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Anytime Fitness parent company to launch new fitness franchise worldwide

Nick Hall

A new fitness franchise is set to launch worldwide, with Anytime Fitness parent company Self Esteem Brands announcing the purchase of US business, The Bar Method.

The low-impact, fitness chain currently operates 123 studios across 30 US states and Canada, however, the backing of global giant Self Esteem Brands is certain to bolster that figure.

According to Anytime Fitness parent company, expansion for the new fitness franchise will begin with further growth across the US, before launching on the international market.

Chuck Runyon, co-founder and CEO of Self Esteem Brands and Anytime Fitness said The Bar Method acquisition continued the group’s aggressive growth in the health and wellness space.

“We’re excited to add The Bar Method to our rapidly-expanding portfolio of franchises, which also includes Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness chain, Basecamp Fitness, a high-intensity class-based fitness concept, and Waxing the City, a franchise devoted to the art of waxing,” Runyon said.

“All four franchises have tremendous growth potential and provide our members and clients with the finest services available.”

The Bar Method

Founded in San Francisco, The Bar Method is an innovative and un-intrusive new fitness franchise that offers members enjoy a series of isometric exercises performed on a padded floor.

Each workout starts with a warm-up, upper body exercises, followed by a sequence of leg and seat work at the barre, finishing with core exercises on the floor.

The bodyweight focused model means that The Bar Method is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Dave Mortensen, co-founder and president of Self Esteem Brands and Anytime Fitness said that as a result, the new fitness franchise catered to a different audience than other brands under the banner.

“We believe that The Bar Method will appeal to a different type of consumer than those who choose Anytime Fitness or Basecamp Fitness,” he said.

“The Bar Method was created under the guidance of physical therapists to ensure it is safe and effective for clients spanning a wide range of abilities, including those with physical limitations and injuries.”

New fitness franchise updates

The new fitness franchise grows the Self Esteem Brands portfolio extensively. Previous acquisitions have seen international growth come thick and fast, with Anytime Fitness partnering with franchise group Collective Wellness Group in Australia.

Collective Wellness Group, which in December last year celebrated the opening of Anytime Fitness’ 500th Aussie studio, already boasts its own Barre model, Xtend Barre. The group will not be bringing Self Esteem Brands’ new fitness franchise to Australia, however Jay DeCoons, CEO of The Bar Method said he hoped to achieve similar global growth elsewhere.

“I’m excited to introduce The Bar Method to a much larger audience. That will now be possible,” he said.

Burr Leonard, founder of The Bar Method agreed, stating Self Esteem Brands’ franchising experience and ability to scale would “enable thousands of additional clients to be the best version of themselves by building strength, grace and poise.”