Her journey from battling cancer to becoming a thriving franchise owner in the fitness industry is nothing short of remarkable, serving as an inspiration to the entire Hitsona family and beyond.
Georgia's challenging path began with a life-altering diagnosis of cancer, not once, but three times. Throughout her arduous battle against the disease, she faced countless obstacles, including the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and steroid treatments. It was during these trying times that Georgia, a once avid runner and fitness enthusiast, found herself immobilized by arthritis and carrying an extra four stone in weight.
"I was so upset, but I couldn't exercise or join a fitness class due to the arthritis," she recalled. "It was horrendous – I could barely walk. It was a really horrible feeling. The doctors said I couldn't reduce the dose of steroids because it was part of my treatment."
However, Georgia's indomitable spirit refused to be defeated by her circumstances. As she emerged victorious from her battle with cancer, her perspective on life and health underwent a transformation. Fuelled by her newfound passion for well-being, she made the bold decision to take a career break from teaching and embark on a new path—one that would lead her to become a fitness studio owner.
In January 2021, Georgia opened her first Hitsona studio in Castlelands, Balbriggan. Hitsona, a revolutionary fitness concept originating from the North of Ireland, specializes in coach-led workouts for small groups using state-of-the-art HIT Machines. These machines provide a unique blend of low-impact, high-intensity training, adapting to the user's force and the Hitsona members also use heart rate monitoring to ensure a safe yet effective workout.
What makes Hitsona truly exceptional is its inclusivity. The HIT Machines are suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and abilities, from elite athletes to those who are new to exercise. Georgia passionately explains, "The heart rate monitors mean an athlete can work out beside a person who has never exercised before. The results are amazing, and it's such great fun."
Each Hitsona session lasts just 25 minutes, making it accessible for even the busiest of schedules. While membership may be slightly more expensive than a traditional gym, it's considerably more affordable than hiring a personal trainer, making it an attractive option for a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.
Georgia's journey didn't stop with the opening of her first studio. Her passion for the Hitsona ethos, characterised by its "no mirrors, no egos" policy, spurred her to create a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals, united by their common goal of pursuing health and happiness. This dedication and commitment led to the expansion of her business and in January 2022, just a year after opening her first studio, Georgia welcomed the opening of Hitsona in Lusk, County Dublin.
Today, Georgia stands at the helm of two thriving Hitsona studios in the South of Ireland. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the strength and resilience that the Hitsona franchise represents. With visionary franchise owners like Georgia, Hitsona is on an exciting trajectory to bring health and happiness through fitness to communities not only in the UK and Ireland but also in the USA and Canada.
Georgia Brophy's journey is a shining example of how perseverance, passion, and a commitment to wellness can lead to remarkable success. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for anyone facing adversity, proving that with the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams. Georgia's remarkable journey from cancer survivor to fitness entrepreneur is a true inspiration to us all.