Fitstop’s 100th location is a ticket to the global stage

One of the fastest-growing fitness businesses is ready to play on a global scale as it’s 100th location is now open and they prepare to take over the North American and Singapore fitness market.

The 100th location - Fitstop Rototuna, New Zealand - having opened in late January 2023. 

This follows the unrivalled traction of the brand supported by their latest $3.3 million funding round and growing portfolio of 190+ locations sold. Fitstop was also recently named #2 in the Australian Financial Review’s Fast 100 Companies list.

With a presence in every state across Australia and making headway across New Zealand, the brand has achieved huge growth in a time in which others stood still as a result of Covid lockdowns. Throughout 2022 alone, Fitstop grew its current network by 66%, going from 65 to 98  locations.

Born from the sheer passion, process and performance that Fitstop’s Founder and Managing Director Peter Hull had when working with professional athletes, Fitstop is a business more than a decade in the making. 

With competitors focusing on high-intensity interval training, Fitstop continues to set a benchmark with their high-calibre strength and conditioning training, attracting the likes of Wallaby star Dane Haylett-Petty, All Black Brendon Leanord, the Gold Coast Titans, Olympic & Commonwealth Games medalist Mariafe Artacho del Solar, 5 x hockey World Champion Jamie Dwyer, and Australian Cricket player Beth Mooney - to name a few professional athletes under their wings. 

“The goal has always been to get to 100 locations, “ said Fitstop Founder and Managing Director, Peter Hull.

“For us, it’s all about knowing our systems and processes are industry-leading and scalable, and that our tech stack could excel with us. 

“We put our money where our mouth is, by investing in technology that makes us competitive on a global scale. This is where our custom-built app comes in, which controls the entire member journey whilst  linking to an ecosystem of performance tools for franchise owners to grow their businesses.

“We’re looking outside of our industry, learning from the best of the best in eCommerce, hospitality and the wider fitness landscape and adding Fitstop into this narrative. 

“Our tech is all about elevating experience. Our Fitstoppers can book sessions, complete programming series, and access nutrition and performance benchmarking all through the App. Now, we’ve nailed the brilliant basics and are looking at 2023 to see what’s next for us,” said Peter Hull.

This milestone for the brand follows the Head of Strength and Conditioning for the All Blacks - the most successful sporting team in human history with a 76% win rate - Nic Gil appointed as Fitstop’s Performance Advisor.

Launching the Fitstop Performance Advisory Panel, which has been strategically designed to enhance member performance, product innovation and upskill their network of over 500 trainers - the first addition to the Council being Dr Nicholas Gill. 

Gill has played an integral role in the All Blacks’ success over the past 15 years, overseeing the physical development and preparation of the multiple world champion athletes. 

As a leading expert in the world of elite strength and conditioning, Gill will work with Fitstop’s product team and assist them in the continued delivery of a highly effective fitness programme, supported by Gill’s knowledge of sports science, strength and conditioning and years of practical experience.

“I was surprised at the similarities between Fitstop, and how I would programme for a professional athlete. Of course, both programs have the shared elements of team training and functional strength, but it’s especially great to see the shared emphasis on delivering an engaging and educational program - something I haven’t seen delivered at their scale before,” said Gill. 

“Fitstop’s training methodology makes it different to many other group-fitness styles and is largely what made me interested in working with their product team. I am a big fan of ensuring sessions have purpose, are enjoyable and educational - as this is what empowers performance - and this is absolutely mirrored in Fitstop’s programming.” 

“I’m looking forward to working with the Fitstop team and contributing to their mission to inspire communities to move more to live more,” said Gill

“At Fitstop we’re constantly looking for ways to improve the member experience and make it 1% better every day,” said Pete Hull, Founder and Managing Director of Fitstop. 

“Whether that’s finding ways to enhance the programming in locations, provide more insights into their fitness and health through our technology, or upskill our Fitstop trainers to ensure every session is being delivered to its highest level. Having Nick on board will provide strategic input into how we can continue to develop all these areas, and ultimately help people move more and live more.”