CR Fitness Holdings Leads the Charge in Fitness Innovation: Advancing Group Fitness Strength Training and Pilates Trends in Crunch Fitness Clubs
Posted: March 10, 2025 in Chains
Crunch
TAMPA, FL – CR Fitness Holdings, the fastest-growing, top Crunch Fitness franchisee, continues revolutionizing the fitness industry by using member feedback to influence the Crunch Fitness Brand. Under the leadership of CEO, Tony Scrimale, and Vice President of Group Fitness, Alyssa D’Aquino, CR Fitness Holdings has played a pivotal role in shaping group fitness trends, including the rise of strength training and Pilates-based formats.
Recognizing the growing demand for strength training options, CR Fitness Holdings advocated for increased investment in barbells—expensive yet essential equipment for progressive strength workouts. Their guidance resulted in Crunch Fitness adopting the Barbell 45 class, a 45-minute group fitness class that uses barbells to build strength and burn fat. The class is now an offering across all brand-new Crunch locations.
CR Fitness Holdings has also been at the forefront of innovation at Crunch Fitness by being the first to launch HIIT Zone, Hot Yoga, and Boxing classes. A standout example is Crunch Channelside, where the team constructed a dedicated Hot Yoga studio across from the main gym. Building on this success, D’Aquino expanded the offerings to include Barre Pilates in the hot studio, focusing on low-impact, bodyweight strength training. This initiative enhanced the member experience and led Crunch Fitness to integrate Hot Studios into its locations, giving the brand a competitive edge over other high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms.
As a female leader in the fitness industry, D’Aquino has championed innovation through open-mindedness and strategic risk-taking. “Our success comes from being open to new ideas, unafraid to take risks, and truly listening to our members,” said D’Aquino. “When we give people what they need and want, we not only improve their fitness journey but also strengthen the Crunch Fitness brand and community.”
CR Fitness Holdings, LLC. is operated by Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale, and Jeff Dotson, who together have more than 150 years of experience in the fitness industry. The Franchise currently has 74 locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee and plans to expand into Arizona. The franchisee plans to reach 100 clubs by 2026. The team remains committed to pushing boundaries and evolving fitness experiences based on member needs. With its track record of innovation and influence, the company continues to solidify its position as a leader in the fitness industry while highlighting the impact of women in leadership.
