How to Finance a Fitstop Franchise: Functional Training Studios
By Marc Cornella
A Fitstop franchise loan funds an athlete-style strength and conditioning studio from a brand that is new to most American borrowers but established overseas. Fitstop started in Australia and is now building out its U.S. network, which means a buyer here is often among the first owners in a market. That is an opportunity, and it also shapes how lenders look at the deal: they will lean on the franchisor’s disclosure document, the owner’s own strength and a careful local plan.
This article covers what the company reports about its network, how a studio is built and paid for, how the brand’s SBA Franchise Directory listing and lease note work, and which financing fits a new studio or a later expansion.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Fitstop; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice.
Fitstop Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Origin: founded in Brisbane, Australia, in 2017 by Pete and Bec Hull, according to the company.
- Network: the company reports more than 150 locations across four countries (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States) and more than 800 accredited trainers.
- U.S. presence: the company reported 7 U.S. locations operating as of March 2026, including studios in the Los Angeles area and its first Texas studio in Houston.
- Model: coach-led, performance-based strength and conditioning in small groups, sold through recurring memberships.
- Franchise fee, royalty and investment range: the company shares these through its franchise information pack and Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD); we could not verify U.S. figures from its public pages.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Fitstop (code S8134), with a note on the lease rider when real estate secures the loan.
What Is Fitstop?
Fitstop describes itself as a functional fitness franchise built on performance-based, athlete-inspired programming. Members train in coached group sessions that focus on strength and conditioning, with programming designed so each person works at their own level inside a team atmosphere. Community is a big part of the pitch, and the company invests in accrediting its coaches through its own training academy.
The brand grew quickly in Australia before moving into New Zealand, Singapore and then the United States, where the company calls the U.S. its next major growth market. Its U.S. studios so far include locations in Southern California, such as Playa Del Rey, and a studio serving Houston’s Memorial area.
What being early in a market means for a loan. Lenders like brands with a long U.S. operating record. With Fitstop, much of the brand’s history comes from other countries, so a lender will study the FDD closely, weigh how the concept should translate to your local market and put more emphasis on your experience and liquidity. Our article on buying a boutique fitness studio explains how lenders view class-based fitness.
Fitstop Franchise Costs
Fitstop’s U.S. franchise pages direct prospects to request an information pack that includes investment requirements, and the FDD is the document that controls. We could not verify U.S. fee or investment figures from the company’s public pages, so this article does not quote them. Use Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD for the numbers.
Initial franchise fee
Item 5 states the fee, when it is due and any multi-studio or development fees. Lenders typically count the fee toward the total project cost and expect it to be covered by your injection or the loan.
Lease and fit-out
A functional training studio needs open floor space rather than rows of machines. The fit-out usually covers heavy-duty rubber flooring and turf, rig and rack structures, sound and lighting, HVAC, restrooms, a reception area and signage. Fitstop describes a layout that blends strength training with social space, so plan for both.
Equipment
Expect racks and rigs, barbells and plates, dumbbells and kettlebells, conditioning machines such as bikes and rowers, sleds and boxes, plus audio, displays and member software.
Opening costs and working capital
Presale campaigns, coach recruiting and accreditation, travel for training, insurance, deposits and rent during construction come before membership revenue. Item 7 includes an additional funds line for an initial period, which should be treated as a minimum.
Item 7 categories to review in the FDD:
- Initial franchise fee
- Lease deposits and rent before opening
- Leasehold improvements and flooring
- Strength and conditioning equipment
- Audio, display and studio technology
- Furniture, fixtures and signage
- Presale and launch marketing
- Training, travel and coach accreditation
- Licenses, permits and insurance
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists the royalty, marketing fund contribution, technology and programming fees, transfer and renewal fees and any equipment refresh requirements. Lenders deduct every fee, along with rent and coach payroll, before testing whether the studio can carry its loan payments.
Because the studio sells recurring memberships, lenders also look at member growth during presale and the first year, and at attrition after that. Our article on gym membership revenue and attrition explains how lenders test those numbers.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
We could not verify published U.S. net worth or liquid capital minimums, so request them with the information pack and confirm them in the FDD. The company says it prioritizes owners who fit its community values and runs an approval process that reviews each candidate’s operations and finances, and it is willing to decline candidates who are not a fit.
The path typically runs from an inquiry and discovery webinar or call, to an application and financial review, FDD delivery, territory and site approval, signing and training through the company’s academy.
Ways to Own a Fitstop
Opening a new studio. With the U.S. network still small, most American owners will open a new studio. Lenders underwrite projections, so the presale plan, coach hiring and your liquidity matter. Our page on fitness center start-up financing covers new openings.
Owner-operator or investor. The company’s inquiry form asks whether a candidate plans to run the studio personally, invest with others or own as part of a group. Lenders treat these differently: an absentee owner needs a strong studio manager, and a group needs clear ownership and guarantees.
Buying an existing studio. Resales will become more common as the U.S. network matures. A resale brings members and billing history, with franchisor approval of the transfer. Our page on fitness center acquisition financing explains how purchases work.
Financing Options for a Fitstop Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. SBA 7(a) loans can fund the franchise fee, fit-out, equipment, presale marketing and working capital in a single loan, subject to program rules. The 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, and program rules can change.
SBA 504 loans. Most studios lease space. An owner who buys the building could look at SBA 504 financing for the real estate.
Conventional loans. Experienced fitness operators with strong credit and collateral may qualify for conventional business loans, especially when adding studios.
Equipment financing. Racks, rigs, bikes, rowers and audio systems can be financed or leased separately. Our page on fitness equipment financing and leasing covers the options. Your primary lender will count that debt.
Working capital and lines of credit. Studios pay coaches and rent before membership matures, and New Year and summer can swing sign-ups. Our page on fitness center working capital covers short-term needs.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price. A seller note is typically subordinate to the primary loan, and SBA rules may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for Fitstop Franchisees
SBA-backed loans are made by participating lenders with an SBA guarantee on part of the loan. For a franchise, the lender also confirms that the borrower keeps control of its business, and the SBA Franchise Directory makes that review easier. Our article on SBA loans for gyms and fitness centers covers the basics.
The directory listing. Fitstop is on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8134. For a brand that is still building its U.S. network, the listing is useful: it means the franchise documents have been reviewed for SBA purposes. It does not approve any borrower or guarantee a loan.
What the directory note means. When the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the franchisor’s lease rider may not be executed. A lease rider is an add-on to a landlord lease that gives the franchisor certain rights, such as taking over the space if the franchise ends. If you or an affiliate own the building and pledge it as collateral, there is no landlord lease for the rider to attach to, so it is not used.
SBA application tips. Assemble the FDD and franchise agreement, a lease or letter of intent, fit-out bids, equipment quotes, a presale plan, a sources and uses statement, personal financial statements, tax returns and résumés.
How Lenders Evaluate a Fitstop Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review each owner’s credit, tax returns and debts, and significant owners typically sign personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. With a newer U.S. brand, lenders may want stronger reserves after your injection to cover a slower ramp-up.
Fitness and management experience. Coaching, gym management or multi-unit operating experience counts. Investors should show who will lead the studio daily.
Business plan and projections. Base presale targets, membership pricing, class capacity, attrition, coach payroll and rent on your local market, and explain why the concept fits it.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer and default terms, Item 20 outlet data and the franchisor’s financial statements.
Site and lease. Ceiling height, floor loading for dropped weights, parking and a lease at least as long as the loan all matter.
Equipment and the Training Floor
A strength and conditioning floor takes heavy daily abuse. Barbells and plates last a long time, but bikes, rowers and flooring wear out and need replacing. Financing equipment over its useful life and setting aside a replacement reserve keeps a studio from scrambling when machines fail. Ask the franchisor which equipment and suppliers are required, since that affects quotes and lease terms.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
The company highlights owners who have grown from one studio to several, and early U.S. owners may be offered larger territories. A development schedule should match how fast you can raise capital for each opening. Lenders typically finance each studio as it opens, using the cash flow of studios already running. SBA program limits apply across all of a borrower’s SBA loans. Our article on multi-location gym financing covers options as you grow.
Real-World Scenarios
A coach opening the first studio in a city. An experienced strength coach opens a studio with an SBA 7(a) loan covering fit-out, equipment and working capital through presale.
An investor group with a manager. Three partners sign for a territory, hire an experienced studio manager and finance the first studio, with each significant owner guaranteeing the loan.
An existing gym operator adding the brand. An owner of other fitness businesses finances a Fitstop with conventional debt supported by existing cash flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming overseas results will repeat in your market without local research
- Borrowing before reading Items 5, 6, 7 and 20 of the current FDD
- Signing a lease before checking ceiling height and floor loading
- Projecting membership without attrition
- Opening with too little working capital for presale and ramp-up
Read about fitness center loan mistakes to avoid.
Next Steps to Finance Your Fitstop Franchise
Step 1: Request the information pack and FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17, 19 and 20 with a franchise attorney.
Step 2: Decide your ownership model. Choose owner-operator, investor or group, and plan management accordingly.
Step 3: Secure a site. Get a letter of intent and fit-out estimates.
Step 4: Build a budget. Combine Item 7 with local quotes and a contingency. Our SBA loan calculator gives planning estimates only, not an offer or approval.
Step 5: Assemble documents. Gather financial statements, tax returns, résumés, the business plan, presale plan, lease and quotes.
Step 6: Apply and coordinate. Align franchisor approval, lease signing and loan approval.
Fitstop Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Fitstop franchise cost in the U.S.?
The estimated initial investment is in Item 7 of the current FDD and in the company’s franchise information pack.
What is the Fitstop franchise fee?
It is in Item 5 of the FDD.
What royalty does Fitstop charge?
The royalty, marketing fund and technology fees are in Item 6 of the FDD.
How much liquid capital do I need?
Ask the franchisor for its current U.S. minimums. Lenders will also expect an injection plus reserves after opening.
Is Fitstop eligible for SBA loans?
It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8134. Eligibility still depends on the borrower, project, program rules and lender approval.
Can a Fitstop franchise loan cover equipment?
Yes. Equipment can be part of a Fitstop franchise loan or financed separately.
How many Fitstop studios are in the U.S.?
The company reported 7 U.S. locations operating as of March 2026. Check Item 20 of the current FDD for up-to-date outlet counts.
Can a first-time owner get a Fitstop franchise loan?
Yes, though lenders weigh fitness or management experience and reserves heavily for a newer U.S. brand.
Does the franchisor offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD.
How long is the franchise agreement?
The term and renewal rights are in Item 17 of the FDD.
Final Thoughts
A Fitstop franchise loan finances an early position in a brand that is well established abroad and still young in the United States. Buyers who study the FDD closely, plan a strong presale and keep healthy reserves give lenders the confidence a newer U.S. concept needs.
US Professional Funding helps fitness owners finance franchise start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and fitness center financing.
