Australian-born Training Mate has teamed with Franchise FastLane to expand beyond California and Texas, scaling its social fitness model with team-style workouts and post-class events
Franchise FastLane, a franchise development firm, has added Training Mate to its CarPool program as the Australian-born, boutique fitness brand prepares to expand nationally.
Founded in 2013 by former professional rugby player and celebrity trainer Luke Milton, Training Mate offers 45-minute group workouts that mimic the camaraderie of team sports, combining strength, cardio and plyometrics with playful exercises like “Kangaroo Jumps” and “Wallaby Shuffles.” The brand currently operates eight studios in California and Texas with five more in development.
“We were looking for a sophisticated development partner with aligned values to help us scale our brand,” Training Mate chief development officer Gillian Harper said. “Having spent over 20 years in the franchising industry, I’ve watched Franchise FastLane emerge as one of the most respected organizations in the space. With CarPool, we’ve found a true partner that can walk alongside us, providing coaching, structure and support, so we can grow responsibly while staying true to our culture.”
Training Mate’s model is built on what Milton described to Athletech News last September as “social health,” an intentional effort to make fitness a place for connection as much as physical results.
“We want to build community and healthy lifestyles by making people fall in love with a fitness experience, not just a workout,” Milton said, noting that for many who no longer gather in traditional workplaces, group fitness classes have become “the office.” It’s an ethos that goes beyond lip service. Training Mate locations host out-of-class events, from “no-shower happy hours” to hikes and beach days, giving members a chance to connect on a more personal level.
“CarPool is designed for brands that are already doing franchising the right way, those that have a strong foundation, a clear vision and a deep commitment to their franchisees,” Franchise FastLane president and chief operating officer Tim Koch said. “Training Mate checks every one of those boxes. From their unique brand culture to their experienced leadership team, they’ve demonstrated a thoughtful, values-driven approach to growth. We’re excited to support them as they scale nationally and continue building a franchise system that prioritizes connection, community and long-term success.”
Earlier this year, FastLane also welcomed Hydrogen Fitness, a 24/7 luxury gym operator based in Westchester County, New York, for its CarPool program. The brand offers high-end training and wellness amenities, including infrared saunas, steam rooms, recovery lounges and smoothie bars and is also preparing to franchise its model, expanding on its locations in Scarsdale, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut.
Beyond Training Mate and Hydrogen Fitness, Franchise FastLane works with more than 30 emerging brands across its FastLane and CarPool programs, offering services from sales support and territory checks to development coaching.
The move comes as boutique fitness franchising continues to surge, with concepts built on community, hybrid training models and differentiated experiences leading the charge. As ATN reported earlier this year, Pilates franchises like Club Pilates and JetSet Pilates and strength-focused brands like MADabolic are all scaling aggressively as consumer demand for specialized, socially engaging workouts grows.
