US low-cost gym franchise Retro fitness is planning to open more than 30 sites in Florida over the next three years, as it looks to shake up the health and fitness landscape.

The company has six franchise locations in Florida: in Cooper City, Fleming Island, Fort Myers, Jacksonville (Baymeadows and Harbour Village) and Naples, and plans to open a new gym and corporate headquarters in Apopka.

The company’s CEO and founder, Eric Casaburi, said the business is looking to further build its presence in certain Florida markets. He said Jacksonville can accommodate a minimum of another six clubs; southeast Florida can house at least 25 locations; southwest Florida can accommodate 8-10 additional gyms; and Orlando has room for another 10-15 fitness centres.

Casaburi said: “We know there’s a void in Florida and we’re looking to fill it. We plan on expanding each of these markets until we have a Retro Fitness location within every three to five miles in populated areas – similar to our footprint in the New York City Metro area and New Jersey where we have more than 100 gyms.”

He added: “We’re serious about shaking up the fitness landscape in Florida and really building up our brand. The other gyms in the market don’t offer the same value as Retro. We make fitness affordable through a proven business model that is built on delivering members the quality and value they deserve.”

David Garrard, former quarterback for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, runs two Retro Fitness sites and is developing a third. He said: “My locations have been doing great. Our members are actually spending twice the amount of their membership, paying extra for personal training sessions and taking advantage of other amenities, like our Retro blends smoothie bar and pro shop. I’m hoping to open another two locations within the next five years.”

Retro Fitness has more than 150 fitness centres in 16 states and is on track to have 250 gyms open in the next two years. The franchise has signed more than 20 agreements and opened 14 gyms this year.