The franchise aims to accelerate nationwide growth by prioritizing the acquisition and conversion of existing gyms, part of a plan to reduce costs and expedite opening timelines
High-value, low-price (HVLP) gym franchise Workout Anytime is revamping its growth strategy, pushing acquisitions and planning to convert existing facilities under its brand umbrella.
The initiative eases the process for franchise partners to undertake established gyms and convert them into Workout Anytime clubs, implementing the brand’s operating systems, equipment standards and member experience while leveraging existing infrastructure and membership bases.
The strategy is meant to reduce time-to-open and decrease upfront investment, opening the door for quicker revenue generation compared with ground-up development.
Multi-unit operator Steven Elliott is testing out the approach in Pearl, Miss., where he has acquired an independent fitness facility and is converting it into a Workout Anytime location.
“This strategy allows us to grow in a more efficient and targeted way,” said Workout Anytime CEO Jerry Pugh. “By building on existing locations, we can move faster, reduce development costs and create stronger outcomes for our franchisees.”
Elliott’s acquisition is backed by an experienced investment partner with a track record of scaling multi-location service-based businesses who previously participated in the aggregation of more than 200 dental practices into a multi-unit platform.
The partners are aiming to build a concentrated regional presence across the Southeast, with plans to acquire or develop as many as eight additional locations across Mississippi.
The Pearl facility, spanning approximately 22,000 square feet, will undergo a full transformation, including interior upgrades, expanded strength equipment and the addition of recovery-focused amenities to reflect Workout Anytime’s current offerings.
The new strategy arrives after a growth-filled 2025, during which the brand revealed its plans to double its 200-club footprint over the next five years. Currently, Workout Anytime primarily operates in the Southeast, although it has locations in several other states.
Workout Anytime is actively seeking single and multi-unit franchisees to expand in the U.S.
