True wellness blends physical strength with mental resilience, celebrating small victories for a vibrant life. Snap Fitness, a global fitness pioneer with nearly 1,000 gyms, champions this holistic approach, making wellness accessible through 24/7 access, flexible memberships, and a welcoming vibe for all. Their mission is to foster positive lifestyle habits that make members feel fantastic, highlighting that exercise is #ForTheFeeling, backed by science to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and sharpen focus.

At the heart of this network shines Snap Fitness Addlestone, a standout UK gym in Surrey, delivering personalized, community-driven fitness. Open 24/7, this modern facility caters to beginners and athletes alike with diverse equipment—free weights, cardio machines, kettlebells, and functional training zones. The Snap App offers on-demand workouts and nutrition tips, while the Myzone Heart Rate Monitor gamifies progress, keeping motivation high. Certified trainers provide free consultations, tailored programs, and small group classes like HIIT or core circuits, fostering a supportive atmosphere that builds community and confidence.

Snap Fitness Addlestone’s amenities ensure comfort: hydro massage beds ease post-workout tension, private bathrooms add convenience, and worldwide gym access suits travelers. Its prime High Street location and easy parking make it a Surrey favorite. Through a Truemed partnership, members save up to 30% using pre-tax HSA/FSA funds, making wellness affordable. Snap Fitness Addlestone blends global standards with local heart, empowering members to feel fantastic.

At CIO Bulletin, we had the distinct honor of interviewing John Prior (JP), Franchisee Manager of Snap Fitness Addlestone. He shared profound insights into how the facility is dedicated to helping people build positive lifestyle habits that make them feel awesome.

Interview Highlights

Can you share the inspiring story of how Snap Fitness came to life? What personal experiences drove its founding, and how has that original vision evolved over 20+ years to impact over a million members worldwide?

Snap Fitness was founded in 2003 with a simple but powerful vision: to make high-quality fitness accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone. From the very beginning, our mission has been about much more than equipment or workouts—it’s about changing lives through fitness.

Over the past 20+ years, that vision has grown from one club in the U.S. Midwest to nearly 1,000 clubs across more than 20 countries. One of these is Addlestone in Surrey, UK, which opened in November 2023. This is my first location as a franchisee, though my journey with Snap Fitness started back in 2014, when the 4th UK site opened. I went on to manage 10 locations before finally becoming a franchisee. Today, we serve over a million members worldwide, and our growth has been fuelled by an unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community.

One of the most exciting milestones in this evolution has been the creation of our S7 Signature Series classes. Developed by our EMEA HQ team, the S7 series embodies Snap Fitness’ founding mission in a modern, highly engaging way. It represents the next chapter for us—bringing structured, science-backed, and community-driven training into every club. Using the seven primal movements, we provide the ultimate total-body workout, engaging every muscle in each session. The series is comprised of SWEAT, SPEED, STRONG, and STRIKE. The innovation behind S7 was one of the defining factors in Snap Fitness being honoured as “Innovators of the Year 2025.”

Snap Fitness Addlestone offers a holistic suite of amenities, from 24/7 access and personal training to the Snap App and heart rate monitors. How do these elements work together to not just build bodies, but to truly boost moods and foster lifelong positive habits?

Our philosophy is that fitness is about feeling good, not just looking good. That’s why every element of the Snap ecosystem is designed to enhance not only physical health but also mental well-being.

• 24/7 access gives members control and flexibility—removing barriers to consistency.
• Personal training ensures expert guidance and accountability.
• The Snap App creates a digital hub for workouts, progress tracking, and on-demand support.
• Myzone heart rate monitors bring science into training, helping members track effort, not just output.

When layered with our S7 Signature Series, this ecosystem creates a powerful synergy. S7 combines structured functional training, motivational coaching, and small-group dynamics to keep members engaged, supported, and excited. Together, these tools help members build not only healthier bodies but also happier, more resilient lifestyles.

With features like fitness-on-demand classes, nutrition consulting, and inclusive equipment and technology for all fitness levels, how does Snap Fitness Addlestone ensure every member—whether a beginner or a seasoned athlete—feels seen, supported, and excited to show up?

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. From the very first touchpoint, we ensure every member feels welcome and valued. Creating a community is an important part of the fitness journey.

Our fitness-on-demand classes meet people where they are—whether they’re looking for quick home workouts, guided recovery sessions, or high-energy routines. Nutrition consulting provides personalised strategies to complement training, empowering members to achieve long-term results.

But perhaps the most visible expression of this inclusivity is our S7 Signature Series. Designed with scalable intensity, S7 workouts are equally suitable for beginners who are building confidence and athletes chasing performance. Members work at their own pace within a group setting, supported by coaches who focus on progress rather than comparison. The result is a culture where every achievement—big or small—is celebrated.

You often emphasise inclusivity and empathy in your gyms. How do you foster that supportive culture across nearly 1,000 clubs in 20+ countries?

We embed inclusivity and empathy into our brand DNA. This is achieved through:

• Culture-driven training for franchise owners and staff.
• Community events that extend beyond fitness—such as charity fundraisers, local outreach, and member appreciation initiatives.
• S7 classes, which naturally cultivate camaraderie through shared effort and team encouragement.

With a proven franchise model, Snap Fitness empowers local entrepreneurs to create gyms rooted in purpose and growth. What do you believe makes your model so attractive for aspiring business owners?

Our franchise model thrives because it balances proven systems with local autonomy. Franchisees gain the strength of a globally recognised brand, comprehensive operational support from an incredible HQ team of experts in their respective fields, and cutting-edge innovations like the S7 program.

At the same time, they retain the freedom to build genuine community connections. This blend of global expertise and local purpose creates a sustainable, rewarding business model that attracts passionate entrepreneurs worldwide.

As “Innovators of the Year 2025,” what cutting-edge approaches is Snap Fitness Addlestone pioneering, such as integrating technology for mental well-being or expanding global access, to redefine what a "gym" can be in today's fast-paced world?

Being named Innovators of the Year 2025 is a testament to our focus on redefining fitness experiences. Beyond the S7 Signature Series, we are pioneering several initiatives:

• Mental health integration: Expanding app-based mindfulness and recovery tools to support holistic well-being.
• Technology-driven personalization: Using AI-powered insights to tailor workout and nutrition plans.
• Global access programs: Offering members seamless entry to Snap clubs worldwide, promoting fitness without borders.
• Sustainability initiatives: Introducing eco-conscious gym designs and energy-efficient equipment.

These innovations reflect our commitment to evolving alongside members’ needs and ensuring Snap remains more than a gym—it’s a lifestyle hub.

Are there any exciting developments or initiatives in the pipeline that your members and franchise partners should be looking forward to in 2025 and beyond?

Yes—several exciting projects are on the horizon:

1. Rollout of the S7 Signature Series: Expanding across all EMEA regions to standardise a world-class group training experience.
2. Enhanced Snap App features: New gamification tools, personalised progress dashboards, body composition analysis, and deeper integration with wearable tech.
3. Corporate wellness partnerships: Extending fitness accessibility into workplaces.
4. Next-gen club design: Modern layouts that prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, and member flow.

These initiatives will continue to position Snap Fitness as the most forward-thinking and people-first fitness brand worldwide.

The Visionary Team Leading Snap Fitness UK

Snap Fitness's leadership in the UK is guided by Kevin Yates, EMEA CEO of Lift Brands, the parent company of Snap Fitness. Kevin has been instrumental in shaping the region's strategy. The EMEA HQ team, including Andy Carr, the Fitness Experience Manager for EMEA, and Dean Hodgkin, a leading figure in the group exercise industry, has supported this vision with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and member well-being. Under this leadership team, Snap Fitness has embraced transformative programs such as the S7 Signature Series, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global fitness industry.

“Our S7 Signature Series combines structured functional training, motivational coaching, and small-group dynamics to keep members engaged, supported, and excited. Together, these tools help members build not only healthier bodies but also happier, more resilient lifestyles.”