Anytime Fitness, a Hastings, Minn.-based chain of co-ed health clubs, has signed a master franchise agreement for India with New Delhi-based House of Fitness Pvt. Ltd. House of Fitness will develop their own Anytime Fitness gyms, sell franchises and provide on-going support to franchisees, and will promote and market the brand in India.  

According to Anytime Fitness, the company will provide exclusive rights to House of Fitness for use of the brand’s trademarks, systems and intellectual property during the term of the agreement, and will support the master franchisee via its corporate headquarters in the United States.

“We are extremely enthusiastic about the growth potential for Anytime Fitness in India,” said John Kersh, vice president of international development for Anytime Fitness.  “Our Indian associates from House of Fitness are well-respected and they have a solid combination of fitness industry experience and business acumen which, we are sure, will contribute to strong performance of the brand.”

According to statistics from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association's 2012 Global Report on the State of the Health Club Industry, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the Indian population are members of health clubs. This figure is in sharp contrast to the United States, where over 17 percent of the total population are health club members, and to Europe, where more than 10 percent of the population are members in the majority of countries.

“Indians are becoming increasingly health conscious and the Anytime Fitness concept provides a perfect solution for busy people looking for a comfortable and convenient facility in which to exercise,” said Vishal Kwatra, chief operating officer of House of Fitness. “This is the second foray into the Indian market for Anytime Fitness. Four Anytime Fitness clubs had been opened under a prior master franchise agreement with a different company, but that relationship terminated following that master franchisee's failure to comply with the terms of its master franchise agreement.”

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with nearly 2,000 clubs worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities that feature top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Grand Cayman and Japan, and members everywhere have free reciprocal access to all clubs worldwide.