Jatta Sipola, who is competing for the title of the world’s strongest woman, also understands the challenges faced by clients who are new to exercise. EasyFit in Rovaniemi has something for all kinds of fitness enthusiasts.
When EasyFit in Rovaniemi opened in 2015, Jatta Sipola was working at the center as a personal trainer. Through her work, she became familiar with both the gym’s operations and its clientele. Around the time of the center’s first anniversary, Jatta was offered the opportunity to become a franchisee with her own stake in the business, and she seized the opportunity. The chain’s advantages—such as a strong brand, a proven business model, and reliable partners—made the decision easier.
“I thought about the potential risks for a while, but I came to the conclusion that running a franchise is a good next step in my career. In this line of work, you learn by doing. It’s also important to me that I get to work for myself,” Jatta says.
Jatta continues to lead group exercise classes and personal training sessions at her gym. In addition, she actively trains herself. Her first sport was CrossFit, which she started in 2019. After just a couple of competitions, she was drawn to powerlifting. Soon after, she won the Lapin riskein competition twice and placed third in the Finland’s Strongest Woman competition, going on to compete on the international stage.
In November 2022, Jatta traveled to Florida in the United States to compete for the title of “World’s Strongest Woman” among 28 women. The trip began with a hurricane warning and a stay-at-home order, but the competition went ahead anyway.
– That competition didn't go exactly as planned, but it was a great experience. I definitely want to compete again, and my next goal is the 2024 competition.
EasyFit is suitable for everyone
Now Jatta works out at her own EasyFit gym. In Rovaniemi, they’re investing in strength training equipment and constantly developing new services related to the sport. Jatta appreciates that, as an entrepreneur, she has the opportunity to influence the gym’s services and equipment, even though the facility is part of a chain. Rovaniemi was the chain’s first center to feature a functional training area complete with squat racks, free weights, a cross-training area, and equipment suitable for CrossFit training. The center is frequented by several competitive athletes, such as snowcross sledders. In addition to elite athletes and national-level powerlifters, the Rovaniemi center’s clientele includes a wide variety of fitness enthusiasts.
– We have middle-aged people who come to see if the gym is right for them. Among them are people in rehabilitation who have musculoskeletal issues. There are also many people who enjoy group exercise classes. A new customer group consists of young people who come to work out with a parent at half price, says Jatta.
EasyFit is a gym for everyone, where you can come to check it out and work out with no pressure. Despite her own active career, Jatta is able to put herself in the shoes of beginners. She started exercising back when she was out of shape.
A Strong Woman's Balance Act
In Jata's view, a career as a personal trainer is a good starting point for becoming a gym entrepreneur, even though a background in sports is not a prerequisite for franchising.
“If you have some kind of background in sports, it’s easier to understand your clients’ behavior,” Jatta notes.
And is it difficult for an entrepreneur who’s also an athlete to keep work and free time separate when her work is related to exercise? Jatta, who has previously experienced burnout, has learned her lesson. She has found a workable balance between her own workouts and her work. She swears by a clear daily routine.
– I find it helpful to organize my schedule. I work out in the morning before starting my workday, or I structure my workday so that I can fit in a workout during the day. I’m always available to my staff, but I try to keep my work and personal time separate.
Jatta recommends the EasyFit franchise to people who want to do “work on their own terms” as part of a large community. The franchise network provides support, and communication is close. However, she points out that even a franchisee doesn’t have it handed to them on a silver platter; instead, the entrepreneur must actively seek out new customers and nurture existing customer relationships.
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Do you also dream of becoming an entrepreneur in the fitness industry? Don't wait— read more. This could be the start of your EasyFit story.