Aussie-Inspired Boutique Fitness Franchise Looks to Grow into New Markets
- Training Mate, a boutique fitness franchise, has joined Franchise FastLane’s CarPool program to grow nationwide.
- The Aussie-inspired gym combines fun HIIT workouts and social connection to stand out in fitness franchising.
- With Franchise FastLane’s support, the Training Mate franchise aims to expand responsibly and stay true to its culture.
Capitalizing on the surging popularity of group fitness, Training Mate, a boutique fitness franchise founded in West Hollywood in 2013, is eyeing a national expansion.
Founded by former Australian professional rugby player turned celebrity trainer Luke Milton (above), Training Mate currently operates 8 studios in California and Texas, with five additional locations in development.
Its cheeky blend of 45-minute HIIT classes with names like “Thunder Down Under” and “Bondi Burn” and post-workout social opportunities (‘No Shower Happy Hour,’ anyone?) have made it a disruptor in the crowded fitness field, earning spots on multiple “Best Gyms” lists.
To accelerate its expansion, Training Mate has begun working with Franchise FastLane and its CarPool accelerator.
A leading franchise acceleration and development company, Franchise FastLane has helped dozens of brands responsibly accelerate growth by focusing on tailored solutions and high-energy support.
“We were looking for a sophisticated development partner with aligned values to help us scale our brand,” says Gillian Harper, chief development officer of Training Mate. “Having spent over 20 years in franchising, I’ve watched Franchise FastLane emerge as one of the most respected organizations in the space.”
Driving in the FastLane
Founded in 2017, Franchise FastLane currently supports more than 23 brands in its FastLane program and over 13 brands in its CarPool program.
It provides franchisors an array of services including hands-on coaching, expert training, operational support, territory checks and workshops such as MasterMind Classes.
Training Mate is tapping into the CarPool accelerator, which was designed for brands that want the strength of professional guidance while keeping control of their growth journey.
“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,” says Tim Koch, president and COO of Franchise FastLane.
“Training Mate checks every one of those boxes. From its unique brand culture to its experienced leadership team, Training Mate has demonstrated a thoughtful, values-driven approach to growth,” Koch adds.
Community Rooted in ‘Mate-Ship’
After the isolation of the pandemic, community-based boutique fitness franchise programs like Training Mate are experiencing a resurgence. Consumers continued to search for social connection and community, the very ideals Milton has built his brand around.
According to the Health & Fitness Association’s 2025 global report on the industry, fitness has become an integral part of health, wellness, and lifestyle spending, with revenue increasing by an average of 8%. More importantly, 90% of fitness business operators expect further revenue gains in 2025.
The demand makes it ideal for fitness-based entrepreneurs.
When he retired from professional sports, Milton says he found what he missed most from his playing days was the camaraderie of working out with his “mates.”
Looking for a way to replicate that, and to help others find the same happiness he found through fitness, he opened his first gym that prioritizes both work and play.
“Our community is rooted in mateship,” says Milton. “Our workouts are designed so that you never go it alone.”
Finding ‘the Secret Sauce’
Training Mate’s unique formula relies on everyone – from owners to front desk to trainers – to embrace Milton’s philosophy that fitness should be both effective and enjoyable. Gym optics are beachy, bold and ballsy; instructors are high-energy, and according to clients, everyone knows your name, which is what lends the gym that essential feeling of camaraderie.
The key to scaling successfully then, is finding franchisors who can embody the Training Mate philosophy successfully.
That’s where Franchise FastLane and its CarPool program come into play.
FastLane’s services free up each brand’s leaders to concentrate on their core responsibilities such as franchisee support. Training prepares franchisees to recruit teams, handle marketing, build relationships, operate efficiently, follow safety protocols and manage finances.
Rob Golding, the CEO of Vital Stretch, called it “the secret sauce” to finding ideal partners.
“We wanted good franchise partners …and getting that match that was good for us, and good for them, that was CarPool.”
As Training Mate continues to grow, the leadership team remains committed to redefining fitness as a space for both personal transformation and social connection, helping people across the country get fit and feel seen.
“We want to grow confidently and responsibly while staying true to our culture and the Training Mate vision,” says Training Mate’s Gillian Harper.
“With CarPool, we’ve found a true partner that can walk alongside us, providing coaching, structure and support.”
Visit the Training Mate franchise website for more information.
