BFT Enters Spain, Expands Global Footprint

Boutique and low-cost chains are driving growth in Spain.

The latest: Aussie-born boutique fitness brand Body Fit Training (BFT) opened its first Spanish club in Barcelona, bringing its global network to 300 in nine countries.

Expansion mode. The Spanish entry follows expansion in New Zealand and the US, plus debuts in the UK, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Korea.

Building on its thriving HYROX partnership, founder Cameron Falloon says there are 100 further studios primed to launch.

“Our growth focus is to go narrow and deep rather than wide and thin, so as much as we are expanding, it’s a controlled and strategic expansion plan. With this approach, we can truly support the growth across every region.”

Untapped potential. But, like BFT, others believe the region is primed for growth.

Spain-born brands Brooklyn Fitboxing, Synergym and Sano Center are scaling up as foreign franchises move in.

• From the US, Barry’s debuted in Spain at the start of the year, while Planet Fitness preps entry and 300 locations.
• Dutch-born Basic-Fit reached 200 gyms in Spain after acquiring RSG’s Spanish network of 47 clubs (42 McFIT, five Holmes Place).
• French chain Fitness Park recently reached 30 Spanish sites, with more planned for 2024.
• British brands TRIB3 is preparing its fifth Madrid studio, building on nine existing clubs in Spain, while énergie Fitness added an eighth location in Spain.

Takeaway: As brands move in, competition will force operators to adapt. But, as consumer demand grows, low-cost and boutique concepts could propel the sector forward.