Fighting fit for a new challenge (Daily Mail franchise story)

Fighting fit for a new challenge

By: Linda Whitney

FITNESS fans might like to turn their enthusiasm into a moneymaking business with a franchise. Starting with a name that is already well-known helps your business credibility from day one.

The benefits of franchising with a name such as Rosemary Conley are enormous. 'People are already aware of her formula for diet and exercise,' says Sarah Skelton, who runs a Rosemary Conley Diet And Fitness Club franchise in Norwich.

Franchisees organise sessions combining nutritional advice and exercise classes at local venues. The £23,000 investment includes training to achieve the OCR (Oxford Cambridge Royal Society of Arts) exercise to music qualification, and each instructor must attain the Certificate in Applied Nutrition and Weight Management, a course accredited by Chester College, University of Liverpool.

These are the kinds of franchise that require a combination of people skills and business acumen.

'To be successful with this type of franchise, you need empathy and the ability to motivate and advise people confidently, so as to encourage them to reach their goals,' says Richard Starkey of The Dietcare franchise.

'At the same time, you need marketing and general business skills, though we can help develop these.'

Dietcare franchisees offer personally tailored slimming plans for individuals, based on everyday foods rather than special products. The £14,750 investment includes training to Royal Society Of Public Health (RSPH) standards, in order to acquire referrals from the medical profession.

Singing boosts energy and increases lung capacity, and franchisees with The Courage To Sing offer local singing sessions. 'You don't have to be a singer yourself, as you can recruit one, and we will train them while you organise and publicise the sessions,' says franchisor Lorrayne de Peyer. Investment is from £2,750.

If you prefer to run a gym, there are several franchises to choose from, including Energie Fitness For Women. Franchisees run centres offering 30-minute circuit workouts for women, who might feel intimidated by mixed gyms or health clubs.

The £12,500 investment includes help in finding suitable sites in areas where there are local shops, offices and convenience stores, as choosing the correct site is vital.

Its sister franchise Energie Fitness Club requires an investment of £25,000. Neither franchise requires you to be a qualified personal trainer - franchisees can operate the studio or employ a manager.

Cosmetics fans can help transform their customers by selling Avon. The business opportunity means selling cosmetics and body treatments from a brochure, and successful representatives can grow the business until they are running a team.

It's flexible to fit around a family, and start-up costs are £15.

ROSEMARY Conley Diet And Fitness Clubs, 01509 620 222; Dietcare, 01925 759 425; The Courage To Sing, 01297 35966; Energie Fitness, 0845 363 1020; Avon 0845 601 4040