New CEO joins leading fitness franchise

Anytime Fitness UK welcomes a new CEO and continues to provide an inclusive space for its members

Jason Worthy is the new chief executive officer for Anytime Fitness. Jason was most recently vice president of international business development for Brunswick Corporation, where he successfully launched Freedom Boat Club’s international expansion programme, scaling to 33 franchised and corporate locations in 24 months.

With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness sector, Jason has had senior roles on both the supplier and operator sides before joining global fitness equipment manufacturer, Life Fitness, in 2012. In that time, he was promoted through various senior roles before becoming CEO and resident of the global business in 2018, leading the billion-dollar company through its sale to KPS Capital Partners.

Health and wellness for the nation

Speaking of his appointment, Jason says: “It’s a huge honour to become CEO of Anytime Fitness UK, and I’m joining at an exciting time. We’re seeing a shift to more and more people placing greater value on their health and wellbeing, and understanding the importance of training, nutrition and recovery. Anytime Fitness is uniquely positioned to facilitate that shift in people’s mindset and behaviour.

“Looking ahead in 2023, we have a healthy pipeline of new clubs, exciting innovations, and an excellent team to further drive the business forward. We are committed to ensuring members at our clubs get an unrivalled experience to improve their health and wellbeing, which in turn helps create successful, profitable clubs. Whilst we have an incredibly strong business here in the UK, we still have lots of potential for growth and I’m excited to get started.”

Andy Thompson, the chairman of Anytime Fitness UK, believes that Jason’s knowledge of both the franchising and the fitness industries, combined with his senior-level experience, makes him a fantastic appointment for the role. Andy explains: “I’m delighted to welcome Jason to Anytime Fitness UK. It’s important that we have the right people in place to continue to grow the Anytime Fitness brand and build on the performance of the UK team.”

Convenience, community and coaching

Jason joins at an exciting time for Anytime Fitness UK, with the franchise set to reach the landmark of 200 clubs across the UK and Ireland this year. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, interest in fitness franchising continues to be sustained, with the sector being an attractive investment due to its strong performance.

Anytime Fitness has enjoyed a strong start to 2023 - the network welcomed thousands of new members through its doors during its peak trading month. The company also recently launched its brand-new marketing campaign, ‘Lift Your Confidence’, which was introduced in response to the findings of a survey by Anytime Fitness which found that 43 per cent of Brits have experienced ‘gymtimidation’, the feeling of being intimidated in a gym environment.

The campaign aims to break down these barriers and showcase the welcoming and inclusive nature of Anytime Fitness’s 185-plus UK and Ireland gyms. As well as providing advice and guidance on how to overcome these fears, it also profiles members from across its gyms who have overcome their fears and trepidations thanks to its teams and communities. The Anytime Fitness brand is poised for continued success throughout 2023.

At a glance

Year Established:

2010 in the UK, 2002 globally

Number of franchised outlets:

190

Location of units:

Nationwide

Investment range:

£455,000 - £745,000

Minimum required capital:

£122,000 - £187,000

Contact:

ownagym@anytimefi tness.co.uk