Gym franchise weighs in with $100m expansion plans

A rising interest in fitness – particularly among health-conscious young people – has prompted CityFitness to announce a $100 million expansion plan.

The gym chain will make the multi-million-dollar investment over the next five years, opening around 50 new gyms and creating up to 1000 jobs nationwide.

Chief operating officer Doug Hatten said the gym would target population centres with catchments of 30,000 to 40,000 people within a 5km to 10km radius who have limited existing gym options.

"We’re not just growing our footprint, we’re making a long-term commitment to the health of New Zealanders," Hatten said.

"Our goal is to ensure more communities have access to high-quality, low-cost fitness facilities. We’re focused on making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of location, income or background."

CityFitness was also opening women-only gyms in response to broader changes within the industry and changes for training environments designed for people’s preferences.

Member Lauren Richmond said some women preferred having a dedicated area, away from busy weight rooms.

"It's a bit of grunting and slamming of weights and you feel uncomfortable with some of them possibly gazing at you."

A recent industry report estimated gyms and fitness centres would generate about $636 million in revenue this year, while nearly one in three adults already paid for some form of structured fitness.

Exercise New Zealand chief executive Richard Beddie said younger members were helping drive participation higher.

"When we look at the number for teenagers, so 16- and 17-year-olds, it's over 30%, and a further 14% want to join."

Industry leaders said social media, fitness influencers and the popularity of strength training have helped motivate a new generation of gym enthusiasts, particularly young men.

Sixteen-year-old Lincoln Stapleton, who trains four times a week, said his interest started with his father.

"My dad's always been into it and then he got me into it when I turned 14 and I've just really enjoyed it since."

Fellow teenager Will Weavers said the gym had become part of his daily routine.

"I’ve been going around a year and a half and I started because I just felt like I needed to change my life and get into something good for myself."