9Round Kickboxing Fitness now owns all 56 iLoveKickboxing locations across the U.S. and Canada following a deal to acquire the kickboxing group fitness franchise.

According to the sides, members can continue to expect the heart-driven branding of iLoveKickboxing and its scheduled group class format, while 9Round will continue to serve its members with flexible, 24/7 access and individual workouts within its nearly 500 global locations.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

“We believe in the power of kickboxing to transform lives, and this acquisition allows us to share that passion with even more people,” said 9Round CEO Shannon Hudson, a professional kickboxer who founded the concept in 2008 with wife, Heather. 

“Our future goal is to surpass the 100-location milestone, expanding the reach of ILKB,” Hudson added. “Right now, we are committed to supporting our existing franchise owners and, in due course, will offer new opportunities for entrepreneurs to join our thriving community.”

iLoveKickboxing, founded in 2012, offers a signature 45-minute group fitness class, while some locations host extended 60-minute and 30-minute express classes. Heart rate monitors are available to wear to optimize the kickboxing workouts, with a recap sent via email with valuable insight such as class points, Zone summary and calories burned.

The kickboxing franchise announced it had been acquired on LinkedIn, noting that the move will bring new growth opportunities. Former iLoveKickboxing CEO Dan Castellini remarked that the fitness franchisor is confident it will continue to grow and flourish under the new ownership agreement.

“ILKB’s community-focused class approach empowers individuals on their fitness journey and complements 9Round’s convenience offering,” he said. “Together, the two brands will work to promote wellness and expand the love of kickboxing across the U.S.”

9Round Drives Revenue With 24/7 Model

The South Carolina-based 9Round introduced ‘9Round 365,’ a forward-thinking and low-labor model late last year for its franchisees. The “always open” 9Round model also allows kickboxing members to drop in for a self-guided session at any time or enjoy a workout during trainer-led hours.

“The new technology empowers us to meet our members where they are in their fitness journey,” Hudson said. “During our pilot phase, we saw same-studio memberships increase by 15%, proving people are looking for more customized, tailored workouts. Whether you prefer self-guided training, a group fitness experience or personal coaching, 9Round has you covered.”

One 9Round franchisee in California experienced an 8% increase in revenue following the pilot program’s launch.

“For the first time since before the pandemic, I feel really confident that my studio and my members are on the right path to thrive,”  said Steve Rousey, owner of 9Round Huntington Beach, California.

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As aspiring fitness entrepreneurs continue to eye the numerous benefits of franchising systems, one South Carolina-based kickboxing franchise has improved the member experience franchisees can provide while also lowering their operational costs. 

The new tech-forward and low-labor concept from 9Round Kickboxing, dubbed “9Round 365,” brings a fitness screen to its nine stations, with workouts changing daily. Throughout the 30-minute circuit, members are told when to change stations by a guiding voice timer system.

The model provides members with increased flexibility and offers franchise owners the chance to boost revenue.

“The new technology empowers us to meet our members where they are in their fitness journey,” said Shannon Hudson, co-founder and CEO of 9Round Kickboxing. “During our pilot phase, we saw same-studio memberships increase by 15% proving people are looking for more customized, tailored workouts. Whether you prefer self-guided training, a group fitness experience or personal coaching, 9Round has you covered.”

As Hudson noted in a video explaining the latest franchisee offering, implementing screen technology allows 9Round members to have two separate experiences: a high-touch, high-energy instructional session if members come during trainer-led hours or a self-guided session any other time, night or day.

A Kickboxing Success Story

Hudson, a professional kickboxer, founded the 9Round franchise in 2008 with his wife. The kickboxing franchise, with a copyrighted system of nine workout stations created by Hudson, has grown to nearly 500 locations in 41 states and 17 countries.

In light of its “always open” model, the kickboxing franchise has teamed up with a security and door access system and is using surveillance cameras and panic buttons that promptly deploy emergency responders to ensure the safety of members. In addition to its approach to safety, 9Round’s member management software has been synced to door access to provide trackable, real-time data.

9Round’s headquarters can also access and support the screen technology remotely, so franchise owners are free from needing on-site IT support. 

“We are dedicated to supporting our owners every step of the way, and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed, starting with a 5-day training program at our headquarters,” Hudson said. “Our goal is to assist owners with a smooth site selection and buildout process and give them the tools to generate revenue before they even open with pre-sale marketing.”

Steve Rousey, a 9Round franchise owner in Huntington Beach, California, reported an 8% increase in revenue after launching the pilot program. 

“For the first time since before the pandemic, I feel really confident that my studio and my members are on the right path to thrive,” Rousey said.

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9Round is expanding its wellness offerings for members by partnering with Trifecta, an organic meal delivery service. Members of 9Round can now have fresh, customized macro-balanced meals delivered to their door thanks to the new partnership.

The 9Round kickboxing franchise, which was founded in 2008, says the new collaboration is in line with its health mission.

“In partnership with Trifecta, we can offer our 9Round members best in class nutritional meal planning that aligns with 9Round’s approach to overall wellness,” said Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO of 9Round. “A killer workout, quality food and accountability, are the three things that will help our members achieve optimal health results. We are upping the ante to help our members become stronger in 30-minutes, physically and mentally.”

The organic meals, which include a balance of complex carbohydrates, good fats, and lean protein, are crafted with high-quality ingredients. Best of all, members can select from a variety of meal programs, including vegan, vegetarian, and more mainstream meals, with recommended calorie intake differentiated for males and females. 

Trifecta, which is the official meal delivery partner of the UFC and the PGA Tour, allows customers to select their meal plan by specifying the number of meals they want per day and week, as well as their dietary preferences and allergies. All food is then vacuum-sealed and delivered in a refrigerated case.

“9Round Fitness is a perfect partner for us as we both strive to help people change their lives by offering fitness and proper nutrition that is easily accessible,” said Greg Connolly, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trifecta. “We are excited to work together and thrilled to be part of this community as it moves forward.”

9Round is also launching a 30-day challenge in the United States and Canada. The 30 day challenge, which starts October 1st, will encourage members to meet wellness goals. The 9Round challenge includes a series of signature workouts, three body scans to track results, and provides the option for members to order Trifecta meals.

“This challenge is all about encouraging our members to work hard to meet their personal goals. At 9Round we believe that everyone is fighting for something, whether that be to de-stress from daily life, the need to feel better or lose weight, or just the desire to feel stronger and more confident,” said Hudson.

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