The Fit Guide Launches in London, Kicking Off Global Expansion
The anonymous fitness club rating system is gathering helpful data on gyms and studios across the globe
The Fit Guide has officially launched in London, bringing its global rating system to Europe’s vibrant fitness market.
The London launch follows The Fit Guide’s New York debut in April, with upcoming launches set for Singapore, Sydney and Dubai later this year.
The Fit Guide allows fitness enthusiasts and travelers an impartial and unbiased platform that reviews fitness studios and classes so fitness consumers can identify the best health and wellness experiences in the city of their choice.
Unlike many other rating platforms, the evaluations are independent and cannot be influenced or purchased by clubs. Each fitness studio receives an anonymous visit and is then evaluated over in 250 standards, including client journey, reception service, class experience, facilities, equipment and technology.
The concept was founded by fitness expert Jack Thomas and hospitality veteran Matt Lavender, who both recognized the need for an unbiased rating system for clubs and studios to serve as a fitness industry standard.
But The Fit Guide goes further than just rating facilities and classes. It also provides meaningful data that the fitness and wellness industry can utilize to enhance member offerings and scope out the competition.
“Now that we’re launching The Fit Guide in different fitness hubs around the world, it enables us to analyze our deep data set to see where the fitness industry is doing well and where we can improve,” Thomas told Athletech News.
“For example, 75% of London’s leading clubs conducted an injury check at some point before the class started, whereas only 29% of New York clubs hit this standard,” Thomas said. “However, when taking into account the complete client experience, New York gyms scored slightly higher than London, with more 5-Star Class Experience Award winners overall.”
Thomas sees The Fit Guide’s growing data set as a way to spark debate around important topics in fitness.
“We know it will have a positive impact on the industry,” he said. “I’m sure some healthy competition between clubs and regions will also help to raise standards, too.”
Of the fifty clubs in London evaluated by The Fit Guide, five achieved the highest accolade of The Fit Guide 5-Star Award for their exceptional overall experience. The 5-Star clubs include the Kensington and Oxford Circus branches of 1Rebel, the Central and Soho branches of Barry’s and Boom Cycle – Monument.
An additional 23 clubs in London received The Fit Guide 4-Star Award, whereas other leading clubs received special mentions deemed “recommended” by The Fit Guide.
The Fit Guide has also started a weekly newsletter with statistics and insights.
“Having spent a year developing and refining our standards and evaluation process, it was very satisfying to see it all come together with our hugely successful New York launch,” said Lavender. “I’m excited now to announce our London winners and take the next step towards The Fit Guide becoming the global benchmark for excellence in the fitness industry.”
Feature image courtesy of The Fit Guide
