Pivoting in a pandemic doubles fitness franchises for FITSTOP as they set up in NZ

Functional fitness franchise Fitstop’s quick adaption to home-led fitness has seen a 60% growth in franchises in the last 6 months - despite a pandemic. Here’s why.

Lockdowns and staff shortages have not brought fitness to a stop for this functional fitness franchise, who have grown from 48 to 71 in the last six months a further 50 in the pipeline ready to open.

Fitstop who received a 30% stake in their company six months ago from US-global fitness and wellness company, Lift Brands, have continued to see expediential growth, even during Covid-19 with their membership numbers from 10,000 to 14,000 since – despite constant lockdowns, and a nation regularly in isolation.

Fitstop founder Peter Hull credits their success to quickly delivering fitness outcomes for members and their business partners, providing “well needed, quality and permanent” online membership alternatives, helping to ensure constant health and wellbeing.

“I think as an entire fitness industry we all had to stop and think about how we can adapt for our members and provide value beyond just our centres. It meant delivering the same type of support and motivation, no matter where our fitness community might be located.”

“At the same time, we built this into a sustainable model that means members can continue a combined way of working out at home, outdoors or online well into the future as well.”

Such success has seen them adapt their business to a combination of outdoor community sessions as well as regular daily online “sweat” sessions.

“Just 12 months ago our head office had 11 employees, we’ve had to build on such support for our network and we’ve now grown to 23 employees since.”

The first Asia-Pacific franchise will launch in Hamilton New Zealand next month, with further franchises already sold into the constantly adapting functional fitness brand across the pacific.