Remodeling the Fitness Sphere: The Journey of Two Pioneers Revolutionizing Physical Wellness
At the heart of REVL Training's revolutionary group fitness empire are co-founders Ben and Josh, who took their diverse backgrounds in fitness and marketing to transform the industry. Their journey began when they realized that the fitness enthusiasts of today favored specialized, unique experiences over traditional gyms.
Leaving the commercial gym scene behind, they saw the market steering towards more intimate, boutique offerings. They recognized that the consumer was seeking out brands that specialize in particular areas, and for them, it was all about group strength and conditioning training. Preempting the shift in the market is what kept REVL Training thriving and remains essential for their continued success.
Ben and Josh - the Masterminds Behind REVL Training
The duo's personal journeys greatly influenced the inception of REVL Training. Leaving Fitness First and entering the boutique fitness world, Ben was drawn to the emerging trend away from massive gyms towards more specialized fitness ventures. This shift pushed him to create an opportunity for others who yearned to start their own fitness business but lacked the necessary knowledge in areas like leasing, fit-outs, and finance.
On the other hand, Josh's story started as a personal trainer who wanted to open his own business but was unaware of the basics. He wanted to provide a platform for individuals like him who shared similar dreams. Owning a fitness business now has never been as accessible, and REVL Training takes pride in hiring owner operators who match their culture – they are humble, down-to-earth, and always eager to learn from their peers.
The Early Challenges - Surmounting Obstacles and Thriving
Entrepreneurship is never easy, and REVL Training was no exception. With limited funds, Ben and Josh had to cobble together a franchise system quickly for their first 4 studios that signed up straight away. Managing royalty payments for a franchise system that wasn't entirely developed was a precarious situation. Additionally, the founders continued conducting PT sessions during the day to supplement their income in the early days, only managing to pay two equal salaries inside the business after 18 months.
Throughout these difficult times, they faced several challenges:
- Selling franchises: In the beginning, REVL Training struggled to sell its brand and product due to the lack of established credibility in the market.
- Supporting the network: As the company expanded, it faced the daunting task of building a robust, efficient back-end system to support its ever-growing network.
- Cash flow: Managing expenses and revenue during the initial stages was a significant challenge, as the founders had to strike a balance between investing in their franchise system and ensuring financial stability.
Revolutionizing Group Training - Setting REVL Training Apart
REVL Training's unique approach to group training sets it apart from other fitness experiences. Their goal was to introduce a diverse demographic to an effective training style while prioritizing their team-based approach. Two factors that contribute to the addictive nature of the REVL training – results and camaraderie/community.
REVL Training didn't reinvent the wheel but instead blended evidence-based training principles with engaging team-style formats to create the perfect hybrid of results and community. The program has undergone continuous improvements based on feedback from members, with the structure of the program being particularly well-received.
Today, REVL Training serves approximately 5000 active members daily and boasts an average 14-month retention rate – a testament to the quality of their product and the connection it fosters among members.
Building a Sense of Community - Nurturing Belonging and Support
Community is at the core of the REVL Training experience. Building a sense of belonging and support starts with the welcoming experience and extends throughout the program and studio flow, reinforced by high-touch events, activations, and initiatives. Members bond over shared experiences, such as spotting each other during lifts, pushing through tough workouts, and completing training blocks together.
REVL Training offers its members 4 x 13-week training blocks, 2 x REVL Team Games (RTG), and 1 x 28 Straight every year to maintain their interest and foster long-term connections.
Expanding REVL Training - Aspirations for the Future
With a firm foundation in Australia and Singapore, REVL Training is shifting its focus to opening more company-owned or joint venture studios in Australia. The brand is also eyeing opportunities in the US, UK, Canada, South Korea, and Indonesia. Despite the global ambitions, REVL Training plans to be selective and grow from within over the next 5 years.
Advice for Aspiring Fitness Entrepreneurs
For those aspiring to make their mark in the fitness industry, Ben and Josh offer the following advice:
- Be prepared to put in the work: Building a fitness business demands a relentless commitment, and for REVL Training's founders, it was their unwavering dedication that helped them persevere through COVID lockdowns and periods of financial stress.
- Seek out mentors: Surround yourself with people who have walked similar paths before. Leverage their wisdom and experience to help your business grow.
- Stay true to your vision: Refrain from diluting your vision to secure deals or increase profits. Staying authentic will ensure your brand remains genuine and captivating.
- The co-founders of REVL Training, Ben and Josh, translated their diverse backgrounds in fitness and marketing into a thriving business, revolutionizing the health-and-wellness industry.
- To facilitate entrepreneurship in the fitness sector, REVL Training aims to help individuals start their own small-businesses by educating them about essential topics like leasing, fit-outs, and finance.
- Enduring early financial challenges, REVL Training's founders managed royalty payments for their franchise system and conducted PT sessions to supplement their income while balancing investments in their growing business.
- By setting REVL Training apart through innovative group training methods, emphasizing results, camaraderie, and community, the brand has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts, with approximately 5000 active members daily.
