Business Franchise Australia

KX Pilates Celebrates 50th Studio Opening and International Expansion

KX Pilates Celebrates 50th Studio Opening and International Expansion

Award-winning Australian fitness franchise, KX Pilates achieves two important milestones; the opening of its 50th studio alongside international expansion into SE Asia

Melbourne, Australia, Thursday 6 September 2018 – KX Pilates, an award-winning Australian boutique fitness franchise, recently celebrated two significant milestones with the opening of its 50th studio location in Hobart, Tasmania, and first studio opening in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

KX Pilates offers a fast paced, high intensity, body-toning workout in just 50 minutes, fusing elements of traditional reformer Pilates with cardio and endurance workout. KX Pilates was launched in 2010 by Aaron Smith and now has locations across all states in Australia. The boutique fitness franchise achieved revenue in 2017/18 of $20 million.

Aaron Smith, CEO and founder KX Pilates, said, “When I started the business my goal was to reach 50 KX studios within ten years so I am thrilled to have hit the target early.”

“We have identified the potential for between 120 and 150 KX locations across Australia and we have set ourselves a new goal to achieve that within the next five years.”

Smith added, “While we are keen to see the brand grow, we are also careful about oversaturation and expanding sustainably.  As a company we are mindful that there is no value in opening double the number of studios required and for them to only half-fill, as it doesn’t benefit our franchisees and it damages the brand.”

Smith says the growth is largely organic and many trainers who work in a studio eventually end up running part of it or become a potential franchisee because they want their own franchise.

“I entered into franchising because I’m passionate about people achieving their dreams of owning their own business and reaching financial freedom.

“Trainers make good franchisees because they believe in the product and align with the KX culture. We then guide them on their business journey to help set them up for success,” he said.

Smith, who recently attended the launch of KX Pilates in Jakarta, Indonesia, says that international expansion is an important next step for the brand and one he considered carefully prior to making it happen.

“Having run KX Pilates retreats in Bali for a number of years I have become familiar with the market and recognized the potential for a boutique fitness offer like KX Pilates.

We did our due diligence and found a local partner who we believe has the ability to help us reach at least 25 studios in Indonesia over the coming five years. We have a big vision for the future but everything we do is backed by thorough research and consultation.”

Locally, the 50th studio marks KX Pilates’ launch into Tasmania, and is owned by Australian cricketer Matthew Wade and his wife Julia, who has been a KX devotee since first training under Smith’s instruction in 2010.

Smith said, “I am really excited that Julia is not only opening our first Tasmanian studio but also our 50th studio.”

“Julia was one of my first clients when I launched the business in 2010 and she has continued to train with us since. She understands the physical and mental rewards that come from the KX experience and I believe she will do an outstanding job running Hobart.”