Established in 2024, Fit Fusion has quickly made a name for itself as a powerhouse franchise group in the Crunch Fitness family. Under the leadership of president Michael Goodsell, the team is setting an ambitious pace for growth while staying true to the values that make Crunch Fitness a beloved brand across the U.S.
Below he shares more about the franchise, goals for their future and more.
Tell us a bit about your franchise group. How many locations are in development, how many rights do you have and what are your growth plans?
Established in 2024, Fit Fusion is a team of fitness industry veterans who are dedicated to bringing the Crunch experience to communities across the U.S. With specializations in operations, product development and programming, our mission is to deliver an outstanding experience to our members and to achieve operational excellence across all our Crunch Fitness locations. We’re based out of Florida and Indiana with plans to develop locations coast to coast.
What’s unique about your group?
Our group was formed through a joint venture which involved two separate franchisee groups coming together create the vision that is now Fit Fusion. We have seven partners who all have separate skill sets ranging from real estate, construction and operations. Our vision consisted of combing our talents and delivering a high-quality product and service to communities across the country with an unprecedented growth rate. Within our first month as a group, we were able to locate and execute three leases, while opening our first location in Noblesville, Indiana. We’re the first group in franchise history to open four locations within our first year and we have built out an organization based around economies of scale.
With our current team, ranging from regional directors to VP of new club openings, we believe we have the horsepower to run hard and bring the brand to life in the markets we’re looking to develop. We’ve been able to capture over 150 years of experience across our executive and operations team to help us deliver on our brand promise and drive Fit Fusion forward at an incredible pace of four to six clubs per year.
What attracted you to wanting to be a franchisee of Crunch specifically, over other franchises?
I’ve been in the brand for 10 years now and Crunch Fitness is the only brand that I have known in the fitness industry. From the very first day I attended foundations training, to completing the sale of our locations in the Louisville, Kentucky market, I’ve known Crunch was home. The energy and culture that you feel the moment you walk through the doors, and someone says, “Hey, welcome to Crunch Fitness, I hope you have a great workout. Come see me when you’re done and let’s get you set up on a massage bed after,” is palpable. The sense of family and inclusion that the energy then creates is life changing.
The brand truly stands for what it represents, and it shows in the incredible communities that you see within the member base and the team members. Seeing people become a part of something that felt more like a movement than just a key tag — our members are truly our family, and I am reminded of that every time we do a fundraiser for a great cause or even for someone in our community who needs our help. The entire Crunch Family shows up in a way to support like nothing I have ever experienced anywhere else.
Why do you think consumers respond so positively to Crunch as a brand?
Crunch Fitness has created an environment that’s not only no judgements but it’s inspiring and accepting. We believe those who visit a Crunch, quickly recognize how passionate we are for our communities and providing a place where they can become healthier versions of themselves. The brand does a really good job of diversifying our offerings, from group fitness to personal training and more to allow everyone to find something that works for them.
What else would you like to share?
Fit Fusion is excited to bring Crunch Fitness locations to Mandeville, Louisiana and Grand Rapids, Michigan this December. We’ll have two locations opening up in the Grand Rapids area and all three are going to offer the new 3.0 Crunch Fitness model. The amenities will include, hot yoga, ride cycling, group fitness, HIIT Zone training, massive free weights and a new and improved Rest and Relaxation area. Along with many other updates, we’re excited to be one of the first groups to bring the new Crunch Fitness model to life.
