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:
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Since launching in 2018, the fitness franchise has gone from strength to strength, winning the Fit Summit Franchise of The Year Award for two consecutive years in 2020 & 2021 and experiencing massive global success across its 225 studios. However, there is now another reason for the internationally recognised fitness brand to celebrate.
Brian Saund and James Kotak recently launched BFT’s first UK franchise in Leicester. Between them, the Leicestershire duo have a strong community focus, business acumen and a passion for fitness - all attributes that lend themselves to be the perfect BFT franchisee. And after a successful opening, James and Brian are set to keep on scaling up their business in the coming months and continue to build on their growing membership of over 175.
“We first became aware of the boutique fitness model in North America and soon found ourselves travelling to Australia to experience BFT. From the outset, it was clear that BFT offered something different to traditional gyms in the UK. Not only was the brand helping people produce incredible results, but it was doing it whilst keeping sessions fun and motivational for all participants,” explained Brian.
“As experienced gym goers, we know the importance of switching up sessions to avoid boredom. The fact that the BFT studio we visited offered a variety of workouts, meaning members wouldn’t experience plateaus or get bored of coming to sessions, was a huge selling point for us. We eventually made a few enquiries about how we could get involved, and after conversations with the head office team, we decided this was too good an opportunity to miss. It’s fair to say we haven’t looked back since.”
BFT’s programme uses proven, scientifically validated training methodologies to develop 13 varied programmes into eight-week progressive training blocks. Each training block's foundation uses validated periodisation principles and progressive overload to provide BFT members with the best chance to achieve their health and fitness goals. These are the same periodisation and progressive overload principles and methodologies that are employed by conditioning coaches around the world to train elite athletes!
“For our franchise training, we attended a BFT boot camp in Melbourne. In total, the training lasted for six days. The first three were all based around business integration training, where we were brought up to speed with the brand’s operations and sales process. We were also given an insight into the IT and management systems we had to use. The final three days are designed to teach you about the training and coaching we deliver in the gym. We sent our studio manager, Steve, to complete this training in August, which he also really enjoyed. The whole process was integral and helped us to understand the BFT way.
“In terms of support and helping us get started, BFT has been amazing. The head office team are easy to communicate with and always on hand to help whenever we need them. We have received guidance throughout the entire opening process, from site selection, lease negotiation, and construction, to recruiting studio staff and activating the sales process and marketing strategy. We had some of the team fly all the way from Australia for our Grand Opening, which made us feel incredibly welcome to the BFT family. Since opening, we have received great ongoing support and attend weekly update webinars where we receive one-on-one support to ask any questions we need.”
BFT does not just offer great support to franchisees. The franchise also aims to provide a great member experience. We are deeply rooted in our communities and encourage our franchisees to embrace their local community as well as the BFT franchisee community.
As well as owning BFT, Brian is also a wellness coach and mental health advocate and expects BFT to impact more than just people’s physical fitness. “I’m a stage 4 cancer survivor and know all too well what happens when you neglect yourself,” said Brian. “Now, my personal and professional focus in life is to develop myself and lift those around me. So, the new BFT gym is a great tool to improve the mental health of the people in our local community. James and I are all about creating a great environment to help our members push each other to be better every day. Our coaches develop great personal relationships with our clients and understand their goals. That way, we can provide constant motivation and encouragement to get them where they want to be.
“I would highly recommend BFT to anyone interested in investing in a franchise. We are proof of how successful the model can be – especially in the UK. Within our first week of launching, the studio had already attracted 175 members. This proves that despite everything that has happened over the past few years, the health and fitness market is booming. Owning a BFT franchise will allow you to capitalise on this trending fitness industry.”
With 50,000+ members and more than 225 studios open across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, USA and the UK, BFT is an internationally recognised fitness brand with proven success in its science and technology-based functional and strength-based training. BFT provides workouts with more than just scattered programming and results; it is also a welcoming, inclusive, motivating, and safe space.
