There’s something about being in an environment built around performance, marginal gains, and absolute focus that really hits differently. It reflects exactly what the franchising journey feels like when it’s done well. Small decisions, tight processes, shared ambition, and a network all moving in the same direction.
And that was very much the energy in the room.
The Anytime Fitness team brought franchise partners from across the UK together to talk openly about growth, momentum and where the brand is heading next. What I really liked was that the day didn’t shy away from the reality that the fitness market is competitive and constantly shifting. The conversations were direct, strategy-focused and practical.
Some standout highlights for me:
- Business development strategies that weren’t just theoretical. We’re talking real tools, actionable plans and a clear focus on strengthening club performance.
- An upgraded approach to evaluating new locations, making sure future growth is smarter and more data-driven.
- And the star moment – hearing from David Osgathorp, Performance Coach at Red Bull Racing.
His take on mindset, discipline and those “1% better every day” improvements really landed. It’s the exact same principle that separates average franchise networks from high-performing ones.
There was also plenty of time for franchisees to connect and share what’s working for them on the ground, which is always where the real value is. Nobody understands the day-to-day reality better than the people living it.
Plus, yes there were simulator laps and a behind-the-scenes tour, and yes, it was very cool. Even the non-F1 fans were into it.
What stood out most to me, though, was how aligned the Anytime Fitness network seems to be right now. There’s a collective confidence and a real sense that the brand is gearing up for its next phase of growth, not just in scale, but in maturity.
We’re seeing something similar across the wider franchise industry right now:
the brands who invest in their people, harness data intelligently, and double down on culture are the brands that pull ahead.
Anytime Fitness clearly gets that.
I left the day with a lot of admiration for how the brand is supporting its network, but also with a quiet nod to the bigger picture: franchising works best when it feels like partnership, not just a business model. This event was a strong example of that in motion.
