INDUSTRY VIEW
MARTIN FRANKLIN • LES MILLS
Community holds the key to continued club growth
W ith the tness events season in full swing, if there’s one word to sum up the current industry discourse, it’s community. Every major operator is emphasising the importance of community to their growth strategy, and the numbers bear this out. According to a recent ABC Fitness report, 73% of
sustainable success, but the often overlooked ingredient is the instructor. At the heart of every thriving club community is an inspiring instructor, someone who is highly trained to
motivate, mentor and make sure members get the results they’re
investing in. Finding these star players is easier said than done: in almost every recent conversation I’ve had with operators, the challenge of nding high-quality instructors in suf cient quantity has surfaced as a major pain point. That’s why we’re doubling down on providing expert support to help operators build and train championship- winning teams. Based on nearly 60 years of instructor training experience, powered by cutting-edge tech and informed by the latest research insights, we’ve
consumers say being part of a tness community helps them stay motivated, and as we all know, motivation is the key to a thriving club business. Clubs that foster community with high-quality programming around thriving modalities, such as strength training, Pilates, HYROX and run clubs, can become the central hub for these activities and thus, an essential pillar of people’s lives. Group training is the bedrock of club community and the reason why people who take classes attend their club more frequently, stay members for longer and refer more friends. This is where the magic happens. Group training is also an essential tool for maximising club capacity. That means busier clubs and bigger demand for equipment, so the need to leverage large-capacity spaces like the studio to spread footfall has never been greater. Your group training zones deliver real value by tailoring programming to members’ needs, while easing gym oor congestion during peak hours and boosting loyalty through community-driven workouts. Building stronger communities is the recipe for overcoming operational challenges and achieving
“Clubs that foster community with high-quality programming around thriving modalities can become an essential pillar of people’s lives”
built bulletproof systems to attract and upskill the next generation of rockstar instructors. Recent initiatives with Bannatyne’s and Parkwood Leisure have yielded impressive results, and we’re ready to support any operator in strengthening their instructor squad. Club success over the next 12 months will stem from creating thriving communities, backed by bang-on-trend programming and world-class instructors. Let’s make 2026 our strongest year yet. Martin Franklin, CEO, Les Mills UK
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2026
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