Table of Contents
The growing interest in fitness and wellness is a market opportunity that has been steadily on the rise. This trend of people looking for healthier lifestyles has led to an increase in sales, franchising opportunities, and more career options. Here are 15 successful franchises with impressive growth potentials to watch out for this year.
Entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this by investing in gym and fitness franchises as fitness becomes more of a lifestyle than a craze, and individuals are increasingly conscientious about staying fit. Fortunately, there are a variety of fitness franchises to select from, all of which cost roughly $350,000 on average. For your consideration, we compiled statistics on the 15 best-performing gym franchises.
When considering franchises, one factor to consider is whether or not they are available in your state. Many franchises are only available in certain states or regions of the nation.
Top 15 Fitness & Gym Franchise Options
Based on data from FranchiseOpportunities.com, FranchiseGrade.com, and business websites, we’ve selected the top 15 gym franchises. We looked at the initial investment, success rate, capital required, term duration, fee balance, and unit economics, among other things. We also looked at the franchise’s total growth from 2018 to 2021 to see which franchises had had quick growth to assist you to make a judgment before purchasing a franchise.
The following are the top 15 gym and fitness franchise opportunities:
Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness provides members with class-based training in a dynamic and modern environment marked by the company’s unique orange color scheme and uniforms. Treadmills, rowing machines, and free weights are among the workout equipment used in classes. It offers 60-minute group exercise sessions taught by a trainer that is divided into periods of aerobic and strength training. Orangetheory is recognized for its heart rate monitoring training, which is meant to keep you in a target zone that boosts metabolism, enhances energy, and burns 500 to 1,000 calories every exercise.
Orangetheory Fitness opened its first location in 2010 and began franchising the following year. The firm now has over 1,200 locations in the United States, as well as over 100 franchise units outside of the nation. To become a franchisee, you must make an initial investment of between $560,000 and $1,000,000. A royalty charge of 8% and an ad fee of 2% are included in the recurring costs. The original contract is for a period of ten years.
GymGuyz
GymGuyz is a home personal training business that specializes in one-on-one fitness, group fitness, and corporate fitness. Weight reduction, body sculpting, weight training, therapeutic and athletic stretch, senior fitness, obstacle course training, kickboxing, and pre-and post-natal exercise are among the services offered. GymGuyz strives to give customers convenient, personalized, and innovative training.
GymGuyz opened its first location in 2008 and began franchising in 2013. There are presently 125 franchise units available. If you want to own a GymGuyz franchise, you’ll need to put down an initial investment of $56,072 to $222,672, which is cheaper than other businesses and makes it one of the finest franchises to purchase. A 6% royalty charge and a 2% ad fee are included in their recurring payments. The first contract period is ten years.
9Round
9Round is a kickboxing-themed fitness class that combines functional, HIIT, aerobic, and circuit training into a 30-minute workout. A world champion kickboxer created these routines, which comprise nine hard training stations. Personal trainer help and dietary advice are also available via 9Round.
9Round began franchising in 2009, after being formed in 2007. There are already over 600 franchise sites throughout the United States. To become a 9Round franchisee, you’ll need to spend anywhere between $99,675 and $143,075 in the beginning. Their recurring payments are based on gross sales and include a 6% monthly royalty charge and a 2% monthly ad fee. The first contract arrangement is for a period of ten years.
Club Pilates
TriggerPoint, TRX, springboard, and the EXO-Chair are just a few of the distinctive pieces of equipment used at Club Pilates. Full-body exercises, aerobics, stretching, foam rolling, and suspension training are all included in the courses. There are four various degrees of difficulty, and most courses give a selection of them. Private training is available at most locations for a more personalized exercise.
Club Pilates opened its first location in San Diego in 2007 and began franchising in 2012. It presently has over 850 franchisees and is quickly expanding, with 379 new locations opening in the last two years. The original contract duration for Club Pilates is ten years, with a five-year renewal term. Their royalties rate is 7%, and their advertising fee is 2%, and both are dependent on gross sales. You will require a total investment of $167,967 to $280,446 to launch this franchise, depending on the location and size of the facility.
Anytime Fitness
Because Anytime Fitness is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, it provides convenience and flexibility to its customers. It boasts a unique security mechanism that enables club members to use the gym even when it is not manned. This allows you to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week without the need for extra personnel. Fitness counseling, group training, and personal training are among their offerings.
Anytime Fitness opened its first location in 2001 and began franchising in 2002. The franchise presently has over 2,300 locations in the United States and over 600 franchise units outside of the United States. A royalty charge of 6%, a national advertising price of 2%, a local advertising fee of 2%, and a cooperative advertising fee of 2% are among the recurring payments, which are all based on gross sales. The original contract is for six years.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a fitness facility that strives to create a judgment-free environment where everyone may feel at ease. The organization prides itself on having clean and roomy facilities that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Free fitness instruction is offered, with experienced trainers accessible to create a personalized exercise plan for individuals and assist them with equipment.
Planet Fitness first opened its doors in 1992 and began franchising in 2003. There are presently over 1,400 franchise sites throughout the United States. To become a Planet Fitness franchisee, you’ll need to put down an initial investment of $969,600 to $4,242,500. A 7% royalty charge and a 9% ad fee are included in the continuing costs. The original contract is for a period of ten years.
Pure Barre
Pure Barre is a workout studio that uses the ballet barre to execute minor isometric motions while listening to music. It gives you a full-body exercise that targets your hips, thighs, seat, abs, and arms. Pure Barre’s training style minimizes leaping and bouncing, making it safe and low-impact. The Pure Barre program, in addition to physical benefits, seeks to deliver mental benefits akin to yoga and meditation.
Pure Barre opened its first location in 2001 and began franchising in 2009. There are approximately 460 franchise sites around the United States. To become a Pure Barre franchisee, you’ll need to put down an initial investment of $178,350 to $370,000. A royalty charge of 7%, a national ad fee of 1%, and a local ad cost of 1% are included in the recurring payments. The original contract is for a period of five years.
F45 Training
F45 Training is a high-intensity workout that takes place in a group setting. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes and is designed to burn up to 750 calories. The letter “F” stands for “functional” in F45. Exercises are included in the lessons to assist with daily functional mobility. There are many TVs in each class that describe the training drill. Individual performance indicators from personal heart rate monitors, such as heart rate, calories burnt, and percent of maximal effort prolonged, are also shown on the TVs.
F45 Training began in 2010, and franchising began in 2015. Because the studios have a tiny footprint, the entire cost for a franchise is $100,000 to $300,000. This is a minimal investment compared to other franchises. The first term agreement is for five years, with a two-year renewal option. F45 Training charges a 7% royalty fee and a 2% national advertising fee, which are both dependent on gross sales.
Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness strives to create a nonjudgmental fitness environment for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, races, genders, and fitness levels. It provides customized fitness instruction with the support of professional personal trainers to help customers achieve their fitness objectives. Group training and courses such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, and barre are also available.
Crunch Fitness opened its first location in 2010 and began franchising the following year. There are presently over 140 franchise sites throughout the United States. You’ll require an initial investment of between $304,500 and $2,129,500 to become a franchisee. A royalty charge of 5% and an ad fee of 2% are included in the recurring costs. The original contract is for a period of ten years.
CycleBar
CycleBar is an indoor cycling facility that offers group classes. Customers may pick from a variety of courses, including Classic (strength and endurance), Performance (added incentive with CycleStats establishing a class competition), and Connect (interactive fitness) (which is when monitors are turned off in the studio). CycleStars are the instructors at CycleBar. They educate, advise, and motivate participants in addition to conducting the class.
CycleBar started franchising in 2015 and now has over 200 sites, making it the biggest indoor cycling business in the world. At its corporate headquarters in California, all franchise owners complete a three-day training session. The first term is ten years long, and the renewal term is ten years long. The royalty cost is 7%, plus there is a national advertising fee of 2%, which is dependent on gross sales.
UFC Gym
Interval training courses and coaching focused on martial arts are available at UFC Gym. UFC Gyms offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons, TRX suspension training, kickboxing, spin, yoga, and youth training in addition to general martial arts instruction. A training room, heavy bags, cardio and strength equipment, and a shop section are common features.
In 2012, UFC Gym started franchising and today has 146 locations. Training facilities are typically substantial in size and cost anywhere from $295,057 to $4,912,007. Veterans get a 25% discount on the franchise cost at UFC Gym. A minimum of $100,000 is needed to open one of their gyms, which may be a mix of owner and investor funds.
Burn Boot Camp
Burn Boot Camp is a 45-minute fitness program for parents and other like-minded women that attempt to optimize outcomes while burning roughly 700 calories every camp. To create confidence and accomplish success, the franchise focuses on the appropriate training attitude, whole food diet, burst training, strength training, and a motivating atmosphere.
Burn Boot Camp first opened its doors in 2012 and began franchising in 2015. It now has over 200 franchise locations throughout the United States. If you want to buy a Burn Boot Camp franchise, you’ll need to put down an initial investment of $148,830 to $353,150. A royalty charge of 6% and an ad fee of 2% are included in the recurring costs. The original contract is for five years.
iLoveKickboxing
Kickboxing is incorporated into high-intensity and strength conditioning sessions in iLoveKickboxing, a class-based fitness program. Every lesson usually starts with a warm-up, followed by punching bag exercises and partner boxing drills. Bag work targets the whole body, including the biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, stomach, glutes, and quadriceps.
In 2012, iLoveKickboxing began franchising. The original contract period is ten years, with a ten-year renewal option. Depending on the location and size of the building, the needed initial expenditure ranges from $214,944 to $559,494. iLoveKickboxing charges a 6 percent royalty fee and a 1% national advertising fee, both of which are dependent on gross purchases. New franchisees get 19 hours of training from the franchise.
Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness is a gym franchise that provides its members with standard weights and equipment as well as 24-hour gym access. Because the building size is smaller, the initial investment is lower than other typical gyms. Snap Fitness customers may also benefit from regular exercises and a heart rate monitor screen in the gym. It also offers personal training for individuals or groups.
In 2004, Snap Fitness began franchising. The original contract duration is ten years, with a ten-year renewal term. Opening a Snap Fitness may cost anywhere from $153,980 to $529,899, depending on location and club size. The royalty cost for the franchise is 6%, and the advertising rate is also 6%, both of which are dependent on gross sales.
The Bar Method
The Bar Method workout program is meant to give a safe and difficult workout that relies on your own body weight as resistance, as well as a few simple items of equipment like free weights, mats, and exercise balls. The lessons are suitable for all abilities and last between 45 and 60 minutes. Physical therapists helped develop the Bar Method approach, which makes it safe for anyone with physical limitations and injuries.
The Bar Method opened its first location in 2001 and began franchising in 2008. The firm now has 107 franchise locations around the United States. If you wish to become a franchisee, you’ll need to put down an initial investment of $303,000 to $499,850. A 6% royalty charge and a 2% ad fee are included in the ongoing costs. The original arrangement is for a period of ten years.
Pros & Cons of Starting a Gym Franchise
Because the fitness sector is increasing and fitness franchises may be inexpensive, starting a gym or fitness franchise can benefit both small business owners and customers. However, there are certain disadvantages to be aware of before deciding to create a gym franchise, such as the possibility of working long working hours and facing tough competition. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of opening a gym or fitness business.
The Benefits of Opening a Gym or Fitness Franchise
Gym Franchises Are Brand-built & Market-ready
A gym franchise, like other franchises, has a set of rules that the franchisee must follow. When opposed to beginning a fitness company from scratch, the brand is already created and market-ready, making it simpler for the franchisee to get started. Customer contracts and operational forms, such as those for human resources, have also been prepared for you. Not having to compile this information from start saves a lot of time and effort.
“One of the biggest benefits of opening a franchise gym is that the majority of brand-related marketing is already in place.” Client acquisition is already set up for success when you have the backing of a well-known brand behind your new club. This gives club owners more time to concentrate on keeping members and offering a really unique fitness experience when they join.”
Perfect Gym S.A.’s Digital Marketing Manager, Adam Coombs
The Health & Fitness Industry Is Growing
The health and fitness business is rapidly expanding, and entrepreneurs may capitalize on this trend. Because people are growing more health-conscious, you should anticipate a steady stream of consumers in this market. Timing is crucial to company success, and the fitness sector is one that many people may benefit from. Furthermore, many gyms get worn out with obsolete equipment or just have bad customer service, which presents an excellent chance for you to gain their business.
“The health, fitness, and wellness business as a whole is quickly expanding. Personal training is increasingly becoming a need rather than a luxury. In general, a gym or fitness firm is regarded a steady business, and there will be no scarcity of consumers anytime soon due to market demand.”
― WellBiz Brands, Inc.’s Chief Development Officer, Matthew Stanton
Many Health & Fitness Franchises Are Affordable
Many health and fitness franchises are less costly than other franchise ideas, particularly if you don’t consider the big-box typical gym kind. Depending on location, a more specialized training facility, such as F45 Training, maybe open for a little over $100,000. Other franchise kinds that need a huge footprint, such as a family healthcare center or restaurant, are more expensive.
“Whether a fitness facility is owned by a private equity firm or a typical franchisor, it may be a popular and appealing alternative for a business owner.” To begin with, most health and fitness businesses are less costly than other franchise ideas like restaurants or hotels.
“Small, boutique fitness facilities that specialize in one style of activity might cost up to $100,000 to open. The fitness industry’s investment range is still much smaller than other franchise alternatives, and as a result, they seem to be in great demand.”
– Rick Bisio, The Educated Franchisee’s Franchise Coach
Ability to persuade others to become healthier
You are providing individuals with a platform to become fit and healthy by creating a fitness business. You are assisting individuals in gaining self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as maybe living longer. This may have a great influence on the community while also providing you with a sense of purpose.
“The difficulty of keeping each member motivated to eat well and push oneself through exercises comes with this benefit, but the changes are immensely satisfying for both parties.” It’s beyond words to have the chance to be a part of each member’s remarkable narrative via support and assistance.”
– Alejandra Font, The Camp Transformation Center’s co-founder
The Disadvantages of Opening a Gym or Fitness Franchise
High Initial Investment
In general, opening a conventional gym may be highly expensive. To equip the enormous area with equipment, employees, and other running expenditures, you’ll need a considerable sum of money to invest.
“Opening a gym, whether franchised or not, maybe highly expensive. Equipment, heating and cooling, workers, and everything company infrastructures, such as marketing and training, will soon add up.”
— Mike Liera, The Arena Gym’s General Manager
Competition is fierce
Potential clients have a lot of choices in the gym and fitness business. If you’re starting a company in a crowded industry, you’ll need to provide compelling reasons for people to join your gym. They may simply opt to cancel their membership and move to another gym if you or one of your workers gives terrible customer service.
Long Working 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 working hours to make sure your staff is properly trained and understands how to operate the business when you’re not there.
Conclusion
The health and fitness business is one of the most popular franchise options, particularly now that people are more aware of the health advantages of being in shape. Investing in a fitness franchise might help you capitalize on this rising demand. There are a variety of fitness franchise opportunities available, ranging from classic big gyms like Planet Fitness to boutique gyms like Pure Barre. A gym franchise might cost anything from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 to start.
