The growth of this market segment is attributed to both consumer and business factors. Due to the high key interest rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, loans have become less accessible, and many entrepreneurs are relying on their own funds to launch their businesses. Compact clubs require less investment: an area of 120 square meters or more allows for quick acquisition on the ground floors of new residential complexes, the club requires less equipment, and renovations take at least two months. This shortens the time to operational breakeven.
This leads to the dominance of the compact format among newly opened clubs. For example, while six automated XFIT Point mini-studios opened in 2023 and nine in 2024, 20 new ones opened in the first eight months of 2025 alone. This brings the total number of operating compact clubs to 43. An additional 11 similar spaces are planned to open by the end of this year.
Another advantage of this format is automation. Clubs have no reception or staff, which is important not only because space is limited but also because it reduces fixed costs. This is crucial given Russia's low unemployment rate: according to Rosstat, the unemployment rate was 2.6% in July 2025.
As for payment, the recurring model makes fitness services more accessible from a consumer perspective: instead of a one-time annual membership, clients pay small monthly fees. This system is also beneficial for club owners: regular memberships generate 20-30% more revenue per client compared to annual prepayments.
"At our new clubs, about 80% of clients choose the subscription format. This model works especially well with the new fitness audience—people aged 25-40. These are the most active users of subscriptions. "They often don't even understand the need for an annual membership when they can pay monthly and not feel tied to a specific location—even if it's less cost-effective in the long run," comments Sergey Malkov, XFIT Franchising Director.