Australian Team Leads Anytime Fitness Record Growth

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Australian Team Leads Anytime Fitness Record Growth
Over 100 Territories Sold in Less Than Two Years

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – With nearly 40 clubs now open and more than 100 franchise territories sold, Anytime Fitness Australia/New Zealand has quickly become the fastest-growing segment of the world’s fastest-growing fitness club chain.

In just the past two weeks, Anytime Fitness announced plans to open clubs in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands.  Nowhere on Earth, however, is the world’s number 1 co-ed fitness club franchise expanding more rapidly than in Australia and New Zealand, says Anytime Fitness spokesman Mark Daly.  

Most of the credit, according to Daly, belongs to Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez, the brother and sister team who signed a deal to become “master franchisees” for Anytime Fitness in Australia and New Zealand in 2008.

In less than two years, the dynamic duo has opened 40 new gyms and sold more than 100 franchise territories in Australia. They’ve also opened three gyms and sold 10 territories in New Zealand. Currently, they are opening gyms at the rate of one per week.

To assist with this accelerated growth, Justin and Jacinta have added David Ciantar, with a wealth of  franchise knowledge (formerly with Gloria Jean’s Coffee, New Zealand Natural, and McDonald’s) to their team as General Manager.  Long-term goals include 300 clubs open in Australia and 50 clubs open in New Zealand within the next three years. 

“We’ve discovered what works and what our members want – mainly, convenience and affordability,” says Justin.  “They also demand high-quality equipment in a friendly, non-intimidating environment – we satisfy all these needs and more.”

And, how have they managed to sell over 100 territories in less than two years?

“We’ve been able to attract qualified franchisees with our low-cost business model which requires minimum staffing,” says Justin. “Owners get a great return on their investment and like the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives.”

Jacinta adds, “We pride ourselves in providing our individual franchisees with tremendous support. With help from the corporate staff in the U.S., we’re able to give club owners the tools they need and the guidance they require every step of the way – from finding ideal locations to equipping and marketing their gyms.  We are a full-service franchise.”

As brand awareness of Anytime Fitness grows in Australia, especially in the Newcastle/Hunter Valley region, Jacinta is most pleased about the positive impact the clubs have on new members.

“We’ve always been passionate about helping others improve their own health and well-being,” says Jacinta.  “It’s one of the most important things you can do.”

About Anytime Fitness
Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with more than 1,300 clubs currently open in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe -- coming soon to Latin America and the Middle East. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. State-of-the-art security and surveillance systems ensure member safety even during unstaffed hours at the clubs.