About Fitbuild
Hey, we’re Stefan and Marie — founders of FitBuild.
Our story started in Bangkok, where we built two successful fitness studios from scratch. We did it all — from finding the right location and designing the studio to handling every bit of marketing, sales, and coaching ourselves. That’s where we learned what it really takes to build a fitness business from the ground up — and make it thrive.
After 10 amazing years, we sold everything and hit the road on our motorcycle, becoming The Fitness Riderz — traveling the world while sharing our passion for fitness and adventure.
Later, in New York, we helped launch and manage an F45 franchise that became the fastest-growing on the East Coast — using the same hands-on approach that made our Bangkok studios a success. We handled all marketing, sales, and setup from zero to success.
When the pandemic hit, we returned to the Netherlands and helped set up two Next Gym EMS studios — a completely different training concept based on electro-muscle stimulation. We dove in, learned the system inside out, and helped grow it into one of the fastest-expanding EMS brands in the country.
Today, we run a Lifestyle Center in The Hague together with a cardiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian — combining EGYM technology, functional training, and medical expertise to help people move, feel, and live better.
Through FitBuild, we now help entrepreneurs, trainers, and investors build and grow profitable fitness businesses — from idea to grand opening.
👉 We’ve done it all — from zero to success — and now we’ll help you do the same.
Projects
Our successful fitness initiatives.
MaxFit Bangkok – The Capital Club Transformation
Our very first project began in the Capital Club in Bangkok — and believe it or not, it used to be an old bar. We saw potential where others saw an empty space, and we completely transformed it into a functional training studio.
With limited equipment — a few suspension trainers, kettlebells, dumbbells, a single power rack, two benches, and some medicine balls — we built what became one of Bangkok’s very first indoor bootcamp-style gyms.
It was simple, raw, and full of energy — the place where MaxFit Bangkok was born.
From that humble start, our fitness journey truly began, and it taught us that success doesn’t depend on having everything — it starts with passion, vision, and the drive to create something great.
MaxFit Villa – Turning a Home into a Fitness Haven
Our second project took fitness to a whole new level — quite literally in our own backyard. We transformed a large villa in Bangkok into a fully functional training space, which became known as MaxFit Villa.
The setup was simple but powerful: big tires, sledgehammers, a cargo net, and a spacious indoor area with air conditioning for personalized sessions. No No fancy machines — just free weights, creativity, and hard work.
Despite the low investment, the results were incredible. MaxFit Villa quickly became a success, proving that you don’t need expensive equipment to build a thriving fitness business — you need a strong vision and solid systems.
Here, we shifted our focus to small group training (4–8 clients per coach), offering a more personalized experience with higher value. The result?
Happier clients, better results, and a stronger, more profitable business model.
F45 Training – New York City
After selling both of our Bangkok studios, we took off on an around-the-world motorcycle trip. That adventure eventually brought us to New York City, where we helped a lawyer/passionate personal trainer set up an F45 Training franchise.
For those who don’t know, F45 is a world-renowned fitness concept from Australia, combining functional training and teamwork in high-energy group sessions coached by two trainers. It’s fun, fast, and incredibly effective.
We applied everything we had learned from building our own studios — from marketing and sales systems to client experience and community building — and helped turn our New York location into one of the fastest-growing F45 franchises on the East Coast.
It was an amazing project that showed us how the same core principles — great coaching, smart systems, and strong relationships — work anywhere in the world.
NEXXT GYM EMS training – Growing Through the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, we regretfully decided to leave New York and return to the Netherlands. It was a challenging time — no work, no clear direction, and the entire fitness industry was struggling.
But soon, a new opportunity arose. We joined a company who hired us to set up and manage two EMS studios — one in The Hague and one in Wassenaar.
It was our first time working with Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) — a completely different training method. But thanks to our experience in building and scaling gyms, we quickly figured out how to make it successful.
Even during the lockdown, we managed to grow both studios rapidly, turning them into two of the fastest-growing EMS locations in the region. It was living proof that with the right systems, mindset, and leadership, success is possible — even in the toughest times.
Lifestyle Center – Den Haag, The Netherlands
After two successful years with NEXT EMS, we decided to launch our own facility, this time together with a team of health professionals — a cardiologist, physiotherapist, and nutritionist.
Our Lifestyle Center in The Hague is more than just a gym. It’s a complete health and sports hub where people can work on fitness, rehabilitation, and overall wellness. We combine high-tech EGYM equipment with functional training rooms, offering a powerful mix of technology and personalized training.
For the first time, we can measure strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health for every client, helping them reach their goals safely and effectively. Other professionals on our team also handle injury rehabilitation, nutrition advice, and lifestyle consultations, making sure every member gets the guidance they need.
In just two years, we’ve grown to over 500 members (nearing 600) — a testament to the demand for a truly integrated approach to health and fitness. Whether it’s fitness improvements, injury rehab, or lifestyle transformation, our center provides the support and expertise people need to truly improve their health.
It’s a space designed for everyone — from athletes to people recovering from health challenges — and it’s the culmination of everything we’ve learned building gyms around the world.
