fit20 UK reaches 20 studio milestone as franchise growth accelerates

We’re celebrating a major milestone at fit20 UK with the opening of our 20th studio, fit20 Wellington.

The new studio is owned by Duncan Attwood and is his third fit20 location, following Torquay and Exeter. The fact that Duncan is now opening studio number three says a lot about his confidence in the fit20 model and the potential he sees in continuing to grow within the network.

And studio number 20 certainly isn’t where our growth stops.

Our 21st UK studio is already due to open next month, another five locations have been secured, and more prospective franchise owners are currently making their way through the onboarding programme.

We’re now working towards having 30 secured UK locations before the end of 2026.

Since the start of the year, we’ve seen a 30% increase in membership with every studio growing across the network, adding to the sense that fit20 is building real traction across the UK.

From one studio to three

Duncan first joined fit20 with Exeter before going on to open Torquay and now Wellington.

His journey shows the potential to grow beyond one studio. Franchise owners can start with one location and, when the time is right, expand into additional studios.

That is becoming an increasingly important part of our growth. Alongside new franchise owners joining the network, existing owners are also choosing to invest further and open additional studios.

For prospective franchise owners, that is a powerful sign. People who already know the business, understand how it works and have experienced the model first-hand are choosing to do it again.

Why fit20 is gaining traction

Our growth is also happening at a time when strength training is receiving far more attention for the role it can play in long-term health.

As we get older, maintaining muscle and strength becomes increasingly important for mobility, independence and overall wellbeing.

At the same time, there are still plenty of people who know they should be exercising but simply aren’t a fan of traditional gyms, don’t enjoy busy fitness environments or struggle to fit conventional exercise routines into their week.

That is where fit20 is different.

Our members train one-to-one, by appointment, in a calm and private studio for just 20 minutes once a week. It is simple, focused and designed to make strength training accessible to people who might otherwise do very little structured exercise.

For franchise owners, the format is equally straightforward. Studios are compact, the model is appointment-based and the business doesn’t rely on large premises or the staffing levels associated with a traditional gym.

Building on a strong year

Reaching 20 studios follows a strong period of growth for fit20 UK.

We have been recognised as the UK’s fastest-growing micro boutique fitness brand for the second consecutive year and became a member of the British Franchise Association in 2026.

Globally, fit20 now operates across 19 countries, while our UK network continues to expand at pace.

For Niri Patel, Managing Director of fit20 UK, the 20-studio milestone is something to celebrate, but the focus is firmly on what comes next.

“Reaching 20 studios is a fantastic milestone for fit20 UK, but what excites me most is what is happening around it. Our 21st studio opens next month, we already have another five locations secured and more franchise owners are progressing through our onboarding programme.

“Seeing our franchise owners, like Duncan, open their second and third studios gives us real confidence in the opportunity ahead. Strength training has never been more relevant to people’s long-term health, yet there are still so many communities across the UK that don’t have access to fit20.

“We’re incredibly proud to have reached 20 studios, and we’re only just getting started.”

The road to 30

With a target of 30 secured UK locations before the end of the year, we’re continuing to look for the right people to join the next stage of our growth.

A background in fitness isn’t required. Our network already includes franchise owners from a wide range of careers and industries, all supported through training, launch planning and ongoing operational, business and marketing support.

For anyone looking for a business with purpose, room to grow and the chance to make a real difference in their local community, fit20 could be an opportunity worth exploring.

To find out more about becoming a fit20 franchise owner, request further information today.