Body Fit Training (BFT), an Xponential Fitness brand, has launched its first franchise location in the UK. BFT opened the doors to its Leicester club on 24 September, ahead of further London-based franchises and a nationwide expansion. It's the first Xponential brand to make a significant push into the UK market.

Founder and joint CEO Cameron Falloon told HCM the UK is attractive due to its similarities to the Australian market in terms of the legal and regulatory framework, while current demand indicates that the company can reach 150 locations within a few years.

“The UK market is pumping," he said, "and with our strong and solid business foundations proven with over 200 locations worldwide, we're now ready to bring our world-class training programmes, practices, and education to every major town and city.

“In the UK there are over 7,000 gyms and the market value is just under £5bn, so owning a BFT franchise will enable franchisees to capitalise on this trending fitness industry,” said Falloon. “By expanding BFT into the UK market now, franchisees will have a unique chance to get in on the ground level of a premium and in-demand service with strong profit potential.

BFT was founded five years ago in Melbourne, Australia. The coach-led concept is built around 50-minute science-backed strength, cardio and conditioning group sessions that are designed to reduce fat and create lean muscle. The group classes are high energy and members can choose from 13 different workout programme types that are updated regularly.

Xponential Fitness acquired Body Fit Training in October 2021 in a US$44m deal, boosting its estate to over 1,000 locations. It then entered into a Master Franchise Agreement with Falloon and his business partner Richard Burnet for the original franchised clubs (130 studios in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore) as well as 150 that were set to open across the Asia Pacific.

At the time, Anthony Geisler, CEO of Xponential Fitness, said: "We see significant opportunities to expand BFT’s existing studio base both in the US and internationally. We will leverage the Xponential playbook to provide Body Fit Training with robust franchisee support and access to best practices to generate synergies across our entire portfolio.”

Falloon says BFT is a proven investment with “low start-up costs and overheads, high margins per member and minimal operating costs”. Franchisees need a minimum investment of £130,000 to run a club and BFT provides the equipment and training system, along with HR, legal, operations and finance support during and after opening.

“With more people aspiring to a healthier and active lifestyle, now is the perfect time to share the essence of BFT – we are so much more than a gym,” said Falloon. “We deliver proven elite high-performance group training tailored to delivering the best results for every and any stage of fitness, while building an inclusive community environment.”

We'll be interviewing Cameron Falloon in the next issue of HCM, sign up for your free digital magazine subscription to get your copy here: www.HCMmag.com/signup.