Is The Fitness Franchise Right for You?

Rob Shapiro founder of One 2 One Body Scapes, a personal training fitness franchise out of Newton, Massachusetts. In 12 years, One 2 One Body Scapes has grown from one location to 13 with franchisees across Massachusetts, New York and Texas.

You can find Rob's article on Club industry.

The fitness business is fun.  People who are into fitness automatically think they can run a fitness business.  Is buying a fitness business a good solution?  Rob claims "Despite the hard economic times, fitness franchises have seen an increase in sales.  However, before jumping into the fitness franchise business, you need to know a few things."

Figure out your budget.  How much can you spend?

Rob says the price tag can range from $100,000 to more than $1 million to purchase a franchise.  It depends on the brand and how large it is.

There is a big difference between $100,000 and $1 million.  Money is the substance of any business.  Buyer beware!  Many franchise systems low ball the starting cost.  Just because a franchisor says in the FDD starting cost is $115,000 the key word is ESTIMATE.  Estimate means nothing.  The only way you will know is investigate the cost yourself.  You may be in a high rent district.  In our case our club was a few blocks from Microsoft.  Everything cost three times more.  If you are working DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB.   There are numerous things that can go wrong.  In our situation the permits did not come in for four months.  We had to pay rent even when we were not opened.  This ate up our working capital.  It was a disaster.

Brand is very important.  Since One 2 One Body Scapes is basically unknown I would proceed with caution.  it doesn't mean One 2 One Body Scapes won't make it.  Experience tells me it is too risky.

Rob's second step is deciding what type of fitness interest you.  "You need to narrow it down and find your PASSION.  There are three choices in buying a fitness franchise:

1. Small boutique fitness facilities. 
2. Big box clubs.
3. Personel training studios.

I don't believe it's about finding your passion.  Business is about finding out what people want that is crucial to your success.  Business is not about you.  Business is about the consumer.

Rob's third step is;to validate the franchise.  Rob says to call existing owners to see how their business works.  You need to ask important questions such as whether they like their job and how their franchise is doing.

This is not going to be helpful in a new concept.  Everyone is on the honeymoon stage.  You will get all good comments.  Better to wait and take your time.  Wait a year or two to see if the concept is still around.

Rob talks about "discovery day."  That wonderful day where they  tell you what you want to hear.  Be cautious.  Do not believe EVERYTHING you hear.  If it sounds too good to be true usually is.

I have heard it hundred times on BMM. WORK IN YOUR CHOICE OF FRANCHISE FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.  Only then will you really know and learn it's day to day operation.  Rob claims, "You might even meet the principals of the franchise." The truth is you will see the reality of running a fitness business.  Just because you are disciplined with excercise doesn't mean most people are.  i am very disciplined when it comes to exercise.  My husband isn't.  Getting him to get on a tread mill is like getting Oprah to keep her weight off. 

"People buy franchises because they want to own their own business and be their own boss.  The trouble is that most people aren't sure about how to start their own company or choose the right industry for their interest.  Franchising is a great way to bridge the gap.  Buying a franchise eliminates all the headaches of learning how to own your own business as well as the logistics of starting your own business.  When you become a franchisee, the hard work has already been done for you within the franchise system.  You walk into a business and the system that's already created.  The head of the franchise has paved the way for marketing support, customer service support, human resource manuals, accounting and all the componets involved in a small business."

Sounds fantastic doesn't it?  Read the Franchise Disclosure Document.  The franchisor has no fiduciary duty to give you ANY advice.  Again when it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

"Some people believe that you need a fitness background or personel training certification to buy a fitness franchise.  In my opinion all you need is a PASSION for fitness because in a GOOD franchise System, you will learn the protocols and other information necessary to run the business."

There is the "PASSION" word again.  Roy is telling you all you need is their system.  I am surprised I haven't read the word, "PROVEN  SYSTEM."  

 Rob does say, " The advantage of buying a franchise over an independent gym is that you have the benefit of the "SYSTEM," and its existing units.  If you have 10 units within the same city, you can market the brand together.  The brand carries more strength with numbers."

All I have to say is 13 franchises is not a big number.  I believe Roy still has a ways to go to get that strength.

Good franchises have a support system, providing you with the ability to call another franchisee to discuss problems and ask question. The franchise system is a community.  All the franchisees have the same goal of helping the brand succeed.  When you open your own gym, you're on your own.  You don't have the same benefits or support system that you do within the franchise community.

Support system?  If only this were true.  The key word is "GOOD FRANCHISOR."  IF YOU ARE IN A BAD SYSTEM THE ONLY SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT WILL BE A REALITY IS HELPING EACH OTHER THROUGH FINANCIAL HELL. 

However, opening a franchise isn't easy.  The hardest part of starting your own business, whether it's a franchise or a start-up company, are long hours and ramp-up process.  It can be nerve racking for the franchisees because most people who start a franchise come from the working world where they are use to a consistant paycheck.

This is the problem.  Many people come from the working world and still have an employee attitude.  They naturally do what their franchisor says.  (Even it is not in their best interest.)  The saddest part to grasp is people pay for a franchise fee, build out cost and royalties and work long hours to get nothing.  (Not all cases but especially true with a rogue franchisor.)  Roy, I hate to break it to you but 13 franchisees does not make you an expert. 

The key to franchise success is buying into the system.

 Rob most hurt zees have heard the exact words you are speaking.  I wish you success. It takes more than Passion.  It takes having alot of money to keep ANY business going.

The key to finding a good franchise is two years of investigation.  Never hurry and get an abundance of counselors before you jump.

In the mean time I am back into excercise, eating right and I lost 29pounds. I am back into a size 6 and I am very happy. I know how to do it. It is called hard work. After getting in with a bad zor I gained weight due to stress.

To be successful in the fitness business you need to find at least a thousand disciplined jocks and dollies.  Those on the prowl.  Us old folks still need to exercise. Good luck Rob with One 2 One Body Scapes.