Based in Zurich, Illinois, The Exercise Coach is an American franchise specializing in personal fitness boutiques, featuring innovative Exerbotic proprietary technology.

Founded in 2000 by Gerianne Cygan and her husband Brian Cygan in Lake Zurich, Illinois, The Exercise Coach was created to offer a unique approach to fitness.

The franchise is grounded in cutting-edge fitness science and data platforms, providing personalized, efficient workout programs tailored for individuals over 50. These programs aim to help clients lose fat, build muscle, and achieve a healthy overall physique.

The Exercise Coach began its franchising journey in 2010. Each boutique offers a welcoming environment designed to cater to clients' specific needs, with a focus on delivering effective workouts in just 20 minutes, twice a week.

Training 

The Exercise Coach provides a comprehensive initial training program to equip franchisees and their teams for the successful launch and operation of their studio. This program consists of:

• 53 to 77 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of hands-on training.
• Topics covered include an introduction to Exercise Coach® Personal Training Studios, leadership skills, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise theory, sales and marketing strategies, exercise implementation, equipment operation, customer service, and general business practices.
• Training is conducted in Lake Zurich, IL, and remotely.
• The initial training fee is $2,500 for up to three individuals, payable at the time the franchise agreement is signed and is non-refundable.

Multi-unit Operator Training Program

For franchisees managing multiple units, there is a dedicated Multi-unit Operator Training Program that:

• Commences after the signing of the second and subsequent franchise agreements and extends through the first six months of operation for each new location.
• Emphasizes multi-unit management, team development, and includes a minimum of 5 hours of classroom training via Zoom and 20 hours of on-the-job training.

‍Territory Protection

The Exercise Coach franchise offers territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each franchisee has a designated area to operate without direct competition from other franchisees within the same brand.

This protected territory is defined by specific geographic boundaries, which are outlined in the franchise agreement. This policy helps to safeguard the franchisee’s investment and promotes a stable operating environment, allowing them to focus on growing their business within their exclusive market area.