Latest news with #AnytimeFitness
Economic Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
How to start a gym business and make it succeed: Here's a 6-step guide
Getty Images Visit every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Fifteen years ago, when Saif Malik joined Anytime Fitness as general manager, he had no designated seat and zero access to the owner. 'I saw how things worked and, more importantly, how they didn't,' says Malik, who had grown up observing his older brother run a gym. Since then, he had dreamt of owning one himself. 'I knew the gaps that needed to be plugged: poor amenities, angry members walking out, staff with no voice,' he says. So, when he opened his own gym, Component Fitness, in 2021, he set out to fix these drawbacks. The gym was launched along with a friend with an investment of Rs.1 crore. The biggest expenses were for the equipment and rent, which comprised Rs 7 lakh annually and accounted for 60% of the total capital. Another 30% went into space design, and the remaining 10% on marketing and advertising. 'We didn't cut corners on quality,' he says. Within a year, Malik had expanded the gym from 3,000 to 7,000 sq ft to accommodate the surge in footfall. The reason for this rapid growth, he says, was his 'consumer -first approach'. He offered premium amenities at affordable prices and supported members through personal challenges, waiving fees for accident victims and pregnant women. Empathy guided his decisions. After the Pahalgam attack, he extended free memberships to all army families. Malik tried various marketing channels—pamphlets, newspaper ads, billboards and online campaigns. At the outset, he spent Rs.20,000-25,000 a month on Instagram, which proved very effective. His priority was brand awareness over profits. 'I was okay about breaking even as long as people knew about us,' he gym now offers three-, six-, and 12-month plans priced at Rs.10,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.24,000, respectively. The monthly revenue ranges from Rs.20-25 lakh, with profits of Rs.10-12 lakh. Challenges on the floor Malik faced teething troubles. 'The biggest challenge for gym owners is underinvesting in amenities due to tight budgets,' he says. Most people also overlook the opportunity cost. 'If you could earn Rs.20, but settle for Rs.10 by selling at Rs.12, that's not profit; it's an unseen Rs.8 loss,' he explains. His industry experience helped him avoid such the right location was also a challenge. 'If your rent is too high or you open a premium gym in a low-income area, you're setting yourself up for failure,' he says. Success depends on research, knowing the local demographic, and pricing to match purchasing power. Business at a glance Talent management Malik discovered that the largest operational expense wasn't marketing, but salaries. With a team of over 30, people management has been both fulfilling and demanding. 'Finding well-educated, professional trainers remains a challenge, and lack of formal education often reflects in their conduct,' he notes. To address this, Malik places a strong emphasis on training his staff in etiquette and professionalism, particularly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for keep his team engaged and motivated, his company offers generous appraisals, subsidised meals, and regular team outings Malik has also implemented an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) to ensure the gym's equipment is well-maintained. One of the ongoing challenges for him is the demanding nature of work. He cautions against viewing the gym business as a passive income stream. 'This isn't a side hustle. You have to give it your all,' he says. In the early days, Malik clocked up to 20 hours a day; even now, he puts in 14-15 hours daily. Looking ahead, he is focused on scaling the business through franchise partnerships. His model is straightforward: 50:50 investment, with the brand contributing half the capital. 'It ensures that the partner knows we have skin in the game,' he explains. How to start a gym business STEP 1 Do your researchVisit every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Your goal should be to offer better services at the same or slightly higher price. That's how you create value. STEP 2 Understand your audience Don't assume what customers want; observe and ask. Is your target area price-sensitive or driven by quality? Avoid launching a premium facility in a low-income neighbourhood or a basic gym in an upscale area. Your offering must align with the local needs. STEP 3 Invest in marketing early Getting people through the door is the hardest part. Use Instagram, flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to create brand awareness. Even if your initial revenue just covers your marketing spend, it's worth it. Conversion happens once people visit. STEP 4 Maintain your equipment This is where many gym owners go wrong. Invest in annual maintenance contracts and fix broken machines. Poorly maintained equipment leads to cancellations and bad reviews. Customers expect reliability. STEP 5 Hire a well-trained team Your trainers represent your brand. Look beyond certifications, check how they talk, behave, and treat people. Most trainers need to be trained in professionalism. Make sure female clients feel safe at all times. STEP 6 Service over profit Focus on building good reputation, not just revenue. Give discounts and help out members going through personal challenges. Such details go a long way and profits will automatically follow. DRIVEN BUILDERSaif Malik, owner of Component Fitness N.R. Narayana Murthy Founder, Infosys Watch Now Harsh Mariwala Chairman & Founder, Marico Watch Now Adar Poonawalla CEO, Serum Institute of India Watch Now Ronnie Screwvala Chairperson & Co-founder, upGrad Watch Now Puneet Dalmia Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat group Watch Now Martin Schwenk Former President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz, Thailand Watch Now Nadir Godrej Managing Director, of Godrej Industries Watch Now Manu Jain Former- Global Vice President, Xiaomi Watch Now Nithin Kamath Founder, CEO, Zerodha Watch Now Anil Agarwal Executive Chairman, Vedanta Resources Watch Now Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Watch Now Vikram Kirloskar Former Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Watch Now Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited Watch Now Shashi Kiran Shetty Chairman of Allcargo Logistics, ECU Worldwide and Gati Ltd Watch Now Samir K Modi Managing Director, Modi Enterprises Watch Now R Gopalakrishnan Former Director Tata Sons, Former Vice Chairman, HUL Watch Now Sanjiv Mehta Former Chairman / CEO, Hindustan Unilever Watch Now Dr Ajai Chowdhry Co-Founder, HCL, Chairman EPIC Foundation, Author, Just Aspire Watch Now Shiv Khera Author, Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker Watch Now Nakul Anand Executive Director, ITC Limited Watch Now RS Sodhi Former MD, Amul & President, Indian Dairy Association Watch Now Anil Rai Gupta Managing Director & Chairman, Havells Watch Now Zia Mody Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners Watch Now Arundhati Bhattacharya Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India Watch Now No trending terms available.
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Purpose Brands Welcomes Dr. B to Help U.S. Consumers Tap HSA/FSA Plans for Memberships at Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, The Bar Method
Consumers can use the Dr. B telehealth service to help apply Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts for qualifying fitness memberships, personal training services and more at all U.S. club, studio locations BOCA RATON, Fla. and WOODBURY, Minn., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers across the U.S. who seek the benefits of fitness as part of their preventive health and longevity plans can now tap into the Dr. B telehealth service, making it easier to use their HSA/FSA dollars to join any of the fitness brands in the Purpose Brands portfolio. The service is available today via and The Bar Method will offer the Dr. B service before the end of 2025. 'Exercise is medicine, and we must do whatever we can to make it more accessible and affordable for all Americans,' said Nick Herrild, U.S. President, Anytime Fitness. 'Anytime Fitness and our other fitness brands are with our members on every step of their health and wellness journey, and we're thrilled that Dr. B can offer services to help them cover those costs. We need to move fitness more closely to the healthcare equation for all Americans, and this is a strong step in that direction.' With a streamlined online consultation, Dr. B will help consumers, as well as existing members, determine whether the dollars in their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can cover monthly dues for qualifying memberships, personal training services and more. Anytime Fitness is focused on a personalized fitness and wellness plan for each individual member. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness delivers health and wellness training, nutrition, and recovery guidance in the club or via the AF app, plus club membership offers access to more than 5,500 Anytime Fitness clubs in 40 countries and territories and on all seven continents. Members with Apple services can also access Apple Fitness+ content via the AF app. Orangetheory® Fitness is a heart rate-based group workout that combines science, performance-tracking technology and expert coaching, designed to supercharge metabolism and cardiorespiratory health to help members live a longer, more vibrant life. Each of the workouts is led by a certified coach to ensure members of all fitness and ability levels can be successful and continue to challenge themselves. Basecamp Fitness is the all-in, high-intensity group workout that packs 50 minutes of supercharged calorie burn into just 35, making it one of the most efficient and effective workouts on the market. Alternating between air bike, floor strength, and an optional 10 minutes of core, members benefit from intense cardio, strength training and abdominal training in every session. The Basecamp app helps members monitor and validate workouts, track results and health data and stay connected with their community. The Bar Method is built on principles of high-repetition, low-impact resistance training, the science of physical therapy, and an unparalleled teacher training program. Its barre-based approach to personalized, total mind and body fitness blends elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training into a ballet-inspired barre workout that delivers increased strength, endurance and resilience. Dr.B is a telehealth service that works to make access to healthcare more efficient and equitable, helping patients get affordable care and everyday prescriptions, while expanding access to those who need it most. 'There's no question that exercise plays a huge role in improving health, and we're seeing more and more patients looking into how they can use their HSA or FSA to cover fitness expenses,' said Cyrus Massoumi, founder and CEO, Dr. B. 'We connect people with licensed providers who help determine if fitness can support their health condition, and our platform handles the medical and compliance steps behind the scenes—so patients can trust the process, get the paperwork they need, and focus on feeling their best. We're excited to work with Purpose Brands to help more people access affordable ways to support their health through movement.' About Dr. BDr. B provides affordable telehealth services that deliver the same care and quality you'd expect to receive from your favorite doctor—without the waiting room. On top of offering $15 consultations for a wide range of conditions and dynamic longevity programs, Dr. B works with fitness industry leaders to bring healthcare and exercise closer together with accessible tools and treatments that promote an active, healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit About Purpose Brands, LLC Purpose Brands is here to make personal health and wellness accessible for people worldwide. The company holds the world's largest and most trusted portfolio of fitness, health and wellness franchise brands and services: Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Waxing the City, Basecamp Fitness/SUMHIIT Fitness, The Bar Method, Stronger U Nutrition, Healthy Contributions and Provision Security. Together, these brands generate USD$3.7 billion in revenue, operating across 50 countries on all seven continents with a combined 6 million members. With a world-class operating model and suite of services that help its portfolio brands accelerate growth and deliver exceptional member experiences, Purpose Brands is best positioned for rapid expansion and to capture a strong market share in the global wellness industry. For more information, visit
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How to start a gym business and make it succeed: Here's a 6-step guide
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Challenges on the floor Talent management How to start a gym business Fifteen years ago, when Saif Malik joined Anytime Fitness as general manager, he had no designated seat and zero access to the owner. 'I saw how things worked and, more importantly, how they didn't,' says Malik, who had grown up observing his older brother run a gym . Since then, he had dreamt of owning one himself. 'I knew the gaps that needed to be plugged: poor amenities, angry members walking out, staff with no voice,' he says. So, when he opened his own gym, Component Fitness, in 2021, he set out to fix these drawbacks. The gym was launched along with a friend with an investment of Rs.1 biggest expenses were for the equipment and rent, which comprised Rs 7 lakh annually and accounted for 60% of the total capital. Another 30% went into space design, and the remaining 10% on marketing and advertising. 'We didn't cut corners on quality,' he a year, Malik had expanded the gym from 3,000 to 7,000 sq ft to accommodate the surge in footfall. The reason for this rapid growth, he says, was his 'consumer -first approach'. He offered premium amenities at affordable prices and supported members through personal challenges, waiving fees for accident victims and pregnant women. Empathy guided his decisions. After the Pahalgam attack, he extended free memberships to all army tried various marketing channels—pamphlets, newspaper ads, billboards and online campaigns. At the outset, he spent Rs.20,000-25,000 a month on Instagram, which proved very effective. His priority was brand awareness over profits. 'I was okay about breaking even as long as people knew about us,' he gym now offers three-, six-, and 12-month plans priced at Rs.10,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.24,000, respectively. The monthly revenue ranges from Rs.20-25 lakh, with profits of Rs.10-12 faced teething troubles. 'The biggest challenge for gym owners is underinvesting in amenities due to tight budgets,' he says. Most people also overlook the opportunity cost. 'If you could earn Rs.20, but settle for Rs.10 by selling at Rs.12, that's not profit; it's an unseen Rs.8 loss,' he explains. His industry experience helped him avoid such the right location was also a challenge. 'If your rent is too high or you open a premium gym in a low-income area, you're setting yourself up for failure,' he says. Success depends on research, knowing the local demographic, and pricing to match purchasing discovered that the largest operational expense wasn't marketing, but salaries. With a team of over 30, people management has been both fulfilling and demanding. 'Finding well-educated, professional trainers remains a challenge, and lack of formal education often reflects in their conduct,' he notes. To address this, Malik places a strong emphasis on training his staff in etiquette and professionalism, particularly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for keep his team engaged and motivated, his company offers generous appraisals, subsidised meals, and regular team outings Malik has also implemented an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) to ensure the gym's equipment is of the ongoing challenges for him is the demanding nature of work. He cautions against viewing the gym business as a passive income stream. 'This isn't a side hustle. You have to give it your all,' he says. In the early days, Malik clocked up to 20 hours a day; even now, he puts in 14-15 hours ahead, he is focused on scaling the business through franchise partnerships. His model is straightforward: 50:50 investment, with the brand contributing half the capital. 'It ensures that the partner knows we have skin in the game,' he every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Your goal should be to offer better services at the same or slightly higher price. That's how you create assume what customers want; observe and ask. Is your target area price-sensitive or driven by quality? Avoid launching a premium facility in a low-income neighbourhood or a basic gym in an upscale area. Your offering must align with the local people through the door is the hardest part. Use Instagram, flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to create brand awareness. Even if your initial revenue just covers your marketing spend, it's worth it. Conversion happens once people is where many gym owners go wrong. Invest in annual maintenance contracts and fix broken machines. Poorly maintained equipment leads to cancellations and bad reviews. Customers expect trainers represent your brand. Look beyond certifications, check how they talk, behave, and treat people. Most trainers need to be trained in professionalism. Make sure female clients feel safe at all on building good reputation, not just revenue. Give discounts and help out members going through personal challenges. Such details go a long way and profits will automatically Malik, owner of Component Fitness
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scots gym ‘raided by yobs who defecated' on floor
The "disgusting" incident was reported to the police on the morning of July 1 'ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING' Scots gym 'raided by yobs who defecated' on floor Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GROUP of youths have been accused of raiding a Scots gym and allegedly defecating on the floor. Staff at Anytime Fitness in Bathgate, West Lothian, were left stunned when they discovered the state of the premises. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Staff at Anytime Fitness in Bathgate claim youths raided the premises Credit: Anytime Fitness Bathgate The "disgusting" incident was reported to the police on the morning of July 1. Bosses claim four youths "ransacked" the premises on the town's Menzies Road. They said that the first aid kit was looted, coffee was splashed throughout the gym, and shared pictures of what appeared to be faeces on the floor. Bosses of the 24-hour facility branded the alleged acts as "disturbing". In a post on social media, staff wrote: "On Tuesday, 1st July 2025, our gym was ransacked by four youths who caused significant damage - raiding the first aid kit, pouring coffee throughout the space, and defecating on the floor. "This disturbing behaviour has been reported to the authorities. If you have any information that could help identify those responsible, please contact us or the police." Members of the public voiced their outrage following the alleged incident. One person said: "Shocking! Hope they are found and dealt with." Another wrote: "How heartbreaking, it's just unbelievable. Hope they get caught soon." A third commented: "Omg this is absolutely disgusting and shocking." Former star of The Scheme caught on CCTV raiding shop for money and cigarettes A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 11am on Tuesday, 1 July, 2025, we received a report of a housebreaking at a premises on Menzies Road, Bathgate. 'Enquiries are ongoing.'
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Aussie slams infuriating act at gym: 'This is a charade'
A woman has ripped into a major gym franchise and accused staff of giving her the 'run-around' after she asked about membership prices. Sydney woman Tazzy said she had just moved to a new area and was doing research on which local gym would be the 'right fit' for her. She then called Anytime Fitness to ask about the price of membership before she was dragged into a '20-minute conversation' about her goals and motivation. The frustrated lawyer claimed she was roped into a tour of the premises, where she was asked to fill out a form and answer more personal questions like how many hours a night she slept and how much water she drank. 'Anyone that wasn't as clued up as me would have been fully into it, but at this point I see where this is going,' Tazzy said in a TikTok video on Thursday. 'This is a charade to distract me from some information you're about to give me that's going to make me definitely not want to join this gym.' Tazzy claimed she spent over an hour speaking to the staff member and still had no clue what the membership price was. The employee finally revealed new members were subject to a $149 enrolment fee and $99.95 access fee. Sydney woman Tazzy (pictured) said she had just moved to a new area and was doing research on new gyms in the area and which one would be the 'right fit' for her Tazzy claimed the gym offered her two types of memberships: $32-a-week for a 12-month commitment or $30 for 18 months. She explained she was interested in a monthly membership and as a rule she doesn't commit to 12-month contracts in case of unforeseen circumstances. 'I'm not signing anything that requires me to pay for an amount of time as long as 12 months,' Tazzy said. 'S*** happens, I could move out of the area, my financial situation could change.' The lawyer was told Anytime Fitness doesn't offer monthly memberships. Tazzy branded the gym 'ridiculous' as she explained she declined to join due to their pricey enrolment fees and refusal to offer monthly memberships. Social media users were divided, with many agreeing it was annoying the staff member was not upfront about the prices at the start of the conversation. 'Normalise putting membership pricing on the website,' one wrote. 'I don't want to talk to anyone ever.' 'They got me with the $80 fee for the access card, then told me immediately after I signed the contract I could just download the app and tap my phone,' another wrote. 'No physical card needed.' Others defended the gym, saying they did not share the same experience as Tazzy. 'I've never had an issue,' one commented. 'The anytime fitness near me was so transparent with pricing that was my first question and they showed me all the different options, holy heck I'm sorry about that experience girl.' 'Mine was $0 joining fee, no access fee and $15 a week. No idea why it was expensive for you,' another agreed.
