Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth takes up Fitness and Lifestyle Group stake

Following news from earlier this week that Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg has purchased a minority stake in the US$450 million-valued F45 Training fitness franchise, Australasian Leisure Management can reveal that fellow filmstar Chris Hemsworth has invested in the Fitness and Lifestyle Group.

With the Fitness and Lifestyle Group - which operates the Goodlife Health Clubs, Fitness First Australia and Jetts brands - having backed Hemsworth’s recently launched Centr fitness app, the Australian actor has taken what has been described as a “meaningful” stake in Australia’s largest fitness operators.

Speaking to Australasian Leisure Management, Fitness and Lifestyle Group Chief Executive, Greg Oliver advised “we had been working with Chris and his advisors on the Centr app and with his enthusiasm for fitness he wanted to be part of what we are building.”

Launched last month, Hemsworth is fronting the Centr program, which sees members given access to world class trainers online, allowing them to train at home or in the gym.

Available for iPhone and Apple Watch, the app features workouts, meal plans, and mindfulness exercises all helmed by the Australian actor.

Introducing Centr, Helmsworth stated "I believe we all have untapped potential and we all need support to achieve our goals. Centr puts the world’s best in the palm of your hand, to help you develop a healthier body, stronger mind, and a happier life."

The app hinges around a central feed, in which users scroll through a weekly planner, see newly-added workout or meditation videos and recipes. The app's workout section features 20 or 40 minute sessions for home or the gym, with new videos released weekly, including boxing, HIIT, yoga, and strength training and others.

My trainer team includes A-list trainers Gunnar Peterson and Luke Zocchi, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor stun double Bobby Holland Hanton, trainer Tiffiny Hall, Navty Seals trainer Da Rulk, Victoria’s Secret boxing trainer Michael Olajide Jr., and health chef Dan Churchill.

With pricing ranging from $19.99 for one month, $47.99 for three, and $119.99 for a year, more than 100,000 people have signed up to his Centr program and app.

In his conversation with Australasian Leisure Management, Oliver also quashed recent suggestions that the Fitness and Lifestyle Group was looking to move away from Jetts’ branding.

He advised “Jetts is one of our core products and we are currently driving the opening of a significant number of Jetts clubs in Australia and South East Asia.”

Images: Chris Hemsworth promoting the Centre app.