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:
The secret to recruiting and retaining personal trainers in the fitness industry
The fitness industry is currently experiencing accelerated growth, with fitness franchises playing a large role in meeting this demand.
It’s estimated that, as of 2023, there are 4,880 gyms and fitness centre businesses in the UK – an increase of 9.6% from 2022, according to IBISWorld research1.
So, the demand for the fitness industry is here to stay. But how do providers ensure customer loyalty, making them stand out from competitors and increase their opportunity for success? In today’s fitness industry, staying ahead of the curve is a constant battle. Trends come and go, but member retention hinges on a quality, consistent experience that meets the customer’s needs. So, what is the secret behind that consistency? That’s where Cameron Falloon, founder of the global fitness franchise Body Fit Training (BFT), comes in. Here, he lifts the lid on building a thriving fitness business – starting with recruiting and retaining good coaches.

What are some of the main issues in retaining trainers?
When setting up BFT back in 2015, I came across a statistic that reaffirmed to me that I could do things differently. Shockingly, the average career span of a personal trainer in Australia was just nine and a half months.
It wasn’t hard to see why – many personal trainers, especially those starting out, find themselves overwhelmed by the business side of their services, including marketing themselves effectively, attracting new clients and managing the financial aspects. Combine that with inconsistent income, long and irregular hours, and the fact that gym memberships are often the first to take a hit during economic downturns – it’s easy to see why so many coaches leave the fitness industry within a year.
When I founded BFT, I could see the gap in the market we could fill, but I also knew that there were so many talented individuals who were passionate about fitness and who, if given the right support and structure, could thrive. Hard skills can be taught, but the passion for the job must already exist within the individual. Making sure you bring in the right coaches can be just as crucial as retaining the ones you already have.
How to recruit and retain the right talent
But how can you ensure you’re attracting the right calibre of coach, right from day one?
Pay fairly
High staff turnover is expensive. Every time a coach leaves, the gym has to invest time and resources into the recruitment process. This includes advertising the position, interviewing candidates and onboarding the new hires. These costs can add up quickly, especially with a high turnover rate. Retaining experienced staff eliminates these recurring expenses. Offering competitive salaries and benefits packages helps attract and retain top talent. While there is a cost to retaining talent, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run. Staff turnover also directly impacts member retention. Inconsistent member experiences due to frequent staff changes can lead to lost clients. Not only does hiring new staff incur costs, but losing members can also result in a significant loss of revenue.
Create a community At BFT, we put a big focus on community, not just for our members but also for our staff – fostering an environment where coaches feel valued and appreciated but also have fun and enjoy their work. When I was starting out as a personal trainer in 1995, I used to get up at 4am and let me tell you, it’s tough to get yourself out of bed at that time! But I loved what I did and the people I worked with - that is the environment you have to try and create for your coaches as well.
Coaching is about being a team. Success isn't about individual performance alone; it's about the collective strength of the group. Strong bonds between coaches create a powerful team dynamic. So, always try to build your community. Step outside the gym, grab a coffee and keep building your community.

Consistent support
Consistency in quality builds trust and loyalty with your members. Experienced coaches provide a higher level of service to clients, not just because of their knowledge of fitness but also their knowledge of their clients, understanding what makes them tick and what their needs are. When you’re getting the best possible guidance and support, it becomes a lot easier to stay motivated and engaged in your fitness journey. Ultimately, this translates to better member retention – a key factor in the success of any gym. New coaches, while enthusiastic, may still be developing their craft.
Relieve pressures
One of the biggest advantages of being a coach within a franchise, like BFT, is the freedom from administrative headaches. Franchisees typically handle a significant portion of the back-office tasks that can bog down individual coaches. By taking care of these administrative burdens, franchisees allow coaches to focus on their passion: helping people achieve their fitness goals. This translates to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress and, ultimately, a more rewarding career path.
Invest in education
Education and up-skilling is a key tool in retaining the great people who deliver your service – no matter the industry you work in. That couldn’t be more crucial in the case of coaches. Regular up-skilling and development is crucial for maintaining high standards of service. It ensures coaches stay updated with the latest fitness trends, techniques, and safety protocols. This investment enhances the studio's reputation, attracts more clients, and fosters motivated, knowledgeable staff, ultimately leading to improved client satisfaction and retention.
BFT is built on three core pillars;
1. Developing a business system to provide opportunities for passionate people to stay in the industry.
2. Developing a training model akin to that afforded to elite athletes, for everyone
3. Providing best practice, face-to-face education for our coaches and driving industry standards.
That third pillar is a fundamental component of our success. We recognise the value of investing in our staff's development and education as a strategic approach to increasing retention. We encourage all our staff to upskill, ultimately helping foster a culture of growth, loyalty and commitment. Our education arm, Level Up, has demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy, with 858 coaches completing courses in 2023 alone.
The secret to member retention isn’t a trend or a fancy piece of equipment. It lies with the very foundation of your gym: your staff. In a world of ever-changing trends, a consistent, high-quality experience is what keeps members coming back for more. By investing in creating a supportive environment that attracts and retains top talent, you’re investing in the future of your fitness business and the success of your members.