Anytime Fitness

Each year at this time “losing weight/starting an exercise program” makes its way onto many New Years resolutions lists. However, in today’s fast-paced world, trying to establish a regular exercise routine is a challenge. That’s why so many start a routine and eventually stop. Jim and Kathy Bussell of Traverse City believe they have the answer.
The couple just opened Anytime Fitness in Traverse City at the Copper Ridge development (near Meijer). One thing that differentiates Anytime Fitness from the competition is that it is open 24 hours -- seven days a week -- 365 days a year.
“Everyone is so busy, so what makes Anytime Fitness so successful is the accessibility of the facility,” said Jim Bussell, a member of the Traverse City Police Department. “Not only are we open 24 hours, but the close proximity of the equipment and amount of equipment allows members to get in and get out quickly. One reason why people give up on working out is that they don’t have a lot of time.”
The Bussells moved to Traverse City nine years ago when Jim took a position with the city’s K-9 patrol. A few years ago he was promoted to sergeant -- a position he previously held in South Haven -- and has no plans to leave the force. Kathy has worked in the marketing field for the National Cherry Festival and Mackinac Island Press. They are active in their kids’ lives, coaching sports and giving back to the community, so why take on more?
Kathy says the idea was Jim’s.
“He has a great business sense and we had been looking for the right opportunity. Jim enjoys his work as a police officer but he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He was patient and waited for something he felt would be right for us.”

ODD HOURS
Working for the police, Jim Bussell often has odd hours and found that workout facilities were closed when he finished his patrol. He also thought that a lot of people, including those at the hospital, restaurants and even retail, don’t have regular schedules, and that there might be a need for a late night fitness center.
“I had been researching a few opportunities when I came across Anytime Fitness at Entrepreneur.com,” said Bussell. “They were listed in the top 20 best franchise opportunities. So I started checking them out.”
Anytime Fitness launched five years ago and they now have 800 locations around the country. Join one and you may use any of them. The Bussells checked out one near Grand Rapids and felt it was a perfect fit for Traverse City.
“There are a lot of benefits, from the simplicity of the equipment to the fact that you get to determine your workout time instead of the gym telling you the hours. Each piece is easy to use, and regardless of what you want to get in shape for, we have equipment to help you with that,” said Bussell. “One piece helps with your golf or softball swing. If it is cardio, we have that. If you’re looking to strengthen or tone muscles, that is available as well. If your preference is free weights, we have the state of art in those as well.”
The Bussells have no plans at this time to offer set exercise classes, saying it goes somewhat against the philosophy of the operation.
“We have been asked and we might down the road. But then you are placing a set time on a person, and then conflicts come up and they can’t make classes and they quit,” said Bussell. “The Anytime Fitness concept works around your schedule. But we are afforded the flexibility to work with our members, so we won’t rule out structured exercise classes in the future.”

STUNNING VIEWS
Located on a hill in the Cooper Ridge development, Anytime Fitness has large windows and stunning views of Traverse City. In addition, there are several TV—each treadmill has its own—with personal headphones to listen to the program or the stereo. Tanning beds and shower facilities are also available.
While Anytime Fitness is open 24 hours, it is only staffed part of the time.
“That is one of the great benefits for us as franchise owners; we don’t have to be here all the time and we don’t have to pay someone to be here those hours we are not,” said Bussell, who put a large neon OPEN sign up to let non-members know when someone is around. “We have posted hours but there will be times when we are around outside of those hours. But the great thing is the automated system allows members in regardless of the time and who is here.”
There are several safety devices put in place to reassure members, said the Bussells.
“There is a member entrance that requires a key. If more than one person comes in through the door at the same time, an alarm sounds,” said Bussell. “We have security cameras, including in the parking lot. There is also an emergency button that will contact the law enforcement that may be pushed when staff is not around. We also have remote security necklaces that you may wear while working out, so if something happens, you just push the button. During the member orientation we also let members know that if they feel a need late at night to take the security necklace with them to their car, they may do so and just drop it off the next day. They work up to 200 yards away from
the building.”

A PARTNERSHIP
The Bussells have partnered with Fast Fitness (located in the same building) who will offer personal trainers for members.
“Some people need guidance, coaching and encouragement, and the great thing about Fast Fitness is they have a staff that is educated to provide this type of service,” said Bussell. “This is an optional program and requires an additional fee.”
Another stumbling block for many to getting started on an exercise program is paying a fee. Bussell chuckles over that one.
“People will spend five bucks a day on a lattè, or that much or more on smoking, but they won’t spend $1.50 a day to exercise,” said Bussell. “It’s about making choices, and exercise should be a choice that is part of everyone’s life.”
At press time the Bussell’s were pushing 150 members. With a 24-hour facility they are able to accommodate more members than most gyms. They hope to get at least 400.
“That is the number we need to pay all the bills,” said Bussell. “We will see how it goes. We are pleased with the response so far.”
Anytime Fitness has several state-of-the-art pieces of equipment, including treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical crosstrainers, trailclimbers and strength machines. New members are given an equipment orientation and a swipe key that may even be used at the vending machine.
So, if your crazy schedule has kept you from joining a gym, your excuses have run out.

For additional details visit www.anytimefitness.com where a downloadable certificate is available allowing for a complimentary trial workout. The Bussells are also available, for tours and additional membership information. Give them a call at 231.922.7700. View On Our Website