What's your opinion?

[Guest Syxx]

Essentially this organization is an exact replica of the Curves fitness model, the only difference is that it is intended only for men. Members complete a 30 minute circuit workout (cued by tones to go from station to station) on hydraulic resistance machines three times a week.

 

I am looking at opening up my own location and investing in this model as I feel that it can work. They are not directly affiliated with Curves but have been known to participate in joint promotions with them (Cuts asks their franchisee's to open their location in a strip mall that has a Curves). I believe that Cuts is primarily targeting those males who are inexperienced with working out and are either intimidated to go to a gym or can not find enough time during their day. I think that this is a great concept, but some of my friend's and business associates feel that a men's only club can not sustain itself as (a) Men go to gym's to look at girls and (b) Men are not as reliable to honor their cheques/payments as women. Their website is located at http://www.cutsfitness.com

 

Do you guys think that this is a solid concept, would you ever workout at a place like this, and and should I open up a franchise? Thanks for the feedback.

[Mole 0]

They are very very odd. I saw these kids who hung pictures of these magazines over their beds. It kind of scared me.

 

Not that they might be gay, but if they are, its that they are attracted to men whose veins are bigger than their own fingers.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I think that this is a great concept, but some of my friend's and business associates feel that a men's only club can not sustain itself as (a) Men go to gym's to look at girls and (b) Men are not as reliable to honor their cheques/payments as women.

WHAT? Are you fucking kidding me? Surely you jest.

[Guest Hass of Pain]

Honestly, one of the main reasons that myself and a lot of my friends get motivated to go to the gym is because of the scantily clad girls who'll be waiting for us to leer at. I think the concept works out well for women because they don't like being leered at by the said men, especially if they are uncomfortable about their bodies, but I just don't think that many guys would be interested in a male only environment.

[Guest Syxx]

Good point Haas. Do you think a potential way to counter that could be to employ female staff? I know that Cuts has stated that they allow you to hire females. These guys tend to marketing towards the sedentary 30+ married male who knows nothing about working out, is scared of the buff young adults, or doesn't have the time for long workouts. Apparently, that encompasses 80% of older guys in America, so the possibilities are huge if they can get pressured into the gym by their Wives who go to Curves. I know that you said your friends wouldn't join, but out of people you know, do you think that any obese or older adults would consider it?

 

Just a little bit more information on the organization. Entrepreneur magazine has listed Cuts as one of the "Hot Franchises" to watch for in 2005. Cuts ended 2004 at 150 franchises and are now looking to expand to 750 by the end of 2005. They recently signed a master's license agreement with a business corporation here in Canada, to produce 40 Cuts franchises, that is what really got me interested. To me, their rapid expansion as well as the investment laid down by various businessmen, points to the fact that many people think that this concept can fly. I don't want to miss the boat in case this ends up becoming another Curves type phenomenon (because honestly a few years ago I didn't think that would work).

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Show porn. Y'know, instead of exercise/work-out related videos on the TV's. Porn. That might work.

[Guest Hass of Pain]

Good point Haas. Do you think a potential way to counter that could be to employ female staff? I know that Cuts has stated that they allow you to hire females. These guys tend to marketing towards the sedentary 30+ married male who knows nothing about working out, is scared of the buff young adults, or doesn't have the time for long workouts. Apparently, that encompasses 80% of older guys in America, so the possibilities are huge if they can get pressured into the gym by their Wives who go to Curves. I know that you said your friends wouldn't join, but out of people you know, do you think that any obese or older adults would consider it?

That's actually a really good idea. I think a few attractive younger girls working at the place would ease the pain of the male dominated environment. Maybe just one or two at the front desk and one at the Smoothie bar if you plan on having one would set a better atmosphere.

 

If Cuts is doing that kind of business already and plans to expand to five times as many locations as they currently have in one fiscal year, it must be a proven strategy and a profitable one. I have never really thought about it, but the married 35 year old probably doesn't have the same gym expectations and perceptions as the superficial 18-25 year old crowd does. Circuit training is huge for people with no time who want fast results, and I have pulled a 180 on the idea since you explained it more thoroughly. I thought it would be a competitor of sorts to Golds and Worlds when it really caters to a different crowd altogether who may be too intimated of those places to even bother joining a gym.

 

If it's going to be an all male place, I would embrace it and build off of it with a bunch of televisions constantly tuned to ESPNNews and MSNBC/CNN/Fox News and give it almost like a sports bar meets gym type vibe. Decor could be set at a corporate level though.

 

Anyway, I like the idea. I think it's maybe slightly risky but if you do your market research and make sure there is a good demand for it, it actually sounds like a really good idea.