Step into Life takes fitness out of the gym and into the outdoors.

We specialise in group training, which has a number of benefits for our clients, says director Larry Cohen. As well as being very cost effective it can feel less intimidating than walking into a gym. ItÍs a great way to make friends, and having help and encouragement from both a personal trainer and other group members is great for motivation. Our members also appreciate being able to train outdoors, often in a very beautiful location.

Larry and his brother Mark started Step into Life in 1995 and began franchising in 2001. By 2004, with more than 40 franchise units, they decided to introduce master franchises in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Franchisees very much appreciated this increase in coaching and support, says Cohen. It has really helped them to improve their performance.

There are now 140 franchised units in Australia with 16 more due to open in January 2011. The initial investment is $40,000 including GST and Cohen prides himself on the fact that this covers everything a franchisee needs to get started. This includes an all-expenses-paid eight-day residential training program at the Radisson Resort, Gold Coast as well as an advertising launch, advertising material, uniform, stationery and equipment used in training sessions. The right people also get help with obtaining the necessary Certificate IV in Personal Training.

Our philosophy is to ensure our franchisees are successful and happy from the initial investment, he says. The ideal franchisee is a people person and a good communicator with a passion for fitness, though not necessarily

experience in the field; before purchasing a Step into Life franchise in Glen Iris, Ginny Robinson was a business manager with a city futures broking firm.

I loved the idea of starting my own part time business but it seemed a daunting task and almost impossible to do on my own, Robinson says. The Step into Life franchise has allowed me to be financially independent and also gives me more time with the children. Most importantly it has given me the opportunity to be part of something bigger than I ever could have by myself.