Anytime Fitness announces an ambitious plan to double the number of its gyms
The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the economy with many businesses, big and small, closing or struggling to stay afloat. So it was nice to hear that Anytime Fitness plans to double its gyms to more than 500 across Asia in the next three years. This announcement was made following the acquisition of Anytime Fitness by Inspire Brands Asia, a consortium made up of its lead investor Exacta Capital Partners and co-investor Aura Group, which includes the master franchisee license in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau.
"The purpose of Anytime Fitness has always been to help people overcome the barriers to a healthier life," says Rey Bolivar, CEO of Anytime Fitness. "This has had several iterations globally and in various countries—but at our core, we are about ensuring that we are able to provide a safe and welcoming environment to everyone."
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With a weakening global economy and the challenges of a pandemic, why do you think it’s feasible for Anytime Fitness to embark on doubling the number of gyms in the next three years?
The Covid-19 pandemic has further strengthened our resolve to ensure that people have a safe and welcoming access to fitness, which is a key factor in ensuring a strong immune system. The reception of current members and new members alike during our enforced closures and as we reopened our gyms validates that we are providing a necessary service. We're humbled that we are seen not only as a place to be fit, but also as a community where members, staff, and franchisees achieve goals, and support each other.
We are confident with our growth projections not only because of the reception of members to our reopening, but also due to the strength of our team and our managed services group.
How is a major chain gym like Anytime Fitness adapting to the post-Covid reality?
Prior to reopening, gyms prepare with enhanced sanitation and disinfection measures, health checks and declaration for staff, and equipping their locations with cleaning supplies, signages, and masks or other protective equipment. Social distancing will also be enforced in all areas, from moving equipment or alternating their use to placing floor markers to distance staff and members.
As gyms reopen, and depending on local regulations, we have temperature checks, sanitising at the entrance and in all areas, health declaration and contact tracing, as well as cleaning materials for both staff and members to use. We're seeing this to be part of protocol in the near future, and will be adapting SOPs to modified versions as part of the new normal for our gyms.
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