Fitstop looks to grow functional fitness footprint

Following a rapid year of growth in Australia and New Zealand, functional fitness and group training Fitstop has revealed an ambitious goal to establish 150 new locations in the next five years - with a particular focus on NSW, the ACT and key overseas markets.

The fast-growing brand opened its 100th gym in Rototuna, New Zealand earlier this year and, backed by a $3.3 million capital injection from Lift Brands, it is looking to open 10 new gyms in the USA during 2023.

In 2022, the franchise grew by 66% across Australia and New Zealand, going from 65 to 98 locations.

Advising that hitting 100 locations has always been a goal for the brand, Fitstop founder and Managing Director, Peter Hull stated “for us, it’s all about knowing our systems and processes are industry-leading and scalable, and that our tech stack could excel with us.

“We put our money where our mouth is, by investing in technology that makes us competitive on a global scale. This is where our custom-built app comes in, which controls the entire member journey whilst linking to an ecosystem of performance tools for franchise owners to grow their businesses.

“We’re looking outside of our industry, learning from the best of the best in eCommerce, hospitality and the wider fitness landscape and adding Fitstop into this narrative.”

Founded in Brisbane in 2013, Fitstop incorporates a variety of 50-minute sessions utilising cardio and strength training in a group setting, with trainers using data and technology to help members reach their fitness goals.

Hull adds “our tech is all about elevating experience. Our Fitstoppers can book sessions, complete programming series, and access nutrition and performance benchmarking all through the app.

“Now, we’ve nailed the brilliant basics and are looking at 2023 to see what’s next for us.”

The 100-store milestone follows the appointment of Nic Gil, who works as the head of strength and conditioning for the All Blacks - the most successful sporting team in history with a 76% win rate, as Fitstop’s Performance Advisor.

Gill explains “I was surprised at the similarities between Fitstop, and how I would programme for a professional athlete. Of course, both programs have the shared elements of team training and functional strength, but it’s especially great to see the shared emphasis on delivering an engaging and educational program - something I haven’t seen delivered at their scale before.

“Fitstop’s training methodology makes it different to many other group-fitness styles and is largely what made me interested in working with their product team. I am a big fan of ensuring sessions have purpose, are enjoyable and educational - as this is what empowers performance - and this is absolutely mirrored in Fitstop’s programming.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Fitstop team and contributing to their mission to inspire communities to move more to live more.”

Fitstop’s appeal to members
Fitstop offer the first session for free, with no obligations with Hull explain that this ‘try-before-you-buy offering’ representing a great way to open the conversation with potential new members and have existing members bring a friend along to a session.

In addition, Fitstop’s innovative custom-built app empowers members to track and manage their entire fitness journey. From scheduling sessions and completing programming series to accessing nutrition and performance benchmarking, everything is conveniently available through the app.

For members who may be anxious about group fitness, daily session previews allow members to know what to expect when they arrive for their session later in the week.

The franchise has also developed a ‘tier and streak’ system that rewards members for consistency and allows them to share their efforts if it helps them stay motivated to keep their workout streak going when obstacles arise.

For more information go to https://fitstop.com/franchise

Images: Members at Fitstop Wollongong (above) and Fitstop founder and Managing Director, Peter Hull (below).