The 24/7 gym franchise will soon be entering an entirely new market.

Snap Fitness will enter the Japanese market with 300 locations scheduled to open. Planning is already underway for the flagship site in Tokyo, and additional locations will soon follow in Osaka and beyond. These new sites will add to the brand’s more than 2,000 gyms, which are either open or scheduled for development.

The new franchise agreement has been made with Global Fitness Japan Co., Ltd., who recently visited the ‘Snap University’ in Minnesota, to fully understand Snap Fitness’ focus on sustainable innovation, a boutique atmosphere, and adoption of the latest technology.

“Snap Fitness has been successfully providing innovative fitness services in a sustainable manner across the world for over 15 years,” said Kazuki Takenouchi, Global Fitness Japan Co., Ltd.’s CEO and general manager. “Global Fitness Japan believes Snap Fitness will enhance the wellness of all people’s lives in Japan by providing technology-based, results-driven workouts.”

Japan has a population of 126 million, and yet only 3.3 per cent of the country has a gym membership. Snap Fitness hopes to change this, by introducing its boutique approach to the masses.

“We are thrilled to welcome the passionate and experienced team from Global Fitness Japan to the Snap Fitness franchise family,” says Ali McElroy, chief global development officer of Lift Brands, Snap Fitness’ parent company. “We look forward to working together to expand our fitness community, providing access to training the right way at a reasonable price 24/7, 365 days a year.”

This year has already been big for Snap Fitness, as the burgeoning franchise recently opened its 100th gym in Europe. At that time, Ali McElroy was just as enthusiastic about global growth: “New gyms are in development across the world, and our international expansion is a priority in 2020,” she said.

Source: Global Franchise Magazine