Fernwood Fitness has acquired the Australian and New Zealand rights to the multi-million dollar exercise system Hypoxi.
Hypoxi Australia started in 2006 and was acquired in 2014 by the Fitness Lifestyle Group for its Goodlife Health Clubs portfolio.
Today there are 18 corporate studios and 24 independently-owned franchised and licensed studios across the country. FLG also operates Hypoxi in Asia Pacific including Vietnam and Thailand.
The Fernwood acquisition includes exclusive distribution and franchise rights for both Australia and New Zealand.
The womens-only gym chain will continue to service the stand-alone studios, promising the acquisition will have no impact on current Hypoxi franchisees.
Fernwood buys Hypoxi ANZ to help boost franchisee revenue
The Hypoxi method is a weight loss solution that combines patented vacuum and compression technology with exercise and nutrition.
It was already available at five Fernwood clubs in Victoria where 295 women have participated in 3100 sessions. Hypoxi will now be more accessible to franchisees across the network.
Diana Williams, Fernwood founder and owner, said “Our acquisition of Hypoxi Australia is a true win for every member at Fernwood and is great for our demographic.
“It can be difficult in the fitness industry to target the weight loss market outside of diet and exercise, and Hypoxi perfectly complements our network and the fitness routines of Fernwood members,” she said.
Fernwood predicts that franchisees who bring in the Hypoxi system will be able to significantly increase their revenue. Franchisees can harness this second income stream by repurposing underutilised floor space to create dedicated studios for clients.
Fernwood currently caters for more than 70,000 women across Australia. In September last year it introduced its boutique wellness concept, Fusion and another seven outlets are planned for next year.
Last year the fitness chain was ranked a four-star franchise on the Australian Franchise Rating Scale.
