About Stepz Fitness

Stepz Fitness is an Australian-owned 24/7 fitness franchise that combines traditional gym facilities with instructor-led functional group training. Positioned between low-cost gyms and boutique fitness studios, the brand aims to offer members affordable memberships, flexible access and a stronger community experience than many large gym chains.

Founded in Queensland and developed specifically for the Australian market, Stepz has grown into a national franchise network spanning four states and territories, with further expansion planned.

The Stepz Fitness story

Stepz Fitness was founded in 2009 in Queensland by fitness entrepreneur Sam Waller. The original concept was to create a welcoming, affordable 24-hour gym that appealed to everyday Australians rather than elite athletes or bodybuilders.

From the beginning, the business focused on three core ideas:

• 24/7 member access
• Affordable pricing
• A community-focused fitness environment

A major milestone came when Stepz evolved beyond the traditional 24-hour gym model by introducing functional group training within its clubs. This hybrid approach combined strength and cardio equipment with coach-led classes such as HIIT, boxing and yoga, allowing franchisees to generate additional membership revenue while improving member retention.

Today, the brand continues to position itself as a hybrid fitness business rather than simply a budget gym.

Stepz Fitness in Australia

Stepz began franchising in 2010 and has since expanded its network across eastern and southern Australia.

The most recent available information indicates Stepz has 26 Australian locations and more than 30,000 members, operating across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia.

The company continues to recruit franchisees in growth markets, with opportunities focused particularly on metropolitan, suburban and selected regional locations.

The franchise opportunity

Stepz operates a membership-based fitness business where recurring revenue is generated through monthly gym memberships, group training programs and personal training services.

A franchisee purchases the right to operate under the Stepz Fitness brand using its operating systems, marketing platform, technology and club model. Stepz promotes both owner-operated and semi-absentee ownership options depending on the club and management structure.

Investment overview

• Total investment: From $250,000
• Typical gym establishment: Around $350,000 depending on site
• Functional training studio format: From $80,000

Typical clubs occupy retail or commercial premises with dedicated gym equipment, functional training zones and 24-hour access systems. The franchisor provides assistance with site selection, lease negotiation and fit-out coordination.

What does a franchisee do?

A Stepz franchisee is responsible for growing and managing a local fitness community rather than simply operating a gym.

Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:

• Driving new memberships
• Leading community engagement and local marketing
• Managing trainers and club staff
• Maintaining member retention
• Monitoring business performance and recurring revenue

While fitness knowledge can be valuable, the business is designed around systems and coaching rather than requiring franchisees to personally deliver every training session.

Training and support

Stepz places significant emphasis on hands-on support before and after launch.

Franchisees receive assistance with:

• Initial business and operational training
• Site selection and demographic analysis
• Lease negotiation
• Club design and fit-out
• Equipment procurement
• Pre-opening marketing
• Membership sales systems
• Technology platforms for member management
• Ongoing business coaching and field support
• Recruitment guidance for trainers and club managers

The company also promotes direct access to senior leadership, including one-on-one mentoring from founder Sam Waller during establishment.

Who is Stepz Fitness looking for?

Stepz says its ideal franchisees are motivated business owners who enjoy building relationships within their community.

The opportunity can suit:

• First-time business owners
• Fitness enthusiasts
• Experienced entrepreneurs
• Multi-unit operators looking to expand

Importantly, fitness industry experience is not essential. The brand places greater value on leadership, customer service, sales ability and a willingness to follow established systems.

Growth opportunities

Stepz appears to be in an active expansion phase, with growth opportunities across metropolitan, suburban and selected regional markets.

Areas of focus have included:

• Greater Sydney metropolitan suburbs
• Newcastle and the Central Coast
• South-East Queensland
• Regional growth centres across NSW and Queensland
• Hybrid gym and functional training facilities
• Semi-absentee and multi-unit ownership opportunities

The company has previously outlined plans for significant NSW expansion, including the potential for around 20 additional franchises as suitable territories and franchisees are identified.

Prospective franchisees should confirm current territory availability directly with Stepz, as expansion priorities and available locations can change.

Latest developments

Recent developments relevant to prospective franchisees include:

• Network growth: Stepz has grown to 26 locations across four Australian states and territories while continuing to pursue further expansion.
• Leadership development: The appointment of Naomi Kenny as National Franchise Manager has added additional focus to franchisee support and network development.
• Industry recognition: Stepz and its leadership have received recognition within Australia’s fitness and franchise sectors.
• Continued development of the hybrid model: The business continues to develop its combination of 24/7 gym access and functional group training as a key part of its market positioning.
• Gym Design refresh
• Continued expansion: The brand is seeking to grow its presence in existing markets as well as identify suitable new territories.

Why consider Stepz Fitness?

Prospective franchisees may find Stepz attractive because it offers:

1. An established Australian fitness brand with more than 15 years of operating history.
2. A recurring membership revenue model rather than relying primarily on individual transactions.
3. A hybrid offering combining 24/7 gym access with functional group training.
4. A range of business formats with different potential investment levels.
5. Support with site selection, leasing and club establishment.
6. Opportunities for owner-operated, semi-absentee and potentially multi-unit ownership.
7. An established network that is continuing to target further Australian growth.

Interested in finding out whether Stepz Fitness could be the right franchise opportunity for you? Enquire today.