fit20 United Kingdom

fit20 United Kingdom: strength training in weekly 20-minute sessions

fit20 United Kingdom is the UK headquarters of the international franchise fit20, a company of Dutch origin specialising in high-intensity, slow-motion strength training. Its approach is based on a single weekly 20-minute session, always accompanied by a certified personal trainer, with the aim of achieving significant strength results with a minimal time investment.

The British headquarters is located in Sheffield, and from there it trains and supports franchise owners, regional developers and the brand's certified trainers across the country.

A brief, guided training method suitable for all levels

The fit20 system is built around a complete exercise routine performed once a week for 20 minutes. The company describes the method as high-intensity and slow-motion, and notes that there is no need to change clothes for the session. The workouts take place in climate-controlled studios and always under the supervision of a certified personal trainer, who provides accountability and guidance throughout the process.

The company states that the programme is designed for all ages and fitness levels, and that its members experience improvements in strength and fitness. The firm presents the method as scientifically proven and guarantees significant strength gains.

International presence and origin of the franchise

fit20 is an international company founded in the Netherlands. Its first studio opened in the Dutch city of Zwolle in 2009. Today, the company reports more than 120 studios in the Netherlands and an expanding network that includes Belgium, the United Kingdom, Qatar, the United States, New Zealand, Iraq, Spain, France, Germany, Morocco, Sweden and Ireland. The company notes that it is in the process of opening studios in other countries, including Switzerland.

fit20's world headquarters is located in Hattem, the Netherlands. The company operates under a franchise model in which each studio is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Most studios have several trainers on staff and, in total, the network brings together more than 300 fit20 trainers who work alongside franchisees.

In-house training: the fit20 Academy

The company has developed its own rigorous training system for franchise owners and trainers, known as the fit20 Academy. fit20 describes it as a fundamental pillar of its success strategy and states that it continues to devote resources and energy to developing this programme.

Origin of the method and founding team

The founder and CEO of fit20 is Walter Vendel, who came from the corporate world. Vendel learned through a friend about a training method that produced remarkable results in a short time and, given his interest in sport and health, he was immediately drawn to it. Together with co-founder and manual therapist Bram Kroeske, he adapted the training to make it accessible to a broader audience. Vendel's wish was for as many people as possible to experience this way of training, which led to the opening of the first studio in Zwolle and the subsequent expansion across the Netherlands and the rest of the world.

The company cites the satisfaction of its members as its main reward, and includes testimonials that mention improvements in strength, endurance, energy, posture and reduced physical discomfort, as well as greater mobility in later life.

Awards and corporate presence

fit20 has received several industry awards for innovation and entrepreneurship, including the Gazelle award. The company notes that, beyond the awards, its purpose focuses on offering an effective and efficient training experience to its members.

In addition to studios open to the public, several large companies have fit20 studios on their premises to help maintain the health and strength of their employees. Among the companies the firm mentions are Siemens and Randstad. The headquarters staff themselves, including the founder, train weekly in the studio integrated into the offices.

Location and contact

Harry Brearley House, Fox Valley Way, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S36 2AE · Phone: 0114 288 8795 · Email: info@fit20.co.uk · Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 08:30-17:00