As fitness becomes more of a lifestyle than a trend and people are conscious about getting fit, entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this by investing in gym and fitness franchises. Fortunately, there are different fitness franchises to choose from, with an average cost of around $350,000. We researched data on the 15 best-performing gym franchises for you to review.
Top 15 Fitness & Gym Franchise Options
We’ve chosen the 15 best-performing gym franchises based on data from FranchiseOpportunities.com, FranchiseGrade.com, and company websites. We reviewed several data points, including initial investment, success rate, capital needed, term length, fee balance, and unit economics. We also looked at the overall growth of the franchise from 2018 to 2019 to determine which franchises have been growing rapidly to help you make a decision before buying a franchise.
The 15 best gym and fitness franchise options are:
1. Orangetheory Fitness
Total Initial Investment: $560,000 to $1,000,000
No. Existing Locations: Over 1,200
Liquid Capital Required: $150,000
Net Worth Requirement: $500,000
Franchise Fee: $60,000
Orangetheory Fitness offers members class-based training in an energetic and contemporary atmosphere characterized by its signature orange color scheme and trade dress. Classes utilize exercise equipment, such as treadmills, rowing machines, and free weights. It provides 60-minute, trainer-led group workout sessions broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Orangetheory is known for their heart rate monitored training, which is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism, increases energy, and burn around 500 to 1,000 calories per workout session.
Orangetheory Fitness was founded in 2010 and started franchising in the same year. The company has more than 1,200 existing locations across the United States and more than 100 franchise units outside the country. An initial investment between $560,000 and $1,000,000 is required to become a franchisee. The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 8% and an ad fee of 2%. The initial contract term is 10 years.
2. GymGuyz
Total Initial Investment: $56,072 to $222,672
No. Existing Locations: 125
Liquid Capital Required: $35,000
Net Worth Required: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
GymGuyz is a home personal training franchise company that focuses on individualized, one-on-one fitness, group sessions, and corporate fitness. It offers a wide range of services, including weight loss, body sculpting, weight training, therapeutic and athletic stretch, senior fitness, obstacle course training, kickboxing, and pre- and post-natal exercise. GymGuyz aims to provide convenient, customized, and creative workouts to their clients.
GymGuyz was founded in 2008 and started franchising in 2013. It currently has 125 existing franchise units. If you want to become a GymGuyz franchisee, you’ll need an initial upfront investment between $56,072 and $222,672, which has a lower starting investment than others, making it one of the best franchises to buy. Their ongoing fees include a 6% royalty fee and a 2% ad fee. The initial contract agreement term is 10 years.
3. 9Round
Total Initial Investment: $99,675 to $143,075
No. Existing Locations: Over 600
Liquid Capital Required: $35,000
Net Worth Required: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
9Round offers a 30-minute kickboxing-themed fitness class that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. These programs, which consist of nine challenging workout stations, were developed by a world champion kickboxer. 9Round’s services also include personal trainer assistance and nutrition guidance.
9Round was founded in 2007 and started franchising in 2009. There are over 600 existing franchise locations nationwide. You need an initial investment ranging from $99,675 to $143,075 if you want to become a 9Round franchisee. Their ongoing fees include a 6% monthly royalty fee and 2% monthly ad fee, which are based on gross sales. The initial contract agreement length is 10 years.
4. Club Pilates
Total Initial Investment: $167,967 to $280,446
No. Existing Locations: Over 850
Liquid Capital Required: $80,000
Net Worth Required: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $60,000
Club Pilates is a class-based fitness program that utilizes unique equipment, including TriggerPoint, TRX, springboard, and the EXO-Chair. The classes offer full-body workouts, cardio-based, stretching-based, foam rolling, and suspension training. There are four different difficulty levels, and most classes offer a variety of levels. Most studios also provide private training for an individualized workout.
Club Pilates started in 2007 in San Diego and started franchising in 2012. It now has a total of over 850 franchises and is rapidly growing, with 379 new franchises opened from 2018 to 2019. Club Pilates’ initial contract term is 10 years with a renewal term of five years. Their royalty rate is 7% and the advertising rate is 2%, which are both based on gross sales. To start this franchise, you will need a total investment of $167,967 to $280,446 depending on the location and size of the facility.
5. Anytime Fitness
Total Initial Investment: $114,950 to $677,800
No. Existing Locations: 2,355
Liquid Capital Required: $80,000 to $100,000
Net Worth Required: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $42,500
Anytime Fitness offers convenience and flexibility to its clients by being open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It has a unique security system that allows the members of the club to access the gym even during unstaffed hours. This lets you run a 24-hour operation without the need for additional staff. Their services include fitness consultation, group training, and personal training.
Anytime Fitness was founded in 2001 and started franchising in 2002. The franchise currently has more than 2,300 existing locations nationwide, and more than 600 existing franchise units outside the United States. The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 6%, a national advertising fee of 2%, a local advertising fee of 2%, and a cooperative advertising fee of 2%, which are all based on gross sales. The initial agreement length is six years.
6. Planet Fitness
Total Initial Investment: $969,600 to $4,242,500
No. Existing Locations: 1,800
Liquid Capital Required: $1.5 million
Net Worth Requirement: $3 million
Franchise Fee: $20,000
Planet Fitness is a workout gym that aims to provide a judgment-free experience so everyone will feel comfortable. Locations are open 24/7 and the company prides itself on having clean and spacious facilities. Services include free fitness training where certified trainers are available to provide a customized workout plan for their clients and help them with the equipment.
Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 and started franchising in 2003. There are currently more than 1,400 existing franchise locations across the country. If you want to become a Planet Fitness franchisee, you need an initial investment that ranges from $969,600 to $4,242,500. The ongoing fees include a 7% royalty fee and a 9% ad fee. The initial contract term is 10 years.
7. Pure Barre
Total Initial Investment: $178,350 to $370,000
No. Existing Locations: 460
Liquid Capital Required: $90,000
Net Worth Requirement: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $60,000
Pure Barre offers fitness programs that utilize the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements in tune with great music. It provides a total body workout that focuses on hips, thighs, seat, abdominals, and arms. The workout technique used in Pure Barre is safe and low-impact because it avoids jumping and bouncing. Aside from physical advantages, the Pure Barre program also aims to provide mental benefits similar to yoga and meditation.
Pure Barre was founded in 2001 and started franchising in 2009. There are currently 460 franchise locations nationwide. You need an initial investment between $178,350 and $370,000 to become a Pure Barre franchisee. The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 7%, a national ad fee of 1%, and a local ad fee of 1%. The initial contract length is five years.
8. F45 Training
Total Initial Investment: $100,000 to $300,000
No. Existing Locations: 985
Liquid Capital Required: $100,000
Net Worth Required: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
F45 Training is a class-based, high-intensity workout. Each class is 45 minutes with the aim of burning up to 750 calories. The “F” in F45 stands for functional. The classes are designed with exercises to help with everyday functional movement. Every studio includes multiple TVs that explain the workout drill. The TVs also display individual performance metrics from personal heart rate monitors, including heart rate, calories burned, and percent of maximum effort extended.
F45 Training started in 2010 and began franchising in 2015. The total investment for a franchise is $100,000 to $300,000, which is low compared to other franchises because the studios have a small footprint. The initial term agreement is for five years and a renewal lasts two years. F45 Training charges a 7% royalty fee and a 2% national advertising fee, both of which are based on gross sales.
9. Crunch Fitness
Total Initial Investment: $304,500 to $2,129,500
No. Existing Locations: 194
Liquid Capital Required: $300,000 to $400,000
Net Worth Requirement: $1 million
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Crunch Fitness aims to provide a no-judgment fitness room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender, or fitness level. It offers personalized fitness training designed to help clients meet their fitness goals, with the assistance of certified personal trainers. Their services also include group training and classes such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, and barre.
Crunch Fitness was founded in 2010 and started franchising in the same year. There are currently over 140 existing franchise locations nationwide. If you want to become a franchisee, you need an initial investment between $304,500 and $2,129,500. The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 5% and an ad fee of 2%. The initial contract term is 10 years.
10. CycleBar
Total Initial Investment: $284,350 to $497,150
No. Existing Locations: Over 200
Liquid Capital Required: $150,000
Net Worth Required: $600,000 to $6,000,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
CycleBar is a class-based indoor cycling studio. The franchise provides several different classes for customers to choose from, including Classic (strength and endurance), Performance (extra motivation with CycleStats creating a class competition), and Connect (which is when monitors are turned off in the studio). CycleBar’s instructors are called CycleStars. They go beyond instructing the class by educating, coaching, and motivating members.
CycleBar began franchising in 2015 and is the largest indoor cycling franchise with over 200 locations. All franchise owners attend a three-day training course at their corporate headquarters in California. The initial term length is 10 years and the renewal length is 10 years. The royalty fee is 7% and there is a 2% national advertising fee, which is based on gross sales.
11. UFC Gym
Total Initial Investment: $295,057 to $4,912,007
No. Existing Locations: 146
Liquid Capital Required: $100,000 to $300,000
Net Worth Required: $300,000 to $1,500,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000 to $50,000
UFC Gym offers martial arts-based interval training classes and coaching. In addition to a general martial arts training class, UFC Gyms provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, TRX suspension training, kickboxing, spin, yoga, and youth training. Locations tend to have a training area, heavy bags, cardio and strength equipment, and a retail section.
UFC Gym began franchising in 2012 and now has 146 locations. Training centers tend to be large in size and require an investment anywhere from $295,057 to $4,912,007. UFC Gym provides 25% off the franchising fee for veterans. The minimum cash required to start one of their gyms is $100,000, which can be a combination of owner and investor cash.
12. Burn Boot Camp
Total Initial Investment: $148,830 to $353,150
No. Existing Locations: 219
Liquid Capital Required: $70,000
Net Worth Required: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Burn Boot Camp offers a 45-minute workout program, designed for moms and like-minded women, that aims to provide maximized results and burn around 700 calories per camp. The franchise focuses on the proper training mindset, whole food nutrition, burst training, strength training, and a motivating environment to promote confidence and achieve success.
Burn Boot Camp was founded in 2012 and started franchising in 2015. It has over 200 existing franchise units across the United States. An initial investment ranging from $148,830 to $353,150 is needed if you want to own a Burn Boot Camp franchise. The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 6% and an ad fee of 2%. The initial agreement length is five years.
13. iLoveKickboxing
Total Initial Investment: $214,944 to $559,494
No. Existing Locations: 256
Liquid Capital Required: $125,000
Net Worth Required: $500,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
iLoveKickboxing is a class-based fitness training that incorporates kickboxing into high-intensity and strength conditioning workouts. Every class typically includes a warm-up period, exercises on a punching bag, and then partner boxing-based drills. The bag work is designed to exercise the full body, including biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, abs, glutes, and quads.
iLoveKickboxing started franchising in 2012. The initial contract term is 10 years and the renewal is for another 10 years. The required initial investment varies from $214,944 to $559,494 depending on the location and size of the building. iLoveKickboxing charges a royalty fee of 6% and a 1% national advertising fee, which are both based on gross sales. The franchise provides 19 hours of training for new owners.
14. Snap Fitness
Total Initial Investment: $153,980 to $529,899
No. Existing Locations: 861
Liquid Capital Required: Over $125,000
Net Worth Requirement: Over $250,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Snap Fitness is a gym franchise that offers traditional weights and machines with 24/7 gym access to its members. The initial investment is smaller than other traditional gyms because the building footprint is smaller. Snap Fitness also offers daily workouts and a heart rate monitor screen in the gym for its members. It also provides personal training for private or group training.
Snap Fitness started franchising in 2004. The initial contract length is 10 years, and the renewal term is 10 years. It will cost anywhere from $153,980 to $529,899 to open a Snap Fitness, which varies depending on location and gym size. The franchise’s royalty fee is 6%, and its advertising rate totals up to 6%, both of which are based on gross sales.
15. The Bar Method
Total Initial Investment: $303,000 to $499,850
No. Existing Locations: 111
Liquid Capital Required: $50,000
Net Worth Requirement: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $52,000
The Bar Method workout routine is designed to provide a safe and challenging exercise that uses your own body weight for resistance along with a few basic pieces of equipment such as free weights, mats, and exercise balls. The classes are appropriate for all levels, ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. The Bar Method technique was created under the guidance of physical therapists, making it safe even for those with physical limitations and injuries.
The Bar Method was founded in 2001 and started franchising in 2008. The company has over 107 existing franchise units nationwide. An initial investment ranging from $303,000 to $499,850 is required if you want to become a franchisee. Ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 6% and an ad fee of 2%. The initial agreement length is 10 years.
Pros & Cons of Starting a Gym Franchise
Starting a gym or fitness franchise can be advantageous to both the small business owner and consumers because the fitness industry is growing and fitness franchises can be affordable. However, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you finally decide to open a gym franchise, like the fact that you may work long hours and have fierce competition. Let’s explore the pros and cons of starting a gym or fitness franchise below.
Pros of Starting a Gym or Fitness Franchise
Gym Franchises Are Brand-built & Market-ready
Just like most franchises, a gym franchise has an established system for the franchisee to follow. The brand is already built and market-ready, making it easier for the franchisee to get started compared to starting a fitness business from scratch. Additionally, the customer contracts and operational forms, like those for human resources, are already created for you. A lot of time and energy is saved by not having to create this information from scratch.
“One huge advantage of starting a franchise gym is that most of the brand-related marketing is already in place. With the power of an established brand behind your new gym, client acquisition is already set up for success. This leaves club owners with more time to focus on retaining those clients after they join and providing a truly unique fitness experience.”
— Adam Coombs, Digital Marketing Manager of Perfect Gym S.A.
“One huge advantage of starting a franchise gym is that most of the brand-related marketing is already in place. With the power of an established brand behind your new gym, client acquisition is already set up for success. This leaves club owners with more time to focus on retaining those clients after they join and providing a truly unique fitness experience.”The Health & Fitness Industry Is Growing
The health and fitness industry is growing rapidly, and entrepreneurs can take advantage of increasing market demands. Since people are now becoming more health-conscious, you can expect that there will be no shortage of customers in this industry. A lot to being successful in business is timing, and the fitness industry is something many people can take advantage of. Additionally, many gyms become worn down with old equipment, or they simply have poor customer service, which provides a great opportunity for you to acquire their customers.
— Matthew Stanton, Chief Development Officer, WellBiz Brands, Inc.
“Health, fitness, and wellness, as an entire industry segment, is rapidly growing. Personal training is becoming a necessity, not a luxury. Generally, a gym or fitness business is considered a stable business and, because of the market demand, there will be no shortage of customers anytime soon.”Many Health & Fitness Franchises Are Affordable
Compared to other franchise concepts, many health and fitness brands are generally less expensive, especially if you don’t consider the big-box traditional gym type. A more specialized training gym, such as F45 Training, can be started for a little over $100,000, depending on location. This is more affordable than other franchise types that require a large footprint, such as a family healthcare center or restaurant.
“Investment in small, boutique fitness centers specializing in one type of workout may start at $100,000. The range of investments in the fitness space still remains considerably less than other franchise options, and because of that, they seem to be in high demand.”
— Rick Bisio, Franchise Coach of The Educated Franchisee
“Regardless if a fitness center is owned by a private-equity company or a traditional franchisor, it can be a popular and attractive option for the entrepreneur. To start with, most health and fitness brands are less expensive than some other franchises concepts, such as a restaurant or hotel.Ability to Influence People to Get Healthy
By starting a fitness franchise, you are providing people with a platform to get fit and healthy. You are helping people improve self-confidence, self-esteem, and potentially live longer. This can have a positive impact on the community and can give you a purpose.
“Through this advantage comes the challenge of keeping each member motivated to eat right and push themselves through workouts, but the transformations are extremely rewarding for both parties. The opportunity to be a part of each member’s inspirational story through support and guidance is beyond words.”
— Alejandra Font, Co-founder of The Camp Transformation Center
“The most impactful advantage to owning a gym concept, and one we experience above anything else, is the ability to personally and positively influence the people in the community through a healthy transformation of body and mind.Cons of Starting a Gym or Fitness Franchise
High Upfront Costs
Generally, starting a traditional gym business can be very costly. You need to have a huge amount of capital to invest to build out the large space with equipment, personnel, and other operating expenses.
— Mike Liera, General Manager of The Arena Gym
“It can be very costly to open up a gym, with or without franchising. Equipment, heating and cooling, employees, as well as all of the business infrastructure like marketing and training, will add up quickly.”Fierce Competition
The gym and fitness industry provides a lot of options for potential customers. If you’re opening a business in a saturated market, you will have to provide compelling reasons why people should sign up for your gym. If you or one of your employees provides poor customer service, they can easily decide to cancel their membership and go to another gym.
Long Hours
Many gyms offer 24/7 hours, and some have a staff member present at all times. If someone cannot make their shift, you may have to work it. Additionally, many class-based gyms have early morning classes starting at 5:30 a.m. and nighttime classes at 8 p.m. When you’re initially starting the gym, you may need to work those long hours to make sure your staff is properly trained and understands how to operate the business when you’re not there.
Bottom Line
The health and fitness industry is one of the most popular franchise opportunities, especially with the increased awareness and health benefits of getting fit. You can take advantage of this increasing demand by venturing into a fitness franchise. There are several fitness franchise options available, from a traditional large gym, such as Planet Fitness, to a boutique gym, such as Pure Barre. Expect to spend anywhere from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 opening a gym franchise.
Continue your research into gym franchises with FranchiseOpportunities.com. The website provides in-depth franchise information. In addition to gyms and fitness centers, research information on all types of franchises from residential cleaning to vending machines. Discover franchises at all price points, from under $10,000 to over $200,000.
