report by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga; Samuele Frosio, CEO RSG Group Italy; Sarah Fahr, Italian volleyball champion
The German fitness brand McFIT officially opened a new location in Trieste on Thursday, marking its 40th gym in Italy and the latest step in the company’s national expansion strategy. The 2,000-square-meter facility, located on Via Giulia, introduces a contemporary training environment designed to accommodate a range of fitness levels and workout styles.
The event drew notable figures, including Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s regional president, Massimiliano Fedriga, Trieste’s deputy mayor, Serena Tonel, and the city’s councillor for sports, Elisa Lodi. They welcomed the arrival of the European fitness leader, emphasizing the role of accessible wellness initiatives in promoting a healthier, more active community.
Sarah Fahr, a standout player on Italy’s national volleyball team and a gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 World Championships, attended as a special guest. “Training has always been more than preparation for competition,” Fahr said. “It’s a way to build confidence, balance and strength—both on and off the court. It’s inspiring to see spaces like this that open the world of sport to everyone.”
RSG Group, McFIT’s parent company, manages nearly 900 fitness locations across 30 countries under brands including John Reed and Gold’s Gym. In Italy, it currently operates 44 centers across its three labels. The company has positioned its newest facility in Trieste as part of a broader shift from traditional gym models toward wellness spaces focused on personal freedom, community and everyday health.
“With this opening, we continue our growth in Italy, guided by a philosophy that places the individual at the center,” said Samuele Frosio, chief executive of RSG Group Italy. “We are redefining the fitness experience — not simply as a place to train, but as an ecosystem that supports social connection and daily well-being.”
To introduce the facility to local residents, McFIT will offer five days of free access from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, inviting Triestini to explore the space and participate in classes and training sessions.
As Trieste invests in lifestyle amenities amid broader efforts to elevate quality of life, the arrival of McFIT underscores the city’s growing appeal to international brands and its residents’ increasing focus on health, movement and community.
