F45 Training leads Australia’s boutique functional fitness sector with a large network of locations, making it a premium option for experienced operators due to its corporate-backed framework.
Amid a push into digital app ecosystems and integrated recovery services, F45 Training Australia is expanding its compact suburban footprint to combat inflation and competition from premium fast-casual challengers.
For potential franchisees in 2026, investing offers brand recognition and corporate infrastructure but also entails intense market saturation and rising commercial lease and labour retention costs.
Brand Pedigree & Market Position
Founded in 2013 in Sydney, F45 aimed to reinvent gyms by offering structured, team-based training that bridges the gap between costly personal trainers and solo workouts. “F” stands for functional training; “45” is the session length in minutes.
F45’s main strength is its tech-driven platform, which offers unique workouts from a global database and ensures consistency and efficiency across all studios.
F45 locations require smaller, flexible spaces without costly facilities like pools, making them cheaper and easier to set up than traditional gyms.
2026 F45 Training Australia: Growth Statistics & Performance
Current Network Size: Approximately 450 locations across Australia.
Velocity/Targets: Throughout 2026, F45 Training is driving a comprehensive studio modernisation strategy across its mature Australian network. The brand is focused on deploying multi-modality formats, retrofitting existing studios with high-margin recovery zones featuring cold plunges and infrared technology. Corporate deployment targets are heavily prioritising regional growth fringes and secondary suburban hubs, utilising streamlined, optimised layouts designed to capture shifting corporate commuter populations.
Operational Data: Global data indicates an average unit volume (AUV) benchmark of approximately $454,320, with top-tier performing studios exceeding $684,000 in annual turnover. Digital member acquisition channels and the integrated F45 Training mobile app drive over 70% of total member bookings and program engagement. Franchise performance metrics highlight a 19% boost in system-wide member lead volumes, supported by digital challenges and localised automated retention campaigns.
F45 Training Executive & Industry Insights
“The unit economics of modern fitness franchising demand severe control over fixed operating footprints. By engineering the workout to require zero permanent floor fixtures or complex heavy infrastructure, studios can quickly adjust internal layouts to match evolving wellness preferences while protecting cash-flow margins under intense macroeconomic pressures.”
“Sustained profitability in boutique fitness depends entirely on membership lifecycle longevity. Brands that introduce integrated recovery amenities alongside their core athletic programming consistently see an increase in average transaction values and superior monthly retention metrics, insulating individual studio margins against localised inflationary headwinds.”
F45 Training Franchise Investment Snapshot Table
Metric | Details |
Initial Investment | $349,200 – $786,100 (Includes fitness equipment pack, floor fit-out, internal AV, and signage) |
Upfront Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
Ongoing Fees | 9% Total (7% Monthly Royalty + 2% National Brand Fund Contribution) |
Store Formats | Compact inline high-street strips, upper-level commercial zones, light industrial parks |
Target Markets / Key Expansion Zones | Regional growth fringes, secondary suburban centres, and high-density master-planned communities |
Training & Support | Comprehensive multi-day induction covering operational management, pre-sales marketing execution, and automated app ecosystem mechanics |
Franchise Comparison: F45 Training vs. Body Fit Training (BFT) vs. Fitstop vs. Fitstop (Alternate Niche)
Metric | F45 Training | Body Fit Training (BFT) | Fitstop | Jetts 24/7 Fitness |
Initial Investment | $349,200 – $786,100 | $509,836 – $1,204,045 | $250,000 – $450,000 | $350,000 – $600,000 |
Royalty Fee | 7% | 7% | Variable / TBC | 6% |
Marketing Fee | 2% | 2% | Variable / TBC | $1,200/month |
Total Ongoing Fees | 9% | 9% | Variable / TBC | Variable |
Australian Footprint | ~450 Locations | ~240 Locations | ~150 Locations | ~280 Locations |
Primary Advantage | Global name recognition and a highly systemised, tech-delivered setup | Science-backed progression periods with advanced lifting station setups | Athlete-derived hybrid functional training aimed at Gen Z markets | 24/7 low-labor recurring model with minimal active coach requirements |
Key Insights
Investors face different financial models in the boutique fitness sector. Comparing F45 to rivals highlights its unique strengths, shaped by its clientele and available capital.
- For the Body Fit Training (BFT) Niche: An investor would choose to pivot toward Body Fit Training (BFT) if their core commercial goal is to target a premium consumer segment focused on progression-based strength and conditioning. While F45 Training utilises a leaner, lower-capital entry tier for standard studio fit-outs, Body Fit Training (BFT) requires a more intensive initial financial investment to fund advanced power racks and technical lifting equipment, capturing members who favour individual personal training aesthetics within group settings.
- For the Fitstop Niche: A buyer would look closely at Fitstop if they want to tap into a fast-growing, highly community-driven brand that heavily attracts competitive fitness demographics. Fitstop presents an agile operational structure optimised for young professional groups, striking a strategic balance between cardiovascular conditioning and traditional strength training, allowing owners to capture high-intent sub-markets with lower upfront overheads than mature franchise platforms.
- For the Jetts 24/7 Fitness Niche: An entrepreneur would pivot toward Jetts 24/7 Fitness if their primary investment objective is to secure a highly automated, low-labour business model with predictable recurring revenues. While F45 Training provides an engaging, coach-led environment that requires active daily roster management, Jetts 24/7 Fitness offers a hands-off asset class that operates continuously with minimal on-site staffing, reducing ongoing labour-tracking friction and protecting cash flows.
The Monkish Verdict
F45 is a highly systemised, high-volume fitness franchise, ideal for both corporate investors and hands-on owners seeking recurring revenue from a strong brand.
Operators face challenges such as finding exclusive locations in a saturated market and retaining high-quality coaches to maintain membership levels.
F45’s long-term value relies on its corporate scale and tech innovation. Its expanding digital and recovery offerings make it a strong choice for investors seeking scalable, lasting returns.
Sources & Reference Material
QSR Media Australia: Industry news, executive interviews, and updates on fast-casual food networks are published directly via QSR Media Australia.
The Australian Financial Review: Economic analysis, commercial retail shifts, and financial reports can be cross-referenced at The Australian Financial Review.
Inside Retail Australia: Specialised industry perspectives on local franchising trends and corporate retail updates are tracked through the publication.
SmartCompany: Analysis regarding small-to-medium enterprise setups, brand strategy, and local corporate changes is available via SmartCompany.
F45 Training Corporate Filings & Global Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD): Primary business stats, structural rules, and historical investor updates are catalogued on the F45 Training Corporate Portal. Detailed unit economics and regulatory financial breakdowns can also be verified via the global 1851 Franchise F45 Deep Dive Profile.