Martial arts-focused gym operator HITIO signs first UK franchise deal
POSTED 15 Feb 2019 . BY Tom Walker
Fitness operator HITIO Gym has signed its first franchise agreement in the UK.
The Norway-based chain, which combines a traditional gym and studio offering with combat sports training, has revealed plans to open its first club in South London in the summer of 2019.
The signing of the first UK franchise is part of the chain's plans to expand across Europe. It follows the announcement of inaugural clubs in Spain and Portugal, which are set to open in Q2 2019. HITIO has become one of the largest fitness chains in Norway, with 32 clubs nationwide.
The group aims to open 400 clubs throughout the EMEA region over the next five years.
To support the expansion, HITIO has signed an exclusive partnership with Matrix Fitness, which will see the equipment supplier provide all strength and cardio equipment. All 32 Norwegian sites have already been installed with Matrix equipment.
HITIO’s format aims to bring people together through physical activity by targeting a large customer base – including families with children, who can exercise at the same time.
It offers a number of martial arts-focused group classes, including HITIO Tiger, a programme designed for children aged five to seven years old which develops focus, concentration, discipline and self-confidence through fun training.
The first UK club will be owned by BGB Fitness, an investment group specialising in fitness facilities and with more than 30 years’ combined experience in the health and fitness and property sectors.
“The HITIO concept addresses a real gap in the market by targeting both adults and children," said Matthew Blair, director of BGB Fitness.
"This is something that we feel very strongly about and with child obesity an ever-increasing concern for the UK, HITIO gyms are a fantastic way of engaging families in health and fitness, by providing a real sense of community that is often missing from franchised gyms.”
Mark Chambers, HITIO CEO, added: “The fitness industry is booming and there’s nothing in the market that offers a concept like ours.
"With sites already confirmed in the UK, Spain and Portugal and with Sweden and Germany next in our sights, it’s a very exciting time to be a part of HITIO and we can’t wait to get the first UK site open."
HITIO was founded in Norway in 1998 by entrepreneurs Per Christian Pedersen and Fredrik Bjertnæs.
Originally a group of small taekwondo centres, the concept evolved into a gym and combat sports offering.
RELATED STORIES
Latest Leisure Opportunities news round-up is now live! POSTED 27 Feb 2019. BY Tom Walker HIIT more effective way to lose weight than moderate exercise, HITIO Gym enters UK fitness
market, Lanserhof medical gym set to open in London, dementia-friendly sport guide is published
and a two-storey spa gets planning approval at the Grotto Estate.
Matrix Fitness UK appoints new MD POSTED 31 May 2017. BY Deven Pamben Matrix Fitness UK has named Matthew Pengelly as its new managing director.
The HCM team were busy at the recent FIBO Global Fitness event in Cologne, Germany,
distributing a special FIBO edition of HCM in support of the event as its global media
partner.
The fitness sector’s pivot to active wellbeing is being discussed in a new weekly podcast, called
The Conveners, and hosted by chair of GM Active and director of Miova, Andy King with
industry veteran, John Oxley, as a guest presenter.
Basic-Fit has signed up to trial the Wellhub network across its recently expanded Spanish
network, giving access to subscribers and enabling them to use all 152 of its Spanish clubs.
Having redefined the model of public-private collaboration in Spain, Go Fit is now expanding
into Italy and has ambitious plans to grow its estate, memberships and profits.
Experience the pinnacle of fitness and luxury at the premier industry event, Sibec EMEA, set
against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo this Autumn. [more...]
Study Active has legally acquired the name “Premier Global” and select Premier Global
branding assets from Assessment Technologies Institute LLC, part of Ascend Learning in the
US.
[more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
IndigoFitness
We Create Training Spaces! We've been designing and delivering high quality training spaces for alm [more...]
Physical
Physical is the UK’s go-to, one-stop shop for commercial grade fitness equipment and flooring, with [more...]
Martial arts-focused gym operator HITIO signs first UK franchise deal
POSTED 15 Feb 2019 . BY Tom Walker
Fitness operator HITIO Gym has signed its first franchise agreement in the UK.
The Norway-based chain, which combines a traditional gym and studio offering with combat sports training, has revealed plans to open its first club in South London in the summer of 2019.
The signing of the first UK franchise is part of the chain's plans to expand across Europe. It follows the announcement of inaugural clubs in Spain and Portugal, which are set to open in Q2 2019. HITIO has become one of the largest fitness chains in Norway, with 32 clubs nationwide.
The group aims to open 400 clubs throughout the EMEA region over the next five years.
To support the expansion, HITIO has signed an exclusive partnership with Matrix Fitness, which will see the equipment supplier provide all strength and cardio equipment. All 32 Norwegian sites have already been installed with Matrix equipment.
HITIO’s format aims to bring people together through physical activity by targeting a large customer base – including families with children, who can exercise at the same time.
It offers a number of martial arts-focused group classes, including HITIO Tiger, a programme designed for children aged five to seven years old which develops focus, concentration, discipline and self-confidence through fun training.
The first UK club will be owned by BGB Fitness, an investment group specialising in fitness facilities and with more than 30 years’ combined experience in the health and fitness and property sectors.
“The HITIO concept addresses a real gap in the market by targeting both adults and children," said Matthew Blair, director of BGB Fitness.
"This is something that we feel very strongly about and with child obesity an ever-increasing concern for the UK, HITIO gyms are a fantastic way of engaging families in health and fitness, by providing a real sense of community that is often missing from franchised gyms.”
Mark Chambers, HITIO CEO, added: “The fitness industry is booming and there’s nothing in the market that offers a concept like ours.
"With sites already confirmed in the UK, Spain and Portugal and with Sweden and Germany next in our sights, it’s a very exciting time to be a part of HITIO and we can’t wait to get the first UK site open."
HITIO was founded in Norway in 1998 by entrepreneurs Per Christian Pedersen and Fredrik Bjertnæs.
Originally a group of small taekwondo centres, the concept evolved into a gym and combat sports offering.
RELATED STORIES
Latest Leisure Opportunities news round-up is now live! POSTED 27 Feb 2019. BY Tom Walker HIIT more effective way to lose weight than moderate exercise, HITIO Gym enters UK fitness
market, Lanserhof medical gym set to open in London, dementia-friendly sport guide is published
and a two-storey spa gets planning approval at the Grotto Estate.
Matrix Fitness UK appoints new MD POSTED 31 May 2017. BY Deven Pamben Matrix Fitness UK has named Matthew Pengelly as its new managing director.
The HCM team were busy at the recent FIBO Global Fitness event in Cologne, Germany,
distributing a special FIBO edition of HCM in support of the event as its global media
partner.
The fitness sector’s pivot to active wellbeing is being discussed in a new weekly podcast, called
The Conveners, and hosted by chair of GM Active and director of Miova, Andy King with
industry veteran, John Oxley, as a guest presenter.
Basic-Fit has signed up to trial the Wellhub network across its recently expanded Spanish
network, giving access to subscribers and enabling them to use all 152 of its Spanish clubs.
Having redefined the model of public-private collaboration in Spain, Go Fit is now expanding
into Italy and has ambitious plans to grow its estate, memberships and profits.
Planet Fitness has become the subject of a hate campaign by certain groups of consumers and
seen share values slide, in the wake of a trans person having been photographed using the
women’s locker room at an Alaskan gym.
Industry experts are gathering in Cologne for today's European Health & Fitness Forum
(EHFF),
followed by FIBO from 11-14 April, which will feature almost 1,000 exhibitors.
Experience the pinnacle of fitness and luxury at the premier industry event, Sibec EMEA, set
against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo this Autumn. [more...]
Study Active has legally acquired the name “Premier Global” and select Premier Global
branding assets from Assessment Technologies Institute LLC, part of Ascend Learning in the
US.
[more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
IndigoFitness We Create Training Spaces! We've been designing and delivering high quality training spaces for alm [more...]
