By: Deborah Johnson Wood
An Ann Arbor-based fitness franchise has opened its first West Michigan location in East Grand Rapids and created five jobs in the process. The company, CoachMeFit, has hired five local certified fitness trainers and hopes to increase its clientele to create more jobs.
The location, 2166 Wealthy Street SE, is open by appointment to fit a client’s preferred schedule. Each trainer customizes every fitness program to a client’s needs, and there are no memberships.
“This is a boutique style fitness centers for clients who want to stay away from the big box gyms,” says Brad McFarlane, vice president of development. “Clients purchase a package of 10 or 12 personal training sessions, then work out with a trainer who holds them accountable to their health and fitness goals. No one is ever on the training floor working out on their own, but they can use the cardio equipment on their off training days.”
The center opened in May. Four of the five trainers have undergraduate degrees in a related field.
“Having a personal trainer used to be something for the rich and famous, but it’s much more mainstreamed today,” McFarlane adds. “Some clients have mentioned the economy as a road block, but the overwhelming number of people who have come in to see the studio have signed on.”
CoachMeFit offers one free session for potential clients to try out the facility and meet with a trainer. The center also offers a “doubles” rate for two people who want to train at the same time to reduce costs.
The company currently has three other Michigan locations: Ann Arbor, Birmingham and West Bloomfield.
“We’re looking at Ohio for our next expansion and a location in Rochester Hills,” McFarlane says.
Source: Brad McFarlane, CoachMeFit
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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