Growth of women franchising with Healthy Inspirations in regional Australia meets demand for health workers

Women in rural and regional Australia are seizing the opportunity to own and manage a Healthy Inspirations franchise to help other women improve their health, with positive flow-on effects for families and the community.

Healthy Inspirations women’s exercise and weight loss franchise outlets are all owned, or co-owned, and managed by women and 15 of its 23 centres are in regional towns.

“This is testament to the fact that women are becoming more active in the operation of franchised businesses and franchising is spreading rapidly throughout rural and regional areas,” says Healthy Inspirations managing director Jamie Hayes.

The all-female employees at Healthy Inspirations women’s exercise and gym franchise outlets are lifestyle consultants because they provide ongoing coaching and support for members three times a week on nutrition and exercise.

“Health-care demands caused by increasing obesity rates and shortage of health professionals has given rise to intermediary health workers like Healthy Inspirations’ lifestyle consultants who have less training than medical workers but can deliver healthy lifestyle advice,” Mr Hayes said.

This role is well suited to women, according to Healthy Inspirations franchisees who say the convenient business hours suit their lifestyles and the work brings great satisfaction.

“The convenient business hours suit my family lifestyle,” said Susan Lapira of her Ballarat weight loss franchise.

“Inspiring other women to change their lives is the ultimate reward,” Perth-based Dr Joanne Samer said, about her women’s health franchise.