Fitstop takes functional fitness franchise to New Zealand

Leading functional fitness brand, Fitstop, has today launched its first international string of performance-based training gyms in New Zealand.

The first collection of nine gyms across the nation reveals a line-up of high profile names, including former All Blacks player, Brendon Leonard, leading openings in the community for the 2022 calendar year.

The move comes after a major investment partnership with one of the world’s largest fitness enterprises, LIFT brands, earlier this year to fast-track Fitstop’s international footprint. Fitstop currently has over 50 locations open, 100 signed off and anticipate growth to double by mid-2022 alongside its global expansion plans.

When planning the international expansion of the brand, Fitstop founder and Chief Executive, Peter Hull recognised from the outset that members gravitated towards sustainable progression and the continual opportunity to increase performance.

Hull explains “our point of difference has always been our unique training formula and making a genuine impact in the community that rewards beyond the doors of our gyms. The team has done an incredible job to put us in a position to become a global brand.

“I’m so excited to impact more lives and really show New Zealand how Fitstop builds such incredible communities. Fitstop is ready to show another nation how passionate we are about health and fitness.”

Fitstop’s unique training formula - Fit, Fast, Functional - is centred around a team mindset and focuses on strength and cardiovascular endurance, attracting high-performance members wanting to challenge themselves within a supportive community-first environment.

Opening his own Fitstop in the city of New Plymouth, former All Blacks half-back Leonard is motivated to leverage his years of experience in health and fitness to pay it forward and help people live happier, healthier lives through Fitstop.

He explains “I’ve learned a lot about the importance of physical exercise, setting goals and achieving them in a professional environment.

“Since leaving professional sport, I’ve experienced firsthand how exercise plays an important role in my mental health and wellbeing, so it is important to me that I have a hand in helping my community in the same way. It is an opportunity I will be extremely proud of.”

Fitstop’s successful business model has seen the brand deliver a strong record of cash-flow positive businesses operating from day one and a fleet of multi-site operators coming from fitness backgrounds or as eager semi-passive investors.

Hull goes on to say “my biggest motivator has always been more locations, more lives impacted. Our international expansion, starting with the fitness landscape in New Zealand, is really going to allow this mission to be realised. The next step for us is for Fitstop to become a global household name.”

Fitstop has future plans to support its New Zealand locations, while continuing to pave the way for functional fitness. This is supported by continual investment in technology to create unique offerings such as its custom-built Fitstop App, a data-backed six Week Challenge, an elevated user experience, and an unparalleled reporting capability for business owners.

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