The world’s biggest fitness brand in Carlton

With more than 530 clubs nationwide, Anytime Fitness is a giant of the fitness industry.

According to American magazine and website, Entrepreneur, its 4000-plus clubs globally rank it the ninth largest in the world, mixing it with franchise heavyweights like KFC, 7-Eleven and McDonald’s.

With such a monumental presence across the world, it would be easy to assume its two-and-a-half million global members would become just that, a number.

But as co-owner of Anytime Fitness Carlton Phil Edwards has seen first-hand, it is his team’s personal approach that is embedding its roots in the local community.

“The response since opening in 2015 has been phenomenal which has been great to see,” Mr Edwards said. “The club has been incredibly popular among residents and students alike and has recently gone through a complete refurbishment (December 2021).”

“It’s a bit of a hidden gem, you wouldn’t know it was there if you weren’t looking for it, but it has been exceptionally successful club and great place to work out for locals.”

Anytime Fitness Carlton is located at 551 Swanston St, Carlton and is one of four clubs from Mr Edwards and his business partner, Julie Mazzarella, who have more than four decades of combined experience working in the health and fitness industry.

Since opening the club in May 2015, Mr Edwards has formed partnerships with local businesses and institutions like the University of Melbourne and its colleges.

Now, with more than seven years of service to the community under their belt, Mr Edwards told Inner City News the convenience of 24/7 access, state-of-the-art equipment, and inclusivity for all members, “no matter your body type, fitness level, ability, gender or background,” is what attracts people to our club.   

“There can be a fear of the unknown for first timers joining the fitness community, and with so many options out there, it’s a matter of picking the right fit for the individual,” Mr Edwards said.

“So, to have a personal touch, where our members are treated like a person not a number and are greeted when they come in and when they leave is incredibly important to us.”

“Our members mean the world to us, their health and safety matter to us, we are here to hold their hand every step of their journey, no matter what that journey happens to be.”

“We want our members to have the feel of belonging to something. Belonging to a community that is focused on achieving their goals.”

Anytime Fitness Carlton boasts a huge range of state-of-the-art equipment, multiple training zones, functional training zones, individual showers, separate toilets, a beauty bar – where you can use hair dryers and straighteners – individual showers and bathrooms and gives members the ability to use their membership at any of the 4000-plus locations worldwide.

“For our members, convenience is everything. We love the fact that we can remove any barriers they may have in wishing to exercise, while having access not only to their home club but also any Anytime Fitness club in Australia or overseas,” Mr Edwards said.

“Also included in every membership is access to the Anytime Fitness app where we further support our members with education on training and nutrition. Also included is rewards program where you are rewarded the more you work out.”

Anytime Fitness Carlton Tenancy 2, SQ Retail, 551 Swanston St, Carlton. •

For more information: anytimefitness.com.au/gyms/au-1381/carlton-vic-3053

Caption: Anytime Fitness Carlton co-owner Phil Edwards.
Photo: Murray Enders.