5 minute read
Strength in numbers
Anytime Fitness franchise stacks up on performance, satisfaction and return on your investment.
Make no mistake. Health and wellness is one of the fastest growing business sectors worldwide. Here in New Zealand this incoming tide has been well demonstrated by the number of new gyms sprouting up across the country.
In a sector that demands careful management and strong support, Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest fitness franchise with some 5,600 franchisees, continues to shine as a standout leader.
“Post-covid, people have never been more aware of how important their health and fitness is,” explains Anytime Fitness NZ CEO Cameron Ward, “and they’ve never been more prepared to invest in it either.
“People are also mindful of the mental health benefits that come with physical activity. There has been such a major cultural shift, with health and wellness now regarded as for absolutely everybody.”
Operating in New Zealand for the past 15 years, with 61 gyms now open, Anytime Fitness is a standout franchise brand catering to this increased demand.
Cameron calls it “the gym for everyone”. The gym for anyone, anywhere, and as the brand states – anytime.
A double-whammy of awards
For a validation of the strength and success of the Anytime Fitness business opportunity, consider its 5-star rating on FRANdata’s New Zealand Franchise Rating Scale™ - a rating allocated this year following an independent and fact-based assessment across seven key categories.
“Engaging a third-party and running an objective lens over what we’re doing as a franchise system – how we’re providing services, support and innovation to our franchisees, providing channel investment, and demonstrating how robust our performance is as a master franchise – all of this shows how we’re leading the industry,” explains Cameron.
Anytime Fitness is also a leader in the eyes of its customers too after being named New Zealand’s top-rated gym in the 2025 Canstar Blue Gyms Awards.
This prestigious recognition reflects the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional member experiences, flexibility, and a supportive fitness environment.
Anytime Fitness earned a 5-Star rating in Overall Satisfaction, Atmosphere, Flexibility and Perks, showing its dedication to creating a top-tier fitness experience. The gym also received strong 4-Star ratings on Equipment and Facilities, Value for Money, and Staff Availability.
“The Canstar and FRANdata awards prove that we’re in front of the pack, both from a business model and franchise level,” explains Cameron.
Strongest brand, largest footprint
No matter if it’s a smallish town, or one of the major metropolitan centres, Anytime Fitness provides the grunt and resources, proven business model, and dedicated support team and culture to help franchisees realise their goals.
“Taking on a franchise is a major investment,” says Cameron. “For franchisees everything’s on the line. We acknowledge that, and we work hard to ensure they meet whatever goals they’re aiming for.”
To prove how sustainable the franchise is, he says they have some franchise owners who’ve been with them from day one.
Many Anytime Fitness franchisees don’t stop at one gym either, with around 20% owning multiple sites. This represents about 18% of the entire franchise network, says Cameron. “It really is possible to build yourself an empire if you have the ambition.”
Never mind your background
There is a misconception going around that says gym ownership is only for people with a background in the industry. This couldn’t be further from the truth, says Cameron.
“Sure, we have franchisees who’ve brought a solid background in the fitness industry to their franchise, but we also have the likes of bankers, construction workers, real estate agents and lawyers – people from all sorts of backgrounds.
“Obviously some commercial acumen is important, as is an interest in health and fitness. However, it’s really about who you are as a person.
“You’ll receive extremely good training and coaching support”, Cameron adds. “Even if you’re completely green to the industry, we can get you to where you need to be – successfully running your own Anytime Fitness business.”
Strength in purchasing power
Gyms are capital intensive by nature. However, Anytime Fitness has mitigated this by having arguably the strongest purchasing power of any fitness franchise in New Zealand.
“Our purchasing power on plant and equipment is very strong,” explains Cameron. “Not only do franchisees get access to the best equipment in the industry, but they get it at the best price and delivered through a strong financial package.
“Our FRANdata project means we can provide credibility for lenders as well as access to preferential lending rates,” continues Cameron. “And our dedicated leasing team will put together site-specific terms that work for all parties involved.
We walk alongside franchisees on any site negotiations and help them negotiate the best possible market rates.”
Time to take control
2025 is perfect timing to be investing in a gym, and Anytime Fitness has targeted opportunities countrywide.
“Interest rates are low, there’s access to affordable capital,” says Cameron, “I always remind people that everything Anytime Fitness does in the community has a positive impact on people.
“You can have a great income, a comfortable lifestyle, and do all that while improving peoples’ lives. That’s one powerful proposition,” he says.
Advertiser Info
Anytime Fitness NZ
Contact
Cameron Ward
cam@anytimefitness.co.nz
