---
title: "Workout Anytime Accelerates Growth with Strategic Leadership Hires and a Capital-Efficient Growth Strategy"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/252d57c5-4172-47e2-a4d8-09c30472c8c8
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260901_workout_anytime_accelerates_growth_with_strategic_leadership_hires_and_a_ca.html
category: "Gym & HVLP"
industry: "Fitness"
segment: "Gym & HVLP"
topics: ["People"]
published: 2026-09-01T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:43:14.929Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534438327276-14e5300c3a48?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Workout Anytime Accelerates Growth with Strategic Leadership Hires and a Capital-Efficient Growth Strategy

**TL;DR:** Workout Anytime has launched a capital-efficient growth strategy, acquiring and converting existing gyms, and has strengthened its leadership team with new appointments. The brand has nearly 200 units and is poised for continued expansion in the growing fitness industry.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-09-01. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260901_workout_anytime_accelerates_growth_with_strategic_leadership_hires_and_a_ca.html).*

## Key facts

- Workout Anytime has nearly 200 units
- The fitness industry is expected to reach $29.5B this year
- The company has appointed new leadership team members

## Story

## Growth Strategy

In Q1 of this year, Workout Anytime launched a capital-efficient strategy of acquiring and converting existing gyms which has garnered the interest of sophisticated investors, experienced franchise operators and existing franchisees looking to expand their portfolios. Additionally, the brand has opened 10 clubs and anticipate 10 more will open by year-end.

The next phase of the company's growth strategy is being shaped by disciplined expansion led by strong, well capitalized operators with the ability and desire to grow multiple locations.

“We aren’t focused on growth just for growth’s sake,” said Jerry Pugh, CEO of Workout Anytime. “We’re building a stronger platform for franchisees by investing in leadership, operational excellence, and long-term relationships. That disciplined approach is creating momentum throughout our system.”

## Leadership Team

Workout Anytime has also strengthened its leadership team to support the brand’s next phase of growth with the appointments of Peter Stipher as COO and Tim Hicks as VP of Franchise Development. The additions reflect a broader focus on aligning operations, franchise development and franchise support around sustainable system growth.

“Our objective isn’t simply to award more franchises,” said Hicks. “We’re attracting outstanding operators, creating long-term value for our franchisees, and providing a platform where entrepreneurs can build multiple successful locations over time.”

Earlier this year, Workout Anytime hosted its inaugural “Growth Advisory Exchange” in Nashville, bringing together operators, investors and industry leaders for candid discussions around growth and the future of fitness franchising. Additional events are being evaluated as part of the company's broader strategy to build relationships with experienced multi-unit operators and investors.

Another instrumental milestone of 2026 was appointing Kyle “KJ” Jackson, a viral Savannah baseball player and influencer, as Chief Aura Officer. The introduction of this role was intentional, reinforcing the company's focus on culture, member experience and creating a distinctive personality for the Workout Anytime brand.

## Future Expansion

As consumer demand for accessible, affordable fitness continues to grow, Workout Anytime is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the next generation of franchise growth.

An established national brand with flexible development formats, significant market availability, experienced leadership, and a growing base of successful multi-unit franchisees provide a strong foundation for continued expansion.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- franchise expansion (topic)
- Fitness (sector)
- fitness industry (topic)
- growth strategy (topic)
- leadership team (topic)
- Workout Anytime (company)
- Jerry Pugh (person)
- Peter Stipher (person)
- Tim Hicks (person)
- Kyle "KJ" Jackson (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260901_workout_anytime_accelerates_growth_with_strategic_leadership_hires_and_a_ca.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/252d57c5-4172-47e2-a4d8-09c30472c8c8).