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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From refugee to franchisee: Abbas Nazari's success with Body Fit Training
Abbas Nazari's life has been anything but ordinary. Escaping the Taliban in Afghanistan as a child, Abbas was rescued by the Tampa container ship in 2001 and resettled in New Zealand. From a perilous escape to becoming a Fullbright Scholar, graduating with a Masters in Security Studies from Georgetown University, Abbas's memoir, After the Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand, skyrocketed to a #1 bestseller. Today, apart from being a sought-after speaker, Abbas is a proud Body Fit Training franchisee.
One more journey in a lifetime of journeys
Starting his career at the New Zealand Treasury, Abbas quickly realised the office environment was not for him. After extensive travels, he trained as a personal trainer, eventually setting his sights on the burgeoning group fitness industry.
“The pandemic brought my wife, Gen, and I back to New Zealand and I decided to go headfirst into business ownership when BFT was just emerging into the country. I had seen the growth of group fitness and wanted to get in early. I loved the appeal of proper strength training, coupled with a great cardio session - BFT was the perfect mix. It wasn't just about workouts; it was about providing an epic training experience.”
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 principles and methodologies that are employed by conditioning coaches around the world to train elite athletes!
The initial training for franchisees, like Abbas, is robust, covering business operations and practical applications. This, combined with the tremendous support from the BFT headquarters, ensures franchisees are equipped to thrive.
“I attended the 6-day bootcamp and covered Business Operations and Practical Applications just as we had signed our lease, so it was good timing. The support from HQ and the educational material has been outstanding from initial training and ongoing. In March this year, we had the opportunity to connect with the other franchisees in the network at the BFT Global Conference in Australia and I had the honour of being the MC!
“We opened our first BFT studio in Wellington Central in October 2022, followed by the launch of our second, Wellington East, in August 2023. With my wife managing the administrative aspects, I take the role of head coach, guiding our team of trainers. I believe it’s down to the support from HQ and the partnership with my wife that has led to our Wellington Central studio attracting nearly 300 members in such a short time.”
For Abbas, franchising provided an edge in the competitive fitness landscape of New Zealand. The powerful BFT brand, with its strong and rapidly growing brand awareness, offered a foundation that would have been hard to replicate independently.
“BFT encourages us as franchisees to be deeply rooted in our communities, fostering brand loyalty and ensuring we offer more than just fitness. You have to be people-oriented in this industry - if you’re not focused on people, the industry will spit you out. The community spirit is evident in our studio, where our members, enamoured with the BFT experience, become ambassadors, referring us to their friends and family – it’s the main way we grow our membership.”
Still more journeys to take
Apart from his BFT ventures, Abbas continues to advocate for refugees globally. He plans to travel to Antarctica and is penning another book. When asked about life outside of BFT, Abbas speaks of hiking through New Zealand's natural beauty, setting off to Antarctica later this year and engaging in keynote speaking opportunities via Celebrity Speakers NZ.
Abbas's journey with BFT reiterates the brand's strength, both in the fitness industry and in nurturing success stories like his. His advice to potential franchisees? "It is tough work. But absolutely worth it."
With 56,000+ members and more than 250 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 environment.
