More branches and the best possible service. That’s our top priority, say the Max Fitness founders
Flora, Bila Labut or Chodov are some of the seven Prague branches of the continuously growing Max Fitness network. Its owners are opening entirely new branches but also acquire well-established fitness centres. They are not going to stop with further expansion in the capital.
Even though expansion to other cities is not on their agenda at the moment, Max Fitness network owners are going to continue the network expansion process in the capital. “If, for example, developers from Prague have a project in the pipeline for which they need a stable partner, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact us. Space over 1,000 square meters suits our needs the most, and we would like to find three or four more suitable locationss this year,” says Mr. Hovorka.
Radim Hovorka graduated from the Sports Grammar School in Plzeň and is a life-long athlete. He found his passion for fitness later in his life. Afterwards, he got certified as a personal fitness trainer and started do it as a hobby. He enjoyed it so much that he quit his job and started his own fitness business in 2016. Today, he co-owns MAX FITNESS with his business partner Petr Štrunc.
Last year, the two gentlemen invested in enlarging their branch in Bila Labut. The gym area has been significantly enlarged along with the facilities, a sauna, and a recovery zone, now covering nearly 3,000 square meters. In addition, the owners have also set aside a ladies-only workout area in the fitness centre. “We made this decision following our female trainers’ feedback. Many women are shy or don’t want to exercise around men for whatever reason, but they still want to work out. Our Ladies fitness zone makes them feel comfortable,” explains Mr. Hovorka.
According to Radim Hovorka, the fact that every fitness centre client has slightly different needs and preferences is one of the biggest challenges of this business. “Running a fitness centre is costly. There are costs associated with the building, the acquisition of fitness equipment, and the employment of a large number of staff. We also have to satisfy a wide range of clients, each of them with different motivation and goals for coming to our fitness centre,” comments Mr. Hovorka on the specifics of the business.
We use our own financial resources to open new branches. We try to reinvest the profit we make in our network. Whether in the opening of new fitness centres or in the innovation of existing ones.
Radim Hovorka, Max Fitness co-owner
A “feel-like-home” experience in all of our fitness centres
Free coffee before a workout, free towel rental, sauna included in the entrance fee or pleasant environment. Those are some of the advantages that Max Fitness wants to differentiate itself from the competition. Radim Hovorka says they try to make sure their branches differ as little as possible so that their clients can always enjoy the “feel-like-home” experience.
The owners believe that beginners in particular, who have just started going to the gym, should feel comfortable in fitness centres. “Regarless of the size of the centre, we don’t want our clients to feel nervous because of the gym environment. Overall, we value closer relationships and community building,” says Radim Hovorka. He adds that clients who meet regularly on certain days often get to know each other more and then motivate each other during workouts.
Passes, also known as “multiclub”, are another service the Max Fitness network offers its clients. “A single membership grants you access to all of our branches. We introduced this based on our experience and our data show clients use the passes,” he says. Thanks to that, Max Fitness clients can go to a fitness centre near their home as well as work.
The fitness network owners would also like to offer their clients other body care services. These services should include massages, manicures, hairdressing, or nutrition consultancy. We are therefore looking for their suppliers. “They could benefit from our strength. Our major advantage is a high number of followers on social media that we are very happy about,” adds Radim Hovorka.
When nothing can be done
Things didn’t always go as smoothly as the owners wanted. The period they don’t like to remember is the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions associated with it. Fitness centres stayed closed for a long time and were among businesess the pandemic hit the hardest. “It was a terrible feeling of despair and helplessness. We were closed for around 18 months in total. There was nothing we could do but wait,” remembers Radim Hovorka.
But he sees one positive thing about the pandemic. “People realized how important exercise is for their health. Those who were active and exercised regularly were the least susceptible population. And I see effects of that today in post-covid times. It’s not about preparing for a competition or sticking to pointless diets, but about finding a healthy balance,” he explains. He adds that a growing sports community, be it at work or elsewhere, attracts more people.
Incorrect exercise technique can hinder coveted progress and result in various injuries.
Radim Hovorka, Max Fitness co-owner
Text: Radka Balajková
Photos: Zdeněk Kintr
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Published in 2024.