Welcyon, Fitness After 50, Expands With Three New Franchise Deals

Welcyon, Fitness After 50, a Minneapolis-based chain of health clubs specially designed for adults over 50, has signed three separate franchise deals. The agreements will open three clubs in Burnsville, Minnesota; Boise, Idaho; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

These latest deals are part of the brand’s aggressive growth strategy to bring its approach to redefining aging to more cities across America. To date, Welcyon has four clubs open throughout the Midwest and is seeking to open at least 10 additional locations nationwide over the next 12 months.

The company’s long-term goal is to have 1 million members. The company considers this a realistic aim as it plans to target the more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over.

“Our personalized approach to fitness and nutrition coaching is redefining how America ages and is well on its way to being welcomed all across the country,” said Suzy Boerboom, the co-founder and CEO of Welcyon, in a press release.

At Welcyon, members are paired with a fitness coach and registered dietitian. In addition, they’re given a specially-tailored exercise and nutrition roadmap in which to work from. A recent analysis showed that Welcyon members increased their strength by 56 percent within three months of joining.

“There are many adults in their 50s and beyond who want to live healthier, but traditional gyms don’t offer the direction, support and sense of community they are looking for at this stage in their lives,” said Bonnie Kirby, a Welcyon franchisee, in a press release. “Welcyon allows me to change that by providing a place that’s a better fit, a place where you can get measurably stronger, leaner, re-energized and feel the best you have in years.”

Welcyon, Fitness After 50, was founded in 2010 by Tom and Suzy Boerboom, healthcare executives and long-time experts in the field of active aging, and investor Paul Contris.