Contours Express

Founded: 1998 Franchising since: 1998
Contours Express is an internationally franchised system of women's gyms that uses only weight-bearing equipment specially designed and sized for women.

Members follow a 29-minute cue tape that moves them through aerobic stations and strength-training machines. A fitness trainer--the franchisee or an employee--assists the members during their workouts, providing motivation and other services. Gyms range between 1,200 square feet and 1,500 square feet in size.

The company began its first run of newly branded national TV advertising in 2006. The franchisor is also forming regional marketing cooperatives. Franchisees are offered extensive training and ongoing marketing support.

156 Imperial Wy. Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356

Phone: (877)227-2282

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 25 employee(s); 12 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	86	9	328	1
2008	166	10	284	0
2007	251	14	208	0
2006	335	15	105	0
2005	300	20	26	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Worldwide

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies

Total investment: $55.7K-98.9K Franchise fee: $18K

Ongoing royalty fee: $395/mo. Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $100K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K

Operations

• 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 5 days
• At franchisee's location: 3 days
• Ongoing training seminars

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#495 (2009); #329 (2008); #141 (2007); #116 (2006); #100 (2005);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#91 (2006); #23 (2005);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#33 (2007); #28 (2006); #23 (2005);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#94 (2008); #82 (2007); #89 (2006); #81 (2005);