Children's Fitness Franchises Gaining Popularity

Parents, Trainers Look to Reverse Trends of Childhood Obesity, Sedentary Lifestyles

By Alan Devenish

The American Obesity Association - an organization that tracks obesity-related issues and information-paints a dim picture of US children's health. Obesity amongst those under the age of 19 has gone up approximately ten percent since 1980. This reckoning does not account for the large number of children who are overweight but not obese. Taken together, it is clear that current children's fitness habits and education are woefully inadequate.

Eating habits constitute part of the problem, but for the growing number of children being brought up in urban environments, a safe, healthy place to play can be hard to come by. Some parents have tried bringing their children to the gym, but have found supervision inadequate-and the price costly considering many of the facilities parents pay for are unsuitable for smaller children.

With the additional problem of boredom, many parents have a hard time keeping their kids fit - as the statistics show. Small wonder, then, that fitness companies that offer fun, parent/kid-friendly programs swim while others sink. A clear explanation of available services that demonstrates the expertise of those involved with the franchise is also essential for success.

Creativity Key to Children's Fitness

Children's fitness franchises have made a big splash in these previously stagnant waters. Funbuses is a small company breaking new ground in the fitness center format and offering unique, exciting children's fitness services. Funbuses sends a special bus outfitted for fitness activities to schools, parties and other events.

Funbuses franchises have the advantage of a classy, mobile location that allows franchisees to establish long-term clients such as schools while also building a loyal private party customer base.

The colorful bus, high-quality instructors, and the novelty of the whole experience have allowed this creative company to grow from two to twelve franchises within the past three years.

The Little Gym is another franchise whose creative approach to children's fitness has paid big dividends. In the past five years, the total number of The Little Gym franchises nearly doubled, growing from 117 to 213. While The Little Gym has very professional PR and Web resources, its success is grounded in the services it offers.

This company's strength is in gearing specialty programs such as karate and gymnastics to young children. However, it's the extra thought put into programs such as Parents' Survival Night (a Friday and Saturday night-only program) that sets The Little Gym apart from other, more general fitness centers.

Market, Brand-based Services

Pee Wee Workout is a company that seems to need some starch for its shirt. Unlike the successful franchises mentioned above, Pee Wee Workout has seen its franchise numbers dwindle in recent years.

A trip to Pee Wee Workout's Web page reveals much about this company's relative lack of success. Vague services, a forgettable brand, and an inability to connect with its customers needs in terms of its program offerings are likely causes for Pee Wee Workout's lackluster performance.

What Pee Wee Workout can offer its franchisees is low start-up cost. This fact aside, prospective franchise owners with little investment capital looking to enter this booming industry would do better to consider StrollerFit Inc. This company has gone from 10 franchises to an impressive 83 in the past four years.

Targeting the ever-present market of new mothers excited about a fun way to shed some pregnancy pounds while spending time with the new arrival, StrollerFit has made a real name for itself. A comprehensive suite of programs tailored to the needs of new mothers has helped this company-and the mothers who work out through them-leave the competition in the dust.

With more and more parents concerned about their children's health and fitness habits, franchisees that throw in their lot with trend-savvy companies will likely do well. Memorable brands that offer specialty services are outpacing the others in this highly competitive and growing industry.

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