Fitted for profits

There has been a shift in the fitness industry making it more organised during the last few years. In the past it was difficult coming across more than one or two non-branded and locally run fitness centres or gyms in a locality but the current scenario is entirely different. Gyms and fitness centres have been opening in all nooks and corners. These are a mixture of both organised and unorganised players. However, with the growing awareness and preference of people for renowned players, the fitness industry is also shaping up with more of organised players. Let us have a look at the recent emergence of players in the fitness biz.

Toning up the fitness sector

People always aspire to remain fit and healthy. The traditional unorganised fitness centres and methods have given way to swanky well equipped gyms. This transformation is the main cause for the sudden spouting of fitness centres in the country. Other prime drivers for the sudden growth of this industry are: increase in the health problems, insulation from global meltdown, changing job profile of professionals leading to stress, necessitating avenues to relax and rejuvenate, faith in ‘prevention is better than cure’ and warnings from dieticians and nutritionists. All These factors have encouraged business entrepreneurs to expand their fitness ventures via franchise route for better chances of success and profits.

Organised or unorganised fitness centres?

Now the logical question to pop up in the mind of readers would but obviously be; why go to an organised fitness gym with higher membership cost instead of venturing into a local fitness centre with reasonable rates? The answer to this lies in the ambience, stick fitness regime and equipments of organised centres. Moreover, compared to ordinary gyms next door, modern fitness centres concentrate on the well being of the mind and as well as body. Yoga and spas are added in the modern fitness centres to relax the mind as well. The modern gyms keep well trained instructors to advise the clients about proper diet and exercises. Istayak Ansari, Vice President, Gold’s Gym India on this says: “Counseling is the key to success in this business. Equipments can keep on changing as per new developments.” Therefore organised centres with experienced instructors and trainers work better on fitness of their clients.

Emerging and expanding fitness players

Seeing the success as well as the potential for growth of fitness centres in the Indian market many new players have emerged while established players have been expanding rapidly with success. Anytime Fitness, a co-ed chain of health clubs from the US with 2,000 clubs across the globe has entered into a new master franchise agreement in India. It has now signed New Delhi based House of Fitness Pvt. Ltd as its master franchisee for the country. Under the terms of the agreement, House of Fitness (HOF) will develop own Anytime Fitness gyms and it will also sub-franchise the brand. In another recent development Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Indian Cricket Team captain and celebrity cricketer announced the opening of his first fitness centre, SportsFit in Gurgaon, Haryana. The first fitness centre is a 25,000 sq. ft property at Global Foyer, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon. Moreover, in next five years the brand plans to open 200 gyms. Speaking on the occasion, Arun Pandey, Business Partner and Chief Mentor, SportsFit, said: “M S Dhoni is very excited about this project and his vision is to build a culture of fitness among the people of India and also enhance the fitness of professional athletes. We at SportsFit are really looking forward to a fit India.” Moreover, Talwalkars Hi Fi fitness centre plans to open 300 centres with in next three years via franchise route. The brand currently operates centres in Pune, Jaipur, Ajmer and Noida. Guwahati, Mumbai, Nagpur and Amravati centres are in pipeline. Another brand Ozone Fitness n Spa, a fitness and spa chain plans to open 10 outlets by end of fiscal year 2012-2013.

This rapid development in the franchise and fitness arena proves that the fitness sector is highly rewarding via the franchise route.  Young and even mature entrepreneurs who have passion for fitness and a business mind can surely reap great profits by becoming a fitness franchisee of a renowned brand.