Planet Fitness Named No. 3 Best Franchise In America

This press release was provided by Planet Fitness. The Club Industry editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

Planet Fitness, the fastest-growing health club franchise in the U.S. known for its extremely affordable prices, is honored to announce that it has been ranked #3 Best Franchise in the country on FORBES' first-ever list of America's Best and Worst Franchises, published earlier this month. Planet Fitness was named No. 3 in the category of franchises with an initial investment of $500,001 and over. Franchise support was rated an "A."

FORBES collaborated with FRANdata to compile data from more than 3,000 franchise organizations. Factors considered included growth and continuity rates, franchise demand, franchisor support, and how much effort the franchisors had taken to become lender friendly.

"I am honored that Planet Fitness has been recognized as one of the country's top franchising organizations," said Planet Fitness' chief executive officer, Chris Rondeau. "We pride ourselves not only on the high quality experience and unbeatable value we offer our members, but also on the opportunities our franchisees have to grow their businesses within our system, and the support we provide them to be successful."

In 2013 Planet Fitness opened 149 new clubs and signed more than 200 new franchise agreements. Additionally, more than 90% of new clubs were opened by existing franchisees, reinforcing their commitment and passion for the Planet Fitness brand.

Planet Fitness health clubs provide a non-intimidating, judgement free environment at extremely affordable prices – just $10 a month, or $19.99 a month for the PF Black Card®. All memberships include access to high quality cardio and strength equipment, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe @ pf ® program, access to spacious locker rooms complete with showers and day lockers, and much more.

Currently, there are more than 800 clubs nationwide and approximately 6 million members. Planet Fitness is also the proud gym sponsor of NBC's The Biggest Loser®. For more information about franchise opportunities or to join online, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlanetFitness) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PlanetFitness).

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is now the fastest-growing full size health club franchise in the United States, and has revolutionized the industry with a combination of extremely low prices and a unique, friendly, and hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone®.

Planet Fitness has over 800 locations nationwide and has grown to approximately 6 million members. The company prides itself on giving people an unbeatable value, top-notch facilities, and an atmosphere that focuses on the needs of occasional or first-time gym users rather than hard-core fitness fanatics. All Planet Fitness clubs feature a wide selection of brand-name cardio and strength equipment, and provide unlimited fitness instruction with all memberships.

Planet Fitness is a national brand partner of NBC's The Biggest Loser®. For more information visit www.PlanetFitness.com.