New female fitness chain EnVie pledges to shake up the industry

New gym chain EnVie has vowed to shake up the female fitness industry, currently dominated by the likes of Fernwood and Curves, in addition to pioneering a new franchise model.

According to EnVie chief executive Dave Hundt, the concepts for most female fitness chains were developed 20 or 25 years ago, so it’s high time there was something different.

“There has been no real revolution in the industry for quite some time. We’re attempting to build an effective platform for the woman of today, who is very busy and time-conscious,” he says.

“We offer her the ability to come in and train whenever she likes.”

In addition to extended hours, Hundt says EnVie will offer group and personal training activities, optimal equipment and child-minding services. It will also offer its clients nutrition advice.

“We’re also looking to do additional services such as [seminars on] financial health, kids’ health, general first aid, etc.,” he says.

“We will basically use our facilities to house [those seminars]. We want to be more than just a fitness regime – more of a wellness base.”

“We provide a high degree of personalisation that women want, and fees that make the experience entirely affordable.”

EnVie is currently in talks with prospective franchisees in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, although it’s looking like Sydney will be the first state to open an EnVie gym.

“Based on previous experience, Sydney and Melbourne is where we start and get our momentum. It should build quickly from there,” Hundt says.

“The projection would be 10 in the first year and 20 in the second year.”

Hundt says franchisees should come from a fitness background and obviously be passionate about the industry. Start-up costs would be upwards of $100,000, depending on the site.

“We… support success by providing extensive training and highly-systemised operational systems,” he says.

“The business side we can train them in. But if they’re not passionate about promoting themselves in their local market, that will be a deterrent to success.”

Hundt says EnVie has pioneered a new franchise model based on a strong partnership between the franchisor and the franchisee.

Franchisor income is entirely reliant on the success of the individual franchise. A fixed cost per member royalty fee “ensures success grows from mutual strength and demonstrative results”.

“The more members you get, the more money you make and the more money we make as a result,” Hundt says.

“For franchisees with a true passion for fitness, this is one of the most favourable platforms in the industry, with a low-cost entry and a no-royalty payments package.”

“With reduced staff requirements and minimal equipment setup, we’ve built an affordable turn-key operation.”

“It’s an exciting proposition for those looking to enter the health and fitness industry.”