"We're taking a big gym model and scaling it down in size without losing any of the programs our fitness centers are famous for," says Bob Roberts, company co-founder and CEO. "With Lucille Roberts Fitness Express, we'll now be able to bring our brand of quality women's-only fitness to numerous markets both big and small, on a national scale."

This "big gym in your small town" philosophy is what the company says makes Lucille Roberts Fitness Express a very different and effective franchise model from the typical 30-minute workout competitors that seem to be taking the country by storm. By utilizing the highest quality cardio and strength training equipment available, combined with a wide variety of both low and high impact fitness classes, the company feels they have created a concept that has previously been largely ignored by the industry.  

Lucille Roberts was known throughout the fitness industry as the inventor of women's-only fitness centers.  Since her untimely death in 2003 at age 59, her husband Bob Roberts, and son, Kirk Roberts, have spearheaded the company's ongoing growth and success.  "The launch of our Fitness Express model is the realization of Lucille's life-long dream to help women look and feel better throughout the U.S. and abroad," says Kirk Roberts, company president.  "I'm extremely proud to see to it that my mother's vision lives on."

Founded in 1970 by Lucille and Bob Roberts, Lucille Roberts has pioneered the concept of high quality, women's-only weight loss and fitness. With over 50 full-sized women's-only fitness centers in three states, the company generates annual sales of $30 million.