Focus on Franchise Owners:

Between the two of us we have almost 30 years of experience in Optometry. Nish is now working as a Operations Director for a Care Home and made that leap after having our first child and having the flexibility to work from home.

Rups, who has been working part time as an Optometrist after our two children, has always had a passion for fitness. She has been strength training in some form since she was 16 and believes it is something everyone should be doing. Regardless of background, age, experience, everyone should be doing something in the form of resistance training.

Optometry hours don’t always suit family life, and both of us wanted something different with a purpose we believed in, and also to be able to work from home and manage our own working hours to suit our young family's needs.

Health and wellbeing has always been important to both of us and Nish came across fit20 initially wanting to join. There wasn’t a local studio and this started the journey into finding out more about a franchise.

How did you come across fit20?

Nish came across fit20 by chance, initially with a view to join. 20 minutes a week was really appealing to him with his busy work schedule and making time for family. There wasn’t a studio close enough and Nish made the decision to enquire about a franchise.

Rups was sceptical, being an avid gym member and training 4 hours a week. She was not convinced by the concept. After speaking to Niri & Catherine Patel (joint Managing Directors fit20 UK) and Walter (founder of fit20) and visiting the UK head office in Stocksbridge, this scepticism changed. fit20 can open avenues for strength training to a lot of people who do not like the gym, have no time for the gym or feel intimidated in a gym environment.

Why do you believe in fit20?

There are heaps of testimonials from members reporting positive changes after training in the fit20 way. The method is unique, the technology involved is like no other fitness studio and it is research based. The science behind fit20 shows it is proven. It allows anyone to come and train in private which no other gym can offer. Without the intimidation of mirrors, loud weights, loud music, onlookers, it is a concept that appeals to more people than we may think.

What drew you towards the fit20 franchise?

Science backed which is a huge factor to consider. It sets fit20 apart from anything in this sector. Without the need for a huge gym floor, showers and expensive machinery, it makes the investment realistic for a first time business owner.

Having the support from fit20 UK head office was hugely important especially being new to self employment. The support is fantastic, Niri and Catherine are a wealth of knowledge and such a passionate couple with years of experience in franchising.

The team at the UK head office are always at hand when it comes to any support required, they are open to our suggestions and all so approachable. We have felt very well guided through this whole process from the education and training, to the operations and marketing.

How do you split the responsibilities?

Nish is very much the administrator. Operations on a smaller scale, but manages the finances and the refurbishment of the premises. Rups is actively working in the studio as a certified personal trainer, making the calls to prospective members and dealing with the marketing side.

How have you found the process and support so far from fit20?

It has been excellent. Each member of the head office team is available when needed. We have been guided step by step through each part of this process. Starting a business from scratch would have been impossible without a franchise supporting us through it.

What would you say to a franchisee who was starting out?

Taking the leap seems daunting and risky. However, the support from a franchise makes all the difference. The systems are in place, the suppliers, and the training is already there. Fellow franchise owners have also been so supportive and it is rare to find a group of people who are all so open and helpful. As new franchisees our advice would be to keep asking questions, take advice from fellow Franchisees. Everything works differently for each person but taking all the ideas on board helps. We would also say keep faith. fit20 is proven, it works worldwide, it's fairly new to the UK but this is the future of strength training.

If you are wondering about the fit20 training method, wonder no more, get booked in for a free trial and add strength into your life.