America's health and fitness kick -- partially a response to mounting concerns about obesity, bad eating habits, and high health care costs -- is fueling solid growth opportunities for franchises that focus on healthy living and well-being.

Health club memberships will be up again this year after climbing 3% in 2011 and nearly 11% the year before. It's not just gyms. More and more Americans are shelling out for the services of personal trainers, nutritionists, and massage therapists, as well as for fitness apparel and gear, vitamins and more.

New players in the health and fitness field are finding interesting niches alongside established clubs such as Planet Fitness and Jazzercise, for example.

Here are eight promising newcomers flexing their muscles, most on the scene in just the past few years.

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Get in Shape on a Fitness Vacation

Laid off or having trouble finding a job? Tired of working for somebody else and looking to start a business of your own?

Being one's own boss is the dream of many Americans. But few have the wherewithal to come up with a viable business plan and the start-up money needed to be successful. That's where franchises come in.

Sure, buying into a franchise with a well-known pedigree can be daunting: Many top brands require a lot of capital up front and a strong business background.

But we’ve found eight growing franchises that have relatively low start-up costs and are available to first-time business owners. All provide essential services that are likely to remain in demand through good times and bad. And most can be run from home.

Product/service: Nonmedical senior home care

Franchises in the U.S.: 609

Growth in franchises: 8.9%

Net worth requirement: $100,000

Royalty: 5%

Franchise fee: $39,000

The need for senior care is expected to rise with the aging of baby boomers. Omaha, Neb.-based Home Instead provides assistance to seniors who want to remain independent and in their homes. Franchisees help with myriad tasks, ranging from opening mail to trips to the doctor, the store or the nail salon. Home Instead "CAREGivers" also work with clients in assisted living and nursing homes, as well as with Alzheimer’s patients. The franchise, operating since 1995, has expanded globally, providing services in 14 countries outside the U.S.

If providing companionship and nonmedical care to seniors appeals to you, Home Instead Senior Care provides a strong level of support to franchisees just starting up.

Product/service: Supplemental education

Franchises in the U.S.: 262

Growth in franchises: 106%

Net worth requirement: $75,000-$80,000

Royalty: 10%

Franchise fee: $27,500

If you like numbers and working with kids, Mathnasium may be worth a look.

With local school districts throughout the country trying to cut costs, parents are turning to outside sources to supplement their children’s education. The private tutoring sector grew nearly 40% during the recession, demonstrating that parents will spend on their kids even during tough times.

Mathnasium tutors children year-round, exclusively in math, both in after-school sessions and on the weekends. The centers work both to engage kids and help them to boost their overall math skills by teaching concepts ranging from basic math to pre-calculus. Los Angeles-based Mathnasium differs from many other tutoring franchises because it specializes in one subject. The firm has been franchising since 2003.

Product/service: Home and office cleaning

Franchises in the U.S.: 1,251

Growth in franchises: 0.2%

Net worth requirement: $60,000 ($15,000-$20,000 in liquid assets)

Royalty: $80 flat per month

Franchise fee: $28,900

With a promise to clean carpets fast, Heaven’s Best eschews the typical water-extraction approach, relying instead on its own "dry in one hour" technique. Franchisees also clean upholstery, area rugs, leather, tile and grout, and hardwood floors in private homes and commercial establishments. Franchises from the are Rexburg, Idaho firm available in the U.S., Canada and England.

Franchisees benefit from a low fixed royalty rate that allows them to keep more money in their pockets. The $28,900 franchise fee also includes all basic costs, such as equipment, training, supplies and cleaning solutions. But franchisees must own their own white cargo van (model year 2000 or later) and buy cleaning products from the franchisor. While the business can be run by one person, many successful franchisees hire a team of employees to operate several vans in their area.Heaven's Best has been franchising since 1983.

Product/service: Restoration of plastics and leather

Franchises in the U.S.: 100

Growth in franchises: 127%

Net worth requirement: $100,000

Royalty: $550/month, commencing in the seventh month

Franchise fee: $65,000

Given the tough economy, more and more people opt to repair or refurnish their furniture and other belongings instead of shopping for replacements. The trend favors a franchise like Fibrenew, which restores plastics, vinyl, leather, fabrics and upholstery in cars, homes, boats, planes and commercial buildings.

The Canadian company, based in Calgary, Alberta, provides training, tools, chemicals and equipment, and franchisees sign a five-year contract that gives them exclusivity in a specific territory. They've been franchising for more than 25 years.

Product/service: Pet sitting and dog walking

Franchises in the U.S.: 165

Growth in franchises: 11.5%

Net worth requirement: $25,000

Royalty: 5% and 1.5% brand development fee

Franchise fee: $15,000 for a 50,000-household protected territory

Recession or no recession, people love their pets, and will pay good money for their care, including shelling out for walking and sitting services when they’re away.Fetch! Pet Care franchisees take care of all kinds of pets — dogs, cats, birds, even spiders. They aim to have background-checked walkers and sitters available whenever pet owners need them. The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based firm also provides services such as puppy training and yard cleanup.

Besides getting the chance to bond and play with lots of critters, franchisees can operate from their homes with a flexible work schedule. And the pet care industry continues to grow as Americans work longer hours, needing help to keep Scruffy and Chuckles happy at home. Fetch! has been around since 1994.

Product/service: Youth sports

Franchises in the U.S.: 133

Growth in franchises: 35%

Net worth requirement: $100,000

Royalty: 7.5% of gross revenue

Franchise fee: $19,900

i9 Sports organizes local sports tournaments, leagues, after-school programming and camps. Franchisees are in charge of coordinating logistics for specific neighborhoods or other geographic areas.

Among the inexpensive, extracurricular activities offered: flag football, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse, baseball/softball, golf, volleyball and hockey. The franchises can be home-based, saving their operators time and money while also providing flexible work hours.

With many local governments strapped for revenues and forced to cut back on recreation programs, i9 Sports, in business since 2003, is well-positioned for growth. There are already franchises in 25 states. The Tampa, Fla.-based company offers national and regional media/advertising support, initial training for new franchisees, continual refresher courses and informational webinars.

Product/service: Pizza, calzones and sandwiches

Franchises in the U.S.: 220

Growth in franchises: 10%

Net worth requirement: $100,000

Royalty: 3%

Franchise Fee: $15,000

Simple Simon's serves pizza, calzones and sandwiches in a casual kid- and family-friendly dining environment. Such low-cost food franchises have done relatively well during the downturn: alongside burgers, pizza is the most popular food to franchise.

What sets Simple Simon's apart? For one, its franchising fee is way below those of other fast food restaurants. Moreover, its franchising requirements are more conducive to newcomers. Unlike many of the larger restaurant franchises, it doesn’t require its would-be franchisees to already own other restaurants.

Product/service: Energy auditing and conservation

Franchises in the U.S.: 51

Growth in franchises (2009-11): 350%

Net worth requirement: $100,000

Royalty: $500 flat per month for the first two years, then $800 per month

Franchise fee: $29,900

With high heating and cooling costs and growing consumer interest in energy conservation, Pro Energy Consultants shows homeowners and commercial landlords how to lower their monthly utility bills.

The Cleveland, Ohio-based franchise does energy-use audits to help people better understand the energy needs of their homes and businesses, as well as how to save money with moves such as replacing windows or insulating against drafts. Franchisees also conduct thermal scans in workplaces, aimed at preventing electrical fires and meeting environmental safety codes.

Franchisees are provided with marketing assistance and also are trained to present informative energy-saving seminars in their communities, adding to their visibility and reputation. Pro Energy has been franchising since 2008.

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Have you had it with the weak job market? Tired of working for someone else? Want to start your own business but you're low on cash?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you’re not alone. The number of people starting businesses at home -- “homepreneurs” -- is rising steadily. In fact, more than half of all small businesses are now run from owners’ homes.

It's tough out there. But here are ten reputable franchisors that have either grown their businesses or held their own in one of the worst economies in decades. Profits vary depending on the number of clients, hours of service and variety of services offered. See if one of these franchises might be right for you.

By Neema P. Roshania

Product/Service: Dance fitness classes

Headquarters: Carlsbad, Calif.

Franchises in the U.S.: 6,627

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 16%

Net Worth Requirement: $0

Royalty: 20%

Franchise Fee: $1,000

www.jazzercise.com/

Jazzercise’s innovative and affordable workouts make it a popular exercise option for many clients even during difficult economic times. Running the business end from the home is fairly straightforward, but operators typically rent space at a church, meeting hall or other nearby location for the dance classes.

Product/Service: Business consulting and coaching

Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nev.

Franchises in the U.S.: 445

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 66%

Net Worth Requirement: $100,000

Royalty: $1,800/month

Franchise Fee: Varies

www.actioncoach.com

Business training and consulting are the hallmarks of this franchise, which is seeing a robust business as many firms struggle to stay afloat.

Product/Service: Commercial cleaning

Headquarters: Addison, Texas

Franchises in the U.S.: 9,375

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): -6%%

Net Worth Requirement: $0

Royalty: 10%

Franchise Fee: $10,000 minimum

www.janiking.com/

Jani-King’s commercial cleaning franchises provide janitorial services for office buildings, hotels, stadiums and retail buildings. Such operations can be easily run from home.

Product/Service: Shrub and lawn care, pest control

Headquarters: Holmdel, N.J.

Franchises in the U.S.: 465

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): -5%

Cash Liquidity Requirement: $40,000

Royalty: 10%

Franchise Fee: $25,000

www.lawndoctor.com

The company offers lawn care and pest control for commercial and residential properties -- a popular service with people too busy or too tired to devote hours taking care of their yards. An aging U.S. population should buoy this service, particularly as more and more older folks opt to stay in homes where they have lived for decades.

Product/Service: Nonmedical in-home care

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio

Franchises in the U.S.: 650

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 8%

Cash Liquidity Requirement: $30,000

Royalty: 4%-6%

Franchise Fee: $35,000

www.homehelpers.cc

Aging baby boomers are creating a growing market for such care. Franchises like this one offer in-home care for the elderly and disabled as well.

Product/Service: Disaster insurance/restoration

Headquarters: Gallatin, Tenn.

Franchises in the U.S.: 1, 521

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 16%

Net Worth Requirement: $100,000

Royalty: 3%-10%

Franchise Fee: $41,000

www.servpro.com

Servpro works with insurance companies to clean up and restore properties in the wake of a fire, flood, severe weather or biohazard damage. Their services are offered to both residential and commercial clients.

Product/Service: Professional tools and equipment

Headquarters: Kenosha, Wis.

Franchises in the U.S.: 3,262

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 6%

Net Worth Requirement: $30,000

Royalty: $102/month

Franchise Fee: $5,000 minimum

www.snapon.com

Franchisees offer a variety of tools for uses in the home as well as on the job. The business can be run from home, and includes use of a Snap-on Tools truck to offer its products to customers.

Product/Service: Printing and promotional materials

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio

Franchises in the U.S.: 700

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 23%

Net Worth Requirement: $100,000

Royalty: 6%-8%

Franchise Fee: Varies

www.proforma.com

Proforma makes a business out of other businesses. It supplies print and promotional materials that help clients publicize their brands and increase sales.

Product/Service: Plumbing and draining

Headquarters: North Billerica, Mass.

Franchises in the U.S.: 480

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 47%

Net Worth Requirement: $25,000

Royalty: Flat fee per month based on population served

Franchise Fee: $4,000 minimum

www.rooterman.com

Recession or no recession, homes everywhere will always have plumbing and drainage problems, leaving franchises such as Rooter-Man with lots of prospective customers.

Product/Service: Commercial cleaning

Headquarters: San Mateo, Calif.

Franchises in the U.S.: 1,734

Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 300%

Cash Liquidity Requirement: $2,800-$9,000

Royalty: 5%

Franchise Fee: $7,650-$37,000

www.vanguardcleaning.com

Vanguard Cleaning Systems provides janitorial and commercial cleaning services for offices, daycare facilities, gyms, etc.

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