Charter Fitness Eyes Growth in St. Louis Market

This press release was provided by Charter Fitness. The Club Industry editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

Charter Fitness, one of the Chicago area's largest and fastest growing health-club businesses, has set its sights on the St. Louis metropolitan area as a market for growth. The company plans to build as many as 10 fitness centers in the area, and is actively seeking two to three franchise groups to own and operate these up to 20,000-square-foot facilities.

"St. Louis is an attractive market for our brand of fitness center and we offer the business entrepreneur a great opportunity to join us as a partner," said Michael Vogel, Charter Fitness senior vice president of development. "We believe our business model is one of the most attractive in the industry, offering a best-in-class concept that provides a strong return on investment."

Vogel said Charter Fitness chose the St. Louis area for development based on the area's outlook for solid growth. "The entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive here. Last year, more startup companies opened their doors in the St. Louis area than in any other year in the city's history. Tech is big here, as is healthcare, and the area is emerging as one of the nation's leading financial service centers. All of this means more people, many with an interest in personal fitness," Vogel said.

For the prospective club member, what sets Charter Fitness apart from other health clubs in the St. Louis area is its "fitness first" attitude, according to Dan Collins, chief operating officer. "You won't find at a Charter Fitness a lot of distracting, gaudy colors and pretentious slogans. Our members are average people who put fitness first and are focused and resolute about their fitness goals. And our goal is to help them achieve theirs."

All Charter Fitness health clubs offer state-of-the-art, high-quality equipment and a variety of personalized, results-oriented training programs – all offered in uncomplicated, value-based plans. There are two levels of club memberships – basic membership for $10 per month and the Signature Circle membership at $19.95 per month. The Signature Circle membership offers appealing benefits such as virtual training free guests and the ability to visit other Charter Fitness clubs.

According to Vogel, the ideal potential franchisee has senior level management or operations experience and is looking to build his or her own business with a concept that has long term growth potential.

"We think there's a strong market in the St. Louis area for Charter Fitness and look forward to opening locations here soon," Vogel said.

About Charter Fitness

Currently one of the Chicago area's largest and fastest growing health-club businesses, Charter Fitness, based in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, IL, has more than 35 locations with 10 additional locations planned to open in the next year. The community-minded clubs are enjoyed by a wide-ranging membership looking for a state-of-the-art fitness experience that is straightforward, value-based (memberships begin at $10 per month), no-hassle and convenient. For business entrepreneurs, Charter Fitness offers a best-in-class concept providing a solid return on investment. For more franchising information, visit www.charterfitness.com.