Australia’s fastest growing and most advanced group fitness training model. Since franchising in 2018, we have 300 studios open globally. BFT is a part of Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchise group of boutique fitness brands.
BFT: Different, Better
Body Fit Training (BFT) is Australia’s fastest growing and most advanced functional group training franchise… now expanding across the UK and Ireland!
When we say we are Different, Better, we don’t just mean for our members – although that is important – we also mean for our franchisees and their teams. Competition in the fitness space is strong and being #DifferentBetter gives our model the edge…
Different, Better for members:
- Scientifically proven training techniques aimed at reducing fat and creating lean muscle into a variety of 50-minute sessions – meaning members never get bored
- All sessions overseen by accredited coaches in a dynamic group environment
- High levels of visual content showcasing our programs shown on multiple digital displays allow our coaches to spend more time on members and build unrivalled communities
- Great value for money as this is as close as you can get to personal training without the price tag
- Unlimited access to any studio with one membership and no lock-in contract.
Different, Better for franchisees and their teams:
- Bigger, better, fairer territories than elsewhere in the industry
- Industry leading, exclusive, cutting-edge bespoke heart rate technology BFT3 developed by the BFT founder, together with the best partnerships in the fitness industry space for all of the studio equipment.
- Our evolution of fitness programming at HQ ensures members stay engaged and excited
- Attractive short and long-term cash flow financial model. Minimum breakeven and cash flow positive time frames. As evidenced globally, low set up costs and high margins create the right formula for success
- Equipment financing options (dependant on individual circumstances) to help establish your business and assist with cash flow
- The best equipment on the market that is reliable and significantly enhances your offering
- Pre-launch guidance and proven activity to secure memberships prior to your grand opening
- Ongoing training and 24-7 support from HQ. From operations to HR, legal to accounting, there’s always someone there for you
- Regular activity and events to tap into for membership retention and recruitment including the 8-week challenge three times a year and fitness races like HYROX.
The result: our franchisees have a fast-track to profitability because they attract members quickly and keep them for longer.
- Average weekly member visits to our studios are significantly higher than the sector at 4 times a week
- On average, our franchisees break even at month 18 making this one of the top-performing investments in the fitness franchise sector.
A little bit more about BFT
Launching with four franchises in Melbourne in April 2018, BFT now has 700 franchises sold and 300+ locations open across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, Canada, USA and, most recently, Hong Kong. New studios are opening soon in Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia and the UK continues to accelerate its growth with 12 new signed locations. BFT was also awarded the APAC Franchise of the Year Award for two years in a row in 2020 and 2021 and is part of Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchise group of boutique fitness brands.
Our 3 core pillars are:
- Develop a training model akin to that afforded to elite athletes, for everyone
- Develop a business system to provide opportunities for passionate people to stay in our industry
- Develop an education vertical to provide best practice face-to-face education, driving industry standards and innovation.
Successful BFT studios currently operate in a mix of zones, from retail and commercial through to shopping centres and industrial estates. Ground floor is preferred as this creates easier access and visibility, as well as less requirements for building requirements.
The UK fitness market is ready for something new and exciting. Weekly training that is thoroughly thought through, programming that is different everyday keeping members accountable while progressively getting fitter and stronger throughout their BFT journey.
As a coach this is the most enjoyable part, seeing the success and enjoyment of others!” - CHARLIE HANSEN, BFT BATTERSEA
Could you be a BFT franchisee?
We are looking for either fitness owner-operators wanting to work in the business with a hands–on approach or entrepreneurs keen to drive new sources of income by appointing studio managers on their behalf. Franchisees can be Personal Trainers themselves wanting to operate their own successful studio or, if you are not a qualified fitness professional, you can employ a head trainer to work alongside you and help build your community of members.
If you’re motivated, committed and seeking a rewarding opportunity in the fitness industry with a fresh, exciting and innovative brand, then this could be the perfect partnership for you.
Hear from BFT's first UK franchisee...
“As fitness enthusiasts and entrepreneurs we were keen to build a business that brings a fresh new approach to our local community when it comes to keeping fit.
We first discovered the boutique fitness model in North America and when we came across BFT we knew we had found something special. The innovative programming and the robust franchise business model ticked all the right boxes and the journey so far has been incredible.
To be the first site of the UK makes us very proud, we have opened the doors with a number of members that surpassed our expectations and the feedback from them just re-affirms that we made the right choice!
The support from HQ is incredible, they really go the extra mile to ensure that as franchisees we are opening in the strongest possible position. We are super excited to continue this journey and are already on the hunt for our next location!” - BRIAN SAUND, BFT LEICESTER
More on our Training and Support for Franchisees
Once you become a franchisee with BFT, you will go through 6 full days of comprehensive training to help you (and your team) launch your studio. We will also assign a Regional Franchise Manager (RFM) to you who will guide you through the steps of getting your studio open. This person stays with you after your business opens and will be on hand to support in areas such as business operations, business development and overall performance.
Other training and support available to you includes:
- Franchisee platform with access to manuals, standards and global best practice
- Marketing collateral and support
- Website presence and regular updates
- Ongoing bespoke training and education for your personal trainers
- BFT apps and tech support
- Access to partnerships such as HYROX.
How much does a BFT franchise cost?
For anyone considering becoming a BFT franchisee, there is a very compelling financial model due to low start-up costs compared to other fitness concepts. There are also high margins per member and lower operating costs, resulting in early break-even and an attractive return on investment (currently at 18 months).
Based on established studios, the ongoing profit per year is significant, with multi units also available. Franchisees will need a minimum investment of £80,000 and the balance can be funded. We will go through all of the financial information so you have a full understanding of the costs involved and projected revenues.
Enquire now to find out more.
THE NEXT STEPS
To learn more about this incredible franchise opportunity, simply click below for further information:
Milestones and momentum: Body Fit Training fuels success in the first half of 2023
The franchise recently celebrated the launch of its 250th studio, expanded its footprint into Hong Kong and accelerated UK growth at an impressive rate. Since the launch of its first studio in the UK last September, BFT has welcomed three new London-based franchisees into the network, all of whom have multi-unit aspirations.
BFT Battersea opened its doors in February and has signed over 200 members from South West London. The BFT concept has proved that it goes beyond being just another gym by creating a genuine sense of community that fosters friendships and provides a safe space for anyone want to improve their health and fitness. This approach with the community has helped BFT Battersea engage with over 70% of their members to participate in their 1st 8-week challenge. The challenge goes above and beyond fitness and is aimed at enhancing their strength, improving nutrition, sleep and overall lifestyle.
Charlie Hendrie, franchise owner of BFT Battersea, said, "BFT Battersea has proved the global BFT model works for members and for us as the first franchisee in London. We’ve exceeded our expectations with membership growth, referrals and uptake of the 8-week challenge. By following the BFT model, it means I can focus on our elite coaching and getting members results, which are the key drivers of profitability for us. I truly believe we are changing lives at BFT Battersea, and I'm so proud and thankful to the coaching team who are committed to getting our members results. The BFT programme and community are unrivalled in London, and we’re now exploring the further expansion in South West London. This is just the beginning of our exciting BFT journey.”
A further two more franchisees have since joined the growing network in the nation's capital since the start of the year. BFT Hackney is set to be launched in the autumn by the trio of Emile Kerim, Frankie Nieto and David Irvine. The co-owners, all certified personal trainers, bring over 50 years of combined experience to their new venture and have plans to open three studios within the next five years across London. Rosie Bogle is another franchisee who has joined the BFT family with two locations in South West London. With a strong background in sports marketing, Rosie’s valuable experience in the commercial world will be a real asset to running her own fitness franchise.
“We have seen a strong start to the first half of the year both in terms of franchise growth and members, both here in the UK and globally," said Cameron Falloon, Founder of BFT. “London is quickly growing into the centre of BFT’s UK network with four locations secured and plenty more in the pipeline. The future is looking really positive. We want to build on this success we’ve already had to date and continue to grow our presence across every major town and city. We now have over 56,000+ members across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, Canada, UK and more recently Hong Kong, where the first-ever studio is opening next month with two more set to follow shortly after. Europe is a hot target for us, and we’re looking to expand into other new markets this year, including Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
“Another key milestone and accolade for BFT has been the number four ranking on the Australian Financial Review's 2023 Fast Global List. Since continuing to expand the BFT family globally, the last three years have seen our compound annual growth rate soar by 240%. This is an incredible piece of brand recognition and a marker of our commitment to growth outside of Australia. The recent partnership with Europe's largest fitness race, HYROX, is also a game-changer for BFT as we have become the exclusive training centre for HYROX in Asia-Pacific. This is the largest global partnership for HYROX, helping to boost its profile across APAC, while driving BFT brand awareness in Europe as they continue their worldwide expansion.”
The global fitness industry is worth over $87 billion, and BFT is carving a healthy slice out of this booming market as more and more consumers invest in their health. With over 350 franchises sold, the franchise continues to see significant growth and interest in its brand. Through its strong and solid business foundations, BFT is ready to bring its world-class training programmes, practices, and education to fitness fanatics around the world, while achieving its ambitious goal of selling 1,000 studios by 2024.
