Anytime Fitness Australia is marking 18 years in business with a network of 630 clubs, more than 730,000 members and a 21.4 per cent share of the market. And with plans to reach 800 clubs by 2030, the 24/7 chain shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2008 siblings Justin and Jacinta McDonell joined forces with Richard Peil and acquired Anytime Fitness master franchise rights for Australia from the US . The co-founders had an ambitious 15-year target of 350 clubs. The brand officially launched the first Australian club in Gunnedah, New South Wales.
By 2014 the business had reached its 350-club goal, nine years ahead of schedule. Last year the national footprint reached a new milestone – 600 clubs.
Also in 2025, Collective Wellness Group (CWG), the owner and master franchisee of Anytime Fitness Australia, acquired a majority stake in Anytime Fitness UK.
In 2026 Anytime Fitness launched Australia’s first airport gym, at Sydney International Airport.
Over the years the business has raised more than $1.9 million for charities, through national community fundraising initiatives including AF x R U OK? campaigns and the inaugural 2026 Fitphoria Expedition.
Rising member retention
The brand has a long‑term strategy of accessible fitness, strong franchisee performance and continued investment in digital innovation, operational support and member experience. It is experiencing consistent sales growth and rising member retention.
Among the membership cohort are 12 members who have trained with Anytime Fitness Australia clubs for 18 years, and one dedicated member who has visited 201 clubs across the country. Eighteen members have completed more than 350 workouts in the past 12 months.
Justin McDonell and Richard Peil said in a joint statement, “What started as one club has grown into a national network built on accessibility, innovation and strong commercial performance, supported by an experienced team and a committed franchisee network.
“We’re now focused on sustainable expansion, deeper digital capability and giving franchisees the tools to deliver outstanding member retention outcomes as we work towards our target of 800 clubs and one million members by 2030.”
