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Financially fit

Posted By: Laura Ruane with the News Press on 09/29/2010

Financially fit

In south Fort Myers, a Fitness Together franchise business opened its private studio in August 2007.

Franchisee LouAnn Good had worked several years as a personal trainer at a local gym, but yearned to have something of her own, a possible "legacy" to pass on to her daughter.

Business the first year was "excellent," Good said, adding, "getting new clients has been harder the past couple of years."

One nice surprise was her clientele quickly became more diverse than the expected base of women over age 50.

"I think our clients' median age is in the 40s, men and women. And some of them are interested in getting their children involved," Good said.

A big part of her business survival strategy is keeping down the overhead. Good negotiated a lower rent. Husband Jeffrey Good writes about the business, and does the social networking. Son-in-law Jamie Swagler is the other personal trainer.

"We do everything here, including cleaning toilets," LouAnn Good said. "To survive in this economy, you have to be careful about spending."