Want To Own A Fitness Club Franchise?

CHANHASSEN, Minn. (TheStreet) -- Are you "fit" to be a franchise owner of fitness club Snap Fitness?

That's the question Snap Fitness founder and CEO Peter Taunton wants entrepreneurs to answer as part of its "Partner with Peter" contest, launched June 15.

An ongoing contest will award one aspiring entrepreneur the opportunity to own a Snap Fitness franchise for free.

The contest will award one aspiring entrepreneur the opportunity to own a Snap Fitness franchise -- for free.

The 24/7 fitness center provides fast, convenient and affordable workouts in clean, comfortable locations close to home, the company says.

"Whether a seasoned entrepreneur or someone looking to get into business for the first time, this contest presents a great opportunity for anyone with a driven, entrepreneurial mindset," Taunton says in a statement. "As an entrepreneur myself, I know the importance of guidance for anyone embarking on a new business venture. This contest gives me a great chance to pass along my knowledge and business experience to one deserving individual."

In a follow-up email, Taunton says the idea came to him last summer, during the company's first franchisee convention.

"While the economy is slowly beginning to rebound, there are plenty of qualified, motivated individuals who share a similar dream but may not be a in a position financially to take the plunge and purchase a franchise," he says. "That's why I decided that the time was right to harness that energy I felt during the convention and help someone achieve their dream of owning their own business."

Snap Fitness is growing quickly.

The company has sold approximately 2,000 locations since 2004, adding between 15 to 20 clubs per month, it says. The company is able to scale down costs by shrinking fitness club size and eliminating some amenities, such as swimming pools and racquetball courts.