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Following a rapid year of growth in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), booming Brisbane-based fitness brand Fitstop has announced the opening of its 100th gym as it plans to ride into new global markets.
Located in Rototuna, New Zealand, the brand’s 100th location follows the opening of two gyms in the region, as well as a $3.3 million capital injection from Lift Brands – a private equity-backed US fitness group funding Fitstop’s foray into the North American market.
The brand is slated to open 10 new gyms in the US by mid-2023, having already secured locations in California with existing business owners, and is also looking at launching in Singapore this year.
In 2022, the franchise grew by 66 per cent across Australia-New Zealand, going from 65 to 98 locations. Fitstop also plans to add 80 locations in Sydney over the next five years, aided by a partnership with Vytality Group.
Fitstop founder and managing director Peter Hull said hitting 100 locations has always been a goal for the brand.
“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,” Hull said.
“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 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.
The fast-growing franchise has attracted the likes of Wallabystar Dane Haylett-Petty, All Black Brendon Leanord, five-time hockey World Champion Jamie Dwyer, Australian Cricket player Beth Mooney, as well as Olympic & Commonwealth Games medalist Mariafe Artacho del Solar.
“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,” Hull said.
“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 per cent win rate, as Fitstop’s performance advisor.
“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,” Gill said.
“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.”
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