F45 To Open In Everyone Active Leisure Centres Across UK

LONDON, United Kingdom — Global fitness franchise F45 is expanding its footprint in the UK, in a deal that will see it launch its studios within publicly-owned leisure centre chain Everyone Active.

Operating under the usual F45 franchise model by franchisee holder, Annie Edmonds, the first site will open in Maida Vale, at Everyone Active’s Little Venice Sports Centre.

“We have worked tirelessly to create an innovative brand and proven franchise model that can operate from anywhere in the world, and we can’t wait to introduce more people to this fitness phenomenon,” commented Global Sales Director of F45 Training, Luke Armstrong.

First launched in Sydney, Australia in 2011, F45 is now the fastest-growing fitness franchise in the world. Operating in over 40 countries, it boasts more than 1,700 sites globally and more than 70 franchised studios in the UK. The success of its franchise network has encouraged many athletes, personal trainers and entrepreneurs to become part of the fitness industry, with English Rugby Union player, James Haskell opening up a studio in Bath, England, earlier this year.

Its latest move aims to introduce new neighbourhoods and demographics to the functional fitness concept, to continue building on the brand’s explosive growth.

“Not every Everyone Active site will fit our model,” explained Michael Dean, UK & Ireland Sales Director at F45.

“Nevertheless we are looking forward to having access to their national property portfolio which should help service the already high and ever-growing demand for F45 studios in the UK,” he added.

Everyone Active, meanwhile, revealed the deal will form part of its drive towards a ‘boutique within a big box’ model — a strategy that has already seen it enter into a landmark partnership with London-based yoga studio MoreYoga.

The agreement has seen MoreYoga start to operate its studios out of Everyone Active centres in London and the South East, as an exclusive provider of Yoga and Hot Yoga classes at the leisure centre.

Speaking about the strategy, Duncan Jefford, regional director for Everyone Active, explained: “We recognised some time ago that the traditional leisure centre model was not future proof and have been working hard to develop and modernise our offering.

Adding: “We are space-rich but also recognise that it’s not always better to create your own products. By forming alliances with the right brands we can elevate our proposition and create the most exciting facilities in the country.”

As part of its plans to have 100 UK franchises by 2020, F45 will also be launching its first site in Scotland this Autumn. “It will be in Glasgow and will bring the total number of countries F45 is in, to 45,” Dean revealed.