My Interview With Anytime Fitness CEO Chuck Runyon (A Giveaway Post)
There have been a lot of reviews on the book “Working Out Sucks” by CEO of Anytime Fitness Chuck Runyon in the weight loss blogging world.
I loved the book. I thought that it simplified a lot of things for people who are new to fitness and it also debunked some myths that people have. It is an easy read and I guarantee that once you read it, you will learn at least one new concept.
I an not going to review the book. Instead I was very lucky to be able to interview the CEO of Anytime Fitness Chuck Runyon. I have never done an interview before where I was the one asking questions. I tried to make the questions a little fun.
Enjoy the interview and at the end I will tell you how you can win one of four personally autographed copies of the book!
I loved the book Working Out Sucks. What prompted you to write the book?
It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the book, Tony. My motivation behind writing it is actually right on par with the Anti-Jared’s mission of changing the way people look at weight loss. I wanted to re-energize the debate in this country on the obesity crisis and what it’s going to take to reverse the epidemic, and the only way to do that is to cut through the BS and get real: Yes, Working Out Sucks, but the alternatives suck so much more. Being unhealthy affects every single aspect of your life: self-esteem, productivity, relationships, sex life, your pets – everything!
And, believe me, after 20 years in the fitness industry and over 1,800 Anytime Fitness clubs, I’ve heard every excuse you can imagine why it’s easier to stay on the couch. But, this book will hit you on an emotional level with some tough love, and gives you not only a supersized dose of motivation, but practical tools to help you change bad habits and make healthier food choices. Consider it as a personal fitness intervention!
What was your take on the whole “fat” controversy your PR email sparked? Do you think it was good for promoting the book?
Well, first of all, I want to thank you for coming to my defense when the controversy ignited. I was humbled by your kind words, and appreciate that you shared an honest perspective with your readers.
Let’s face it, anytime you use the “F” word it’s going to spark some level of controversy, and it just so happens that one of the chapters in the book is titled “Money is Allergic to Fat People.” Yes, this is a provocative title, but it originated from real life statistics that overweight individuals are more likely to make less money than colleagues of a normal weight. Once again my goal in writing the book wasn’t to incite anger or offend anyone, but to get people talking openly and honestly about the current state of our health, and I think the controversy inadvertently achieved that.
More importantly, we posed the question Is “fat” a bad word? to the Anytime Health community, which created some great discussion. And for every response we received, we made a donation to Limbs for Life, a charity that provides prosethics to those who cannot afford them. We did something similar with you and Carla donated over $5,000 in total.
I saw that Tony Horton wrote a real nice review of the book. Do you have to make an X with your arms every time you see him
I was grateful to Tony Horton for writing such a great review. The guy’s a rock star — P90x is the best selling workout program in the nation. Tony has been an ally of Anytime Fitness, and was a guest on Anytime Health Radio. I’ve never actually met Tony in person but when I see him, I’ll give him the “X”.
How many people contributed to writing this book?
I was fortunate to have two outstanding co-authors help write the book. Rebecca DeRossett a psychologist with years of experience helping people achieve positive behavior change, and Brian Zehetner, a nutritionist, strength expert, and overall Chief Science guy at Anytime Fitness provided expert advice that anyone can adopt for their lifestyle.
I think it is awesome that every dime goes to charity. Limbs For Life is a fantastic charity. What other charities does Anytime Fitness contribute to?
At Anytime Fitness, we often say “we bleed purple, but we also bleed purpose.” Giving back is an essential part of our company’s DNA, and that philanthropic attitude resonates across the board – at corporate, down to the franchisees, to the members in neighborhoods all around the world. Last year at corporate, our employees participated in raising funds for several organizations such as making meals for the Feed My Starving Children, donating blood to the Memorial Blood Center, providing contributions to military families, cleaning up ravaged neighborhoods from natural disasters, and building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Limbs for Life is another organization that has inspired me because we can help people achieve mobility and to lead a healthy, active life by providing them with a prosthetic limb.
You are the CEO. If you were ever on Undercover Boss, which type of CEO would you be? Would you be the generous one that gives away gyms at the end, or the cheap one that gives away $5000 to a charity in the employee’s name?
I’m actually going to answer this one with a little bit of a cliffhanger. Believe it or not, you’re going to get the chance to see me in a predicament like this on a show called Secret Millionaire. I can’t give away too many details, but it will be airing in the coming months and it showcases myself and business partner Dave Mortensen in extremely grueling conditions. It was physically and mentally challenging, and one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. Our hearts have more blisters than our hands. And, you may or may not see me cry on national television. So stay tuned!
Tell me a little about Anytime Health.
Anytime Health is arguably the most robust health and wellness website out there. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for managing your health and fitness. You can plan meals, track workouts, get expert advice from virtual trainers, and connect with our amazing community. And, as you know, the Anytime Health blog is updated daily with healthy recipes, fitness tips, commentary, and inspiration from great bloggers such as yourself.
How many success stories have you read from your gyms? How does it make you feel to know you have built a place for people to work out 24 hours a day?
I’ve read countless success stories, you can’t put a number on it. I can honestly tell you that the reason I get up in the morning and go to work is because I know that Anytime Fitness is changing lives for the better. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear a story of a member that transformed their life in extraordinary ways – these people inspire me, energize me, and make me want to do better in my own life. Some of these very people are highlighted in the book. I’ve met each and every one of them, and they are all uniquely special and I know that their newfound health is positively affecting their family, friends and co-workers so our influence goes far deeper than we can measure.
It’s an incredible feeling to be the most convenient fitness option on the planet. That’s always been important to us – we want health and fitness to be accessible 24/7/365.
The reason why I love the book so much is because it is simplified. Do you think there are a lot of misconceptions out there in the fitness world?
Getting healthy isn’t rocket science, it’s common sense. Even the scientific information in the book is presented in a fun and easy to read format. Browse the internet or any bookshelf, and you’ll find thousands of “experts” claiming to have found the “magic bullet” for solving the health crisis – whether it be in the form of a pill, a theory, a new fitness gadget, or some other veiled promise. Working Out Sucks is an effort to “deprogram” the brainwashing we get from this type of misinformation. Brian Zehetner even tackles some nutrition and fitness myths head-on in the book.
Were you ever obese or overweight?
No, I’ve never been called fat or considered obese but, I’ve never really been ripped either. And although I’m CEO of a major fitness brand, I am just like one of our members that has to find 30-40 minutes to get a quick workout in 4-5 times per week. Over the last year, I’ve been getting up at 5:30 to get a 45 minute program in before work. I used to hate morning workouts—and I still fight the urge to stay in bed but if I don’t exercise in the morning, my schedule doesn’t allow me to be consistent in the afternoon.
However, I’ve spent enough time coaching members who struggle with obesity, poor nutrition, inactivity and excuses, so I do understand how their brains work against them. I know that behavior change is tough, that we’re all busy and that the temptation to eat high caloric food is tempting throughout everyone’s day. I’ve been a part of personal struggle and motivation every day for over 20 years and I know how to inspire people.
What has made Anytime Fitness such a successful franchise?
It starts with the fact that we are the innovators of the 24 hour, convenient, affordable gym concept, and I think it’s something that other health clubs simply can’t match. And beyond that, we view a great club culture as vital to our success. We provide members with all the tools they need to get an exceptional workout, and do it in a non-intimidating, supportive environment. We also adhere to the philosophy that you shouldn’t spend the majority of your time inside a gym facility – we want you to get in and get out, put in the time and effort and then go and live your life. But above all, we are successful because our mission statement isn’t about gaining market share, but about improving the self-esteem of the world.
Do you read health or weight loss blogs?
You won’t be surprised to know that I’m a regular reader of the AH blog. Beyond that, I come across numerous health and fitness resources all the time. But what sticks with me are the raw, honest, and heartfelt stories from people like you. Thank you once again for a being a great source of inspiration to our members.
Have you done the 21 day plan that is in your book?
No, because I currently track my eating habits on the Anytime Health Diet Tracker. It’s a helpful tool to set up personalized meal plans and journal your food intake based on your gender, body size and resting metabolic rate. That may sound intimidating but the website makes it easy, and there are iPhone and Android apps. However, Brian did a fantastic job at creating the book’s meal plan with real, every day food that anyone can adopt and stick with – that’s the most important part!
I read that you love MILF’s (Mothers Into Lifelong Fitness). Does your wife work out?
Yes, she does and she’s in excellent shape, especially if you consider that she is a mother of 4 kids. She is a MILF however; she does not enjoy working out. In fact, she thinks it sucks but she does it to be a better mom, role model and to keep her husband running after her.
How many times does the word “Suck” appear in your book?
Not sure. It would suck to have to count them!
Where do you see the fitness industry in five years from now?
More fitness and nutrition options that cater to a person of any size, income and experience. And based on rising health care costs, personal trainers will play a vital role in getting people healthy. I also believe that employer programs and health insurance that rewards healthy behaviors, along with government intervention – in the form of monetary incentives or consequences – will influence more people to get active.
Do you own a Shake Weight? (For men of course!)
I don’t know why the shake weight gets such a bad rap, it’s a very natural rhythm to get used to, and it really tones your arms! We have them around the office to relieve stress.
I also love the Tug Toner. 
How many employees do you have at Anytime Fitness corporate?
We have about 100 corporate employees based in MN.
Who is your favorite Anytime Fitness success story?
It’s so hard to pick just one, but there is someone that stands out for me, and that’s Daniel Lowe. I’m not ashamed to admit that the first time I read his story, I got choked up.
Here’s a kid who was born with cerebral palsy, and struggled to walk properly for most of his young adult life. In advance of his graduation, he chose to have his hip broken so that he could walk across the stage on his own two feet to pick up his diploma. After the surgery, Daniel had to exercise to rehabilitate and gain the strength to walk across the stage but being from a single parent home, Daniel and his mother could not afford to make this happen. Thankfully, a local Anytime Fitness donated a membership and he met a trainer at Anytime Fitness named Doug Patton who was so moved by Daniel’s determination, that he trained Daniel for free. Over time Daniel grew even stronger in mind and body, and was able to accomplish his goal of walking across the stage to pick up his high school diploma. When he walked off the stage, he took a large sigh, and said “I’m a free man.” How can you hear a story like that, and then say it’s too hard to get out of bed at 6am?
At our annual conference, he walked across the stage to pick up his Member Success Award and there was not a dry eye in the conference. It was one of my favorite moments for Anytime Fitness.
How many Anytime Fitness gyms have you been to?
About the same number as the word “sucks” appears in WOS.
Thank you so much for the interview Chuck!
Now, I am giving away four personally signed copies of Working Out Sucks. Chuck is going to hand write a note for the winners in each book which is really cool!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog or on Facebook. Yes, the comments are open on this post. You can leave any comment, but I would love to know what is your favorite workout.
The chances are good for you to win! Usually I get around 100-150 entries, so you have pretty good odds. The contest will end on Thursday March 1st at 11:59pm Sunday March 4th and the winners will be chose on Friday March 2nd. Make that Monday March 5th!!!!!
Good luck and I am excited about reading your workouts!
Disclaimer- I am a blogger at Anytime Health and a member of Anytime Fitness. I also listen to the Christina Aguilera station on Pandora. I think that my Pinterests are very funny and after I realize they are not I delete them. I love shopping at Sam’s Club. I worry about my breath smelling funny a lot and I have a fear of ants. I enjoy old school rap and I now listen to country music because my boss makes me at work. I have heard the “Red Solo Cup” about 3 million times. I was not paid for this interview although a few bucks might be nice.
Great give Away and Post ! You’re awesome Tony !!!
Thanks for the interview and an inside look into Anytime Fitness. My favorite workouts are things like Turbo Kick and Zumba where you know you are working out but you are having some fun as well.
Great interview Tony! Thanks.
My favorite workout is always a weighted workout. There is just something about lifting weight and pushing yourself that I love!
My favorite workout is an Abs and Dumbell workout followed by a 3 mile run. On days that I don’t do weights I’ll do a 6 mile run. I like to sign up for races. That way I always have a goal to work towards. It seems to be working for me. I’ve kept off the 92 Lbs I lost for 3 years now. Loved the interview.
My favorite workout is a 5 mile run 2-3 times a week. Has kept my weight maintained for 8 months now and has taken several more inches off my core. Plus the run clears my head.
Great interview, Tony. Chuck Runyon sounds like a great guy. It’s amazing that all proceeds are going to charity.
My favorite workout is cycling, and I’m hesitant to say it’s a ‘workout’, because it has become something I love doing. I guess in that sense it’s the perfect workout!
Loved the interview!
My favorite workout would be Zumba and the dread-mill. Training for the Chicago Color Run as we speak!
Thanks for having such a cool giveaway!
I loved this interview. I was so inspired by the story of the boy with cerebral palsy. My oldest son has cerebral palsy. We are searching for a way for him to workout. It’s hard because he’s only 12 and the only place available to us is the local pool. They won’t allow him in the weight room because he’s not 14 (and you have to climb 2 flights of stairs to access it).
I don’t know that I have a favorite workout. I use a combination of a Biggest Loser walking dvd, a Gruntstyle workout and on occasion I make it to the pool (25 miles away).
nice read on the interview, my favorite workout now is just doing some light running on the treadmill, tossing around the medicine ball and lifting some kettleballs
Awesome posting. An Anytime Fitness opened recently net me. I thinks it’s an awesome concept. I personally don’t belong to a gym and workout at home. When the weathers nice, I like to do my telephone pole run. I start by waking to the first telephone pole and then run to the next. I continue that pattern until the next street. The next street walk to two poles and then run to the next two. Continue this pattern until you get home.
My favorite workout involves the elliptical, then weights, then the elliptical. I enjoy the Anytime Fitness in my hometown and have actually been persuaded by the local manager to write my story. I am currently down 260 pounds and looking to lose 75 more. Great interview.
Wow, love this interview! Chuck seems pretty awesome. Now I really want to read the book! Thanks Tony.
I’ve been a loyal Anytime Fitness member at the Fremont, Seattle gym for a few years because I love the low-key atmosphere there, and Sean is helpful as well as a total sweetheart. My new favorite workout is low rep, slow-paced heavy lifting to failure, a few different lifts a couple times a week, plus abs. It kicks my butt, but I’m gaining muscle like crazy, and getting in and out of the gym so quickly rocks. Of course, I walk on non-lifting days.
I never thought of using a shake weight at work to relieve stress. That is a really good idea! My favorite workout is hiking. During the week for time’s sake I hit the gym in the morning before work, but on the weekend I prefer to be outside with the quiet in nature.
My favorite workout is actually any workout where I actually get to the gym or do something at home. It’s way too easy for me to blow it off due to work, tiredness, laziness, etc. I like dumbbells, though.
I am a member of Snap Fitness in my area. My goal is to go to the gym at least 4- 5 days per week. I do cardio on the treadmill and arc trainer. Also alternate on the weight machines. I also go to a Zumba class once a week.
I love your blog. You are a real inspiration! Thanks Tony!
It is so refreshing to have someone in the industry who is committed to health, but not a cheerleader telling you how wonderful it is to get up early and go to the gym. I like the treadmill, irrespective of the season.
My favorite workout is the one that goes by quickly. I get up at 5 AM to get my 40 minutes done and over with, because if I wait until after work something’s going to get short shrift: the kids, the husband, or my workout. Guess which one I cut? Hint: it’s not the one with the kids or the husband involved
His book sounds like my kind of read.
My favorite workout, which I cannot believe I am actually admitting to right now is interval sprints on the treadmill and running/jogging on it. I hated the treadmill more than any other piece of equipment at the gym and now I can’t go to the gym with out being on one. It’s crazy how far I have come.
Great interview Tony! My favorite workout is swimming laps and spinning class, but I don’t do them as often as I would like because I know it’s important to do circuit training with weights too. I am NOT a morning morning person at all but I keep toying with the idea of going to bed earlier to help me become someone who can get up out of bed earlier. I know this would help me be more consistent with workouts since going after work always makes the evenings too hectic at home. Thanks for the chance to win a book!
I really enjoy walking 3.5 miles to work each morning, and my favorite workout is my kettlebell class.
Love the interview. Just did a Zumba Class at my Anytime for the first time. Loved it!! Back to the treadmill for now.
Me me me!! I want a book. I’m literate!!
my favorite workout involves beating the crap out of a guy.
Boxing with hot young men as sparring partners…. it’s better than trying to date them! I’m much more successful with gloves on than gloves off.
I love to play tennis, go roller blading, or swimming. Most of the time when it’s nice outside I love to go for walks. Tennis has to be my favorite though because you are getting a great work out of a variety of muscles and cardio without really feeling like it. Roller blading is challenging but once I get over the fear of falling I love getting to high speeds. Rollerblading is great to get that great buttox and slim thighs. When I can last 30 min. running is also something I like to do. I get that “runner’s high” which leaves me feeling happy. Any exercise really makes me feel better afterward if I can just make myself exercise in the first place.
I REALLY want to read this book – so of course I’d love to win one
And my favorite workout? Anything that involves running!
I can’t pick a favorite workout – I just like to keep mixing things up! Variety is the spice of life
Great interview. I will definitely chech out the site. At this time I don’t have a favorite workout but I’m looking for one. I am trying to work past the “suck” factor so this definitely gives some inspiration.
I would have to say my favorite workout is running! I really hate the idea of working out, but I love how I feel when I am finished. Once I start moving, I’m addicted! Over the past year I have inspired others to start moving, or so they tell me so. I recently joined the gym, Any Time Fitness, is there any other one? I had my husband join me for a week and he is addicted as well. I would LOVE to read your book, to keep me moving in the right direction, but winning a copy would be AWESOME! Thank you for letting me share my story!
My fave workout is Jillian Michaels 30 day shred!
~RustiAnn
Great interview man!
My favorite work out is the trusty elliptical….60 mins and a towel for the bucket of sweat and I am good to go!
Tony great interview. I had not heard of the book, but, but it sounds like something I need. I will look for the book, if I don’t win a copy. I can always use the extra motivation and inspiration.
I now exercise 5 to 6 days a week, in the morning, before anything else. I actually enjoy it now, but it took me 2+ years to get to that point. I also enjoy eating, and sleeping, and being a sloth. My favorite exercise? Anything once it is done. I like everything EXCEPT running, kettle balls, stairclimber, ok – I like as much as I don’t like I guess;).
My favorite workout is with weights. It feels like you really have done a workout. Also like the Stability Ball. Just walking on a machine does nothing for me
I loved that blog post very inspirational the pics are amazing motivational .. the workout I do is a mix of yoga and pilates– do I enjoy no but I know I have to keep moving o I also walk my dog 2 to 3 miles per day!
Love the encouraging interview – very motivational! My favorite workout is yoga makes me feel alive limber and balanced in my life!
Thank you for the great post and workout pictures! Swimming would be my choice as I love the water and could go to the beach everyday.
My workout of choice is a brisk walk around the neighborhood as I try to do at least 3 miles everyday to keep my body in shape. Weight lifting is a good as well to keep my muscles toned in my arms.
Great interview Tony! Love the questions
The energy I have gained from the classes has made swimming and cross country skiing “regular family activities” 
We also love to dance together in the living room lol. I’ve been at the same weight for a few months now and I’m aware I need to incorporate some strength training into my routine and I hope to find some solutions from the book. As a busy working mom – I need some help!
My favourite workout is ZUMBA! I have been attending a class consistently for over two years now
Great interview! And I love your disclaimer:) My favorite workout will probably always be running. There’s just nothing like hitting the pavement on a hot day and really feeling the rhythm of your body. Plus, as a somewhat new mom (I’ve got a 19-month old) I’m always looking for an activity that I can do with my kid in tow…thank goodness for my Bob jogging stroller!
Hi, Tony! I’ve been reading your blog for some time and find your story inspirational (of course!). My favorite workout is the one I don’t have to do, ha ha. Actually, I’m overweight and not very fit, but last year I joined a great little local exercise group that meets twice a week in a large city park. Led by a park district employee who happens to be a personal trainer as well, the group walks a two-mile circuit around the park with a stretch at the beginning and end and three stops on the way to do exercises like lunges, squats, plank, crunches, pushups and some I think our trainer just made up. We start up again at the end of March, and I’m really excited and dreading it a lot. thanks for all you do.
Really enjoyed this interview. My favorite work out so far has been a small group training program that includes weights and 20 minutes of cardio intervals.
I love to run. Like I seriously just love running. When it comes to working out I think I need to branch out a little because I tend to just get in a rut and go for a jog instead of cross training
I like cardio. I do an hour on the treadmill five days a week. I know I need to add resistance training but am having a hard time taking the plunge.
Another great giveaway, really enjoyed the interview!
Thanks Tony.
Excellant interview love the way he keeps it real!! My favorite workout has to be the eliptical or zumba….or when the weather is nice a long walk with my lab!
Great interview… I ran across this book and didn’t really give it a second thought… now I am!
My favorite workout is Zumba. I chase the good instructors all over the Twin Cities.
Thanks for the info!
My favorite workout is Body Pump…it gives an aeorbic workout with weights. After a few workouts (and after my muscles quit screaming at me) I always feel so much stronger and capable!
What a great interview..cant wait to see him on Secret Millionaire!!
Thanks for being such an inspiration, I have read and reread your story from the beginning…what an inspiration!!
Too bad there isnt an Anytime Fitness in my area
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Favorite workout? For someone who wants a book titled, “Working out Sucks?”
No really, it’s hard for me to say that I like to workout or that I have a favorite. I guess I started running and while I don’t feel like I love it, I crave the feeling in my lungs when I’m breathing deeply when I run. That’s all it is. I hope to enjoy working on one day, just need to keep practicing and trying new things…
Cheers~
Carrie
Awesome interview …………………..
its great my favorate exercise is running its very good i enjoy it always its very useful for weight control
Great interview, can’t wait to read the book!
Hi guys, I’m new to this forum so I’ve always thought it was polite to make a first post to introduce myself.
My name is Tristan. I’m from Canada and I’m 25 years old. I’ve been checking things out for a while now!
Here’s what I’m working on now is this blog. It’s still early in development so dont make fun of it lol.
Anyway congrats for reading and I am happy to be adding to the forum with you guys =)
Un Cupido moribundo, expulsado del cielo por cometer un terrible pecado; cuatro chicos de acampada la Noche de San Juan; un hombre desesperado por una maldición gitana; un anciano que la víspera de Todos los Santos alivia las penas con sus relatos… y alguna sorpresa más es lo que os espera en esta primera recopilación de relatos cortos que *gratis* os ofrezco.
…en la noche estrellada… presenta Amaneceres, 8 relatos cortos de Javier Paredes, de libre distribución en la Red
¡Disfrutad leyéndolo como yo disfruté al escribirlo!
Hi guys, I’m new to this forum so I’ve always thought it was polite to make a first post to introduce myself.
My name is Christopher. I’m from New York and I’m 48 years old. I’ve been lurking this forum for a while now!
What I’m working on now is coming soon. It’s still early in development so dont make fun of it lol.
Anyway thanks for reading and I am happy to be contributing to the site with you guys =)