The boutique fitness industry has quickly become a global phenomenon, changing the health and wellness world forever. Australian-owned F45 Training is a quietly-growing superpower in this still rapidly-expanding space — but they’re about to get louder as they conquer the U.S. market.
The F45 philosophy: A straightforward vision
Using the smartest combination of strength and cardio, F45 Training offers a 45-minute, high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout designed to burn more than 750 calories. Designed by Sport Scientists and Elite Athletes, F45’s unique team-based workouts include an array of interval stations and feature 27 distinct workout systems that incorporate more than 3,000 exercises, ensuring the highest level of variation
for clients; they’ll never do the same workout twice.
“F45 Training’s approach is simple: Simplicity; Innovation; Results driven; Strong sense of community; Enjoyable.”
Short for “functional training in 45 minutes,” F45 is catching on in a big way. The brand has grown to more than 750 franchises in 26 countries – outpacing both McDonald’s and Subway in their early growth periods. The rapid expansion is the result of F45’s highly profitable business model, as well as incredible consumer response.
F45 Training’s rise is an indication that there’s demand in the market for a unique fitness franchise. F45 fills the gap between a traditional gym where people pay a small membership fee to go and do their own thing, and a personal training session, which can be expensive. People may be time-poor, but they still want to have a great workout with support and encouragement from fitness professionals. This is F45 Training’s point of difference. When you enter an F45 studio you get instant access to a dynamic and supportive team environment, led by world-class coaches who motivate and challenge members in each session.
F45 innovation: Workout enhancing tech
Fitness is not the only element at the heart of F45 Training; the brand also prides itself as a leader in the technology space. Inside the studios, patented F45 TVs guide clients through their workouts, allowing coaches to provide hands-on support and encouragement, delivering a consistent experience. F45 also has real-time heart rate monitoring (F45 Lionheart) and gamification software to ensure members get a high quality training experience with each workout.
Motivation is key – from encouraging coaches to the community environment of each studio, F45 members are driven to push themselves during every class. For those days where members might need an extra push, F45’s heartpumping playlists keep the energy up and inspire classgoers to keep on moving. F45FM is the brand’s own digital radio station, broadcasting fresh, DJ-produced mixes. These pre-made playlists are one less thing franchisees to have to worry about, so they can focus on premier customer service.
But there’s more. F45 Training is bringing game play into exercise to enhance engagement and ensure members get the most out of every workout. The revolutionary platform uses rules and point scoring to create physical challenges among members, both inside the studio and across social media platforms. The innovative experience harvests a continued sense of community (and a healthy sense of competition) among members, creating another unique point of difference in the marketplace.
F45 ambassadors and partnerships: The pros are on board
F45 has enlisted several professional athletes as brand ambassadors to support marketing efforts, including NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens, English Rugby player James Haskell, Harrison Barnes of the Dallas Mavericks and many more. Additionally, F45 has partnered with the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers as official training partners. The brand has plans to grow sports partnerships significantly in the U.S. and beyond.
The concept is endorsed by celebrities and relied on by professional athletes. F45 is already one of the most in-demand franchise concepts in the world; with continued U.S. growth on the horizon, F45 is poised to become the biggest brand in both the franchise and fitness industries.
“I think that can be largely attributed to our winning formula and unmatched support to our franchisees.”
F45 franchises: A simple, smart business system
“Motivation, innovation, results – that has always been our brand vision,” says former equities trader Rob Deutsch, who founded F45 in 2011 before beginning a franchise model in 2014. “As one of the fastest ever growing franchises in the world, we have grown at a rapid pace. I think that can be largely attributed to our winning formula and unmatched support to our franchisees.”
The brand expects to have 1,200 franchises globally by the end of 2017 and plans to double in volume each year. In the U.S. F45 currently has 150 studios sold and expects more than 100 to be opened by year’s end.
Armed with the simplest, smartest business system in the fitness industry, F45 franchisees bypass many costly overheads that cripple traditional gym operations and completely eliminate time spent on many of the unnecessary distractions that plague business owners. As a result, they can focus on value-added tasks that supercharge profitability and improve their lives in the process. Saving even more valuable time, F45 provides daily training programs and a fully automated back-end infrastructure, letting franchisees focus on the key value drivers in their business rather than being consumed by hours of administrative duties and Paperwork.
Instead of relying on large studio square footage, expensive equipment and an army of staff to run the business, F45’s modest requirements let franchisees get started quickly and easily. Most owners have their initial investments repaid within 18 months.
F45 franchisees enjoy a greater work/life balance while earning a substantial income and most importantly, they can follow their passion of living an active lifestyle and help others do the same. Owners are not required to have professional fitness certifications but are encouraged to leverage skill sets developed in other industries to maximize profitability. F45 Training is helping to improve not only the lives of members, but franchisees by creating a user-friendly business model that is destined for success.
Name of Franchise: F45 Training
Established: 2011, franchising since 2014
Number of franchised outlets: 750+
Location of units: 26 countries including the U.S., Australia, UK, China, Mexico, etc.
Investment range: $150,000- $200,000
Minimum required capital: $60,000
Website: http://www.f45invest.com/
