News Recap: The Latest from Gold’s Gym, Workout Anytime and More
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It’s been a busy week in the fitness industry! Several announcements, updates and milestones have taken place from a broad cross-section of the industry. For your convenience, here’s a recap of the top news stories:
Former Gold’s Gym Executive Turns Franchisee — Acquires 24 Company-Owned Locations
Gold’s Gym announced that former senior vice president of eastern U.S. operations Matt Clifford, along with Gold’s Gym corporate veterans Brenda Jorgensen and Josh Fuglsby, have purchased the franchise rights to 24 company-owned gyms throughout the Washington D.C. area.
CFJ Holdings is the newest addition to the brand’s portfolio of area franchisees, which now collectively covers more than 40 Gold’s Gym locations across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
“This strategic acquisition in the D.C. area further strengthens our position as a leading franchisor of full-service, full-amenity gyms across the globe,” said Gold’s Gym president and CEO Adam Zeitsiff, in a statement. “Matt’s knowledge of the area, plus the combined 45 years of Gold’s Gym leadership experience he and his partners bring to the network, make them the perfect fits for their new franchising roles. We look forward to helping them take advantage of the foundation the brand has already established in the market and are excited for Matt and his partners to join our growing franchise network.”
Workout Anytime Inks First International Deal
Workout Anytime is going global for the first time, after signing a deal with Honduras-based organization Lady Lee Corporation. Lady Lee Corporation will sell, open and manage Workout Anytime gyms in Belize, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama, and act as the master franchisee for each country.
Lady Lee Corporation has three openings planned for 2020 in Honduras and is scouting real estate for more locations in that country, as well as throughout Central America and in the Dominican Republic.
“Workout Anytime has always had ambitious expansion plans, predicated on finding the right partner, which is why we’re so excited about associating with Lady Lee Corporation,” said Mark de Gorter, COO of Workout Anytime, in a statement. “The Lady Lee Corporation has extensive experience bringing a variety of leading brands to Central America and the Dominican Republic. Their strong presence in retail franchising, as well as real estate development, provides the perfect partnership to launch our international expansion into that region.”
Gainesville Health and Fitness to Expand Tioga Location
Gainesville Health and Fitness has announced plans for a 10,000-square-foot expansion at its GHF Tioga location in Tioga Town Center. Renovations will soon be underway to enhance the member experience and maintain the spirit and energy of the club that caters to area neighborhoods and families.
The initial announcement will be followed by more details once architectural plans are completed.
Club Fitness Announces Redesign of Kids Club Offering
Club Fitness has announced the redesign of its popular Kids Club, which added more resources to improve the member and child experience.
“Our members are part of our family, and we want the very best for the children in our family,” said Michelle Micheletti, the director of marketing for Club Fitness, in a statement. “That is why we worked with professionals to develop an even more engaging, educational and interactive Kids Club experience.”
To enrich play and childcare in the Kids Club, Micheletti worked with Lori Luecking, the executive director of the Brain Balance Achievement Centers in the St. Louis area, to select play items for positive stimulating activities and brain development. With the help of Luecking, she is bringing cutting edge developmental science and toys to all Club Fitness locations.
The redesigned Kids Clubs have been launched at the East Alton, Maplewood, O’Fallon (IL), Fenton, St. Charles, St. Peters and Lemay locations, and will soon be at the other Club Fitness locations.
