Orangetheory Fitness Signs Deal For 70 Studios In Japan

- Top Fitness Company Doubles Number of Locations in Just Twelve Months -

News provided by

Apr 22, 2016, 10:04 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Orangetheory® Fitness, the scientifically backed and fast-growing fitness franchise, today announced it has signed a master franchise agreement to bring the unique concept to Japan. The first master franchisor in the Asia Pacific area, Orangetheory Japan Co., Ltd, has signed on to open 70 studios in the next 10 years throughout Honshu, Japan's main island. The first studio will open in Fall 2016 in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, and a second studio will also open later this year. This announcement comes on the heels of the brand doubling the number of open studios worldwide over a one-year period.

"Doubling our size in twelve months is an incredible achievement in itself, but celebrating our entry into Japan is the icing on the proverbial cake. That type of explosive growth can only be attributed to our hardworking team at Orangetheory Fitness headquarters and our stellar franchisees who truly believe in the concept we started six years ago," said Dave Long, co-founder and chief executive officer of Orangetheory Fitness. "When we were looking for a master franchisee in a complex market like Japan with a lot of potential, we knew we required a partner with local market knowledge, diverse and proven business expertise, and professionals who deeply shared our corporate values and mission. Our franchisees in Japan hit the mark, and I couldn't be more excited to bring our brand and innovative group exercise concept to the competitive Japanese market."

Orangetheory Fitness Japan will be led by a board of entrepreneurial, international, highly experienced and passionate executives with proven track records and extensive networks both within and outside the fitness industry in Japan. Directed by lead investor and Chairman Moriyasu Kasahara, the board and top management team includes Ken Iida, President, Real Estate Development, Marketing & Franchise Development; Makoto Misu, SVP, Capitalization and Contract Management; Kosho Sasaki, SVP, Studio Design and Construction; Yoshi Hatanaka, Director of Studio Operations and Recruiting; Kimitake Ito, SVP Corporate Planning; and John Boardman, SVP Communication & Negotiation. The new studios will adjust as needed for market differences.

"When I visited Orangetheory Fitness for the first time, I felt like lightning struck through my body," said Kasahara, chief executive officer of Orangetheory Japan Co., Ltd. "We believe Orangetheory will open the door to a new lifestyle. It is not only the fitness but the lifestyle itself that will transform Japan."

Orangetheory Fitness launched its first studio in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in March 2010, and has transformed into one of the world's top fitness franchises, with 400 studios in 38 states and seven countries, including U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Colombia. The 60-minute, five zone heart-rate monitored interval training concept has helped tens of thousands of members lose weight, get toned and meet their overall fitness goals in a short amount of time. The fitness franchise is on track to open 700 studios by 2017.

Follow Orangetheory Fitness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

About Orangetheory^® Fitness
Orangetheory^® Fitness (www.orangetheoryfitness.com) is a scientifically designed, one-of-a-kind, group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory's heart-rate-monitored workouts are designed to get participants within the target-training zone of 84 percent to 91 percent of their heart rate, which stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Led by highly skilled coaches, each Orangetheory Fitness workout incorporates endurance, strength and power elements through a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX^® suspension training and free weights. The end result is more energy, visible toning and the 'Orange Effect' – where participants keep burning calories for up to 36 hours post-workout (the Orangetheory Fitness 'afterburn') for an average of 500+ total calories burned per every 60 minute workout. Endorsed by three-time United States Olympian, Lolo Jones, and Super Bowl Champion, Justin Tucker, Orangetheory Fitness recently unveiled its engaging Keep Burning marketing campaign. The company was ranked #415 in Inc. magazine's Fastest Growing Private Companies List and #255 in Entrepreneur's 2016 Franchise 500® list of the top franchises in the world. Visit www.otffranchise.com for area developer and franchise opportunities.

Contact:
Claibourne Smith
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140717/128064

SOURCE Orangetheory Fitness