Bringing the heat

P.E.I. fitness franchise doing well in Dartmouth with hopes of expanding to Halifax side

Many Maritimers are feeling a good workout burn thanks to a P.E.I. fitness franchise.

The Island-born 3rd Degree Training and Actual Nutrition has seen a Dartmouth franchise operate successfully for nearly four years.

Co-founders Steve and Pam Collette are now looking at the possibility of opening multiple locations on the Halifax side of the municipality.

“It’s a fantastic market — Halifax and the HRM area. You get a dense population and it’s not a huge geographic area. If you have a superior product and work hard, the return can be great,” said Steve.

The two started the self-described “anti-gym” by renting out space before opening their first location in Stratford more than six years ago.

There are now franchises in Montague, Summerside, Moncton and most recently Saint John.

The business focuses on group classes with a motivational atmosphere.

“I think, honestly, what makes us successful is we’re everyday people who love health and wellness and love helping people. We’re fortunate and blessed we get to do what we love for our living,” said Steve.

Dartmouth was the first franchise expansion, which is run by owner-operators Cara and Jon Bauld. Collette said the two have been quite successful in a competitive marketplace and industry.

“They’re getting busier and busier,” said Steve, who also attributes the success to franchising rather than following a corporate ownership model.

“Rather than having someone just working there, you have owneroperators who are very invested in the business and it’s worked out wonderfully.”