Q&A: Does F45 Franchise in the UK? (2024)

Ever thought about running your very own F45 franchise but you’re not sure if that’s even a possibility? We’ve got all the answers you need – including whether the famously intense Aussie fitness brand has a franchising programme right here in the UK.

As more and more of us look for unique ways to get our sweat on, it’s no surprise that lots of people are keen to know if owning an F45 franchise in the UK is a realistic prospect. The functional training company guides member through HIIT routines that have been developed by some of the world’s leading personal trainers, athletes and scientists specialising in how to move your body for optimal results. It’s also constantly adapting its training regimes to ensure that all members are getting the very best results possible.

The Australian born brand has 52 locations in the UK and Ireland and 1,153 more across the rest of the globe. F45’s concept is simple: to offer 45-minute high-intensity circuit training workout classes in studios all over the world. The F45 business has developed 27 different 45-minute workouts, with more being developed as we speak. And so, F45's name originates from this simple workout concept - the ‘F’ stands for ‘functional training’ and the ‘45’ stands for the total time of its classes.

But is it possible to run your very own F45 fitness club as a franchisee? Let’s find out …

Does F45 franchise?

Yes, F45 franchises across the globe. It launched its franchise model just five years ago, in 2014, and now has locations in more than 35 countries. Once you join the brand, you’ll have access to an extensive database of resources, which includes more than 4,000 high intensity exercises that you’ll be able to craft your routines from. You won’t be offered an exclusive territory, so you’ll need to choose a site where your competition hasn’t already conquered.

F45’s carefully developed business model works with a wide range of locations and can be tailored to fit your ambitions, whether you’re looking to run a small, intimate club or establish a large community of fitness fanatics. And features like live DJ mixes, heart rate trackers for all members and plenty of screens that make it easy for everyone to follow along with the routine make this an appealing choice for those in your local community seeking a new fitness challenge.

History of F45

F45 was founded in 2012 by Rob Deutsche, who spent over a decade building a career in banking before taking the plunge and opening his own fitness business. The ambitious businessman says that he always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but struggled to find the right space to launch a business in.

Since its inception, the concept has exploded across the globe and can now be found in trendy cities everywhere. Speaking about what motivated him to launch the innovative fitness company, Deutsche explained:

“There was a clear gap in the market. On the one end of the spectrum, there are individuals who spend $20 [approx. £15] a week on a gym membership but get no motivation so they … stop going. Then you have the people paying up to $80 [£60] for personal training sessions. I wanted to create something that combined the two in a fun environment.”

Starting an F45 franchise unit

Interested in starting your very own F45 fitness club? Here’s everything you need to know about F45’s franchise package, including how much you’ll need to pay and how the franchisor will support you along your journey.

Becoming an F45 franchisee

F45 doesn’t have a list of requirements for those looking to become franchisees, nor does it state that you need any particular qualifications. However, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to be someone that’s really passionate about health and fitness and a background as a personal trainer or other fitness professional is likely to be highly beneficial when you’re getting to grips with the thousands of exercises on offer. F45 encourages interested parties to get in touch, where they’ll find out more about the exact requirements of its franchise opportunity.

How much you need to invest

The F45 website states that interested parties will need to have a minimum of $300,000 (£) liquid capital (not tied up in assets such as property or investments) or have good links to investors or partners with this kind of capital. They’ll also need to have secured a commercial property with at least 170 square metres of space to operate their studio from. Other sites offer some more information about additional investments you may need to make.

The franchise fee has been cited as $52,000 (roughly £40,000), but investors will need to have between $210,000 (£160,000) and $289,000 (£220,500) as well as up $50,000 (£38,000) of working capital. So, the F45 opportunity is likely to suit franchisees who have already managed to set up a successful business, whether that’s an existing fitness club or another venture, or have plenty of savings they can invest.

What you get for your investment

You’ll be constantly supported by F45’s franchise team once you become part of the family, with access to:

• 24-hour tech support
• A dedicated online support team
• State-of-the-art intranet system (F45 Playbook)
• Access to an app where you can manage everything from CRM to client management to daily admin
• Support from a global network of coaching professionals
• Business training and support from the F45 academy
• Five days of induction at HQ
• Marketing initiatives and material to help you get the word out about your studio

Initially, you’ll undergo 84 hours of training to learn the fitness franchise’s operating methods. Around 60 of these hours will be spent in the classroom of F45’s head office, while 20 will be spent in an existing studio to help you learn how your own club will operate.

Get your sweat on and watch your bank balance grow

If you’re interested in becoming part of the F45 family, click here to find out more about the exciting opportunity. Not sure this is the right one for you? We have loads of other rapidly expanding fitness franchises right here at Point Franchise. Browse our directory and find the ideal franchise opportunity for you.