Group training is one of the top 20 fitness trends with more consumers looking for this offering. You can capitalise on this momentum by investing in a Body Fit Training franchise, which specializes in Australia’s most advanced group-training methodology. 64% of people in the UK believe they don’t exercise as much as they should, meaning there’s plenty of room in the market for expansion.
As an investor, knowing how to open a gym under the Body Fit Training brand can allow you to generate some steady profits. In this article, we look closely at the key requirements and considerations of owning a Body Fit Training franchise.
Benefits and Opportunities of Becoming a
Body Fit Training franchise owner
The main Body Fit Training franchise opportunities and benefits include:
• Strong Global Brand Recognition:
BFT is Australia’s fastest-growing fitness franchise which has over 500 gyms across several countries since launching its franchise programme in 2018. Winners of the 2020 & 2021, Fit Summit’s APAC Franchise of the Year Award, this is an interesting brand that intends to reach more diverse markets worldwide.
• Easy to Scale:
This brand is an especially good choice if you’re looking for a scalable franchise, with BFT offering an executive model bolstered by good vendor relationships, value-adds, and affordable development costs, it’s easy to grow and boost your bottom line.
• High Returns, Fast:
Thanks to the low set-up costs of £102,500 in addition to £1,000 for each member of staff who requires training, you can enjoy high margins with the potential for quick breakeven and cash flow positive time-frames.
• Executive Support:
The BFT executive team works hard to develop your leadership and encourage success at your fitness franchise, with quarterly training. You’ll also get 24/7 assistance from their HQ on operations management, logistics, basic HR, legal matters, and P&L reporting.
• Strong Community Spirit:
Body Fit is a people-centric fitness provider, with community at its heart. Thanks to goals, performance tracking and nutrition plans, they aim to provide a personal experience tailored to each member’s own fitness levels and health journey but without the price tag of PT. All while providing a friendly service in a fun environment designed to nurture friendships.
• Industry-Leading Techniques:
BFT has an elite training programme designed by an Australian Football League strength and conditioning coach along with a bespoke BFT3 heart rate monitoring system to track performance, Evolt body composition scans, and progressive programmes in 8-10 week blocks to target specific problem areas.
How does the Body Fit Training gym franchise model work?
Here are the main considerations for becoming a Body Fit Training gym franchisee:
1. Body Fit Training franchise requirements
Body Fit Training prides itself on having a “true working relationship” between the franchisee and the franchisor. This two-way relationship offers the above benefits in exchange for:
• Startup capital:
A significant investment of £102,500 is necessary to gain all the above benefits, but the minimum fees are relatively low compared to some other fitness brands such as Anytime Fitness.
• Commitment to the brand values:
Your application will be more likely to be successful if you can show you are committed to the BFT values of fairness, collaborative working, and a passion for research-based exercise.
• A focus on community:
Owning a Body Fit Training franchise also means becoming part of the thriving BFT community, with training delivered in focused 8-10 week blocks for participants, so a commitment to this model is key.
• Patience:
Your franchise takes time to grow, with a return on investment typically taking 15-18 months for BFT gyms, though this will depend on site location and size of membership.
• A willingness to learn:
Body Fit Training programmes require you to undertake quarterly training and follow the 13 prescribed fitness programmes. These methods integrate bespoke heart rate tracking so a willingness to undertake regular training, learn new routines, and work with the technology is key.
2. Minimum cost/investment to buy and own a Body Fit Training franchise
The minimum investment for a BFT franchise is £102,500. In comparison, Anytime Fitness requires a minimum of £170,000. If you need financial support to accommodate the necessary Body Fit Training franchise fees, banks can provide you with a Business Acquisition or an Owner Financing Loan.
3. Initial BFT franchise startup fees
The actual BFT franchise price is £40,000 not including equipment, usually forming part of your minimum investment fees. This exclusive marketing territory fee gives you a right to enter the franchise, serving as a type of licence. It also gives you access to a BFT-affiliated marketing agency. With this in mind, the Body Fit Training franchise cost represents how much value the brand adds to your gym.
4. Expected Body Fit Training gym franchise revenue
Your Body Fit Training franchise revenue ultimately depends on membership and its associated fees; regardless, the brand expects a minimum yearly revenue of £171,430. With roughly 110 members on day one and a return on investment within 18 months, BFT franchisees enjoy high revenue potential and faster-than-usual break-even points. The BFT business also had revenue of $7.2 million in 2021, representing the healthy profits available.
5. Costs associated with running a Body Fit Training franchise
Beyond the main Body Fit Training franchise startup cost, there are a number of additional fees to account for; the relevant equipment, for example, costs £62,500. On top of this, gym machines use a lot of energy – with treadmills alone costing franchises roughly £275 a week. Each month, 10% of your monthly revenue goes towards the franchisor – 7% is for general brand royalties, with 2% also going towards marketing, and a further 1% towards continued technology use.
6. Predicted average income/profit of a Body Fit Training franchise owner
BFT states they offer minimum break-even and cash flow positive time-frames.
However, the exact income, profit and return period depend upon your own investment, how much the franchise makes, your site location, membership fees, and the size of your membership bases.
A look at the BFT franchise
agreement & policies – main points
Here are the main points of the Body Fit Training franchise agreement:
1. Site selection
Body Fit Training offers to help owners find a suitable site, including lease negotiation and construction. There are only five BFT sites in the UK currently, with the flagship site opening in Leicester, so BFT’s executive support can analyse the market in your chosen area to ensure there is a viable customer base determined by demographics and market competitors.
2. Lease negotiation
BFT places a strong emphasis on leasing properties for franchisees – with various options available for property owners to make sure they get their money’s worth. The brand commits to helping franchisees find a space that fits their minimum requirements, such as 180m² of open space as well as ceilings that are at least 2.9m high.
3. Recruitment assistance
As part of the franchise agreement, Body Fit Training also resolves to help you source qualified staff. Your gym needs 2-3 experienced coaches to run the 13 diverse programs.
4. Consistent support
Being the owner of a Body Fit Training franchise gives you access to extensive training and support which goes beyond the startup process. For example, the BFT team markets the gym through its usual channels and offers regular training updates. They also host weekly and monthly webinars so owners know which direction to take their franchise.
What are the franchise terms of agreement and renewal?
BFT agreements typically run for five years and give the franchisee an option to renew at the end of this period if they’re still operating the gym. This helps the brand gain a commitment from the new owner, so they can be sure that they’re willing to invest a lot of time into the gym. Whilst the cost to buy and own a Body Fit Training franchise has an ROI of about 15-18 months, the franchise needs consistent guidance afterward.
Is Body Fit Training a good fit for you?
Here are the main factors to consider when deciding if BFT is the right brand for you:
1. The target market of the average Body Fit Training franchise
The BFT brand aims to build a space for any fitness level. This means Body Fit Training targets people of all age ranges and experiences – with trial classes for first-timers. BFT also targets higher-income groups through high membership fees of £180 – £230 a month resulting in higher margins.
2. Is a Body Fit Training fitness franchise right for your chosen location?
There are only five BFT sites in the UK, meaning oversaturation is effectively a non-issue. With a clear focus on all ages and experience levels, these gyms can easily suit any location. Due to the high membership fees of £180 – £230 a month, your franchise is best suited for an affluent area.
3. Other factors to consider when deciding whether owning a Body Fit Training franchise is right for you
Body Fit Franchise is mainly popular in APAC regions – but this name recognition allows BFT to remain a strong brand across Europe. The low staff requirements also represent fewer logistical concerns, letting you provide a great experience for every individual across 13 training programs with only a few coaches.
Are you a good fit for the BFT gym franchise?
Besides the minimum investment amount of around £102,500, you’ll need to have a strong commitment to BFT’s unique group fitness program, which combines cardio and resistance training using their proprietary methodology, then you could be an excellent fit for the BFT gym franchise.
The model follows a progressive approach over eight to ten weeks, targeting various energy systems in each session, allowing members to develop their skills akin to elite athletes. BFT also incorporates technology and gamification into its offerings. This means attending all training on the in-house equipment and software and following the prescribed plans.
As a BFT franchisee, it is crucial to actively engage with the community, providing personalized goals and nutrition plans for each member, fostering connections, and building friendships. Additionally, a firm commitment to upholding the BFT core values, particularly fairness, is expected.
Process of taking a gym franchise
Here are the usual steps involved when opening a Body Fit Training franchise:
1. Commit to the brand
If you’re sure Body Fit Training is the right choice (possibly due to the low Body Fit Training gym startup fee), book an enquiry call. Once you learn the company’s profit and loss figures, you can identify a viable territory for your studio.
2. Prepare a business plan
The next stage is an official franchise application, often including a comprehensive BFT business plan with information on the local community. This step is also where Body Fit Training reserves your chosen territory and offers a franchise agreement for you to sign.
3. Secure financing
While the Body Fit Training franchise cost is relatively low, you may still need financial help from the bank. This helps you mitigate the cost to open a Body Fit Training franchise – especially as the BFT organisation integrates marketing into the fees.
4. Owner onboarding
After fully securing a location, pay for the construction and fit-out. In the meantime, you must attend the BFT boot camp while the regional finance manager provides the necessary resources. All staff members should attend the camp, with attendance costing £1,000 per person.
Conclusion
There are a number of Body Fit Training franchise opportunities across the UK that you may capitalise on, with clear benefits for franchisees that embrace the brand’s fitness model. By working alongside BFT to find a good site and build a devoted community, you can enjoy a high Body Fit Training franchise revenue.
With the brand gaining popularity in Australia and nearby countries, this tech-based approach put together by leading fitness coaches and using bespoke heart-rate trackers and body composition scans brings added value to the fitness market and may be very profitable in the UK. If this brand matches your passions as well as your unique approach to fitness, you should definitely consider investing in a Body Fit Training franchise for sale.
FAQs
1. How to start a Body Fit Training franchise
• Check the website thoroughly to make sure the company’s approach fits your own.
• Make an enquiry call to discover more about the brand directly from the BFT team.
• Apply as a franchisee – and compile a robust business plan that shows your vision.
• Sign the BFT franchise agreement whilst the company reserves a chosen territory.
• Pay the initial rights fee of £102,500 to officially secure a location for the franchise.
• Attend the brand’s boot camp and undergo onboarding with your regional manager.
• Work with BFT’s recruitment division to hire staff and facilitate their own boot camp.
• During site construction, market the gym in your local area with the brand’s support.
• Open the gym and embrace the benefits of becoming a Body Fit Training franchisee.
2. How much does owning a Body Fit Training franchise cost?
Your overall BFT investment could be as low as £102,500 – though you can usually secure the £62,500 equipment package with financial aid, depending on your credit score. Even if you aim for a larger studio with higher prices and more equipment, you can still hope to break even within 15-18 months thanks to the higher profit margins.
3. Is a Body Fit Training franchise profitable?
While a Body Fit Training gym franchise owner’s average profit depends upon a range of factors, high membership costs of £180 – £230 a month mean you can expect to break even in 15-18 months.
BFT franchisees also have access to diverse avenues for generating additional profit. One significant opportunity lies in the Eight Week Challenges, which occur three times a year. Participants pay a single fee, encompassing the cost of Evolt body composition scans, as well as eight weeks’ worth of recipes and meal plans. This initiative not only enhances member engagement but also creates a substantial revenue stream that franchisees can use to maximise profit.
Moreover, BFT has established partnerships with various supplement, apparel, and footwear companies, allowing franchisees to capitalise on secondary spending opportunities. By offering these products to members, franchisees can further increase their profitability and expand their revenue streams.
4. What questions to ask when buying a Body Fit Training franchise?
Make sure to check with the franchise owners about the average income of their UK members; this could help you select a suitable site. You could also ask about the ongoing training and regular webinars that BFT offers to its franchisees. Marketing could be another major consideration, especially since the brand typically takes care of this; you should see how much control you have over local advertising efforts.
