise can fit your health passions and keep your bank account happy at the same time.
No matter how you prefer to get your heart rate up and your endorphins working toward exercise happiness, you can make money doing it as a fitness franchise owner.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.