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:
Why fitness franchises must nurture community spirit in 2022
And as we are reminded of the importance of the concept of ‘community’ amid economic and political unrest, there has never been a better time for fitness brands to affirm their position as devoted, community-focused service providers. Here, Cameron Falloon, founder of the progressive, innovative global fitness franchise, Body Fit Training, discusses the importance of meeting the demands and needs of a local community when it comes to fitness franchising.
Consumers are still ‘taking the leap’
Despite seeing years of growing popularity in the fitness industry, for many, the idea of going to a gym and taking that all-important ‘first step’ in a fitness journey is terrifying. In fact, it is reported that a staggering 50% of non-gym goers still find the idea of going to the gym scary1. And it is for this very reason that fitness franchises still have as much responsibility as ever to appeal to and reach out to their respective communities. Assuring those who are apprehensive should always be a priority for the development and progression of fitness franchises, with everyone needing the occasional reminder that, like in business, no service should be feared and we all start somewhere.
Saturated choice
But taking the leap no longer means simply taking the first step, as more than ever, communities all over the UK are seeing incredibly fast-growing competition in the fitness industry. Fitness franchises now have the task of convincing their communities that their studio is the best option for them, with community spirit and understanding a local market key elements to success in the industry today. There are currently over 7,000 health and fitness studios in the UK. Only Germany has more in the whole of Europe2, making the UK fitness industry one of the continent’s ‘hotspots’ as more brands capitalise on growing popularity and demand for expert, bespoke fitness services. The market size of the gyms and fitness centres industry is expected to increase by 33.3% in 20223, demonstrating the vital need for fitness brands to appeal to the heart of the communities in which they operate to stand out from the rest.
Service with a smile
The fundamentals to service provision can never be discounted, regardless of the industry in question. In every industry around the world, being able to offer service with a smile is priceless. It is vital that local studios can prove their willingness to go the extra mile for their communities, and that their service is not simply a carbon copy of a franchise that can be accessed from anywhere in the UK. As consumers all over the country continue to readapt to life as ‘normal’ and the popularity of fitness studios grows, it is imperative that trainers and staff are more attentive than ever to the needs and feelings of those who use their facilities.
Internal communities
The definition of community, in this context, is equally applicable to the fitness franchise model. While an understanding of the community in which a studio operates is important, that community spirit and supportive environment should be visible in the service offered. ‘Service with a smile’ is one thing, but applying those values to how a fitness franchise is perceived and runs is vital towards building a successful service offering. More than just a workout, members today should be welcomed into a unique community environment that builds lasting friendships and networks while having fun.
The need for community-focused fitness franchises is constantly being reinforced. With progression in the industry helping services become more specialised through science, research and technology, consumers reaffirm the need to understand why specific studios meet specific requirements. Fitness franchises have the unique task of becoming established in locations where consumers understand their need for particular training and services.
While we can all enjoy similar foods, leisure activities and more, the diversity of outcomes consumers seek from fitness brands today are heavily dependent on location, experience and accessibility. The recent launch of BFT Leicester demonstrated this, as the first BFT studio to land on UK shores celebrated 175 members joining in its first weekend. As a person-centred fitness franchise still finding its feet in the UK, our commitment to reaching out to the individual members of the communities in which we open our doors will always be our priority.
