Frequently Asked Questions

fit20 is not a conventional gym franchise.

The training method is based on slow, controlled strength training, performed once a week for 20 minutes with a certified trainer. It is designed for people who want to become stronger, healthier and more active, but who are not necessarily a fan of traditional gyms.

The studio model is also different. fit20 studios are small, appointment-based and do not need large gym floors, showers or changing rooms. Members train at a fixed weekly time, in a calm and professional environment, with their progress monitored over time.

For franchise owners, this creates a clear business model: a compact studio, recurring membership income, personal service, strong local relationships and a training method that appeals to a large group of people who want better strength and health without spending hours in a gym.

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fit20 appeals to a wide range of people, but especially those who want to improve their strength, mobility and long-term health in a time-efficient way.

Many fit20 members are busy professionals, people over 40, older adults, people returning to exercise, and those who have never felt at home in a traditional gym environment.

This is one of the reasons fit20 is such an interesting franchise opportunity. Traditional gyms do not appeal to everyone. fit20 is designed for the much larger group of people who know their health matters, but want a calmer, more personal and more manageable way to train.

No. In fact, many fit20 members are not regular gym-goers.

The method is designed to be accessible, personal and easy to fit into a busy lifestyle. Members do not need to know how to use gym equipment, plan workouts or motivate themselves through long sessions. They are guided by a certified fit20 trainer every time.

From a franchise perspective, this matters. A fit20 studio is not only trying to attract people who already enjoy gyms. It is reaching people who want to feel stronger, healthier and more capable, but who are looking for a very different experience.

The typical total investment for a fit20 franchise is usually in the region of £40,000 to £50,000, although the final amount depends on factors such as premises, fit-out, lease terms, working capital and local setup costs.

The Franchise Information Memorandum sets out the key areas of investment, including the franchise fee, training, launch marketing, studio fit-out, equipment, signage, technology and working capital.

We will go through the investment in more detail during the franchise process so you can understand what is included and what may vary depending on your chosen location.

As a guide, fit20 has previously communicated that personal investment starts from around £20,000, with the overall investment typically around £40,000 to £50,000.

We can discuss funding routes during the franchise process, but you should also take independent financial advice and prepare your own business plan before making a final decision.

Many banks have specialist franchise departments because franchising is often viewed differently from starting an independent business from scratch.

Funding availability will depend on your financial circumstances, business plan, territory, proposed premises and lender requirements.

fit20 can help you understand the information typically needed for funding conversations, but you will need to make your own enquiries and take advice from your accountant, business adviser or lender.

The fit20 franchise package is designed to help you get into business with a clear framework.

It includes the right to operate a fit20 franchise in an agreed territory, the use of the fit20 brand and trademarks, access to the fit20 method and know-how, initial training, access to the fit20 Academy, operational manuals and support.

The package also includes key studio elements such as specialist fit20 equipment, proprietary sensor technology, signage, branded items and launch marketing support.

The exact details will be explained during the franchise process and set out in the Franchise Information Memorandum and Franchise Agreement.

This ongoing support includes areas such as brand development, operations, marketing guidance, training, business coaching, KPI review, research and development, regular communication and network development.

The specific Management Service Fee is disclosed as part of the franchise process once a prospective franchise owner has signed an NDA and received the Franchise Information Memorandum.

A fit20 studio is designed with strong unit economics in mind, but profitability is never guaranteed.

The business model benefits from a compact studio footprint, appointment-based training, recurring membership income, efficient staffing, and no need for large changing facilities or extensive gym space.

As a guide, a fit20 studio is typically designed to reach break-even at around 60 to 80 members, often within 6 to 7 months. However, this is not a guarantee. Break-even and profitability depend on many factors, including location, rent, staffing costs, member pricing, lead generation, local demand, owner effort, service standards and how consistently the fit20 system is followed.

We will share more detailed financial information during the franchise process, but every prospective franchise owner should carry out their own due diligence and take independent financial advice.

A fit20 studio is typically designed to reach break-even at around 60 to 80 members, often within 6 to 7 months.

However, this is not a guarantee. Break-even depends on your rent, staffing costs, marketing activity, member pricing, launch momentum, local demand and how actively you build the business.

The early months matter. Franchise owners who follow the system, stay close to their numbers, engage with their local community and respond quickly to enquiries give themselves the strongest start.

fit20 studios are intentionally compact and efficient.

A typical studio is around 600 to 700 square feet, or approximately 60 to 70 square metres. There is no need for a large gym floor, swimming pool, changing rooms or showers.

The appointment-based model also helps with staffing efficiency. Members train at scheduled times, and the most common membership format allows two members to train in the same 20-minute session with one trainer.

This creates a leaner operating model than many traditional fitness businesses.

Yes. A business plan is an important part of the franchise process. It helps you understand the local opportunity, expected costs, funding requirements, pricing, marketing activity and the assumptions behind your projections.

fit20 can provide guidance and a business plan template, but you need to take ownership of your plan. You should also review it with an accountant or business adviser before making a final decision.

A good business plan is not just something for the bank. It is a working document that helps you understand how you will build your studio.

The small footprint is one of the strengths of the model. Because fit20 does not require large open gym areas, changing rooms or showers, the premises can be compact, efficient and more flexible than a traditional gym site.

The exact requirements will depend on the property, layout, location and local planning considerations.

No.

One of the benefits of the fit20 method is that members do not usually need to change clothes or shower afterwards. Sessions are short, controlled and delivered in a cool studio environment.

This is attractive to members because it makes training easy to fit into the working day or a busy week.

It is also helpful from a business model perspective because the studio does not need the space, cost or maintenance associated with traditional changing facilities.

A fit20 studio needs to be accessible, professional and convenient for members to attend once a week.

Good local demographics, parking or easy access, proximity to residential areas, offices or local services, and a suitable studio environment all matter.

The right location is not necessarily the biggest or most expensive space. It is about finding a suitable studio that supports the member experience and keeps the business model efficient.

fit20 provides guidance during the site search and setup process.

Territories are typically defined by postcode areas and mapped before being awarded. The aim is to give each franchise owner a clear area in which to build their business.

Once a studio is established, franchise owners may be able to add further territories if they are available and if both parties agree it is the right next step.

Yes, multi-studio ownership is possible.

Many franchise owners start with one studio, learn the model, build a team and then explore additional territories once the first business is established.

The fit20 model is designed as a management franchise, which means the long-term goal is often for the franchise owner to move from doing everything themselves to leading a team and growing the business.

Multi-studio growth depends on performance, available territories, operational readiness and the right agreement with fit20.

fit20 provides comprehensive training through the fit20 Academy and the UK support team. This gives franchise owners and trainers the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the fit20 method safely and consistently.

What matters more is your ability to follow the system, communicate well, manage people, build relationships, take ownership and care about helping people improve their health and strength.

Some of our franchise owners come from completely different professional backgrounds. That can be a real strength.

New franchise owners go through a structured onboarding and training programme.

This includes online learning, practical training, support from the UK team and certification through the fit20 Academy. The training covers the fit20 method, the science behind the training, how to deliver sessions, how to use the equipment and technology, and how to operate the studio.

Training also covers the business side of the franchise, including marketing, sales, systems, member experience, recruitment, launch planning and studio management.

The aim is to help you feel confident both as a fit20 trainer and as a business owner.

The fit20 Academy is our dedicated training platform for franchise owners and personal trainers.

It teaches the scientific foundation of the fit20 method and the practical skills needed to deliver sessions safely and effectively.

Completion of the Academy leads to certification as a fit20 Personal Trainer. This means franchise owners can begin by delivering sessions themselves if appropriate, while also training and developing their future team.

The Academy is an important part of maintaining consistency across the network.

fit20 provides support before launch, during opening and throughout your franchise journey.

This includes structured training, operational guidance, marketing support, business coaching, KPI review, ongoing development and access to the wider fit20 network.

You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

The more detailed support before and after opening is explained in the questions below.

Before opening, fit20 supports you through the key stages of getting your studio ready.

This includes guidance on your territory, business planning, financial forecasting, premises search, lease considerations, studio setup, training, recruitment, marketing planning and launch preparation.

You will also receive support with the systems, processes and operational standards needed to run the studio.

The goal is to help you open with clarity, confidence and a strong local launch plan.

fit20 provides marketing guidance before and after opening.

This includes launch marketing, PR support, digital marketing guidance, local awareness activity, lead generation support, campaign planning and access to approved brand materials.

Local marketing is still an important part of the franchise owner’s role. Building a successful studio requires visibility in the local community, prompt follow-up with enquiries, relationship-building and consistent activity.

Head Office provides the framework and support, but the strongest results come when franchise owners actively build their local presence.

Yes, fit20 provides advice and support around recruitment.

In the early stages, many franchise owners deliver sessions themselves after completing the fit20 Academy. As the business grows, you will usually recruit and train additional personal trainers.

Every trainer must be trained and certified in the fit20 method before delivering sessions.

The quality of the trainer is central to the member experience, so recruitment, training and ongoing coaching are important parts of building a strong studio.

The role changes as your studio grows.

In the early months, most franchise owners are hands-on. You may be delivering training sessions, following up enquiries, speaking to potential members, managing bookings, keeping the studio running smoothly and building local awareness.

You will also spend time reviewing numbers, managing your calendar, planning marketing activity and staying in close contact with the fit20 support team.

As the studio becomes more established, the role often shifts towards leadership and management. You may spend more time supporting trainers, reviewing member retention, managing performance and planning future growth.

For multi-studio owners, the role becomes even more strategic, with a focus on team leadership, consistency and business development.

In the beginning, it is usually beneficial for franchise owners to be actively involved in the studio.

This helps you understand the member experience, learn the method, build relationships and get close to the day-to-day running of the business.

Over time, many franchise owners move into a more managerial role as they recruit trainers and build a team.

The long-term aim is not necessarily for you to deliver every session yourself, but you do need to understand the business from the inside.

It may be possible to be involved in another business, provided it does not compete with fit20 and does not prevent you from giving the studio the focus it needs.

That said, opening a fit20 studio requires time, energy and commitment, particularly in the early stages.

If you are planning to keep another business running, we would need to understand how the fit20 studio would be managed and who would be responsible for day-to-day operations.

A strong fit20 franchise owner is usually someone who enjoys people, believes in the importance of health, and wants to build a meaningful local business.

You do not need to be a fitness expert, but you do need to care about helping people.

The qualities we look for include strong communication skills, commercial awareness, the ability to follow a system, commitment to high service standards, resilience, local energy, willingness to learn and the discipline to take consistent action.

fit20 is a people business. The best franchise owners understand that member experience, team culture and local reputation all matter.

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You do not need a formal sales background, but you do need to be comfortable speaking to people about the benefits of fit20.

A successful studio needs new members, and that means following up enquiries, inviting people in, explaining the method clearly and helping people decide whether fit20 is right for them.

This is not about hard selling. It is about listening, understanding what someone wants to improve and showing them how fit20 may help.

fit20 provides guidance and support around the member journey and sales process.

The biggest challenges are usually building local awareness, attracting members, retaining members, managing finances, recruiting the right people and staying organised as the business grows.

fit20 helps address many of these challenges through its established systems, training, marketing guidance, operational support and appointment-based studio model.

But no franchise removes the need for effort.

A successful studio still depends on consistent local activity, strong follow-up, good service, attention to the numbers and a willingness to follow the system.

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The fit20 franchise journey is designed to be clear and structured, with support at every stage.

It usually starts with an enquiry and an initial call to understand your goals. You then explore the opportunity in more detail, sign an NDA, receive the Franchise Information Memorandum and review it with the fit20 UK team.

If both sides feel there is a potential fit, the next stage is to experience fit20, meet the team and understand the method in more depth. You then move into business validation, which may include signing a Letter of Intent, confirming your territory, reviewing financial modelling and speaking to existing franchise owners at the appropriate stage.

Once the franchise is secured, the focus moves to training, finance, property search, studio setup, launch marketing and opening your studio, with ongoing support from Head Office.

In simple terms, the journey looks like this:

1. Enquiry
2. Explore the opportunity
3. Experience fit20
4. Validate the business
5. Secure your franchise
6. Prepare your launch
7. Open your studio

Yes, and we strongly encourage potential franchise owners to experience fit20 for themselves as part of our structured franchise journey.

This is arranged through the fit20 UK team, rather than by visiting a local studio independently.

Once you have made an enquiry, had an initial conversation, signed the NDA and reviewed the Franchise Information Memorandum, we can arrange for you to experience fit20 training and meet the UK team.

This gives you a proper understanding of the method, the member experience and the business model in the right context.

Book an introductory meeting

After you enquire, the first step is usually an introductory conversation with the fit20 UK team.

This is a chance for us to learn more about you, your background, your goals and your interest in fit20. It is also your opportunity to ask initial questions and understand whether the opportunity may be worth exploring further.

If both sides feel there is a potential fit, we will explain the next steps in the franchise journey, including the NDA, Franchise Information Memorandum and how to experience fit20 through the official process.

Book an introductory meeting

Yes. Before signing the Franchise Agreement, you should take independent legal advice from a solicitor with franchise experience.

The Franchise Agreement sets out the rights and obligations of both parties, so it is important that you understand it properly before making a commitment.

This is a standard and important part of ethical franchising.

The standard fit20 Franchise Agreement is for five years.

Renewal is possible, subject to the terms of the agreement and the franchise owner having operated within the requirements of the franchise system.

The details of the agreement, renewal terms and any fees will be explained during the franchise process and should be reviewed with your legal adviser.

Yes, it is possible to sell your fit20 franchise, subject to fit20 approving the new owner.

One of the benefits of building a business is the potential to create value over time. If you decide to sell, the buyer would need to meet fit20’s selection criteria and enter into the appropriate franchise agreement.

The process and any relevant fees or approvals are set out in the Franchise Agreement.

The next step is to book an introductory meeting.

This is a relaxed conversation to help both sides understand whether fit20 could be the right fit. We will answer your questions, talk through the opportunity and explain the next stages of the process.

We are not looking for everyone.

We are looking for the right people: people who believe in the fit20 method, care about helping others, and want to build a strong local business with the support of an established franchise system.

Book an introductory meeting

If you are interested in owning a fit20 studio, we would love to hear from you.

The best next step is to book an introductory meeting with the fit20 UK team. We can talk through the opportunity, your goals, available territories and whether fit20 could be the right fit for you.

Book an introductory meeting

Still researching? You can also read more about the fit20 franchise opportunity in our latest franchise articles. Read more franchise articles.

Want to hear what it’s like from the people already doing it? Watch our franchise owner video playlist to hear directly from some of our fit20 franchise owners.