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Almost two months after raising $3.3 million to tackle the US market, Brisbane-based gym franchise Fitstop is continuing to bolster its global network with the opening of two new locations in New Zealand.
The gyms – located in Riccarton, Christchurch and New Plymouth - are slated to open on 10 September and 24 September respectively, and come seven months after the fast-growing fitness company made its foray into New Zealand with the opening of a gym in Hamilton Central.
Currently operating 90 gyms across gyms Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Fitstop's move reflects its plans to expand to 160 locations in the region – aided by a partnership with Vytality Group which will add 80 locations in Sydney over the next five years.
Fitstop CEO and founder Peter Hull, who was a former Brisbane Young Entrepreneur finalist, said another 10-plus locations in New Zealand are already in the works.
“We are excited to see Fitstop support the amazing New Zealand community and take their health and fitness to the next level,” Hull said.
“Through our hands-on approach and personalised training, we’re excited to inspire people across New Zealand to achieve real results.
“On top of providing a proven training program to New Zealand, we also provide a results-driven franchise business.”
Founded in 2013 by Hull, Fitstop branched out into franchising four years later with entrepreneur Richard Bell – who came on as an investor until he exited the company in 2021. Fitstop has boosted membership growth by more than 70 per cent in the past year, helping 19,000-plus members through their performance-based training system.
Brendon Leonard – who is a former All Black halfback - is set to open the Fitstop New Plymouth location on 10 September.
“Recently New Plymouth was declared the best city of its size in the world,” said Leonard.
“I’m sure the gym will add another dimension to the vibrant community here. Community is very important to me and Fitstop is something unique.
“Everyone has different body shapes and injury histories and needs to be treated individually.”
Fitstop’s other recent franchisees include Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty and Western Force half-back Justin Turner who opened an outlet in Perth last year. Fitstop has also partnered with the Gold Coast Titans NRL team, revamping the squad’s gym facilities into its functional fitness format.
“Our Fitstop journey has been an incredible process in the making and we couldn't be happier to be bringing this to the Riccarton community,” Fitstop Riccarton co-founders Sam Russell and Jesse Mclean said.
“We want to be able to support our community with their journey for a healthier mind, body and soul. We believe that movement is more than just supporting your physical well-being, your mental well-being is just as important.
“We can't wait to build a community of like-minded people who want to build the best version of themselves.”
Fitstop is planning to open 10 new gyms in the US by mid-2023 and has already secured locations in California with existing business owners.
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