The number of people who want to start leading an active and healthy lifestyle is constantly increasing, especially since the pandemic has started. Now that restrictions are starting to loosen and more people are heading for the gym, it makes sense to accommodate these demands.
There are two ways to provide exceptional fitness programs to the public — you can either start an independent business or franchise a weight loss studio. Although both essentially have the same concept and would offer weight loss programs for clients, buying a franchise is very different.
The Difference Between an Independent Studio and a Weight Loss Franchise
Independent Studio
Before you get into owning an independent studio, you should know that the fitness industry is extremely competitive. Even if your program has significant potential to do well, getting established is quite a journey and a huge challenge.
You’ll need to start from scratch — from searching for the right location to sourcing your equipment, training your staff and pooling in members. With that, you need to have a powerful marketing and sales team to help reel in clients and trainers to join your studio.
Fitness Franchise
A fitness franchise is a license that a person or company buys, allowing them to access a business’s proprietary knowledge, trademarks, and procedures. When you buy a franchise, you essentially own an established company.
You can avoid going through the initial challenges of starting an independent business, and instead, you’ll have materials, resources, and other collateral to work with to help build your studio.
Keep in mind that you need to stick to your studio’s foundation and rules since you’re not running an independent studio. But because you’re buying a franchise, you can ensure that their weight loss programs are tried and proven to work, so people will know about the studio and see it as established in the fitness industry.
Choosing the Best Option for You
Customer Behavior
Your customers are what will make your business tick. So if you’re choosing between starting an independent business or franchising a weight loss studio, you need to understand what your customers are looking for.
Typically, customers crave consistency and stability, especially when it comes to following a weight loss program. This is because they need to establish an effective routine that will help them reach their goals, and a fitness franchise can help with that.
On the other hand, you’ll also deal with people who are curious about the programs you’ll offer. With that, an independent studio may be more ideal to help ease a customer into the regular workout routine.
Consider Your Career Growth
When choosing whether to start an independent business or buying a franchise, one of the questions you need to ask yourself is what you feel about your personal growth and freedom. This is crucial because this is the biggest difference between running a business independently and owning a franchise studio.
If you don’t want to be tied down to any company, then personal freedom is at the forefront of your priorities. But if you choose a franchise route, you’ll have limited freedom, but you’ll be working with a global team who can help you with career growth.
Consider Your Upfront Investment
There’s no denying that starting a weight loss studio can be a pretty penny, but this can depend on several factors. First, there’s a big difference in pricing when it comes to franchises; with independent studios, you’re basically using your own money for the equipment, space, and more”.
Your upfront cost may be more (at first) when franchising, due to the licensing fee, advertising collateral, etc, however, the programs are already made, and you’ll have helpful training resources for your team, unlike independent studios where you’ll start from scratch. But the great thing about this is that the programs are already made, and you’ll have helpful training resources for your team, unlike independent studios where you’ll start from scratch.
The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re still weighing the options and you’re unsure whether to start an independent studio or franchise a weight loss studio, it all boils down to the career path you want, the budget, and the time you’re willing to invest.
If you don’t mind starting from scratch, an independent studio may be a great option, but if you want to work with an established company with proven weight loss programs, franchising a studio is your best bet.
How Can We Help You?
If you’re thinking of franchising a weight loss studio that offers effective weight loss programs, check out EWYN Studios.
We are the newest leader in weight management and nutritional products, focusing on changing the lives of our clients through our products and programs. Our diet plans, weight loss products, and coaching strategies encourage you to reach your weight loss goals, helping you shed pounds and look and feel the way you want.
Learn more about why you should work with us today!
