The Team Behind Fitstop New Zealand

We’re so excited to officially announce that Fitstop is launching in New Zealand in early 2022, allowing us to deliver our unique performance-based training to strengthen their fitness industry! 

We’re taking the opportunity to welcome our incredible team of business owners who will create the foundations for Fitstop New Zealand. This well-versed team is set to create something incredibly special and includes professional athlete and former All Blacks player, Brendon Leonard, experienced personal trainers ready to grow their portfolio and semi-passive working professionals who are eager to invest in their passion and be financially rewarded in doing so. 

 A huge welcome to our Fitstop New Zealand family! 

Chris - Fitstop Papamoa 

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Outside of Fitstop, what is your background? 

 I have been in the fitness industry for over 10-years. I currently own and operate a management and consultancy business, support Lift Brands / Snap Fitness franchisees and their teams to improve club performance and strive to make a positive impact on well-being within their relevant communities.

Why did you choose Fitstop?

 Being a competitive sports person and a qualified personal trainer for the last decade, Fitstop ticked all the boxes from a concept and methodology perspective. The product offering within the Fitstop Formula also aligned with the way I like to train, centring around athletic performance.

How have you found the experience so far? 

The people have been incredible to work with. Positive, like-minded, supportive, and most importantly deliver on what they say they will do.
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Brendon - Fitstop New Plymouth 

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Outside of Fitstop, what is your background? 

I was a professional rugby player for 13 years, so health and fitness has always played a major role in my life. I learnt a lot about the importance of physical exercise - setting goals and achieving them in a professional environment. Since leaving professional sport, I learnt first handedly how continual exercise plays such an important role in my mental health and wellbeing. 

What motivated you to become a Fitstop Business Owner? 

I want to help people live happier and healthier lives, achieve results and add value to the city of New Plymouth. Fitstop will enable me to achieve this and be a part of my members’ fitness journey. 

Why did you choose Fitstop? 

Fitstop has a great training concept based on athletic performance and a results driven fitness model - I believe the Fitstop Formula will suit all fitness types. The tech support via the Fitstop App makes the member experience so much better and streamlined so I can really focus on building a strong culture. 

Karl - Fitstop Rototuna 

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Why did you choose Fitstop? 

So many reasons! The partnership with Lift Brands, the focus on members building progressive strength and fitness, the use of InBody machinery to track performance, the programming of classes, the use of technology in the App from signing up members through to class booking systems and the excellent support system for franchisees. 

How have you found the experience so far? 

Really good - the professionalism from the team is excellent, the systems and process of selecting and approving franchisees was robust and speaks to the overall competitiveness of their back end support. 

What are you most excited for in your Fitstop journey? 

I’m excited to dive into a business that is evolving and be on the ground floor with the first clubs in NZ. Fitstop is a cool, fun place to be  - I can't wait to be there when our members smile at the end of their sessions! 

Samantha and Jesse - Fitstop Wigram

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Outside of Fitstop, what is your background?

For both Jesse and I (Samantha), our background does not consist of any health and fitness related work, however, we both love getting outdoors! I have been a Commercial Account Manager for 5 years with a leading retailer in New Zealand and Jesse has been employed with the NZDF (Army) for 13 years. 

What motivated you to become a Fitstop Business Owner?

After the first lockdown, we both wanted to create a safe, positive environment for the local community that supports their physical and mental wellbeing. We’re also fairly competitive which meant the Fitstop environment ticked all the boxes to fulfil our dreams.

How have you found the experience so far?

Warm, welcoming and supportive. All of the team at Fitstop have been energetic and excited for us to join the Fitstop Family ever since our very first call.

Michael and Ange - Fitstop Timaru 

What motivated you to become a Fitstop Business Owner? 

There was a time, less than 10 years ago, that neither of us had ever stepped foot in a gym. We've been through the journey from being terrified of entering a gym, to it being a central part of our lives where we catch up with friends, and get fitter and healthier at the same time. We want to extend that feeling to others in our community and Fitstop provides this opportunity. 

Why did you choose Fitstop? 

The Fitstop model allows us to bring an exciting new offering to Timaru that's unlike anything else. We believe that the balance of cardio and weight training is a great mix, especially as it is all undertaken with the guidance of qualified professionals. 

How have you found the experience so far? 

It's the incredible experience that we’ve had to date that convinced us to proceed. The team is so helpful and the systems and processes are slick - there's a level of attention to detail that convinced us that Fitstop are the right partners for us. 

Darrin - Fitstop Hamilton Central 

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What motivated you to become a Fitstop Business Owner? 

I first heard about Fitstop when it was presented at a  Lift Brands  summit this year. Watching the presentation, Peter's passion for the brand really came through - the strength and conditioning and athlete-style training also really caught my attention. I also knew that in today's market it would be very popular for members as this style of training is what people really want to get involved in. 

Why did you choose Fitstop?

The more I looked at the brand the more I liked what I saw; the concept, the online reviews, social posts, the image, the innovation and evolution that was evident since inception, their collaboration with LSKD, and most importantly, the passion from the people involved.

How have you found the experience so far? 

We can't wait to open and lead the launch of Fitstop NZ. I’ve been really impressed with the network communication we have seen across a range of topics. There was a Q&A session I logged into with Fitstop business owners that involved HQ gaining feedback from members - that’s incredibly valuable feedback, and that is a sign of a company that has built a community and cares about everyone involved.  

We’re ready, New Zealand!

The Fitstop difference is really only as strong as our business owners - well, we’re very excited to be in our strongest position yet as we welcome these business owners to the Fitstop family who share an affinity towards Fitstop’s performance-based, competitive format of training. 

If you want to become part of this next part exiting stage of our expansion, download our info pack at fitstop.com/franchise