With F45 Training’s rapid and continued growth in established health and fitness markets like the U.S., there’s a real possibility of these territories becoming saturated and further growth getting tricky. Fortunately, the F45 model isn’t under the pressure currently felt by big-box gyms and traditional fitness centers. By evolving our member experience and product, we will continue to lead the industry and tap into current fitness trends & opportunities that allow our business and franchisees to succeed.
These established markets are only so big, though, and the growth of other fitness centers and gym franchises in the U.S. is starting to plateau. While a smart business will always look to adapt while it grows to counter market pressure, tapping into new audiences and territories becomes increasingly important the bigger a brand or company becomes.
As a result of the U.S. market beginning to slow, more and more fitness businesses are seeking opportunities in markets overseas. The latest research on the fitness industry shows its global revenue sitting at $87.2 billion, with over 200,000 clubs and studios across the world. While these figures are anticipated to rise over the next few years, much of the growth is expected to come from emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as territories like Africa and the Middle-East.
While Australia—our brand’s birthplace—remains a top market for F45 Training, countries like China offer a massive opportunity as its people look to improve the quality of their lives and bolster their health and fitness. The Chinese gym and health club industry was pegged at $6 billion in 2017 and, with a growing economy and expanding middle class, this number is sure to increase dramatically over the next few years.
Another big Asian opportunity is India, which has shown a recent rise of both health clubs and gym memberships. It’s another territory where a growing middle class and increased spending in urban areas has led to many international fitness franchises entering the market. Along with China, it’s a prominent feature of F45’s plans for the future.
The Asian market isn’t just limited to core targets like India and China, though—franchise brands also enjoying success in non-traditional markets like Russia. It’s a country that’s mad about combat sport, but the home of the kettlebell also has a deep love and respect for functional fitness. F45’s Moscow studio is sure to be the start of something amazing!
The F45 Training system has launched and already found success in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as African countries like Kenya and Mauritius. This indicates that the F45 model won’t just thrive in established markets, but will deliver returns in areas that are new to the concept of fitness franchising—and group-high intensity training in particular.
We couldn’t be more proud of the fact that our family now encompasses over 1,750 studios worldwide and changes lives in over 45 countries. While we will never lose sight of the markets that have contributed so much to our success, our continued growth means that we are able to bring life-changing team training to more people than ever before. Onwards and upwards!
https://www.frandata.com/franalyst-friday-fitness-brands-target-asia-pacific/
https://www.franchising.com/articles/us_gym_and_health__fitness_franchises_target_asiapacific_markets.html
This could be a life changing opportunity.
