Fitness fits well in franchising

Fitness in India is growing at an annual compound rate of 60%. With yearn to look even better, fitter and presentable; today’s scenario for the health and fitness industry is getting enhanced.  With these changes and demands, the fitness Industry relaxes on a fit side. Powerhouse Gym India has now opened 14 centers across India. Akshat Gupta, COO and Director, Powerhouse gym believes that a person having passion for fitness and a lot of patience will definitely succeed in a fitness business. As an investor, you tend to treat it as a business, on the other hand, a committed individual treats it as a setup to help people reach their fitness goals and finally earn profits. It all depends on your initiative, resources, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to succeed.”

Essential requisites

With a growing number of Indians ready to pay big bucks to look good, the fitness and wellness industry is blossoming, and will grow to an estimated Rs 100,000 crore by 2015. Every franchisee wants to grow drastically but one has to maintain certain qualities and basics to own and run a fitness franchise. Past experience in running a business is surely of help. Business acumen helps when a person franchises. Contours India is one of only women’s fitness chains in India with the solid backing of being in existence worldwide for over 10 years. The brand has delivered fitness to two lakh women worldwide. Chandra Gopalan, Director, Contours India says: “A net worth of Rs 1 crore in order to invest Rs 50 lakh in a business is necessary because every business takes time to establish itself. The franchisee must have the capability to sustain and establish the brand in its early stage. A franchisee is not just an investor. He/ she must have the passion to manage the business and spend considerable time on it. Running the franchise through a well appointed team is not the way to succeed. The owner must be hands on into the business.”

Driving factors

Every industry in the franchising arena needs a push to establish itself.  What drives the health and fitness industry is the increasing awareness about fitness. Fitness experts agree that the urge to look better and fitter is the driving force for this industry. Gupta of Powerhouse gym adds: “Powerhouse India is a customer centric gym wherein we are constantly improving our standards to cater to the needs of the increasing member base. People want to look good and fit and this is the main reason what drives this Industry.”

Tips to succeed

·         Unique deliverables, thereby eliminating competitors.

·         Position the brand appropriately through marketing.

·         Focus on quality of service. More is not always profitable.

·         Engage in social media actively. It is the best form of marketing today.

·         Build up referrals by delivering your promises to the client.

·         Engage well trained personnel.

·         Optimum use of capital and manpower resources.

·         Have empathy with customers.

To conclude, it’s the right time and the right marketplace for growth of fitness franchisees. However, every franchisee must fulfill the necessary prerequisites and demonstrates to be a right hand for the franchisor.