AFLW's Tayla Harris opens Snap Fitness and 9Round franchises in Victoria

AFLW player and professional boxer, Tayla Harris has opened two gym franchises in Victoria: Snap Fitness Ascot Vale and 9Round Ascot Vale.

The reputable gym franchises, owned by leading global fitness group, Lift Brands, already operate more than 280 clubs across Australia and New Zealand, however this will be the first to be owned and run by Tayla Harris and her business partners in the Ascot Vale district.

Already excelling in both AFL and boxing, Harris said it was time she took her passion for exercise and sport to the next level and launch into the business world, commenting “I’ve always wanted to own a business and in particular, I wanted to own a gym.

“It was through a conversation about my curiosity about how to open a gym that I was introduced to the 9Round club opening guru Paige Powerman.

“We have a very similar set of values, most importantly our respect for teamwork, and we decided to not only create a state-of-the-art facility but a one-of-a-kind snap Fitness and 9Round in one location.”

The new Ascot Vale facility includes the latest equipment, child minding, luxurious bathrooms and much more.

As the 9Round brand ambassador and an avid Snap Fitness member, Harris says becoming her own boss and proud owner of two franchises has been a natural and necessary next step.

Harris declared “while professional athletes are passionate about their sport, playing professional sport is ultimately a short-lived pursuit, so it’s vital to set myself up with investments and opportunities beyond my ability to play sport that still create longevity in what I love and am passionate about, which is fitness and health.

“While I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness, now I’d like to use this drive and determination to help others live a healthy lifestyle.

“By opening up Ascot Vale 9Round and Snap Fitness, I am able to provide facilities for the community to do just that.”

Advising that the Snap Fitness and 9Round networks have experienced significant interest from potential franchise owners just like Harris, wanting to launch their own club, Lift Brands APAC Chief Executive Chris Caldwell noted "franchising is gaining popularity, so much so that we are expecting a 25% increase in franchises from December 2021 by the end of 2025.

“Franchising offers a support network, existing brand reputation, resources and so much more than if you were to start a completely new business from scratch.

“Through COVID and now in the face of inflation and much financial uncertainty, franchising can provide more security and seems to be the more appealing option for many young people wanting to try their hand at business ownership.

“It’s a trend we are absolutely celebrating at Lift Brands and hope will continue to be able to give others an opportunity like we’ve been able to provide to Tayla.”

For Harris, the franchising model at Lift Brands has been the perfect gateway into business ownership.

Harris added “being a franchise owner with Lift Brands has provided me with so much support, advice and experience that you wouldn’t normally receive if you were starting out on your own.

“I’ve thrived on building a unique connection with my co-owners and have loved witnessing the passion that has gone into bringing the Ascot Vale vision to life.

“As the ambassador for 9Round, I am a strong believer in the fitness model implemented across the brand. Being a professional boxer myself, I genuinely wanted to be a part of what 9Round has to offer and help to bring this accepting and open community to Ascot Vale.

“I can’t wait to welcome anyone and everyone to come and enjoy the brand-new facility that the team and I have worked so tirelessly to create.”

The Ascot Vale 9Round and Snap Fitness is located at 280 Mt Alexander Road, Travancore VIC 3032.

For those interested in franchising visit Snap Fitness and 9Round