COLTS NECK, N.J., Feb. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Former NFL Cornerback, Leigh Bodden, has signed on to become part of Retro Fitness, America's rapidly growing fitness chain known for its low cost and high value. The athlete has plans to open clubs throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia with more to follow in additional markets across the East Coast.
Bodden spent nine years playing as a cornerback in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and most recently the New England Patriots, before pursuing options in entrepreneurship. Bodden is no stranger to the fitness industry and Retro Fitness had big expansion plans for his home market, making the pair a perfect fit. Bodden's Retro Fitness locations will be operated under The WEOU Group, a hospitality company founded by the athlete to house a variety of investments in the fitness, hotel and restaurant industries. The WEOU Group was founded on the value of customer service and formed to allow Bodden and his team to give back to the community with excellent service and valuable experiences.
"I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and work in business one day, even before my athletic career in the NFL," Bodden said. "I relate to Retro Fitness; I have the same core values as the Retro team and they were looking to hit my home market big, so everything aligned. I look forward to being part of this brand and growing this market in this stage of my life."
The signed deal comes on the heels of aggressive expansion for the brand in the $25 billion gym, health and fitness club industry. Bodden plans to open his first location in the Washington D.C. metro area in the next six months.
"We're a team at Retro Fitness; all of us working together toward a greater goal, and Leigh understands what it's like to have to work as a team for everyone to be successful," said Eric Casaburi, founder and CEO of Retro Fitness. "Athletes make some of the best business owners for their dedication, ambition and drive, and we're thrilled to call Leigh part of the Retro Fitness family."
With an affordable monthly membership of just $19.99, Retro Fitness gym members have access to a full-collection of top-of-the-line equipment, cardio machines complete with individualized LCD television monitors, a full-service RetroBlends juice bar, personal training, tanning, locker rooms, and child sitting. Members can also work up a sweat in the popular RetroTheatre that houses cardio equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals and recumbent bikes, all arranged in a movie-theatre like setting, and plays movies on a gigantic screen throughout the day.
Retro Fitness currently has 90 gyms open or in development in 11 states. Additionally, the brand's revenues surpass the national fitness club average by more than 120 percent.
For more information, please visit www.retrofitness.net.
About Retro Fitness
Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Eric Casaburi, Retro Fitness has evolved from a regional Northeast gym concept into a national fitness system with 90 gyms open or in development in 11 states. Expansion plans call for 150 gyms in the next three years and growth into new major markets such as Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Each Retro Fitness location is equipped with a full-service fitness center including 60-100 pieces of equipment supplied by leading manufacturers such as Life Fitness and Iron Grip. In 2012, Retro Fitness saw its third-consecutive placement on the Entrepreneur "Franchise 500" annual ranking. The company has also been recognized as one of the "Top Fastest-Growing Franchises" and "Top New Franchises" by the publication. For more information, please visit www.retrofitness.net, and to learn more about franchise opportunities visit www.retrofranchising.com.
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