# Affordable Gym Center Expansions Planet Fitness Announces Plans to Expand to Mexico By Grace Mahas | Published 2021-08-12 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planet-fitness References: [rli.uk](https://www.rli.uk.com/planet-fitness-to-expand-global-footprint-in-mexico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=planet-fitness-to-expand-global-footprint-in-mexico) [Planet Fitness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mother-fitness), one of the [fast-growing fitness franchisors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revd-fitness), recently announced it has signed a new franchise agreement to expand into the Mexican market. The move was made in partnership with Ibarra Group (IBG), a well-established Mexican retail service, and will see at least 80 new stores in the country with the next five years. “With this expansion, we are meeting an important need in the market as 73 percent of the Mexican population is overweight and 97 percent of the population doesn’t yet belong to a gym,” said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness. The brand hopes offering its [high-quality fitness centers at affordable prices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revolutionary-fitness-experience) will fulfill the need for non-intimidating workout spaces. Image Credit: Shutterstock / Planet Fitness ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Affordable Fitness Centers:** The establishment of affordable fitness centers in underserved markets such as Mexico may disrupt traditional gym models focused on premium pricing. - **International Franchising:** International franchising of fitness centers can facilitate growth and expansion while also testing new markets and operational models. - **Diversification of Fitness Offerings:** Diversification of fitness offerings to cater to diverse markets such as overweight populations and gym novices can enable greater reach while offering competitive differentiation. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fitness and Wellness Industry:** The fitness and wellness industry is ripe for disruption through the establishment of affordable fitness centers, international franchising, and diversification of fitness offerings. - **International Retail Industry:** The international retail industry can benefit from partnerships with established franchisors catering to underserved markets such as the overweight and gym novices. - **Hospitality Industry:** The hospitality industry can explore opportunities for diversification by offering fitness and wellness services in their properties to cater to health-conscious travelers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Affordable 24/7 Gym Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-fitness.md) - [Modern Pilates Studio Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-pilates-international.md) - [Sizable Modern Gym Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gymnation.md) - [Inaugural Mexican QSR Locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-mexican-grills.md) - [Strategic Fitness Studio Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-fit-training.md) - [Group Strength Training Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/group-strength-training.md) - [Significant Fitness Concept Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burn-boot-camp.md) - [Made-To-Order Sandwich Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madetoorder-sandwich.md) - [Substantial Beauty Retailer Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ulta-beauty1.md)