Having grown to over 160 locations, Australia-based Fitstop isn’t slowing down — in fact, it’s just getting started. As the functional fitness franchise sets its sights on expansion into the United States, it’s ready to introduce more consumers to its unique blend of structured strength training and social connection
Leading the charge is Founder and CEO Peter Hull, a former professional motocross athlete who turned a career-ending injury into an opportunity. During recovery, he discovered the power of functional training to rebuild both body and community. Seeing a gap in the market for performance-driven, community-focused fitness, Hull has since scaled Fitstop into new markets worldwide, establishing the brand as a frontrunner in the fitness industry.
The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length
Athletech News (ATN): How does Fitstop facilitate strength training differently than others?
Peter Hull (PH): Fitstop isn’t just another workout — we’ve built a culture around strength training supported by a tight-knit community. Unlike many group fitness classes that pack 30+ people into a room with little interaction, Fitstop is all about training together. Every session, you work in teams of 2-4, spotting each other, pushing each other and celebrating wins — building real accountability and friendships along the way.
Our program stands out with its structured 12-week progressive training blocks. Each block is carefully programmed to help you build strength, speed and endurance over time, ensuring consistent progress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced athlete, you’ll see measurable improvements every 12 weeks.
ATN: Was merging strength training with social wellness something you always planned to do as a brand, or did you find your way there over time?
PH: From day one, Fitstop was built on the belief that lifting weights is better with your mates. In Australia, fitness is naturally social and we wanted to bring that energy into a structured strength program people could stick with.
For me, that belief started from my own sporting background. I originally dreamt of going pro in motocross, but after two serious accidents, I had to retire. Rehab was tough, but it introduced me to the power of strength training — not just for physical recovery but for mental resilience and connection. A trainer helped me through it purely out of passion, and that experience shaped how I saw fitness and its positive impact on all aspects of life. It wasn’t just about training — it was about support, connection and growing stronger together.
When I started training athletes out of my parents’ garage, I wasn’t just focused on programming — I wanted to build something bigger. A place where people didn’t just train alongside each other but for each other. Of course, we’ve evolved — our programming has become more refined, and we’ve deepened our focus on progression — but the social aspect has always been at our core.
ATN: What is it about strength training that makes it such a community-building brand of exercise?
PH: There’s something about pushing through a tough set of reps and knowing the person next to you is doing the same that creates a real bond. Our strength training isn’t just about sweating — it’s about chasing your 1% better. When you train alongside people hitting PRs, showing up consistently and improving every week, that energy is contagious. It creates a shared sense of commitment and accountability. There’s this unspoken support system where members encourage each other and celebrate progress together.
It’s not about who lifts the most — it’s about showing up, improving and having people around you who genuinely want to see you succeed — and it’s easier to stay motivated when you know your friends are in it with you. That’s what runs deep throughout our community — we’re unstoppable together!
ATN: How does Fitstop curate this ultimate blend of structured strength training and social connection?
PH: It all starts with our team-based training sessions. Each workout is programmed to ensure you build strength and feel the burn while moving through it as a group. That creates a natural motivation — you’re pushing yourself, but you’re also feeding off the energy of the people around you. Even the fit-outs of our gyms are thoughtfully built to cultivate this sense of “coming together” with multiple rig setups and free weight stations grouped together.
Beyond the workouts, we’ve built an environment where people feel connected outside the gym, too. Whether it’s through events, challenges or everyday encouragement from coaches and members, Fitstop isn’t just a place to train — it’s where people feel part of something bigger.
ATN: Where do you think this demand for social wellness through strength training came from? Why will it remain popular?
PH: People are craving real connections more than ever. In a world where so much of our interaction is digital, we’re connecting less in meaningful ways — and that makes us crave it even more. That’s why run clubs, group hikes and community-driven training programs are booming. People don’t just want to work out — they want to belong.
Strength training has been around for generations and isn’t going anywhere. But what’s changing is how we train. Strength training used to be an individual pursuit — something you did alone in a weight room. Now, team-based training is bringing us back to the “good old days” of playing sports, where camaraderie, competition and shared goals fuel motivation.
ATN: What are you most excited about with your United States expansion?
PH: The U.S. fitness market is primed for something fresh. People are getting smarter about their training — they’re looking for more than just high-intensity sweat sessions or traditional strength programs that lack community.
That’s where Fitstop comes in. It’s a balanced, results-driven, community-focused model that proves fitness can deliver both real results and connections.
My wife and I have just moved to the U.S. to focus on our locations and drive growth here. We’re genuinely invested in making Fitstop a staple in the U.S. fitness scene and building communities that reflect our vision. It’s an exciting time, and we’re fully committed to working alongside our team and partners to make it happen!
ATN: What’s next for Fitstop beyond your expansion?
PH: We’re always evolving to keep our members engaged — training with purpose not just inside the gym but for life’s challenges and adventures.
One of the most exciting developments is our event-specific programming, designed to help members train with the intention of fitness racing competitions, marathons and endurance events. It’s about coming together, tackling challenges as a team, and building camaraderie. Our franchised locations will be able to offer specialized programs that cater to local interests and help members reach their performance-based goals.
We’re also doubling down on personalization because we feel the future of fitness is about meeting people where they are. That means integrating in-app personalized nutrition support to help members align their eating habits with their training, along with real-time performance and progress tracking to visualize strength gains and conditioning improvements.
What sets Fitstop apart is our commitment to social strength training. We know people push harder and go further when they’re part of something bigger.
