Crunch was founded in 1989 as a fitness studio by Doug Levine a former stockbroker. The clubs became popular by appealing to young upscale members and featuring heavy promotions and marketing with some humorous and sexual connotations.Crunch was founded in 1989 as a fitness studio by Doug Levine a former stockbroker. The clubs became popular by appealing to young upscale members and featuring heavy promotions and marketing with some humorous and sexual connotations.