Boutique fitness gyms have over the past decade redefined the health and fitness industry. One of the key reasons for its success is that it has successfully adapted to the preferences of millennials and the younger generations, many of who are seeking more unique fitness experiences, including innovative fitness classes and flexible gym memberships.

According to IHRSA, the global health and fitness association,  boutique memberships rose 74% from 2012 – 2015, compared to a more modest 5% growth for health clubs. Indeed, boutiques started from a smaller base, but their 35% share of total revenue in recent times is significant. Boutique gyms are booming because they have become the go-to social destination for younger and health oriented individuals.  In some ways, meeting at the usual “happy hour” watering hole has been replaced with a good, sweaty workout at the local boutique fitness center.

Pioneers in the boutique gym franchises include brands such as Crossfit, OrangeTheory, and Fire Fitness. These boutique fitness brands have proven to be increasingly popular with gym members looking for special experiences that only boutique gyms can offer. Fitness boutiques have prospered by dominating market niches and satiating pent-up demand for highly specialized fitness experiences while enjoying premium pricing on their products and services.

If you are based in Asia, you may want to consider Fire Fitness – one of Asia’s leading boutique fitness chain that is backed by Asia’s top fitness operator, Evolution Wellness – the team behind some of the best known fitness and wellness brands in Southeast Asia. Fire Fitness offers unique and popular fitness programmes such as STRIDE, STRIKE, RIDE, FORCE, and BARRE by FIRE. And they continue to innovate as new trends emerge in this evolving industry. Master franchise opportunities with Fire Fitness are available for Vietnam and other Asian markets.

Author: Sean T. Ngo is the CEO and Co-Founder of one of Asia’s leading franchise consultancy, VF Franchise Consulting. He is Vietnamese American and has been living in Vietnam for over 16 years. You can reach him at sean@vffranchiseconsulting.com or info@vffranchiseconsulting.com.