AusLeisure

Having sold 40 Orangetheory franchises since taking on the brand's master franchise earlier this year, the Collective Wellness Group (CWG), headed by Anytime Fitness Australia co-founder Justin McDonell, is looking to expand further.

Offering an innovative approach to group personal training, with workouts broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, Orangetheory Fitness has become one of the world’s top fitness franchises.

Each fitness class is unique and changes daily with the same routine conducted around the globe.

Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart-rate-monitored training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates participants’ metabolism and increases their energy.

CWG Chief Executive Arthur McColl recently told Inside Franchise Business the new brand offers a different service than the 24/7 gym model, stating “at Orangetheory instructors will arrive 15 minutes early and ensure everyone joining the class feels welcome. There’s a huge element of customer service.”

McColl is confident both that Orangetheory and CWG’s other major fitness brand Anytime Fitness can sit side by side, adding “I didn’t want the brand to cannibalise existing business. I’ve got data to show the two could cohabit.

“We’ve just opened the first Orange Theory in Canberra and it was profitable on day one.”

Canberra’s Orange Theory Fitness studio is just a few hundred metres from the largest Anytime Fitness gym in Australia.

The two brands appeal to franchisees looking for different management techniques, and although McColl expects that there will be a big crossover of existing Anytime franchisees looking to take on the Orangetheory brand, the selection process will be stringent.

He highlights a distinct membership split across the two chains: Anytime Fitness has a predominantly male clientele and a $60-$70 monthly membership; Orangetheory is hugely popular with women who can buy a $235 premium membership or pay as they go.

Originating in the US and established in 10 different countries, the brand was previously operating in Australia under a different master franchise but had not scaled beyond three outlets.

McColl told Inside Franchise Business “I hope that potential franchisees will have confidence in the brand itself but see the benefits of being part of a bigger business with all the infrastructure.”

However, with Orangetheory gyms needing to be highly visible, McColl conceded that finding the appropriate properties will be a challenge.

Orangetheory franchises cost around $400,000.

Founded in 2015, the Collective Wellness Group oversees operations for Anytime Fitness Australia and Massage Envy's Australian business.

For more information go to www.collectivewellness.com.au/brands

Images: Arthur McColl (middle) and Justin McDonell (below).

McDonell was featured as one of the 20 most influential people in Australian leisure management in the January/February 2017 issue of Australasian Leisure Management. 

16th March 2017 - COLLECTIVE WELLNESS GROUP TAKES ON ORANGETHEORY FITNESS AUSTRALIAN MASTER FRANCHISE

11th May 2016 - ANYTIME FITNESS’ MEDIA SUBSIDIARY CHANGES NAME TO DRIVE FUTURE GROWTH

10th May 2016 - MASSAGE ENVY MARKS INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION WITH AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH 

30th April 2016 - ORANGETHEORY FITNESS SIGNS DEAL FOR 70 STUDIOS IN JAPAN 

21st April 2016 - ORANGETHEORY FITNESS LOOKS FOR NEW AUSTRALIAN FRANCHISEES

20th April 2016 - LOWER WAGE COSTS BOOST PROFITABILITY OF 24/7 GYMS

27th April 2015 - ORANGETHEORY FITNESS TO OPEN FIRST AUSTRALIAN STUDIOS

23rd February 2015 - AUSTRALIAN GYM MARKET TO REACH SATURATION WITHIN FIVE YEARS

30th June 2014 - ANYTIME FITNESS LAUNCHES FITNESS MEDIA BUSINESS

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.