Revolutionizing Health & Fitness: Insight from Purpose Brands Co-Founders

2026 Health & Fitness Hall of Fame Inducts Anytime Fitness Co-Founders

Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, the innovative co-founders of Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands, have been announced as part of the 2026 class of the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame. The formal induction ceremony will take place on March 15 in San Diego, just before the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) Show begins.

Transformative Impact on the Fitness Industry

Runyon and Mortensen’s induction is a testament to their transformative influence on the fitness industry. This includes their pivotal role in creating one of the world’s largest fitness franchise networks, their relentless advocacy for health and wellness, and their dedication to supporting military veterans through entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Journey of Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands

These two visionaries launched Anytime Fitness in 2002, with a mission to increase the accessibility of fitness. Over the next two decades, they expanded their brand across the globe, culminating in a 2024 merger with Orangetheory Fitness to form the parent company, Self Esteem Brands. This fitness powerhouse is now known as Purpose Brands, and includes wellness-focused franchises like The Bar Method, Basecamp Fitness, and Waxing the City.

Today, Purpose Brands caters to over six million members at more than 7,000 locations across over 40 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Commitment to Veterans and Advocacy for Fitness

But it’s not just about business growth for Runyon and Mortensen. They’ve instituted initiatives reflecting their core values, including a franchise program tailored for military veterans. This program facilitates veterans’ transition into business ownership, leveraging their discipline and leadership skills. Such efforts have garnered recognition from leading media outlets such as Vetrepreneur and Entrepreneur Magazine.

The duo has also been vocal advocates for the fitness industry, lobbying on both state and federal levels for policies enhancing physical and mental wellness.

Purpose Brands: A Paradigm Shift in Fitness

As Liz Clark, HFA President and CEO, puts it, “Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen didn’t just build a brand—they reshaped the fitness landscape. Their vision for Anytime Fitness sparked a global movement rooted in accessibility, authenticity, and community. Two decades later, that same vision drives Purpose Brands. Their franchising model has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of business ownership.”

Under their tutelage, Purpose Brands and its affiliated companies have received numerous accolades including Best Franchises in America by Forbes, No. 1 Top Global Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, Fastest-Growing Fitness Club in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine, and Best Company to Work for in Minnesota by Minnesota Business Magazine.

In 2009, HFA (then known as IHRSA) bestowed Anytime Fitness with the John McCarthy Industry Visionary Award.

Gratitude and Anticipation for the Future

Expressing their gratitude, Runyon and Mortensen stated, “We’re honored, humbled, and thrilled to be selected for the HFA Hall of Fame. We love this people- and purpose-driven industry as much as we ever have, and we’ll continue dedicating resources to protect, promote, and grow it worldwide. There’s never been a better time to be in the wellness sector—and the best days are ahead. A heartfelt thank you to our employees, franchisees, and suppliers across the Purpose Brands global network.”

The 2026 inductees also include distinguished fitness industry leaders such as Gainesville Health & Fitness Center Founder and CEO Joe Cirulli, ResetOne Co-founder and CEO Annbeth Eschbach, fitness pioneers Jack and Elaine LaLanne, Fitness Formula Clubs Founder and CEO Gale Landers, and Les Mills Founder Phillip Mills.