Franchise Fitness Executive Receives IFA Honor

On Feb. 24, The International Franchise Association, the world’s largest and oldest group representing the Franchising sector, named Linda Burzynski, CFE, CEO and president of Liberty Fitness Holdings, LLC, as the 2007 Crystal Compass recipient for exceptional leadership at their 47th annual convention in Vegas, NV.  

“Receiving the Crystal Compass marks such growth for Liberty Fitness, our franchisees, our home office team and the members of the board who have helped to make this happen,” said Burzynski.  “I am so proud that we have this exposure for the Liberty Fitness Franchise to help grow the brand, and significantly impact women’s health through our approach to fitness, weight loss and wellness.”

In addition to the Crystal Compass, Burzynski also celebrated 2007 with an induction to the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame, an award granted by Enterprising Women Magazine that recognized Burzynski for her lifetime achievements to further the advancements of women in franchising.

“Linda Burzynski and all Enterprising Women award recipients are influential, powerful women with high-growth businesses who are leaders in their communities and have given back to mentor other women entrepreneurs,” said Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine.

Since Burzynski was appointed CEO of Liberty Fitness in 2005, the franchise has added six area developers, formed significant alliances with Nike and Polar Body Age and added a weight-loss system to their business model.

In 2006, Burzynski was named chairwoman of the Business Women's Network, a Washington, D.C.-based company providing information and resources for women entrepreneurs and business people.  She is responsible for business planning and development of memberships, sponsorships, events, publications and speakers, and also serves as one of the key speakers for the network.

Prior to joining Liberty Fitness, Burzynski was the CEO of CM IT Solutions. She also served as president and COO of Molly Maid, Inc., and before that, was senior vice president of operations of Interiors by Decorating Den.

Burzynski is also the 1998 recipient of IFA’s Bonny LeVine Award, which honors individuals who advance the cause of women in franchising. She is a trustee of the IFA Educational Foundation and past chairwoman of the ICFE Board of Governors.

Burzynski is a board member of MicroClinics, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide critical and basic health care to the sick and poor of Ghana using the model of franchising to open quality health-care clinics throughout the country.  

About Liberty Fitness Women’s Health Club
Liberty Fitness distinguishes itself in the fitness, weight loss and wellness industries as the only club that offers a holistic approach to women’s health under one roof. Liberty Fitness combines this total body approach in a supportive, spa-like setting. Founded in 2002, Liberty Fitness has 40 independently owned and operated clubs in 16 states. In addition to a 30-minute circuit training workout featuring adjustable, hydraulic strength-training equipment, Liberty Fitness club members have access to free fitness instruction, cardio equipment, Yoga and Pilates classes, sauna and massage amenities, and new technology from Polar BodyAge that provides the ability to set body-specific workout goals and monitor workout results. At the core of these amenities is Liberty Fitness' proprietary five-phase weight loss program, designed by nutrition and diet experts. Guided by routine one-on-one counseling, members follow healthy meal plans that combine "real" foods with delicious, club-exclusive dietary supplements. Liberty Fitness owners and employees share a common vision to help women everywhere lead healthier, happier lives.