Branding Fitness: New CKO Kickboxing Gym in Westerleigh Section of Long Island Signs 350 Members Before Grand Opening

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest growing health fitness franchises, showed how a powerful brand can help a new fitness franchise get off to a fast start as its new gym in Westerleigh section of Staten Island has signed up more than 350 people already – even though their Grand Opening won't take place until Sunday, October 7, 2012.

The new cardio kickboxing gym is located at 1267 Forest Avenue at the corner of Jewett and features 50 heavy bags in its spacious 4,000 square foot facility. The high quality, cross training gym provides a family friendly setting to Staten Island's north shore residents who are looking for an alternative to Pilates, yoga, martial arts and spinning classes.

"We're excited to offer cardio boxing classes in Westerleigh," said John Miceli, owner and partner. "We are building on the CKO brand. We are thrilled with the way things have worked out."

Even before the doors to the gym opened on June 23, 100 people had signed up. Another 150 signed up during the first month.

"People know and trust the CKO Kickboxing brand, especially in the New York-New Jersey region, which has more than two dozen locations," said Joe Andreula, Founder of CKO Kickboxing, one of America's fastest growing franchises according to industry standard Entrepreneur Magazine, which included the kickboxing gym franchise in its Franchise 500 list of best franchises.

"We have grown fast for a few reasons. First, because the CKO Kickboxing workout is an efficient total body workout where people get results. The workout appeals to men and women of all ages. Second, we make sure our members feel comfortable and that they belong.  Our classes are go at your own pace and we focus mainly on the fitness aspect of kickboxing as apposed to the martial art. We ensure all members are taught the proper kickboxing techniques so they exercise safely and can maximize their workout," Miceli said. 

He cited strong business training and management support from the franchise as another reason for fast growth.

"We attribute our success to the operating model, our marketing strategy and our members. CKO Founder Joe Andreula and his workout and business model provided the necessary training and operating procedures to pave the way to becoming a successful business," he said.

"We did local print advertisements in Valpak, Shopaholic and Clipper.  However, we feel our biggest and most effective marketing contributions are our members.  They know how effective the workout is. They also continue to express to us how they enjoy their experience in our club, which makes them eager to tell their family and friends.  Our member referral system is crucial for our club's success."

Fitness kickboxing has been shown to be excellent for improving the cardiovascular system, strength, flexibility and reduces stress. 

"Most people that come into our club are bored with their old workouts because they are not seeing the results they want.  Our members typically see results in as little as one month. We work hard to ensure the workout continues to be new and exciting," he said.

A Grand Opening celebration will be held on October 7, 2012.

"We will have healthy food, drinks and music.  There will be raffle tickets for membership months and we will give away merchandise like boxing gloves.

"It's basically a thank you to our members for their support in helping us be on our way to being the premier club we strive to be," he said.

This ownership group will open another CKO Kickboxing gym in the Dongan Hills area on the north shore of Staten Island in 2013.

"CKO Kickboxing is a true nationwide sports fitness franchise with gyms from coast to coast," said Andreula. Entrepreneur Magazine also rated CKO Kickboxing as the 48th top new franchise in 2011. CKO Kickboxing also was named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise^® by G.I. Jobs Magazine.

"CKO Kickboxing is emerging as one of the leading fitness franchise opportunities in the country," he said.

"We treat our franchisee owners like they are family, because they are," Andreula said. "They aren't numbers or faceless profit centers. They are people who we want to help succeed. That's why so many people, including former military members, want to take advantage of our fitness franchise opportunity."

For more information about franchising, go to http://www.ckokickboxing.com

For information about CKO Kickboxing in Westerleigh, call 718-815-5425, email [email protected], or go to http://www.ckokickboxing.com/staten-island-westerleigh.html

SOURCE CKO Kickboxing