What is the expected method of offering Approved Services at a Fitstop franchise?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
The Franchised Business is, at its core, a functional group fitness training facility. Our standard franchise offering expects and assumes that a typical Franchised Business will primarily offer the Approved Services via membership agreements and packages that allow a client/member to attend and participate in a certain number of group fitness training sessions or "classes" each month at the Franchised Business.
The only individuals that may actually provide fitness training and instruction (the primary Approved Services) at the Franchised Business (each, an "Authorized Instructor") must: (i) demonstrate that they have all appropriate licenses, certifications or approval to serve as a "Personal Trainer" or equivalent role under the laws and regulations where the Franchised Business is located; and (ii) successfully complete our role-specific training course(s) that are designated to teach and inform a prospective instructor with respect to conducting fitness training and classes in a format and using a curriculum that is consistent with our then-current System standards and specifications (the "Instructor Training" and collectively with subpart (i), the "Instructor Criteria"). As noted more fully in Item 11 of this Disclosure Document, our standard franchise offering assumes and accounts for us providing the System Instructor Training, which is currently provided remotely via an online learning management system (or "LMS"), in connection with up to (5) individuals – including you or, if Franchisee is an entity, its operating principal (or "Franchise Operator") – prior to the opening of your Franchised Business without charging any additional training tuition or fee(s), as detailed more fully in Items 7, 8 and 11 of this Disclosure Document.
You must operate the Franchised Business from a premises that you propose and we approve in writing before you secure the same (the "Premises"). As of the Issue Date, our standard franchise offering expects and assumes that your Premises will: (i) be between 1,800 and 3,000 square feet in size; (ii) have ample parking (shared or otherwise) for Members and other patrons of the Franchised Business; and (iii) be located in a larger shopping venue as an in-line or, provided the lease terms are commercially reasonable, an end-cap location.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 7–9)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the standard franchise offering expects that the Approved Services will primarily be offered via membership agreements and packages. These agreements allow a client or member to attend and participate in a certain number of group fitness training sessions or "classes" each month at the Franchised Business.
Fitstop aims to attract the "everyday athlete" by providing membership-based group training, personal training, and lifestyle transformation challenges. Additionally, franchisees can sell approved products such as supplements and clothing. The FDD notes that the market for these services is well developed and extremely competitive.
To provide fitness training and instruction, individuals must be Authorized Instructors who have the appropriate licenses, certifications, or approvals to serve as a "Personal Trainer" under local laws and regulations. They must also complete Fitstop's Instructor Training, which is provided remotely via an online learning management system for up to five individuals prior to the opening of the Franchised Business without any additional training tuition or fees.