Niche fitness

9Round

World champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson came up with the concept of combining functional training with boxing and kick-boxing techniques more than 10 years ago in the US.

It’s part of the Lift Brands family, and now has more than 800 clubs around the world. Twenty-one clubs operate in Australia and there are plans for rapid expansion throughout 2020.

This is a business that suits non-fitness enthusiasts looking to invest as well as hands-on operators who are encouraged to have a Cert IV in Fitness.

12RND

Boxing franchise 12RND has attracted AFL sports stars Taylor Adams and Levi Greenwood; the pair are planning to open their second franchise. Since launching in Australia 12RND has opened 80 clubs. Overseas the brand is know as UBX.

Based on the principles of modern boxing training, workouts echo the physical challenges of a championship bout. Clients undergo 12 three-minute rounds with 30-second breakouts. There are no class times; a continuous loop of 45-minute sessions means gym-goers can jump in whenever they have time.

Peak Physique Hot Yoga

Yoga but not as you know it. This is not traditional yoga: classes feature set sequences which are pre-recorded and set to music, with rooms heated to 38° for hot yoga sessions, and Peak Physique yoga trained instructors on site to help supervise clients.

The business has grown out of its South Australian origins in 2011. Husband and wife founders Michael and Suzanna Calava have been franchising the concept since 2015.

Xtend Barre

Ballet-and-Pilates-inspired Xtend Barre is operated in Australia by Collective Wellness Group. The concept aims to sculpt, chisel and lengthen muscles and was created in the US by former dancer and Pilates instructor Andrea Rogers.

This boutiqe fitness experience doesn’t require any fancy footwork. It’s all about results-driven routines and the classes on offer include the classic barre, post-natal (with baby), stretch, and some with additional tools to enhance the workout utilising fitballs, sticks and TRX.

More than 44 studios operate across the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand and Australia.