The Twin Cities is seeding the globe with strip-mall gyms.

Anytime Fitness, the Hastings-based fitness franchisor, is opening a club almost every day, at locations ranging from Fergus Falls to Wakrah, Qatar.  It is the largest co-ed fitness chain in the world (all-Female Texas-based Curves is biggest overall), with about 1,830 clubs in 10 countries. Anytime plans to open about 300 clubs in 2012.

Its “neighborhood clubs” are smaller than a Y or LifeTime – cutting out expensive amenties (and square footage) such as pools. racquetball courts, and group locker rooms. While clubs are staffed eight hours a day, members can work out around the clock thanks to computerized key fobs.

Stuart Goldman, managing editor of fitness trade publication Club Industry, said demand for no-frills, low-prices health clubs has been on the rise since the recession hit.  read the rest (Source: Twin Cities Business)