A great lease, like a great partner, should support your long-term success. It’s also one of the most exciting steps in your journey to owning a fitness business! A great location, paired with a well-structured lease, sets you up for long-term success, from a strong opening to sustainable growth.

Fitstop has successfully launched more than 160 locations, and we know what works. This guide walks you through choosing the perfect site, securing the best lease terms, and avoiding common pitfalls so you can negotiate with confidence.

CHOOSING A WINNING LOCATION

At Fitstop, location is everything. The right site will attract members, build strong community engagement, and support your gym’s growth from day one.

What Makes a Fitstop Location Great?

High-traffic, community-centric areas. The best Fitstops are in bustling precincts near shopping centers, supermarkets, or transport hubs, maximizing visibility and convenience.

Demographic alignment. Ideal locations have young professionals, health-conscious families, and active retirees—people who prioritise fitness and are ready to commit to functional training.

Strategic positioning. Being near another gym can indicate demand, but Fitstop stands apart as a premium, performance-based training experience.

Easy access and parking. Locations with ample parking and easy entry make it more convenient for members to train consistently.

Fitstop supports franchisees in evaluating locations based on real market data and member trends, ensuring they choose a space with strong potential.

Securing a Lease That Supports Growth

Once you have identified the perfect location, the next step is negotiating a lease that sets your business up for long-term success.

Key Lease Terms to Prioritise:

1. Lease length. 
   Fitstop locations thrive with stability and long-term planning. A 5+5 year lease (five years with an option to renew for another five) aligns with the Fitstop franchise agreement and also provides confidence for future expansion.
2. Predictable rent increases.
   A lease with fixed annual increases (typically 3–4 percent) helps with long-term budgeting. CPI-based increases should be avoided where possible, as they can fluctuate unpredictably.
3. Incentives that maximise your investment.
   Many landlords offer rent-free periods (three to six months) or contributions toward fit-outs such as air-conditioning or flooring. Fitstop helps franchisees leverage the brand’s credibility to negotiate the best possible deal.
4. Fit-out responsibilities.
   To maintain the premium Fitstop experience, your location will need rubber flooring, rig installations, and high-performance training zones. A lease should clearly define whether landlords will contribute to fit-out costs, such as HVAC installation or soundproofing, and outline any approval processes for renovations. This ensures franchisees can create the high-quality Fitstop facility we’re known for without unexpected obstacles.
5. Clarity on outgoings and costs. 
   It is important to confirm exactly what is included in the lease, such as utilities, council rates, and insurance costs, to avoid unexpected expenses.