What are the requirements to become an 'Authorized Instructor' at a Fitstop franchise?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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.
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, to become an Authorized Instructor at a Fitstop franchise, individuals must meet specific criteria. First, they need to demonstrate that they possess all the necessary licenses, certifications, or approvals to work as a Personal Trainer, or an equivalent role, as mandated by the laws and regulations of the location where the Fitstop franchise operates. Second, prospective instructors must successfully complete Fitstop's role-specific training course. This Instructor Training is designed to educate instructors on conducting fitness training and classes in a manner that aligns with Fitstop's System standards and specifications. These two requirements are collectively referred to as the 'Instructor Criteria'.
Fitstop's standard franchise offering includes System Instructor Training, which is provided remotely through an online learning management system (LMS). This training is provided for up to five individuals, including the franchisee or, if the franchisee is an entity, its operating principal (Franchise Operator), before the franchise opens. There are no additional training tuition or fees charged for these initial five individuals, as detailed in Items 7, 8, and 11 of the FDD.
This means that a prospective Fitstop franchisee needs to ensure that all instructors they hire either already possess the required certifications and licenses or are able to obtain them. Additionally, all instructors must complete Fitstop's training program to ensure consistency in service delivery across all franchise locations. The inclusion of training for up to five individuals without additional fees is a benefit for new franchisees, allowing them to start their business with a trained team without incurring extra costs.