X Do instructors need to be certified? If you or your instructors aren't already certified in strength training or group fitness, you can get individually certified through one of many national organizations such as IDEA or ACE in addition to our certification. If not, you can still follow our own program certification to become a Body Sculpting instructor.

X Is the cost of fitness certification training included in my licensing fee? In-person Strength training certification is available only in Cleveland, however we offer remote certification training for those located outside of the area. The certification fee and training for Licensees is included in your licensing fee. If you are applying for an instructor position and plan on teaching classes for Body Sculpting by Exterior Designs, Inc. here in northeast Ohio, you will not be eligible or required to purchase a license. Your only fee is to become certified so that you can accept a teaching assignment through us.

X What other kinds of start-ups costs can I expect? There's great latitude with start-up expenses. In a nutshell, the initial expenses you'll be faced with will depend on a lot of variables. Your initial expenditures may be nothing more than your licensing fee and office supplies. Other licensees may require more or less start-up money, depending on variables such as experience, how much of the start-up work they're willing or able to do themselves, and if they're able to set up a basic accounting system.

X What exactly is a license? In the general sense, a license allows its holder (Licensee) to buy a "brand." With that, the holder of the license gets the brand name recognition and reputation that comes along with the name or trademark of the product as well as training, detailed programming information and help getting your business started and maintained. With our fitness program license, the footwork has all been done for you. By securing a license, you become an independent agent with the legal right to set up your own business with this established, tried and tested fitness product. With our fitness program licenses, you get to use our brand names, our national trademarks, and our tested and approved programs. Along with our videos, manuals, marketing materials and more, you get the benefit of using procedures and tools that have been proven to be successful for us for over 28 years. It's like going ice skating once someone else has already cleared the pond surface of snow, bumps and debris.

X Can I call my program Body Sculpting? Our company owns the service mark for Body Sculpting in the state of Ohio. Anywhere you see Body Sculpting offered, it is either offered by our company, or is run by our Licensee. If you reside in Ohio and become a licensee, you will use Body Sculpting as the name for your program. However, if you live in another state, we cannot guarantee someone else is not already using "Body Sculpting". You can, however, use our trademarked corporate name logo "Body Sculpting by Exterior Designs, Inc" as is on all of our marketing material as well as our website which you would have access to advertise your classes on.

X Could you tell me about the history of your Body Sculpting and its founder? Body Sculpting began in 1984 as the first workout with weights in the Northeast Ohio area and was developed by Francesca Fisher in response to a successful personal training business training Olympic athletes and area celebrities. Initially, Body Sculpting was offered at recreation centers. Over time, the business made its way into community education program, adult education centers, health clubs, hospitals, dance studios, churches, wellness centers and Fortune 500 companies. Currently, the company instructs classes at over 100 locations in nine Ohio counties. Outside of these areas, we sell licenses to individuals and instructors looking to further our name and expand our programs in cities where they live. While researching and developing her strength training programs, Fisher worked closely with a medical advisory committee consisting of doctors, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and other health care professionals. She has presented her programs and methods to several prestigious organizations, including the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the United States Weightlifting Federation, MetroHealth General Hospital, and more. In additional to personal training and fitness work, Fisher is a published fitness author and has been featured in national magazines such as Glamour, Body Wise, Muscle Training Illustrated, Fitness Management and others. Fisher is also a former international competitive bodybuilder and title-holder, and has served as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Advisory Committee as well as serving as the acting Executive Director of the International Weightlifting Association. She also is a frequent presenter at conventions and trade shows, and was at one time chosen as one of "Cleveland's Top 10 Women Business Owners" by the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

X What exactly do I get with the License? Depending on the package you select and/or the number of courses you purchase, you'll get up to nine videotaped instructional guides. You'll receive an extensive training manual which is designed to teach you the fitness programs and routines, and can answer almost all your questions. You'll also get sample instruction forms for your clients, participation waiver forms, contracts for classes, instructors and sites, testimonials, articles and a marketing guidance. Your classes will be listed on our website, with instructions for clients to call you directly. Additionally, you'll have access to our latest newsletters, marketing materials and articles. Not least of all, we offer you support throughout the duration of your license and access to our HELP section on our website.

X How is a license different than a franchise? To simplify, a license provides more flexibility than a franchise. With a license, for example, a licensee has the ability to manipulate prices. What that means is that in a given area, a licensee can adapt pricing structures that give the licensee a competitive advantage. Additionally, franchises are significantly more expensive to start, often running into the tens and hundreds of thousands. With our licensee program, there are no royalty fees on your sales. However, there are similarities between licenses and franchises. Both offer a tried and tested product, brand name recognition, and brand name equity.

X How would I get the specialized fitness training I'd need in order to operate this business? There are two ways you can obtain the training you'll need to instruct a class: 1. You can learn through the manuals, videos and course materials, which are very comprehensive. 2. You can attend a hands-on clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. These clinics are offered several times during the year, and participants are certified after having completed the six-hour course. (If you take this route, you'll be asked to review our training videos and manuals before attending.)

X Why would I want to buy a License or a Franchise when I can just invent my own fitness program? Because franchisees and licensees enjoy the benefits of both the research and development and the trial and errors of others, they also statistically enjoy an easier road to success. Licensees and franchisees buy "brands" that have been proven to sell using the strategies their originators have developed. In a manner of speaking, what's being sold is a "shortcut" to success. So why would you want to reinvent the wheel when all the goodwill and reputation of a proven program is already in place? This takes the guesswork out of running a business so that you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that is naturally learned along the way of any start-up business. Although we cannot guarantee your results, by following the prescribed methods and practices we recommend, we hope to help you increase your chance of success in a fitness program license business venture.

X What kinds of equipment would I need to run this business? For a basic set up, you will need a computer, printer and a phone. If you plan to teach the classes yourself, you'll also need a set of five-pound weights and an exercise mat.

X Is this a turnkey operation? Our fitness program licenses are a total turnkey operation. This means that with your License, you'll be provided all the information you need to begin implementing these fitness programs immediately.

X I already own a fitness center or dance studio. What would the cost be to add your fitness programs? We sell each of our programs for a one-time fee and a nominal annual renewal fee each year after the first three years. Each of our programs can be sold individually if you just want to start out slow. You can always add programs at a later date.

X What kind of Royalties or Monthly Reporting is due? There are no royalties or monthly reporting due. Our fees are based on the program purchased and the size of the area in which you will be offering classes.

X How much is the License? Cost varies depending on the programs, number of classes, and location(s) desired. Please email helper@flexcity.com with your questions at our corporate office for pricing details, however it is possible to get started for under $1500.

X After all of this, I'm interested in finding out more. What's the next step? The next step would be to fill out an online application and submit it. This is the first step . You will not be obligated to purchase anything. Once we receive your application, we will contact you to answer any further questions or to speak with you personally. CLICK HERE to fill out a License Application.

X How long will it take before I'm up and running? Your level of motivation, your experience, your resources and your current situation will all affect your start-up time. For example, if you currently teach fitness and have a facility available to you, it's possible to study the Body Sculpting manuals over the weekend and begin teaching on Monday. Others may need time to learn the workouts or to hire instructors, to set up locations, and to secure clients. Seasonality may also affect your start-up time. In Northeastern Ohio, we find fall, winter and spring to be our busiest times.

X Will you be available to answer additional questions I'll have? Will this cost me anything more? We'll be there to guide you through your first three months with any questions you may have. We've also got ongoing support and information through our website, our videotapes, our literature, our workshops, and our CEU classes. Email support is offered on an ongoing basis. There is no additional charge for support.

X I'm more of a administrator, can I still be a licensee? No, you don't need to instruct the classes yourself. If you choose, you can do it all yourself, but running a profitable business requires behind-the-scenes work as well. Some licensees will prefer to focus on the administrative and marketing functions, leaving the actual class instruction to subcontractors or employees. However, all of your instructors must be certified through us.

X What do I need in order to get started? Simply fill out our License Application and someone will contact you from our corporate headquarters. We have an online app available, or an email version. Both are located on the top of the Licensing Opportunities Page, or copy and paste this URL in your browser:

http://www.flexcity.com/bodysculpting/apps/licenseapp.asp

X Are your programs medically approved or have they been reviewed or approved by anyone? Our programs have been approved through the International Weightlifting Association -- a board-recognized continuing education provider for physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, nurses and other health care agencies. Additionally, our programs have been submitted to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the National Strength Conditioning Association, as well as several other prestigious hospitals and organizations.

X I can't find the answer to my question. Email: helper@flexcity.com with any question you have.