In this Corner: 9Round

(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated May 23, 2013

GREENVILLE, SC – Not since Jane Fonda helped trigger the aerobics explosion in the 1980s has any form of cardiovascular fitness captivated the country so convincingly as boxing and kickboxing. And as more and more health enthusiasts are donning boxing gloves and kicking up a storm, 9Round is bringing them boxing and kickboxing fitness training in a 30-minute, full body circuit format.

With 48 centers currently open and operating in 19 states – including an additional 30 locations in various stages of development – 9Round is seeking to have a total of 100 centers by the end of 2013. The company’s plan is to have 1,000 locations in the next five years, a realistic aim when you consider boxing and kickboxing remain two of the fastest growing trends in the fitness world.

“Boxing and kickboxing training is growing in popularity for good reason. It works,” said 9Round founder Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson. “Whether you are a beginner or advanced fitness level, our certified 9Round trainers will help you kick and punch your way to a healthier you. We look forward to expanding our national footprint and giving even more members the best workout they’ve ever had, minus the complicated machines or silly aerobic routines.”

After more than 70 bouts inside the ring, Hudson, who began studying the martial arts at the age of seven and currently reigns as the IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World, couldn’t find a place where the average person could be exposed to the “Top Secret” training of some of the best fighters in the world. If he could take the grueling in-ring workouts and create a non-intimidating, convenient circuit workout format, then the average person could enjoy the benefits of boxing and kickboxing without getting hit.

After much thought, 9Round was born.

Today, 9Round offers traditional “old school” boxing and kickboxing fitness programs that incorporate functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens. The programs are developed around a proprietary system of nine stations that deliver total body results in a quick and convenient 30-minute workout with no class times and a trainer with you every step of the way. Each of the nine rounds is different, challenging and fun – from learning how to jump rope to hitting the speed bag.

A variety of membership plans are available, starting at about $39 per month for most gyms. 9Round currently has more than 13,000 members nationwide.  

“Our mission is to ‘Get America fit, 9Rounds at a time,’” said Hudson. “We have combined, strength training using heavy bags, medicine balls, kettle bells, and dumbells along with aerobic activity and created one beast of a 30-minute workout.”

To augment the company’s growth, 9Round is seeking fitness minded franchisees who enjoy working with people. With a franchise fee of $18,000, the total investment to own and operate a 1,000-1,200 square foot center is $40,200-$52,800. The overhead is low because the business can be run with 1-2 employees.

“Our owners come from all walks of life. Some have extensive business backgrounds, some have served in the military, some are personal trainers, and some have never operated a business,” Hudson added. “They all, however, enjoy staying fit and helping people.”

About 9Round

Founded in 2007 by professional kickboxer Shannon Hudson, 9Round is a specialized fitness center that brings boxing and kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30 minute, full body circuit format. The program is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations developed by Shannon himself. Today, there are 48 9Round clubs open and operating in 19 states, with plans to have a total of 1,000 locations in the next five years. For more information, please visit www.9round.com.