HITIO Gym, which has experienced major success in Scandinavia, entered the UK market in 2022 with two franchisee clubs opening in Orpington and Hoxton.

The concept combines traditional gym offerings with the best of martial arts and is targeted towards family training. The company has more than 30 centres across Norway and has accelerated growth plans with additional franchises scheduled to open across the UK in 2023 and beyond.

Encouraging junior participation is key to the model and HITIO reports that 40 per cent of the average membership base at its locations is under 16. The clubs offer a full spectrum of martial arts and wellbeing classes from junior kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu to Yoga and Pilates.

The current data presented by various organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Library of Medicine as well as the NHS and many others, clearly states the concern with adolescent physical inactivity levels and how this is linked to key global health problems, including cardio-metabolic and mental health disorders.

The data shows that obesity and mental health problems may become auxiliary drivers of physical inactivity, further increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

HITIO CEO, Per Pedersen, says: “There are no other performers in this niche and the results we see from our franchisees speak for themselves. Families want to train and exercise together and HITIO ensures that recreation time supports the family unit and helps it build strong foundations.

“Our model is built to support and help overcome the challenges of inactivity and the data from studies clearly states that supportive social and built environments are key drivers of adolescent activity behaviour. HITIO is built on this foundation of change.”

On 21 January, Pedersen visited the UK to support the team at the Orpington club with their first-year celebrations. This event saw the launch of the local schools support programme, ‘FIT FUNDS’ another key growth area for HITIO franchisees.

Manisha Nagpal, managing director of HITIO Gym Orpington, said: ”We recognise that to train as a family and build and support our community is such a huge opportunity to encourage, partnership, team and fun. But most of all, it’s a healthy activity for families to enjoy together.”

To find out more, visit HITIO’s official website.