2008
7
$170,500
$40,000
$460,030
No
Core Progression Elite Personal Training is a boutique fitness franchise that revolutionizes personal training by combining customized one-on-one sessions, semi-private training, group classes, and wellness services under one roof. Founded in 2008 by Jonathan Cerf in Colorado, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized fitness concept, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness. With a focus on individualized attention and measurable results, Core Progression caters to clients seeking personalized fitness plans, nutritional guidance, and recovery services. Each location maintains a limited membership base to ensure quality service and client satisfaction.
Proven Business Model: Core Progression's low-overhead, high-margin model emphasizes personal and semi-private training, reducing the need for large memberships.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Franchisees benefit from diverse income sources, including personal training, group classes, wellness room rentals, and retail sales.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's commitment to quality and results has earned it accolades such as Franchise Connect Magazine's Top 100 Fitness Franchises and Entrepreneur Magazine’s Trend-Topping Franchises of the Future.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including marketing assistance, operational guidance, and access to proprietary software and apps.
Founding and Vision
Core Progression Elite Personal Training was founded in 2008 by Jonathan Cerf, who, after earning a B.S. in Exercise Science from Baylor University, transitioned from a potential medical career to pursue a passion for fitness. He began his journey by working at 24 Hour Fitness, where he quickly recognized the limitations of large, corporate gyms that prioritized quantity over quality. This realization led him to establish Core Progression with a focus on personalized, results-driven training in a boutique-style setting.
Expansion and Growth
Starting from a modest beginning, Cerf opened the first Core Progression studio in Westminster, Colorado, in 2010. The business model emphasized low overhead and high-quality service, allowing for better compensation for trainers and more affordable pricing for clients. This approach resonated with clients, leading to rapid growth. Within a year, the company expanded to Northglenn, Colorado, and continued to grow across the state. In 2016, Cerf purchased a commercial building in Northglenn, transforming it into the state-of-the-art Core Progression headquarters.
Franchising and Recognition
Recognizing the potential for broader impact, Core Progression began franchising in 2017. The company has since expanded into Texas and California, with plans for continued national growth. Core Progression has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine's Trend-Topping Franchises of the Future and has been recognized for its innovative approach to personal training and wellness.
Business Model and Services
Core Progression differentiates itself by offering a comprehensive wellness experience that includes personalized one-on-one training, semi-private sessions, group classes, and services from wellness providers such as massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive tailored support to meet their individual health and fitness goals.
Leadership and Future Outlook
Under the leadership of Jonathan Cerf, Core Progression continues to innovate and expand. The company's commitment to quality service, personalized care, and a supportive community positions it as a leader in the boutique fitness industry. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Core Progression is poised for continued success and growth.
Franchisees undergo an extensive training program to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge:
Classroom Training: Approximately 30 hours covering business operations, marketing strategies, and client engagement.
On-the-Job Training: Around 15 hours focusing on practical aspects like trainer recruitment and equipment maintenance.
CRM System Training: Comprehensive instruction on Core Progression's customized CRM system, enabling franchisees to manage memberships, billing, and client interactions efficiently.
Core Progression provides continuous support to ensure smooth operations:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Assistance in choosing optimal locations and negotiating lease terms.
Grand Opening Support: Guidance in planning and executing a successful launch event.
Marketing & Advertising: Access to co-op advertising programs and promotional materials.
Field Operations Support: Regular visits and consultations to address operational challenges.
Safety & Security Procedures: Training on maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff.
Franchisees benefit from advanced technological tools to enhance client engagement and streamline operations:
Core Progression App: A proprietary app that allows clients to track workouts, log nutrition, and communicate with trainers, fostering a connected fitness community.
CRM System: A customized system enabling franchisees to manage memberships, billing, and client interactions efficiently.
Core Progression's business model is designed for efficiency and profitability:
Low Overhead: Franchisees can operate with minimal staff, often requiring only one employee to start.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Income is generated through personal training, semi-private sessions, group classes, wellness room rentals, and retail sales.
Protected Territories: Franchisees are granted exclusive rights within a defined area, typically a 3-mile radius, to minimize competition.
Core Progression Elite Personal Training has a specific franchisee profile in mind to ensure both the success of the franchise and the growth of the brand. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Mindset: Ideal franchisees are entrepreneurial thinkers who are motivated to grow a business and take full ownership of its success.
Experience: While prior experience in fitness is helpful, it is not mandatory. Individuals with strong business acumen, leadership skills, and operational experience in running small businesses are highly suited.
Decision-Making: Franchisees should be decisive, proactive, and capable of strategic planning to manage operations, staff, and client relationships effectively.
Lifestyle Alignment: Franchisees should have a genuine interest in health, fitness, and wellness, aligning their personal values with the brand’s mission.
Client Focused: They should be committed to helping clients achieve measurable results and foster a supportive, results-driven environment.
Team Management: Ability to recruit, train, and lead a team of personal trainers and wellness staff.
Customer Relations: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build client relationships and retain memberships.
Community Engagement: Interested in engaging with local communities, hosting events, and promoting the franchise in their territory.
Investment Capacity: Must have sufficient capital to cover the initial franchise fee, studio build-out, equipment, marketing, and working capital.
Long-Term Commitment: Should be prepared for a multi-year commitment, focusing on growth and sustainable operations.
Target Market: Ideal locations are suburban or urban areas with a growing population and demand for boutique personal training and wellness services.
Territorial Focus: Franchisees should be willing to develop and nurture a single territory with growth potential, often benefiting from exclusive rights within a designated radius.
Adaptable: Willingness to adopt Core Progression’s proven systems and operational model.
Ethical & Professional: Upholds a professional, client-first approach and maintains brand standards.
Growth-Oriented: Motivated to expand multiple units or diversify services under the Core Progression brand.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $170,500 – $460,030 (depending on location size, equipment, and build-out costs) |
| Working Capital | $34,700 – $70,900 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Budget | $500 – $1,500 per month (varies by location and campaign) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $50,000 – $200,000 (depending on studio size, interior, and equipment) |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annual return (varies by market and operational efficiency) |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Personal Training Sessions, Semi-Private Sessions, Group Classes, Wellness Room Rentals, Retail Sales (apparel, supplements, fitness products) |
| Franchise Units | 7+ locations currently operating, with plans for national expansion |
| Potential Clients for Profitability | Approx. 100 active members per location (compared to 1,500 for traditional gyms) |
Notes:
Initial investment depends heavily on lease costs, studio size, equipment needs, and local market conditions.
Franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, which enhances profitability and reduces dependency on a single income source.
Core Progression provides ongoing operational, marketing, and technology support to optimize revenue and reduce operational risks.
