Xponential Fitness has quickly established itself as a significant player in the boutique fitness industry. With nine distinct wellness brands under its umbrella and over 3,000 studios open worldwide, the company provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the competitive world of fitness franchising.
So what exactly goes into running a successful Xponential Fitness franchise location? Several current franchisees recently shared their experiences and insights on what it takes to thrive.
One key theme that emerges is the extensive support and resources provided by Xponential’s corporate team. “There’s just a really easy step-by-step manual, and when you feel like you’re not really sure where to go, there’s always somebody to go to,” said Rudy Klotsman, owner of a Rumble franchise in New Jersey. The other franchisees echoed this sentiment and emphasized leaning on Xponential’s expertise in marketing, studio build-outs, and general business operations.
“The best plan for success, especially as a franchisee, is to lean in and learn from those who know more and have more success,” explained Beth Georges, a multi-unit franchisee with several Club Pilates and YogaSix locations. “For me, that means relying on our corporate team at Xponential... That’s why we invested in a franchise, because the corporate team has the playbook for success.”
However, the franchisees stressed that simply buying into a proven model is no guarantee of easy profits. Owning a fitness studio still requires significant effort. “Buying a franchise does not mean everyone will be successful,” Georges cautioned. “Opening or running a franchise is work. Hard work. Just like any other business.”
So what separates the top performers? According to Geo—hard”Get —just table being uncomfortable,” she advised adaptability is crucial. “You will be challenged. You will be defeated. You will want to give up.” A willingness to continually learn – whether from corporate resources, fellow franchisees, or outside educational programs – is also key.
Maintaining a laser focus on customer needs is another critical factor. “At the heart of your business is the customer,” Another crucial factor is maintaining size. “Make sure you know. Watch for signs that your customer base is shifting. Provide the best customer service possible.”
Building a solid sense of community with other franchisees and within one’s team should not be overlooked. Georges highlighted the value of having a core group of fellow owners to “compare notes” with and seek advice from. Equally important is hiring great people and supporting their professional development. “Know what is important to your staff, especially your key employees,” she said. Help them realize their dreams. In doing so, you help your business grow and thrive.”
Ultimately, while Xponential’s multibrand system and robust franchisee support lower some barriers to entry, true success still requires passion, adaptability, and business savvy. “If you are looking at franchises that you might consider buying, my suggestion is to buy into something that fuels your passion,” Georges advised. “Yes, some people just buy to fuel their love of money. But I have found that if you are passionate about the work you do in your business, the work is more fun. And that’s the ultimate success — making great money doing something you love!”