The best gym franchises will give you good odds of turning a profit as a small business owner. Since every business owner’s circumstances vary, this can take the form of having low startup costs in relation to the amount of revenue the franchise can generate, a large customer base, or a high number of locations nationwide. However, keep in mind that buying a franchise often carries high upfront costs.
Below are the best fitness and gym franchises I recommend considering.
13 Best Fitness & Gym Franchises Compared
Est. Annual Revenue | Franchise Fee | Est. Starting Initial Investment | Royalty Fees | Required Net Worth | Liquid Capital | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anytime Fitness | $420,000 | $42,500 | $397,516 | $380,000 | $225,000 | |
Planet Fitness | $1,730,000 | $20,000 | $3,328,000 | Undisclosed | Varies | |
Club Pilates | $891,000 | $65,000 | $197,000 | 8% (gross sales); 2% (marketing sales) | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
F45 Training | $553,000 | $52,000 | $294,000 | Undisclosed | Varies | $300,000 |
Pure Barre | $260,000 | $60,000 | $265,330 | 7% (gross sales); 2% (marketing sales) | $500,000 | $100,000 |
Snap Fitness | $187,000 | $39,500 | $430,800 | 6% + 2% national, advertising fee | ||
Burn Boot Camp | $530,000 | $60,000 | $249,000 | 6% (gross revenue) | $300,000 | $150,000 |
Class UFC Gym | $3,525,000 | $30,000 to $60,000 | $209,000 | 6% (monthly gross revenue) | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
MassageLuXe | $870,000 | $42,500 | $569,600 | Undisclosed | $150,000 | |
Medi-Weightloss | $840,000 | $45,000 | $208,000 | |||
D1 Training | $808,000-plus | $59,500 | $161,750 | 7% | $500,000 | $250,000 |
SPENGA | $510,000 | $49,500 | $435,931 | Undisclosed | $500,000 | $250,000 |
Crunch Fitness | $2,259,532 | $25,000-plus | $668,000 | 5% (monthly gross sales) | $400,000 |
1. Anytime Fitness
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $420,000 |
Franchise Fee | $42,500 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $397,516 to $973,120 |
Royalty Fees | $799 per month (1 to 9 gyms) |
Number of Locations | 5,200-plus globally |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $380,000 |
Liquid Capital | $225,000 |
About Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has a large international presence, with a history of over 20 years of operation. It also has the highest number of locations of any gym franchise on this list.
- Training offered: It provides support for new and existing business owners, offering one week of initial training at its headquarters location in Minnesota. Once completed, you’ll get access to a library of educational content you can review at your own pace.
- Support offered: Franchise owners will also have a business coach who will act as your single point of contact. Additionally, you’ll have access to a network of other franchise owners you can tap for support and the opportunity to attend quarterly training sessions and other franchise conferences.
- Application process: Visiting the Anytime Fitness franchise website is the first step involved with getting the process started. There, you’ll fill out an online form to determine opportunities available in your area and to see if you’re a good fit for the program. If it’s deemed suitable, you’ll review and sign paperwork before attending the company’s in-person training sessions.
2. Planet Fitness
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $1,730,000 |
Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $3,328,000 |
Royalty Fees | Not stated |
Number of Locations | 2,600-plus globally |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $33 million combined for all partners |
Liquid Capital | Varies |
About Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a welcoming gym environment designed to appeal to entry-level fitness members. It currently operates in five countries Planet Fitness currently operates in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Australia. , and at the time of writing this article, it’s accepting applications for international territories with a commitment to opening 10 locations. Its net worth requirement and required initial investment are some of the highest on our list, though its franchise fees are the lowest. Note, however, that the requirement can be met by adding up the net worth of all business partners in your company.
If you meet the requirements, you’ll get access to the brand’s network of nearly 20 million members. Innovative technologies and features that the brand uses include emphasis on its “judgment free zone” marketing. This includes a “Crowd Meter” that members can access via the company’s mobile app to determine how busy certain locations are in addition to tracking activities and accessing on-demand workouts.
- Training offered: Planet Fitness franchisees get in-person, on-site training in an active Planet Fitness location followed by digital learning modules. Training covers everything from how to operate fitness equipment to business and operational training.
- Support offered: Planet Fitness offers franchisees a toll-free support line. You’ll also receive regular newsletters and invitations to ongoing in-person and virtual training sessions and conferences. In addition to regional and national marketing campaigns, Planet Fitness includes a popular customer loyalty app to drive more business to your gym.
- Application process: The process can be started by visiting the Planet Fitness website and completing a brief questionnaire. A representative will then reach out to you to discuss potential opportunities and to gauge whether you are a good fit for the program.
3. Club Pilates
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $891,000 |
Franchise Fee | $65,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $197,000 to $459,000 |
Royalty Fees | 8% on gross sales & 2% on marketing sales |
Number of Locations | 1,650-plus nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | Not stated |
Liquid Capital | Not stated |
About Club Pilates
Club Pilates is another franchise on our list with an international presence on four different continents. It leads the Pilates industry, reporting $11.8 billion in sales and over 4,500 instructors in the US alone. It also offers training and support in multiple areas of your business. Common support areas include real estate, website building, sales, recruitment, training, and marketing.
- Training offered: Training starts with a 3-day onsite training at the company’s offices in Southern California. Other training sessions available include a 3-day general manager course and a 3-day bridge training course for certified Pilates instructors.
- Support offered: After you’ve secured a physical location, you’ll get weekly sales and marketing calls as well as one-on-one coaching calls. Ongoing training support is available in the form of weekly national sales calls and three additional one-on-one sales training calls.
- Application process: The process begins with an introductory call with the Club Pilates franchise development team. You’ll then complete a questionnaire for consideration, and those that are approved will schedule the next steps in terms of completing the required on-site training. A final franchise agreement will then be signed, after which you can physically open your Pilates office location to the public.
4. F45 Training
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $553,000 |
Franchise Fee | $52,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $294,000 to $719,000 |
Royalty Fees | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of Locations | 3,300-plus globally |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | Varies |
Liquid Capital | $300,000 |
About F45 Training
F45 Training can provide business owners turnkey locations with minimal work needed on the part of the franchise owner. It offers customers over 36 group training programs consisting of a mix of high-intensity, circuit, and functional training. It is also known for its gym locations being outfitted with multiscreen LED TVs, heart rate technology for performance tracking, live DJ mixes and music, and apps for booking appointments.
- Training offered: New franchise owners will have training that consists of learning how to operate F45’s systems, franchise management, and staff training. Like many other franchises in our roundup, you’ll get access to a suite of music, marketing, and promotional material.
- Support offered: Franchise owners get access to existing accounting, management, and payment systems. Unlike others on this list, F45 Training supports franchisees with a 24/7 help desk. Like many other franchises in our roundup, you’ll get access to a suite of music, marketing, and promotional material.
- Application process: F45 Training’s website contains a short online questionnaire you must complete if you want to get the process started. Someone from the team will then be in touch with you to discuss your eligibility, available opportunities in your area, and potential next steps.
5. Pure Barre
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $260,000 |
Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $265,330 to $418,980 |
Royalty Fees | 7% of gross sales & 2% of gross marketing sales |
Number of Locations | 650-plus in North America |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $500,000 |
Liquid Capital | $100,000 |
About Pure Barre
As one of the most established barre brands, Pure Barre has over 650 locations in North America, consisting of 6,000 teachers and over 100,000 members. Pure Barre also operates in Canada and Japan. It focuses on a full-body workout combining elements of Pilates, yoga, and ballet. It’s particularly welcoming to newcomers, with workouts designed to be low-impact through controlled but purposeful movements.
Classes can be scheduled at various locations using the company’s mobile app, with courses being led by certified teachers and that include musically driven choreography. Members can select from four main types of group classes, each emphasizing different areas such as flexibility, strength, and power.
- Training offered: Pure Barre training is hands-on, including in-person training at an existing Pure Barre location. Training includes class techniques as well as business guidance, operational systems, staff training, and customer service.
- Support offered: Like many of the other franchises in our guide, you’ll get a significant amount of support in various areas. This includes assistance with finding a suitable location, construction & design, sales, recruitment, and marketing.
- Application process: Submitting an application online is the first step to schedule a call with the Pure Barre franchise team to determine your eligibility. If approved, you’ll then be given details on next steps, which can include an on-site visit to the company’s corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA.
6. Snap Fitness
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $187,000 |
Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $430,800 to $1.2 million |
Royalty Fees | 6% + 2% national, advertising fee |
Number of Locations | 1,000-plus nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth |
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Liquid Capital |
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About Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness has over 20 years of experience in the market, with a global presence in over 20 countries consisting of at least 1 million members and 1,000-plus clubs. It offers customers 24/7 worldwide access, and its training regimen focuses on mood-boosting techniques through the combination of its services, environment, and inclusivity. Members can take advantage of amenities such as personal training, group classes, private bathrooms & showers, HDTVs, body scanners, and a wide range of gym equipment.
A unique aspect of Snap Fitness is the fact that it offers flexible financing to assist interested franchise owners. Small business owners can get full project financing with no down payment and up to six months of deferred payments to help your business cash flow positively in its early stages. It also does not require you to have prior experience in the fitness industry, as it provides training in the various areas of gym ownership to ensure long-term success.
- Training offered: Comprehensive training covers operational systems, business management, sales, marketing, and customer service.
- Support offered: Franchisees receive ongoing support in the form of digital tools like the Snap App, frequent business training options, and national marketing campaigns.
- Application process: Snap fitness describes the process of becoming a franchise owner on its website. You must first complete an application and then schedule a call with the franchising team. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be given the chance to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and then take additional due diligence steps for things like finding a location, verifying financials, and completing background checks for your company’s leadership team. The final steps involve attending a Discovery Day with the company’s executive team, followed by final review and approval.
7. Burn Boot Camp
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $530,000 |
Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $249,000 to $574,000 |
Royalty Fees | 6% of gross revenue |
Number of Locations | 360-plus nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $300,000 |
Liquid Capital | $150,000 |
Credit Score | 700 |
About Burn Boot Camp
Burn Boot Camp provides workouts that alternate strength and conditioning. Each workout focuses on different parts of the body and is designed so that you don’t repeat the same exercise twice. Workouts focus on metabolic conditioning, core strength, upper body strength, bodyweight conditioning, lower body strength, and more.
- Training offered: All Burn Boot Camp franchisees get training at Burn’s North Carolina headquarters. Training covers everything from marketing and operations to workout protocols.
- Support offered: Partnering with Burn Boot Camp gives you ongoing support to ensure your success as a franchise owner. You’ll get technology solutions, strategic marketing strategies & resources, operations support, and access to a community of other entrepreneurs. If you need financial assistance, you can get financing through its lending partner, ApplePie Capital. Financing options include terms up to 10 years, with no collateral required.
- Application process: Burn Boot Camp allows interested business owners to complete a short online questionnaire to get the process started. This is then followed by a quick meeting with the franchise team, and if it’s deemed to still be a good fit, you can review the FDD, which details the franchise fees, terms, and other logistics. Final steps include finalizing a location for the gym, after which final paperwork must be signed.
8. Class UFC Gym
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $3,525,000 |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 to $60,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $209,000 to $5 million |
Royalty Fees | 6% of monthly gross revenue |
Number of Locations | 150-plus globally |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Liquid Capital | Not publicly disclosed |
About Class UFC Gym
Class UFC Gym is the more accessible boutique cousin of the well-established UFC Gym brand. Class UFC Gym offers a modern take on boxing and high-intensity interval training. Sessions typically last for 50 minutes, and gym members can also take complementary Boxing and HIIT classes for even more variety. Classes are designed for all levels and can be modified to suit your specific needs and physical ability levels. Class UFC Gym also incorporates heart rate monitors to capture data such as your caloric burn rate.
As a franchise owner, you’ll have the ability to diversify your revenue streams. Income can be earned in the form of membership fees, personal training fees, retail sales, nutritional supplements, and more. You can also serve a wide age range of clients, including those as young as age six.
- Training offered: Class UFC Gym is backed by the strong training program from parent brand UFC Gym. Franchisees receive several weeks of training in everything from business operations to teaching individual classes.
- Support offered: Class UFC gym franchisees are assigned a dedicated consultant to guide them through the opening process. Franchisees receive help in everything from construction to hiring staff.
- Application process: Class UFC Gym provides fewer details than other franchises listed in our guide. To learn more, you must provide your contact information to obtain brochures and other data about the franchise. After speaking with a franchise team member and determining a good mutual fit, the due diligence process will begin so that the paperwork can be finalized.
9. MassageLuXe
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $870,000 |
Franchise Fee | $42,500 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $569,600 to $799,900 |
Royalty Fees | 6% of gross revenue, payable weekly |
Number of Locations | 80-plus in North America |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | Not stated |
Liquid Capital | $150,000 |
About MassageLuXe
MassageLuXe is a spa that provides massages, facials, and waxing services. Different types of massages are available, and they’re designed to decrease stress, increase blood oxygen levels, relieve chronic pain, loosen tight muscles, and more. Similarly, a wide range of facials is available depending on what members are looking to achieve. Examples include antiaging facials, brightening, deep cleansing, and hydrating.
Unlike some other spa franchises, you do not need to have any prior experience in the spa industry to be eligible for a MassageLuXe location. Though the franchisor prefers that you have some prior experience as a business owner.
- Training offered: MassageLuXe provides no less than 10 days of training plus up to five days of in-store training once your location is opened. If you’re concerned about finding the right location, know that the company can provide assistance with securing real estate and the necessary permitting.
- Support offered: MassageLuXe supports franchisees with its in-house marketing program, provides spa management software, and even assists with recruiting and hiring staff.
- Application process: Those interested in owning this franchise should expect to open the spa location six to 12 months after signing the franchise agreement. Starting the process entails completing a short online questionnaire so that you can receive a call back from its franchise team to discuss next steps.
10. Medi-Weightloss
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $840,000 |
Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $208,000 to $435,000 |
Royalty Fees | 10% (with a minimum fee of $2,500) |
Number of Locations | 106 nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth |
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Liquid Capital |
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About Medi-Weightloss
Medi-Weightloss is a medically supervised plan to help patients achieve a healthy weight. This is done with a focus on preventive medicine. After completing medical tests and consultations, each patient is given a personalized plan to help lose up to 20 pounds in the first month alone with the help of things like FDA-approved weight loss medications, nutrition plans, and signature supplements and products.
- Training offered: As a franchise owner, you’ll be given up to 50 hours of on-the-job training at the Tampa corporate office. You can also receive an additional 46 hours of classroom training on topics such as business operations and management strategies.
- Support offered: After your training period, you’ll still have ongoing access to a franchise support team as well as digital learning resources you can review at your own pace.
- Application process: Steps to a franchise partnership with Medi-Weightloss include the following:
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- Complete an introductory call
- Review documents to establish eligibility
- Participate in leadership meetings with various department heads
- Deep dive call
- Calls with existing franchise owners
- Day of discovery (on-site visit at corporate headquarters)
- Agreement review
- Signing of final paperwork
11. D1 Training
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $808,000-plus |
Franchise Fee | $59,500 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $161,750 to $711,123 |
Royalty Fees | 7% |
Number of Locations | 100-plus nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $500,000 |
Liquid Capital | $250,000 |
About D1 Training
D1 Training is a results-driven athletic training facility. Members can identify their personal goals to get personalized training catered to their needs and preferences. As evidence of its success, the facility states that it has trained over 100 NFL Draft Picks and more than 3,000 college athletes. Training programs are based on Division 1 strength & training programs and can train athletes as young as seven years of age. 1-on-1 training, group training, family workouts, and semiprivate training are available.
- Training offered: A three-day on-site training must be completed by franchise owners, supplemented by self-guided study. You’ll also get access to a network of other franchise owners for support
- Support offered: As a franchise owner, you can expect access to marketing resources and tips for selling the brand of D1 Training. Training programs cover every aspect of running the company, including how to manage the billing system, design workouts, and hire staff.
- Application process: To learn more, interested business owners can provide their contact information on the D1 Training franchise website. You’ll then receive a callback as an introductory call, with the ability to schedule follow-up calls if you feel it’s needed. If deemed it’s a good fit, you must provide documentation to confirm your eligibility. Once approved, you can engage in the required franchise training.
12. SPENGA
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $510,000 |
Franchise Fee | $49,500 |
Estimated Initial Investment | $435,931 to $823,615 |
Royalty Fees | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of Locations | 300-plus nationwide |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $500,000 |
Liquid Capital | $250,000 |
About SPENGA
SPENGA exercises use a combination of three different types of workouts in a 60-minute period: spin, strength training, and yoga. Each is broken into a 20-minute period before moving onto the next stage. Studios commonly have the same amenities, which include self-locking day lockers, changing rooms with complimentary toiletries, aromatherapy, supervised kids’ rooms, and private or small group training rooms.
- Training offered: Franchise owners can expect to receive training in multiple areas of running a business. This includes site selection, staff training, construction, strategic planning, recruitment, and marketing.
- Support offered: You’ll also get assistance with procuring the necessary equipment for opening day, training for your instructors, biweekly calls, and a 3-day training to ensure your studio is set up properly.
- Application process: Additional information can be requested by completing a brief questionnaire on SPENGA’s franchise website.
13. Crunch Fitness
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Revenue & Expense Figures | |
Estimated Annual Revenue | $2,259,532 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000-plus |
Estimated Initial Investment | $668,000 to $3,488,000 |
Royalty Fees | 5% monthly gross sales |
Number of Locations | 450-plus globally |
Qualification Requirements | |
Net Worth | $2 million combined for all partners |
Liquid Capital | $400,000 |
About Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness offers various exercises to its members including cardio, weight training, and group fitness classes. It operates under two brands: Crunch Fitness and Crunch Signature, with the latter offering additional amenities, equipment, and training programs. It operates on the philosophy of positivity, inclusivity, and having fun while getting fit at the same time.
Franchises boast an average of 5,900 members per club. Worldwide, it has over 2.4 million members, locations in 41 US states Crunch currently has franchises available in all 50 states, even in states where it does not yet have existing franchises. , and locations in 7 countries At the time of publication, Crunch Fitness operated franchises in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, and Australia. Crunch plans to soon expand into the Middle East, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and India. . While it does not disclose all of its figures outside of an FDD, it does indicate on its website that the average cash operating profit is $788,702. That figure is based on clubs that have been open for an average of 37 to 48 months.
- Training offered: Crunch takes training seriously. Franchisees receive 170 hours of direct training, including digital learning modules and in-person training at existing franchises.
- Support offered: Crunch franchisees receive construction plans and a full branding package. The Crunch team also provides detailed guides for sales, marketing, operations, and finance as well as tips and training for guiding large and small group fitness classes.
- Application process: As with virtually all other franchises, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so interested business owners must complete a form online to get a callback to discuss the specific details to determine eligibility for becoming a franchise owner.
Pros & Cons of Owning a Gym Franchise
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It comes with an established customer following and brand recognition. | Upfront and ongoing costs can be high. |
| Gyms appeal to a good cause and improvements in lifestyle. | It can be difficult to get approved based on geographic location. |
| Assistance is provided with multiple aspects of building your business. | It can take up to a year after signing the franchise paperwork before you open for business. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, owning a gym franchise can be very profitable. While initial startup costs, franchise fees, and ongoing royalties may sometimes seem excessive, the amount of revenue you can quickly earn as a result of having an already-established customer following and brand recognition can allow you to reach your break-even point in a short period.
This varies depending on the franchise. In general, franchise fees can run anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000, with a total initial investment ranging from $200,000 to $800,000 for most gym franchises I reviewed. Though the costs can range as high as $3.3 million for popular franchises.
On average, it can take six to 15 months from the time you submit your franchise application until you are open for business. Some of this time is spent on due diligence ensuring your eligibility for the franchise, securing financing, locating suitable real estate, and completing necessary construction.
Bottom Line
Buying a franchise is one way of starting your own business. You get assistance with building your specific business location and will have the credibility and reputation of an established brand. Franchises vary with regard to qualification requirements, fees, availability, and income-generating ability. As such, you’ll want to do your due diligence to increase your odds of success.
