New Fitness Franchise Takes Neighborhood Club Approach
(FranchisePick.Com) According to Fitness Business Pro, a new franchise concept is taking a new “neighborhood club” approach… and it’s working.
The article quotes Chuck Spencer, Chuck Spencer, CEO of American Bodyworks, as saying that they are looking for franchisees who will be great on the “front end”: someone who will sell memberships, get results for members and represent the club He thinks the market is right for smaller, neighborhood clubs that local franchisees are perfectly suited to run.
That’s why he and four partners opened American Bodyworks, a franchise that takes all the cardio and strength equipment of a big club and puts it in 6,000 square feet. It all fits thanks to the deletion of some of the other elements of a big club — most notably, group fitness classes and child care.
American Bodyworks had four franchises as of mid-April, 2007, and two more about to be sold. By the end of the year, Spencer plans to have 20 franchises open in the Southeast, and plans to expand throughout the country by next year.
The club’s first franchise was dying in 2004 (before becoming an American Bodyworks facility), but converting helped boost sales to $700,000 in 2005, and another $150,000 in 2006.
Groover attributes much of the success to the personal training offered at the franchises. Many of the franchise locations contract with an average of three personal trainers. The personal relationship between the staff and the members is central to the franchise concept.
The franchisor also manages the back end of the franchisee’s business.
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POSTED IN: AMERICAN BODYWORKS
9 opinions for New Fitness Franchise Takes Neighborhood Club Approach
New Fitness Franchise Takes Neighborhood Club Approach at
Jun 16, 2007 at 4:26 pm
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Susan
Feb 5, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Please be careful of this franchise. They have cannot offer support and anyway to you. They’re there to collect a paycheck off the franchisee’s hard work.
Don’t over look the statement in this story that “The franchisor also manages the back end of the franchisee’s business” This mean they collect their money first! You are not in control of the draft until after they collect their fees.
My vote is to stay away from Chuck Spencer and Ray Grover! Their reputation precedes them!
SW
sean
Feb 5, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Susan:
Can you be more specific? What are the backend services you’re referring to? Please add more, lest prospective franchisees dismiss your warning as a slam by a competitor or disgruntled ex-employee.
John
Feb 18, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I would have to agree with Susan. I looked into buying an American Bodyworks franchise. They have a few screws loose for sure. Be very careful. Better yet, Stay far far away. They will not be around long.
Rodney
Feb 23, 2008 at 8:31 am
American Body Works is the best 24-7 work out facility that I’ve seen. I like the Marietta branch. Also I visited the the Johns Creek location and was greatly impressed at the state of the art equipment. American Body Works is growing and getting better by my last visit to their newest location. I urge everyone to stop by and see for themselves what I saw. The regional manager was there and extremely helpful. He said that they are building 20 more this year in Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Fulton county.
Charles
Feb 25, 2008 at 9:19 am
American Bodyworks 24-7 Fitness provides one of the very best franchise models available today. They provide the member/consumer with the finest commercial fitness equipment money can buy, 24-7 access 365 days per year, with a clean, safe , friendly environment.
The franchisee will receive assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, equipment selection and purchase, interior design and layout,financing options, advertising, marketing, and a minimum of 40 hours of training.
The franchise will benefit from the collective experience of a dedicated corporate staff. They exceeded my expectations in so many ways that I purchased a second ABW franchise.
Chuck Spencer and Ray Groover are men of honor and integrity. You, like me, will be proud of your association with them, their staff, and American Bodyworks!
Magnus
Mar 1, 2008 at 1:47 pm
It sounds as if Charles might be A.K.A. “Charlie.” His father co-owns ABW in Hiram, Ga., and is a ABW corporate officer. He also-as the previous post said-purchased a second ABW franchise. Have their been other people that have had issues w/ABW?
Steven
Mar 2, 2008 at 6:55 pm
The 24-7 fitness concept is good. However this franchise is not the route to take. This franchise will not be around long. Looks as though one franchisee owner in Acworth, Ga was able to seperate from the franchisor this past month. There is no doubt that others will be able to seperate too. ABW offers no support and brings nothing to the table except collection of fees and royalties. If you are considering opening a fitness center you are better off doing a little extra research, doing it on your own and you will save yourself a lot of money and make profit much more.
Good luck to all and stay fit!
-Steven
the REAL SUSAN
Mar 13, 2008 at 11:46 am
I would like to write my TRUE opinion about American Bodyworks. Apparently someone else has used my name to trash the franchise and corporate owners. Anyway, I bought an existing franchise last summer and due to the fact that my deal happened rather quickly I jumped into the business without having much time to get thorough training. This was my choice, and so I experienced “on the job training,” instead of training from the corporate office. The franchise provided me training through experienced people who were already managing the “back end” of office operations. Chuck Spencer and the other owners of the franchise have been VERY supportive and helpful in all aspects. In my opinion they are successful business men that truly care!!
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