SOURCE: Workout Anytime
The fitness franchise is raising money to battle the disease while providing franchisees with a holiday promotion to cheer about
Alpharetta, GA — At Workout Anytime , a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week health and fitness concept with 160-plus locations across the U.S., the holiday season is kicking off early with a fundraiser that honors a fitness industry legend who suffers from ALS, a debilitating nervous system disease.
The award-winning gym will sell $5 gift certificates that entitle the holder to five club sessions, five hydromassage sessions, and five tanning or infrared sauna sessions, worth up to $50. All the proceeds from the certificates will go to Augie’s Quest , a nonprofit dedicated to helping people living with ALS and advancing research for effective treatments and eventually, a cure. But Workout Anytime didn’t just jump on a charitable bandwagon, they knew Augie Nieto as an old friend.
“Our relationship with Augie Goes way back before Augie’s Quest,” said John Quattrocchi, co-founder and president of Workout Anytime. “Back in the 80s, Augie sold Lifecycles, the first programmable stationary bike for gyms. We knew him because he sold us equipment — he was an icon in the business; he changed the whole industry. He became a good friend, and we saw him a lot at trade shows. When he was diagnosed it was quite a shock.” Augie’s Quest started in 2005 after his initial diagnosis. Immediately, Quattrocchi took an interest.
“When Augie’s Quest started, I got involved with Steve Strickland, Workout Anytime’s other co-founder,” said Quattrocchi. “I’ve personally known five or six people who have passed away from this terrible disease. It’s horrible that a person like Augie has been in this shell of a body that he can’t use, but his mind is perfect. But he’s had great family support, and the charity has raised millions.” “Researchers seem to be getting closer to a cure, but it’s a battle that is underfunded. We feel like it’s a cause that we feel passionate about and want to help,” Quattrocchi said. For Workout Anytime, the quest to beat a crippling disease like ALS resonated with the core values of the brand.
“When we started Workout Anytime, our idea was to create a health club that was affordable and provided the best workout per square foot to help people live long and get in shape. Augie’s Quest fits with our philosophy, but it’s also personal,” said Quattrocchi. But Workout Anytime hasn’t just launched a passion project to fight a disease — the fundraiser for Augie checks all the boxes for the fitness brand’s franchisees. By offering certificates that allow customers five free visits, five hydromassage sessions, and five tanning or infrared sauna sessions, Quattrocchi says he’s motivating customers to become members and improve their overall health and wellness while benefiting a good cause.
“People buy the certificates in November or December that expire January 31. They’re good gifts for stocking stuffers and fit right in with the New Years’ resolution crowd. We’re hoping each club will sell 200 certificates, which is five workouts, tans/ infrared sauna or hydromassages for $5,” said Quattrocchi.
Quattrocchi has high hopes for the promotion, not only in how many customers it can bring franchisees, but how much it can advance research for a cure.
“We want to raise a minimum of $100,000 across the system. We can’t guarantee that, but it could be even more than that,” Quattrocchi said of the program. “This is something that the franchise will do moving forward. It’s the season to give, and the more you give, the more you get,” he said.
After a year of COVID cancellations , the brand hopes this promotion can reignite that spirit of giving.
“In the last year, because of COVID-19, many of Augie’s Quest fundraiser events have been cancelled. We would like to help them make up for anything lost during this year as things have slowed down,” Quattrocchi said. As the fundraiser starts, Quattrocchi said he’s confident it will help the brand’s franchisees connect with local communities and show that gyms aren’t afraid to throw their weight behind a charitable cause.
ABOUT WORKOUT ANYTIME
Atlanta-based Workout Anytime is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept with 175+ units across the U.S. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at the lowest cost possible, while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees. Built on the founders’ motto of, “think big, keep it simple and do it with integrity,” Workout Anytime is preparing for significant expansion into new territories by providing opportunities to business-minded entrepreneurs. Franchise opportunities are available and more information can be found on http://workoutanytime.com/ .
