Stepz Fitness Opens in the ACT
Stepz Fitness Gungahlin Opened Dec 2023.
Boutique gym chain launches in the countries capital territory.
With sights set on the ACT fitness market, Australian gym chain, Stepz Fitness has opened its first franchise in the nation's capital in late 2023.
Located in Gungahlin, the gym is aiming to shake up the local market, offering 24/7 gym access and Group Training under the same roof. Group Training memberships are half the price of competitors with unlimited classes and full 24/7 gym access.
The Franchisor Approves
Stepz Fitness Franchisor Sam Waller said: “We are excited to be able to expand into the ACT, a territory that presents great opportunity for expansion with its rapid development and housing density growth. Our first franchise in Gungahlin opened successfully with another planned for Queanbeyan in mid-2024.”
Founded in 2009, Stepz Fitness currently has 10 locations in Queensland, 10 in New South Wales, one in South Australia and one in ACT. With Quickstart programs, personal training check-ins, nutritional support with recipes, and flexible membership options, Stepz Fitness has established a strong market share.
“We believe we have something different to offer the ACT than what has traditionally been done before with our Hybrid Franchise model,” said Sam.
Who is Looking After the ACT Territory?
Echoing Sam’s sentiment, is Master Franchisee for Stepz Fitness Gungahlin, Daniel Hotchkis, who has two other Stepz Fitness gyms in Shellharbour and in Dapto NSW, which is one of the most successful gym in the Stepz franchise to date. Dan, who is eager to replicate the same success in Gungahlin said that despite competition in the area, the Stepz Fitness offering brings something new and unique to the ACT.
“Our 24/7 gym and dedicated group training/functional training rooms are all in the same location, with a value add for 24/7 gym members who have full access to the training rooms outside of class time. Our unique, customer focused model is why Stepz continues to be ranked among the top 10 gyms in the country,” Dan said.
“We know the combination of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation driving up the cost of living has meant that many Aussies have had to tighten their purse strings, however at Stepz we offer consumers what they need and when, with no lock in contracts at an affordable price point.
“And, given the extreme weather conditions in the ACT, getting back into the gym offers a greater chance of consistency when it comes to fitness training, and consistency is key when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. At Stepz, we use quality equipment you can’t access outdoors and our trainers and managers bring a wealth of knowledge with them and are there to help,” continued Dan.
What Do the Members Get?
The first 200 members to sign on to Stepz Fitness Gungahlin will receive the Stepz foundation offer which will include a free welcome pack, 8 programs to choose from and no joining fee.
Stepz Gungahlin Members
What makes Stepz Fitness Unique?
● Always open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 24/7 opening hours allow members to use the premises whenever they like, offering the feeling that it is their own gym.
● Lower membership fees: memberships at around half the price of existing larger clubs. In Gungahlin, the membership fees will start from $14.95 per week.
● No contracts: no-contract memberships, recognising that customers seek the flexibility of being able to cancel the memberships at any time they like.
● Capped Memberships: limits on the number of members (approximately 3.8 members/square metre), which have been implemented in order to minimise queuing for equipment; a problem which currently occurs in larger fitness centres where memberships are not capped.
● Hybrid Franchise Model: By combining functional group training and 24/7 gym membership Stepz Fitness differentiates themselves from all other players in the market. This model typically sees an increase in the length of membership.