Baby Boomers Drive Success of Get in Shape for Women's 100% Growth for 4th Year in a Row

Next iteration of small group personal training franchise is a reflection of economic and consumer trends

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 5, 2010

As unemployment reaches record levels, banks tighten their lending protocol and the economy continues to stall, most franchise categories have seen a dramatic drop in the last 2 years.* However, one franchise brand continues to expand, reaching a milestone this month of 4 consecutive years of 100% growth with total sales exceeding $7 million in the first 6 months of 2010.

Get In Shape For Women (GISFW) is a business model created in response to prevailing trends in the fitness industry including the growing demographic of women age 45 and older who have tried nearly every weight-loss option available. Baby Boomers are bypassing large gyms and expensive one-on-one personal training to work out in small groups that encompass all aspects of a successful fitness plan at a reasonable cost. The trend has led to a boom in the small fitness studio franchise industry.

Headquartered in Needham, MA, GISFW was founded in 2006 and has grown to include 45 open studios with 20 more in development for 2010, and 90 total territories sold to date throughout 9 states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, Wisconsin, California, Florida and Indiana.

One of the most important elements to consider when purchasing a franchise is the financial strength of the corporate brand. In 2009, total sales for GISFW were $7,615,000.00. In the first 6 months of 2010 alone, total sales have already reached $7,370,000.00. Perhaps the biggest indicator of GISFW's franchise success is that out of the 35 individual franchise owners, 21 own the rights to more than one territory. At $15,000, the GISFW franchise fee is one of the lowest in the industry with one of the highest rates of return considering their low equipment lease structure and franchise fees.

Founded by exercise physiologist Brian Cook, GISFW taps into the unique criteria of women who have the desire to achieve a healthy weight and fitness level, but lack the commitment needed. This is especially true for Baby Boomers who make up the majority of GISFW's client base. In a recent survey, 61% of women polled don't have the motivation to work out alone. But an equal number actually enjoys exercise when paired with a friend.** Those who utilize a personal trainer are 91% more likely to not only reach their weight loss and fitness goals, but maintain them.*** And the leading factors in choosing a fitness plan today are time and money.****

GISFW's business model answers these issues with 4 pillars unique to GISFW: Small groups limited to 4 women who all have their own individual work out plans but share a trainer; accountability to the women you train with creating an atmosphere of camaraderie; weight training and cardio training at every workout and personalized nutritional plans. Rates starting at $19 per session are less than half the industry standard.

*: Frandata. com

**: Diamond Insurance Survey

***: Bls. gov/Survey statistics

***: American Council on Exercise

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