The fitness industry has experienced many ups and downs over the years. Shapes has operated in both a down and surging economy. The founder of Shapes, Vince Julien, was the first to recognize the women's only fitness market.

Opening his first location in 1986, Shapes quickly became the go-to fitness center for women who wanted to exercise in a facility devoted to their unique needs. Shapes facilities have always been state-of-the-art, providing members the best in the industry in terms of equipment, personal training, group fitness classes and small group training.he original Shapes locations were much larger than today's new look model.

Our boutique style has allowed us to really focus on the member's experience. Shapes have built a system that is laser-focused on the needs of women and provides a place where they can feel comfortable and safe.

The goal of every fitness center is to help members get results—and we know very well that if they are not comfortable in the center, they will not come. If they don't come, they lose interest and do not get the results that they had originally wanted.

Debbie Harris along with Vince Julien founded Shapes on the idea that women want to exercise in facilities that were tailored to their needs. Together, they recognized that the women's only fitness market was underserved and opened the original Shapes location with the most state-of-the-art equipment and programming. That philosophy has continued today—with the new boutique model serving women by providing the latest equipment, personal training, group and small group training classes.

The passion that they share in impacting women's heath while providing members with both personalized and customized training programs is contagious. They have built an organization that is focused on the needs of women.

Why Our Franchise?

What makes Shapes unique is that our model has incorporated a center that provides a full line of equipment and programming into an environment that has a boutique feel. Boutique studios focus on group or specialize in one or two fitness areas. However, Shapes has a full line of selectorized equipment, 30-40 group training classes each week, small group training, personal training and free weight areas.

One constant has remained through nearly 43 years—Americans typically exercise against their own will. Many women are just not comfortable working out with men. Therefore, this becomes the primary reason why women don't join a health club/fitness center. Shapes has built a system that is laser focused on the needs of women. Shapes provides a place where they can feel comfortable and safe.

The goal of every fitness center is to help members get results. We know very well that if they are not comfortable in the center, they will not come. If they don't come, they lose interest and do not get the results that they had originally wanted. Our focus is our clients' personal goals. Our mission is to provide our clients with both personalized and customized training programs that change their daily routines. Put simply, our staff helps them make improved lifestyle choices.

Our initial training program consists of approximately two weeks of classroom and on-site training at a company-owned location in St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition to yourself, you are invited to bring your location manager and up to two other staff members. This initial training program will include administrative functions, operations, marketing concepts, customer service training, personnel training and other important aspects of running the day-to-day business.

​Here is just a sampling of what your training will include:

• History of Shapes® Fitness Centers
• Real Estate, Construction and Design of Your Shapes® Location
• Vendors
• Membership Sales
• Personal Training
• Group Training
• POS System
• Controlling Labor
• Management Training

We understand that being away for two weeks can be very difficult, so we will provide you a flexible training schedule to accommodate you and your personnel.

Opening Training. Our support team will be at your location for an additional five days of training that will take place during the opening of your center. This training provides not only knowledge but hands-on guidance on how to engage in pre-sales, training staff, use the computer systems and manage customer issues.

Ongoing Training. After you open, we provide mandatory and optional training programs, meetings and an annual convention to keep you and your staff on the cutting edge of women's fitness. We also help train and guide you on the best ongoing practices for marketing, customer relations, personnel development, operations, maintenance and support of your business. With the training we provide, you will have the skills and confidence to succeed!

Online Training. We have online training videos and other tools you and your staff can access to provide additional ongoing training. We never stop thinking about how we can help you to be better!