Fitness Franchise Information Center

Illuminate Gym eyes an October 7th Grand Opening in St. Louis

2011-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

(Chesterfield, MO)—Illuminate Gym, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announcing publicly that we are eyeing an October 7th Grand Opening in Chesterfield, Missouri. Illuminate Gym and ‘High Oxygen Training’ were founded by David Sedbrook in Denver, Colorado and today Illuminate Gym is offering franchises nationwide and has plans to grow to multiple facilities in the St. Louis market.

Over the past few months Len Woolfenden, the owner of the newest Illuminate Gym, has been putting together his team of personal trainers and managers to start servicing the community of Chesterfield with ‘High Oxygen Training’. “I believe we have the best trainers in the St Louis area who really have a passion to change lives. We at Illuminate Gym Chesterfield strive to bring the best out of our clients through HOT training and proper nutrition. If they have the want we will give them that extra push to be the best they can be. One Life No Regrets!!! ”

The Illuminate Gym in Chesterfield will be the first Illuminate Gym in St. Louis and we are hopeful that we continue to grow across the St. Louis market in the coming years. Please check out www.illuminategym.com/chesterfield to get all the latest news on the opening of Illuminate Gym in Chesterfield, Missouri. Look for our official ‘Grand Opening’ news coming out from Illuminate Gym Franchise Development Company. Thanks so much for reading and have a healthy day!

For more information about the Illuminate Gym personal training franchise, visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center  
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about Illuminate Gym personal training franchise, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/.

Illuminate Gym to open in Saint Louis

2010-11-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

DENVER— Illuminate Gym, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announced today that they will open in Saint Louis, Missouri in early 2011.

Illuminate Gym has been working for months on bringing a facility into the Saint Louis market and within the last week has committed to working with Len Woolfenden. The search for real estate has begun in Saint Louis and Illuminate Gym’s real estate team is focusing in on the Chesterfield market.

“Len Woolfenden has displayed that his passion for fitness and business savvy made him the right person to represent the Illuminate Gym brand. We are very excited to help him develop a successful business model that he can duplicate in Saint Louis,’ CEO of Illuminate Gym David Sedbrook said.

The facility in Saint Louis will be the first Illuminate Gym franchise to open in Missouri.

For more information about the Illuminate Gym personal training franchise, visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

Illuminate Gym is to open in the Houston, Texas market!

2010-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

DENVER—Illuminate Gym, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announced today that they will open in Houston, Texas in the near future.

Illuminate Gym has been working for months on bringing a facility into the Houston market and spreading their ‘High Oxygen Training’ philosophy. The search for real estate has just begun in Houston. However, for the the latest Houston personal training franchise, the real estate team is focusing on a sub-division of Houston called Cypress.

“It’s really great to see our brand spreading into the Texas market and we are hopeful and confident that the Illuminate Gym ‘brand’ will be a success in the great state of Texas,’ David Sedbrook said, CEO of Illuminate Gym.

For more information about the Illuminate Gym personal training franchise, visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

Fitness Franchise Illuminate Gym offers a healthy relief to the unemployed!

2010-08-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

DENVER — Fitness franchise Illuminate Gym, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announced today that they will be offering three months of free personal training services for someone in Denver who is out of work and in need of some fitness guidance.

The economy is still down and every day for the past year David Sedbrook, CEO of Illuminate Gym Development Company has been reading about the loss of jobs and the declining confidence of a nation in the ‘American Dream’. "It’s been so hard to watch family and friends lose their jobs and homes over the past two years. It’s been so bad that at times I have even felt guilty for still having success at Illuminate Gym during this tough economic time," Sedbrook said.

Illuminate Gym is now doing its part by offering to help 1 individual who is currently unemployed due to the economic downturn a chance to train at Illuminate Gym in Denver, Colorado for 3 months at no charge.

"At Illuminate Gym we have always been committed to changing people’s lives for the better and just maybe with this offer we can do our part to help one person with their health and fitness during this tough time in their life," Sedbrook said. Illuminate Gym will be accepting inquiries about the 3 free months of personal training they are offering starting September 1, 2010.

If you or someone you know are interested in such a program you are invited to call the personal training manager, Jamie, at 303-399-1355 or email her at jamiesedbrook@illuminategym.com. "Our goal is to help someone start building a better future through fitness by providing a regimen that will prove to build confidence and overall health for one person in a time of need," Jamie said.

This is another example of how Illuminate Gym is completely committed to making every community they touch a little healthier and a little better.

For more information about the Illuminate Gym personal training franchise, visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com

My Personal Trainer (MPT) Strengthens the Personal Training Franchise Scene

2010-03-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Fitness Franchise Information Center announced a new personal training franchise; My Personal Trainer (MPT).

With dozens of fitness franchises available to consumers, My Personal Trainer has carved a special place in the marketplace. The executives of My Personal Trainer report, "My Personal Trainer has a unique, niche market position catering to middle income clientele."

Request exciting information about My Personal Trainer personal training franchise here.

New personal training franchise
"With the success of the original studio in Canton, Ohio, we began expansion and opened two additional company studios … we also opened new MPT corporate offices directly adjacent to this suite in order to have on-site training classes for new franchisees," reports Jeffrey Stone, President and Founder of My Personal Trainer. "Our clients have been getting results for five years now — typically 75% to 150% strength increases in a matter of a few months and fat losses ranging from 25% to upwards of 75%."

Stone is not a novice to developing companies. He has been awarded Businessman of the Year award presented by his home-based Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce, has received recognition by Price Waterhouse, AT&T and Inc. Magazine for having the fastest growing privately held company in Ohio and the 13th fastest growth company in the United States.

A proven fitness and weight loss History in franchising
Prior to founding MPT, he was President of a women's only, company-owned and operated fitness chain. He also served as President of a Canton, Ohio based weight loss franchise company which he founded in 1982. Mr. Stone grew this company to approximately 400 locations with network sales approaching $100 million annually. Prior to this, Mr. Stone was a principle and vice president of a successful chain of Ohio-based health spas.

My Personal Trainer is different from the other personal training studios
"We offer exclusive, affordable, 'One-On-One' personal training services catering to men and women who want to shape their body while losing body fat. Training is done in a private training studio; always professional and a positive environment combined with our unique training protocol which produces rapid results, Stone says. Our programs are based on science, NOT opinion."

For more information about My Personal Trainer personal training franchise visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about My Personal Trainer personal training franchise and other fitness franchises, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com.

Grand Opening Party at Illuminate Gym in Greenwood Village

2010-03-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

For More Information:
Taj Leon
tajleon@illuminategym.com
greenwoodvillage.illuminategym.com

(Denver, Colorado) Illuminate Gym, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announced today that the ‘Grand Opening’ party of the Greenwood Village Illuminate Gym will be held on April 2 from 5 PM -8 PM.

Taj Leon, owner and certified personal trainer, will be hosting the ‘Grand Opening’ party with his fitness staff. The goal of the event is to invite as many members of the community and introduce them to both Illuminate Gym and ‘High Oxygen Training’. Illuminate Gym in Greenwood Village will also be showing off their group exercise room and serene yoga studio which will be offering a variety of different fitness and yoga classes for their clientele.

Taj Leon and Illuminate Gym would like to welcome anyone who is interested in checking out the newest Illuminate Gym to do so on April 2 from 5 PM - 8 PM. In fact, it would be a perfect opportunity to book your first complimentary fitness assessment and consultation.

If you are interested in hearing more about the Illuminate Gym in Greenwood Village, Colorado we can be contacted at (303)339-0505 or you can check us out at greenwoodvillage.illuminategym.com. Thanks so much for reading and we look forward to seeing you at the ‘Grand Opening’ party in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

The Illuminate Gym in Greenwood Village is located at 5996 South Holly Street Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

For more information about Illuminate Gym personal training franchise visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center  
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about Illuminate Gym personal training franchise and other fitness franchises, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/.

illuminate gym Personal Training Franchise Plans to Open Two More Denver Locations

2009-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

David Sedbrook, CEO and Founder of illuminate gym personal training franchise

illuminate gym franchise, affordable personal training featuring unique High Oxygen Training (HOT), announced today plans to open two more illuminate gyms in the Denver metro area.

The first person to operate their own illuminate gym personal training franchise began as a personal training client at the original illuminate gym over four years ago. His results and his faith in both ‘High Oxygen Training’ and the illuminate gym franchise model made it an easy decision to look into joining the fitness franchise system.

The second franchisee, who is currently looking for real estate in the Denver Tech Center, is a current personal training professional at illuminate gym who has developed ‘High Oxygen Training’ from its inception. He also sees future opportunity which the illuminate gym franchise offers.

"At illuminate gym we would like to wish these two franchisees luck as we search for real estate in their communities," reports David Sedbrook, CEO and Founder of illuminate gym. “It’s great that people who have experienced the service and business dealings of illuminate gym are the future of illuminate gym personal training in Colorado.”

If you are interested in tracking the progress of any illuminate gym franchisees check out the illuminate gym CEO Blog at www.illuminategym.com/blog.

For more information about the illuminate gym personal training franchise, visit www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about a fitness franchise you may be interested in, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/. We also invite you to join conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our google groups platform.

If you would like to advertise with the Fitness Franchise Information Center, go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

Personal training franchise helps people take their first steps

2009-10-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

illuminate gym in Cherry Creek, Colorado was reminded why their business can be so much more than a money making venture. At illuminate gym our franchisees have the capability to change people’s lives.

Last week a client working with a personal trainer made gains that were far greater than any ascetic goal or basic fitness goals. illuminate gym had a client who made his way into illuminate gym with a cane dragging his foot behind him months ago in search of a change in his life. The gentleman had been assaulted during a robbery at his house and had been struck from behind by a hammer which caused stroke like symptoms leaving him paralyzed on the left side of his body. The gentleman fell into a deep depression because of his injuries and didn’t leave his house for years. Then one day he made his way into illuminate gym. He was greeted with a smile and he knew right away that illuminate gym was the place for him. “It was a divine intervention to find illuminate…I just saw the name “illuminate” and I knew it was just what I needed,” the un-named client said.

Request information about the illuminate gym Personal Training Franchise from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

The client has been working with his personal trainer Jamie Juergens for the past 7 months and has made incredible gains on the most basic of motor skills. “It was fairly easy for us to get into ‘High Oxygen Training’ because he had no structural issues on his joints,” Jamie said because all of the client’s injuries were neurological.

Today we are happy to announce that this client has gotten rid of his cane and his walking on his own without support. Though we are proud to take the praises we also acknowledge the will of the client to push forward through the hardest of times to regain his ability to walk and really his ability to live again. “This client has been such an inspiration to us all here at illuminate gym,” CPT Jamie Juergens said.

“This is an incredible story about the desire of the client to heal himself and the staff at illuminate gym’s ability to show him the way. This is another example of how illuminate gym is really so much more than a business. Our passion for helping people displays how success can be so much more than making money. illuminate gym is an avenue for our franchisees and personal trainers to show people a better life. It’s a place to become illuminated,” CEO and founder David Sedbrook said.

Request information about illuminate gym Personal Training Franchise from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

On a side note the client wished to be anonymous because of his traumatic experience and an ongoing investigation into the violent crime committed against him. At illuminate gym we respect all of our client’s anonymity but we thought this client’s story should be told and he agreed as long as we respected his privacy. If you would like to more about illuminate gym go to the Fitness Franchise Information Center.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about a fitness franchise you may be interested in, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/. We also invite you to join conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our google groups platform.

If you would like to advertise with the Fitness Franchise Information Center, go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com.

illuminate gym Fitness Franchise Muscles Up in the Personal Training World

2009-10-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

“Here at illuminate gym we are committed to changing the fitness experience in America,”
-- David Sedbrook, CEO and founder of illuminate gym

Request information about illuminate gym from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

Fitness Franchise Description:

illuminate gym was founded by David Sedbrook in Denver, Colorado on the basic principle that people needed help with their fitness and nutrition. America was becoming more and more overweight because the fitness options available to Americans were not working so illuminate gym was born. David Sedbrook spent almost 10 years working for larger corporate gyms and some smaller facilities before developing the illuminate gym model and 'High Oxygen Training'.

Today illuminate gym is looking for partners to develop these boutique gyms across the country and beyond to help people on their fitness journey. "There is nothing better than building a successful business that only benefits the people in your community," David Sedbrook CEO and founder of illuminate gym.

What does illuminate gym offer?

illuminate gym offers a private and personal facility for people to pursue their fitness goals with a personal trainer. Each and every client has tailor made workouts designed around each client's goals and physical limitations within the guidelines of 'High Oxygen Training'. At illuminate gym we always guarantee that at least 2 or more measurement s will change within the first month. We also offer supplements at the best prices in the fitness industry for our clientele and nutritional counseling to ensure our clients meet their fitness goals.

Request information about illuminate gym
from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

High Oxygen Training (HOT) is changing lives

High Oxygen Training is illuminate gym's own brand of personal training which was developed in Denver, Colorado. Its development came from a group of personal trainers who found that working with weights at a quicker pace without sacrificing form was much more beneficial than traditional resistance training. In other words, High Oxygen Training is an approach that changes weight lifting into a more aerobic exercise rather than the traditional anaerobic way of lifting weights. In years past, personal trainers have worked in time increments of 2-1 (rest to exercise). At illuminate gym our trainers attempt to do just the opposite forcing you to work out double the time you rest. Hence the phrase 'HOT'.

The average person who is in the weight room for an hour is lucky to lift weights for twenty minutes. Here at illuminate gym with our creative workout combinations you will be lucky to get 20 seconds of rest. Our brand of training has helped many people change their lives for the better either in their appearance or their overall health and fitness. No matter what the reason 'High Oxygen Training' is about tailor making workouts for clients to obtain their goals. Future franchisees do not have to be fitness professionals because illuminate gym will train you on the 'High Oxygen Training' methods and teach you how to market our brand of personal training.

How does illuminate gym differentiate themselves from fitness franchises and other personal training franchises?

illuminate gym is committed to changing the fitness experience in America by changing the stereotypical 'gym culture' that exists in every other fitness franchise in America. At illuminate gym our first goal is to make sure we provide an environment that helps people feel comfortable while they pursue their fitness goals. We also have our own brand of personal training called 'High Oxygen Training' which makes it easier for our franchisees to market illuminate gym to their community. Our approach to fitness and our clients is the major difference between our competitors and us. We also consider our technological advances in the fitness world will prove to be on the cutting edge of the fitness industry making it easier for our franchisees to connect with their community.

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from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

What tools does illuminate gym offer to their franchisees?

1. Legal help with lease review and organization of the business from our attorneys because signing a bad lease could be the beginning of the end for a new business owner.

2. Help with designing and laying out your illuminate gym.

3. We also offer help with acquiring state-of-the-art exercise equipment for the best prices in the industry.

4. We help with the development of your website for your specific illuminate gym.

5. We offer a 5 day training program to teach you how to run an illuminate gym and about 'High Oxygen Training'.

6. CEO and founder David Sedbrook will be at your facility before your doors open for the first time and during your grand opening to ensure everything goes smoothly.

7. Direct help with marketing such as, custom designed flyers, brochures, mailers and other printed materials. We are also able to get you discounted pricing on all of these forms of marketing.

8. Help with all other avenues of fitness marketing such as, website placement, radio, television and any other form of marketing you are interested in pursuing.

9. Continued 24 hour support from associates at illuminate gym who have been or are directly involved with running an illuminate gym or their websites.

10. A recognizable logo that people will connect will immediately as they pass by your facility.

Remember your logo could be a powerful asset in the marketing of your business. Look at other logos in the fitness industry and ask yourself which is the strongest and most recognizable logo?

illuminate gym personal training franchise is the future of the fitness industry...

illuminate gym is a pioneer in the fitness industry and our goal is to build a community while building muscle. The culture of illuminate gym is as important as 'High Oxygen Training' because the goal of illuminate gym is to create a comfortable environment for our clients to achieve their fitness goals.

You could be the next to 'illuminate' your community. Just fill out the Fitness Franchise Information Request form by going here and the illuminate team will be in touch soon to help you while helping your community get more fit!

Request information about this fitness franchise by filling out the short form here or by going to this address: http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/html/illuminate_gym.html

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center

Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about a fitness franchise you may be interested in, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our google groups platform.

Request information about illuminate gym
from the Fitness Franchise Information Center

Advertise With the Fitness Franchise Information Center

2009-10-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Fitness Franchise Information Center (FFIC) is an information-rich directory service --eager to help fitness franchises and fitness business opportunities advertise on http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/.

With the Fitness Franchise Information Center you will be able to grow your brand and simultaneously help more people live a better quality of life through fitness.

Health and fitness franchises and organizations that advertise with the Fitness Franchise Information Center will benefit as a result of:

Targeted Traffic
Currently the Fitness Franchise Information Center receives hundreds of highly targeted visitors per month, all of whom have either taken the Personal Trainers Guide to Owning a Fitness Franchise course, read a press release, found us as a result of our SEO or were referred by another source. Because of the high quality of franchise education and information, FFIC and several members of our network rank highly on Google, Yahoo, MSN/Live and other networks for many of the most popular franchise related search terms.

A Quality Response
The inquiries you receive will be in direct response to your heightened listing at http://www.fitnessfranchsieinfo.com/. In addition, we don't share candidates with other top fitnes franchises. When you respond to a Fitness Franchise Information Center lead you will know this potential franchise candidate is expecting your call and eager to discuss your opportunity.

Just Fitness
We do not mix tobacco franchises, hamburger franchises and auto repair franchises with the gift of fitness that your franchise opportunity can bring. Our staff thoroughly understands the fitness business and the franchise industry and can translate this specialized knowledge to better serve the marketplace, on your behalf.

Geo-Targeting
Whether you want to grow in just one city, county or state, or you want to develop an entire country, the Fitness Franchise Information Center can help. This year alone, fitness franchise opportunity seekers from 92 countries across the globe have used http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/ as their choice for information about fitness franchises.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about a fitness franchise you may be interested in, we invite you to go to http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our google groups platform.

For more information about advertising opportunities visit http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/ or email support@fitnessfranchiseinfo.com with "Advertising Options" in the subject line.

Fitness Together Franchise Corporation

2006-11-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have been very impressed with Fitness Together. The leadership of the organization is top notch. They have a nice support system in place for all their franchisees.

The CEO makes himself very available to his customers. He does a nice job of learning what the marketplace wants, and delivering it to them. They offer very intimate personal training studios with one on one personal training services.

So, here are some basics of Fitness Together.

Year began: 1983
Franchising since: 1996

Franchise Description: Fitness Together, founded in 1983 by Rick Sikorski, offers a unique personalized fitness-training program for adults ranging in age from 15 to 80.

In the privacy of state-of-the-art, fully-equipped, individual training suites, Fitness Together clients work one-on-one with their own personal trainer to achieve mutually established fitness goals.

With continued growth, the Fitness for Life Franchise Corporation is the largest personal training organization in the world. Based on the company’s pending sales and projections, there will be over 1200 franchises by December of 2008.

If you want some more information go here:
http://www.fitnessfranchiseinfo.com/html/fitness_together.html

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about a fitness franchise you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our google groups platform.

Why Do Some Fitness Franchises Fail?

2006-11-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

As with all businesses, it is possible that some franchises will fail as well. Upon investigation, the cause of this failure can usually be traced to someone at the top of the organization attempting to re-invent basic business principles. When adhered to, basic business principles with a focus on execution of proven tactics will heighten the probability of success.

Everyone should take the CEU course titled Business Plan 101: How to Develop a Business Plan for Your Fitness Business, available at www.issaonline.com/ceus. If you want help to create a laser-focused business plan with an focus on execution of business development, email me at sam@hirschbergdirect.com

Anyway, here are three of the six common reasons why franchises fail.

1. Lack of a Simple Business Concept
How the franchise business concept is received by the community is critical. This is why it is important to buy into a franchise that has proven to be a winner in the marketplace. While personal fitness seems to have universal appeal, not all facilities are greeted with “mass appeal.”

Likewise, if your business model is overcomplicated, be prepared to meet roadblocks. The goal of a franchise is to duplicate itself—to create sameness regardless of location. A company may be successful when run by the entrepreneur who dreamed up the concept, but if the business model or prototype is not easily duplicated, then the chances for success are not very good. Abide by the immortal KISS guidelines: “Keep it Simple Soldier.”

2. Location! Location! Location!
Everyone has heard the term, usually as it pertains to real estate: "Location, location, location." Even with a well-branded name, if you are inconveniently located or in a bad area the profits can dwindle rapidly.

Be sure to do thorough research of your potential clientele base within your territory.

3. Poor marketing/advertising
The bottom line is: Business success is about getting customers and keeping customers. Everything else is secondary. Effective marketing and advertising is about cost-effectively attracting clients and keeping them in a positive relationship with your business.

Ok, let's start getting into some franchise review by going to the Fitness Franchise Information Center at www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.

Getting Funding for Your Business

2006-11-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, this section is not about getting money. It's simply about your credit score. I admit I made mistakes as a kid, and have taken several years in fixing those mistakes.

Along the way I learned a lot about creditors, and why and how they give you money for worthwhile ventures.

They make a very large assesment on whether you will pay them back based on your credit score. So watch it carefully.

What is credit scoring?
Ever wonder how a creditor decides whether to grant you credit? For years, creditors have been using credit-scoring systems to determine if you'd be a good risk for credit cards and auto loans. More recently, credit scoring has been used to help creditors evaluate your ability to repay home mortgage loans. Here's how credit scoring works in helping decide who gets credit -- and why.

Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit.
Information about you and your credit experiences, such as:

• Your bill-paying history,
• The number and type of accounts you have,
• Late payments,
• Collection actions,
• Outstanding debt, and
• The age of your accounts,

is collected from your credit application and your credit report. Using a statistical program, creditors compare this information to the credit performance of consumers with similar profiles. A credit scoring system awards points for each factor that helps predict who is most likely to repay a debt.

A total number of points -- a credit score -- helps predict how creditworthy you are, that is, how likely it is that you will repay a loan and make the payments when due.

Because your credit report is an important part of many credit scoring systems, it is very important to make sure it's accurate before you submit a credit application. To get copies of your report, contact the three major credit-reporting agencies:

1. Equifax: (800) 685-1111
2. Experian (formerly TRW): (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)
3. Trans Union: (800) 916-8800

These agencies may charge you up to $9.00 for your credit report, or you can go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com and access all three agencies there.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.

Federal Disclosure Document (FDD) and Fitness Franchises

2006-11-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've got some meaty stuff for ya here.

Dig in, takes notes. This is important.

And of course, I am not a lawyer and don't pretend to be. Be sure to check with one before you do anything. Let this information serve as a valuable stepping stone to familiarize yourself with the process.

So...

One of the benefits of purchasing a franchised business, as opposed to an independent business, is your receipt of a document called the Federal Disclosure Document (FDD), formerly known as the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). Under the FTC’s Franchise Rule, you must receive the document at least 10 business days before you are asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor. This FDD document is designed to make your franchise investment a fully informed decision. In other words, the franchisor is literally forced to put “everything on the table.”

Since 1979, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has required franchisors in the United States to deliver this document to all prospective franchisees.

The FDD contains at least three important components:

1) A 23-item disclosure describing various aspects of the franchise opportunity,
2) Up to three years of the franchisor's audited financial statements, and
3) The franchise agreement form and other contracts you are required to sign to become a franchisee.

The 23 Required Items of Disclosure are:

1. The Franchisor, Its Predecessors, And Affiliates
2. Business Experience
3. Litigation
4. Bankruptcy
5. Initial Franchise Fee
6. Other Fees
7. Initial Investment
8. Restrictions On Sources Of Products And Services
9. Franchisee's Obligations
10. Financing
11. Franchisor's Obligations
12. Territory
13. Trademarks
14. Patents, Copyrights, And Proprietary Information
15. Obligation To Participate In The Actual Operation Of The Franchise Business
16. Restrictions On What The Franchisee May Sell
17. Renewal, Termination, Transfer, And Dispute Resolution
18. Public Figures
19. Earnings Claims
20. List Of Outlets
21. Financial Statements
22. Contracts
23. Receipt

The FDD is not filed or required to be on file with any Federal government agency. 35 states allow franchisors to sell freely as long as the prospective franchisee is provided a current FDD by the franchisor at least 10 business days before any contracts are signed or any money is exchanged. In these states, a franchisor is not required to file or provide a copy of the FDD to anyone except the potential buyer.

15 states have franchise investment laws that require franchisors to provide disclosures, to potential purchasers. In these states, franchisors must "register" with the state by filing the current FDD and meet additional disclosure requirements.

These 15 states are often referred to as "filing states". Individual state laws may vary, but the states’ goals are primarily threefold:

To make sure that the franchisor is disclosing all important data BEFORE the sale of the franchise so that the potential buyer can make an informed decision.
To protect its citizens from investment scams.
To have recourse if a franchisor violates its state laws.

Franchise purchasers in these states have specific legal rights, including potential private lawsuits if the franchisor does not abide by any of the state disclosure laws. Potential franchise purchasers who reside in these states can always contact their state franchise law administrators for additional information. The 15 "filing states” states are:

California
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

It is vitally important to carefully review and understand the UFOC before buying a franchise. Although the thick prospectus might not be the most exiting read of your life, it may be one of the most important. At least one FTC law is in your favor when it comes to tackling the FDD: in 1993 the FTC passed a “plain English” law which makes it a much more easy-to-digest document with limited use of legalese and lawyer-only vocabulary.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.

The Benefits/Responsibilities of Fitness Franchise Ownership

2006-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, now, buying a fitness franchise does not guarantee you will be an astounding success. Of the franchises I consult with, and the others that I constantly review, I have seen how people operate them. Sometimes good. Sometimes not so good.

Success in a franchise really comes down to hard work, just like any business, plugging into the support system (assuming the franchise has one -- most do) and doing what the successful owners have done before you.

So, here is some more stuff from our Guide:

A franchise typically enables you, the investor or “franchisee,” to operate a business. By paying a franchise fee, which may cost several thousand dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, you receive a format or system developed by the company (“franchisor”), the right to use the franchisor’s name for a limited time, and assistance.

For example, the franchisor may help you find a location for your outlet, provide initial training and an operating manual, and advise you on management, marketing, or personnel. Some franchisors offer ongoing support such as monthly newsletters, a toll free 800-telephone number for technical assistance, and periodic workshops or seminars.

While buying a franchise may reduce your investment risk by enabling you to associate with an established company, it can be costly. You also may be required to relinquish significant control over your business while taking on contractual obligations with the franchisor.

But deciding to operate a franchise can be a great opportunity, if it meets your criteria, lifestyle goals and financial plan. Do you diligence, have your lawyer review the docs and follow your passion!

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.

What is a franchise?

2006-11-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Before we get too deep just yet into reviewing the individual fitness franchises, I want to first go over a brief history of the definitions and history of franchising.

So, let's dive in. Again, much of this is from the "Personal Trainers Guide to Owning a Franchise".

In the late 1940’s and early 50’s, millions of military personnel returned home from overseas, and the economy began to flourish. The large work force demanded the opportunity to explore and develop more business opportunities, which heightened business and changed the landscape of the U.S. economy forever. Franchising evolved into ‘business format franchising’.

In this type of franchising, not only does the franchisor (example: Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness or McDonalds) allow the franchise to use its name and sell its products and/or services, but a total transfer of the business model is also involved. This includes the entire business plan, marketing and operating systems, technical training and management that has been developed, proven and perfected by the franchisor.

Franchising is an effective means of business ownership because the normal ‘learning curve’ is shortened due to the fact that, in most cases, the franchisor has already tested the waters and proven the business model. This higher probability of success is what the franchisee is really paying for.

But not all franchises are worth what they are asking. In many cases, by asking yourself what you really want in life, then asking other franchisees that are running the franchise how their life is, you can make some effective decisions.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.

About Fitness Franchises

2006-11-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, to get started, my name is Sam Hirschberg.

I have been in fitness for a long time. I have also been in franchising for many years.

Starting out, I played tennis for a living. When I found myself all too frequently walking on court to compete against players that were faster, stronger, taller, could hit the ball harder and were 10 years younger, I decided it was time to move on.

While playing tennis, getting injured constantly, I realized that I could not do this forever, so I had been working on a plan B. I learned how to deliver products and services to people online, became a personal trainer, and started selling training programs to other athletes. First in tennis, then in football, baseball, basketball on and on.

Then I began working with gyms, facilities, and began consulting with large companies, helping them to acquire customers online and in the real world.

And in a nutshell, skipping quite alotta stuff, here we are....

So, let's get's started on some franchise stats, coming from the Personal Trainer's Guide to Owning a Franchise, written by me, distributed by the International Sports Sciences Association (www.ISSAOnline.edu) to their 120,000+ personal trainers (that I believe are learning fantastic hands on, real world in the trenches type of skills).

Here are a few interesting statistics to show you that the fitness and fitness franchise industry is quite large:

Health and Fitness is a $14.1 billion industry, serving nearly 40 million members in the USA
According to IHRSA (one of the largest health club industry associations) health club memberships are projected to reach 50 million by 2010
Nutrition and Weight Loss is a $44 billion industry

Over the weeks, months and years we will review franchises, many of which are located at the Fitness Franchise Information Center (FFIC). FFIC and the many sites that compose our education resource is primarily advertising driven. So the better the fitness education resources and services we provide, the more people will want to use our resource. So if you have topics or organizations that are worthy of discussing, I invite you to please let us know. Or, please feel free to visit our discussion board here: Fitness Franchise Information Center.

About the Fitness Franchise Information Center
Since 2004, the Fitness Franchise Information Center has been educating entrepreneurs, business owners, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts about the growing fitness franchise industry. To review and request information about fitness franchises you may be interested in, we invite you to go to www.FitnessFranchiseInfo.com. We also invite you to join in conversations and discussions about various fitness franchises at our fitness franchises google groups discussion forum platform.