Do you want to start your career path as a gym owner? So you’re probably wondering what business model will be best.
Your own brand is tempting, satisfying, but expensive. Franchising is an idea that facilitates the first steps in business.
But isn’t it equally expensive? What are the possibilities of becoming a gym franchisee? Which brands are big, well-known and reliable? What are the first costs approximately? Let’s check it together in this article.
Pros and cons of opening a gym franchise
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Brand Recognition | Creative Limitations |
| Support Network | Strict Guidelines |
| Proven Business Model | High Investment Cost – the cost to start a gym franchise is, at times, higher than the cost of starting your own gym. |
| Help With Getting Started | Dependence |
| Job Training | Royalty Fees – the franchise company is entitled to at least 5-10% of your monthly gross revenue. Some even take as much as 20%. |
| Lower Equipment Costs – if a commercial treadmill costs $8,000 directly from the manufacturer, they might be able to lower the price to only $5,000 per unit for your gym. Franchising from established gyms is a great way to bring down your total investment costs. | Not only an initial fee – but also a significant amount of money for the facilities, equipment, and marketing. While franchisors only charge $10,000-40,000 for a license, they might require you to have $250,000-500,000 in possession before they approve your license. |
| Gym Management Software | Franchise disclosure document |
100+ Gym Franchises Cost Comparison
Here is a list of 100+ franchise gyms in the USA, including their year of establishment, number of member gyms, and franchise fee or other costs. Note that the exact costs and number of member gyms can fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check directly with the franchise for the most current information.
We have arranged the list alphabetically to avoid the impression that we are favoring any one company.
| Name | Year of Establishing | Number of Gyms | Upfront Investment | Franchise Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hour Fitness | 1983 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Disclosed |
| 30 Minute Hit | 2004 | 50-100 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| 9Round Fitness | 2008 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | $30,000 |
| Ageless Fitness | 2018 | <20 | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| AKT | 2013 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Alloy Personal Training | 1992 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Anytime Fitness | 2001 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $42,500 |
| Apex Leadership | 2011 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Athletic Republic | 1990 | 50-100 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Axe Monkeys | 2016 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| BASH Boxing | 2017 | <20 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers | 2008 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Beem Light Sauna | 2019 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| BFT | 2017 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Big Blue Swim School | 2009 | 20-50 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| BODYBAR Pilates | 2011 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | $49,500 |
| CityRow | 2014 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| CKO Kickboxing | 1998 | 50-100 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Club Pilates | 2007 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $60,000 |
| Complete Nutrition | 2005 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Consignment King | 2010 | <20 | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| Core Progression | 2008 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| CrossFit | 2000 | 100+ | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| Crunch Fitness | 2010 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Ctrl V | 2016 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Curves | 1992 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| CycleBar | 2004 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | $49,500 |
| D1 Training | 2001 | 50-100 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Delta Life Fitness | 2009 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Elite Home Fitness | 2016 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| EOS Fitness | 1985 | 100+ | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping | 2001 | 50-100 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Fitness 1440 | 2009 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Fitness Connection | 1999 | 50-100 | Can’t find | Not Available |
| Fitness First | 1993 | 100+ | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| Fitness Machine Technicians | 2002 | 50-100 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs | 2004 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| FITtec. | 2019 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| FUN BUS Fitness FUN on Wheels | 2003 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Gold’s Gym | 1965 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $40,000 |
| Green Leaf Massage and Sports Recovery | 2009 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| GYMGUYZ | 2008 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Hapa Yoga & Fitness | 2016 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Hard Exercise Works | 2008 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Honor Yoga | 2013 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Hudson Valley Swim | 2003 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| IM=X Pilates and Fitness | 2004 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| In-Symmetry Spa | 1999 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Intrepid Gym | 2011 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| ISI® Elite Training | 2011 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Jabz Boxing | 2012 | <20 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| Jazzercise | 1969 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $1,250 |
| Jon Ric International | 1983 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Just You Fitness | 2011 | <20 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| Kids In Sports | 1999 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| KIKA Stretch Studios | 2011 | <20 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| La Fitness | 1984 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Legends Boxing | 2013 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Level Red Boxing | 2017 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Life Time Fitness | 1992 | 100+ | Private | Not Available |
| Lucille Roberts | 1973 | 20-50 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| MADabolic | 2012 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Max Muscle Sports Nutrition | 1990 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Mayweather Boxing + Fitness | 2018 | 50-100 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| MELD Fitness + Wellness | 2014 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| My Backyard Sports | 2017 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| My House Fitness | 2010 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Ninja Nation | 2017 | <20 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Orangetheory Fitness | 2010 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | $59,950 |
| Outlaw FitCamp | 2007 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| P.volve | 2017 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Peak Performance | 1986 | 50-100 | Private | Not Available |
| Planet Fitness | 1992 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Play It Again Sports | 1983 | 100+ | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Powerhouse Gym | 1974 | 100+ | Private | Not Available |
| Premier Martial Arts | 2004 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| PRO Martial Fit | 2021 | <20 | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| Pulse Performance | 2021 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Pure Barre | 2001 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | $60,000 |
| Purvelo | 2015 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Real Hot Yoga | 2012 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Retro Fitness | 2005 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $69,000 |
| Rock Box Fitness | 2016 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| RockBox Fitness | 2013 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Romp n’ Roll | 2004 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Row House | 2014 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Rumble | 2017 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Sasquatch Strength | 2019 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Send Me a Trainer | 2007 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Shapes Fitness for Women | 1990 | <20 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Shins Ninja Athletes | 2019 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| SKfit | 2011 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | 2004 | 100+ | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| Smart Drinks | 2002 | <20 | <$25,000 | Not Available |
| Snap Fitness | 2003 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | $15,000 |
| Soccer Stars | 2000 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| SoulCycle | 2006 | 50-100 | N/A | Not Available |
| SPENGA | 2015 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| StarCycle | 2013 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| StretchLab | 2015 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| StretchMed | 2019 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| STRIDE | 2017 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| Tapout Fitness | 2014 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | $30,000 |
| Team Combat | 2011 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| The Bar Method | 2001 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $46,500 |
| The Exercise Coach | 2000 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| The Exercise Coach | 2000 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| The Gym Group | 2007 | 100+ | Private | Not Available |
| The Little Gym | 1976 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| THE MAX Challenge | 2011 | 20-50 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park | 2018 | <20 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| TITLE Boxing Club | 2008 | 100+ | $50,000 – $100,000 | $49,500 |
| Tough Mudder Bootcamp | 2017 | <20 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| True Power Hybrid Fitness | 2014 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| TruFusion | 2013 | <20 | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| UFC Gym | 2009 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Unicus Fitness | 2003 | <20 | $50,000 – $100,000 | Not Available |
| Urban Air Adventure Parks | 2011 | 100+ | >$250,000 | Not Available |
| USA Ninja Challenge | 2015 | 20-50 | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| World Gym | 1978 | 100+ | >$250,000 | $30,000 |
| XSport Fitness | 1997 | 20-50 | Private | Not Available |
| YMCA | 1844 | 100+ | >$250,000 | Not Applicable |
| Yoga Six | 2012 | 100+ | $100,000 – $250,000 | Not Available |
| YogaFit | 2014 | 20-50 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Not Available |
| YogaWorks | 1987 | 50-100 | Private | Not Available |
| YouFit Gym | 2008 | 50-100 | Private | Not Available |
| Zumba Fitness | Not Available | 100+ | Private | Not Available |
The most expensive gym franchises
The cheapest gym franchise
Financial Investment of Opening a Gym Franchise
Opening a gym franchise involves significant financial investment, including:
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- Initial Franchise Fee: Upfront payment for brand rights.
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- Equipment and Build-Out Costs: Outfitting the gym.
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- Real Estate and Leasehold Improvements: Securing location and renovations.
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- Operating Expenses: Ongoing costs like rent, utilities, and marketing.
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- Royalties and Ongoing Fees: Payments to the franchisor.
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- Training and Support: Costs for franchisee training.
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- Marketing and Grand Opening Costs: Local promotion expenses.
Franchisees should plan carefully and consult with the franchisor for precise cost estimates.
Factors Affecting Gym Franchise Costs
Factors affecting gym franchise costs:
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- Franchise Brand: Popularity impacts fees.
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- Location: Influences real estate and market demand.
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- Size and Scope: Determines construction and equipment expenses.
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- Franchise Agreement: Terms vary and affect overall investment.
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- Local Regulations: Compliance adds to setup costs.
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- Market Conditions: Economic factors influence profitability.
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- Training and Support: Initial and ongoing training costs.
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- Marketing and Promotion: Expenses for attracting members.
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- Operational Expenses: Rent, utilities, and maintenance costs.
Don’t forget about these factors when starting your adventure in the fitness industry!
Managing Expenses in Gym Franchise Business
If you’re thinking about opening your own fitness franchise, plan to make your life easier right away. Check out the best gym management software available on the market and choose the option for yourself.
One of the most recommendable SaaS on the market is WodGuru. It serves as a comprehensive solution for managing all aspects of a fitness business, from membership management to marketing and analytics, ultimately helping gym owners run a more profitable and successful operation.
Exploring Additional Costs
Owning a fitness franchise can be a rewarding venture, both personally and financially. However, the cost involved in setting up an establishment in the fitness industry can vary depending on several factors. Here is a general breakdown of the investment structure:
Obvious – Initial Franchise Fee: This one-time payment is made to the franchisor for the right to use its brand and business model. Depending on the popularity and reputation of the franchise, this fee can range.
But then:
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- Equipment and Setup: Invest in state-of-the-art gym equipment and set up the facility. It is a significant part of the overall cost, but you can’t start without it. Provide fitness equipment, machines, weights, flooring, and other essential infrastructure.
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- Interior Design and Ambiance: Creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere is important for a successful gym. Take into account budgeting for interior design, decor, and branding.
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- Operating Licenses and Permits: Compliance with local regulations requires obtaining various licenses and permits, adding to the initial investment.
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- Marketing and Promotion: To get to fitness enthusiasts, marketing fees can’t be omitted. Allocating a budget for local advertising, social media campaigns, and promotional activities is necessary.
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- Working Capital: Sufficient working capital is needed to cover operational expenses for the first few months until your fitness franchise becomes profitable.
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- Royalty Fees: Franchise agreements often include ongoing royalty fees, typically calculated as a percentage of monthly sales.
Considering these factors, the estimated initial investment ranges even up to 5 million $. Be prepared!
100+ Franchise Cost List
Establishing a gym franchise involves a wide range of costs, from the initial franchise fee to ongoing operational expenses. Here’s a comprehensive list of over 100 potential costs you might find on your way:
Initial and One-Time Costs
1. Franchise Fee
2. Real Estate Acquisition or Lease
3. Leasehold Improvements
4. Building Permits and Licensing
5. Construction Costs
6. Architectural and Design Fees
7. Interior Design and Decoration
8. Signage
9. Initial Inventory of Equipment
10. Fitness Machines (Treadmills, Ellipticals, etc.)
11. Strength Training Equipment (Weights, Benches, etc.)
12. Specialized Equipment (Pilates Machines, Boxing Rings, etc.)
13. Audio-Visual Equipment
14. Locker Room Fixtures
15. Showers and Plumbing Fixtures
16. Mats and Flooring
17. Mirrors
18. Saunas and Steam Rooms
19. Pool Installation (if applicable)
20. Security Systems
21. Fire Safety Systems
22. IT Systems and Hardware
23. Software Licenses (Management Software, etc.)
24. Furniture (Desks, Chairs, etc.)
25. Decorative Items (Plants, Art, etc.)
26. Marketing and Advertising Initial Campaigns
27. Initial Sign-Up Bonuses and Promotions
28. Uniforms and Staff Apparel
29. Legal Fees for Franchise Agreement Review
30. Accounting Setup Costs
31. Insurance (Liability, Property, etc.)
32. Utility Deposits
33. Initial Stock of Retail Items (Supplements, Apparel, etc.)
34. Initial Stock of Cleaning Supplies
35. Initial Membership Management System Setup
36. Website Development
38. Branding Materials (Brochures, Business Cards, etc.)
39. Initial Staff Training Programs
40. Grand Opening Event Costs
41. Consulting Fees
Recurring Costs
42. Rent or Mortgage Payments
43. Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
44. Internet and Phone Services
45. Staff Salaries and Wages
46. Managerial Salaries
47. Front Desk Staff Salaries
48. Personal Trainer Salaries
49. Cleaning Staff Wages
50. Maintenance Staff Wages
51. Insurance Premiums
52. Franchise Royalty Fees
53. Marketing and Advertising Ongoing Campaigns
54. Accounting Services
55. Legal Services
56. Cleaning Supplies
57. Gym Equipment Maintenance and Repairs
58. Replacement of Worn-Out Equipment
59. Security System Monitoring Fees
60. Software Subscription Fees
61. Membership Management System Fees
62. POS System Fees
63. Music Licensing Fees
64. Laundry Services for Towels and Uniforms
65. Office Supplies
66. Uniform Replacement
67. Retail Inventory Replenishment
68. Retail Inventory Storage Costs
69. Compliance Fees (Health and Safety, etc.)
70. Training Program Development
71. Fitness Class Instructor Fees
72. Special Events and Workshops Costs
73. Membership Card Production
74. Member Retention Programs
75. Loyalty Program Costs
76. Local Taxes
77. Waste Management Services
78. Pool Maintenance (if applicable)
79. Sauna and Steam Room Maintenance
80. HVAC Maintenance
81. Janitorial Services
82. Parking Lot Maintenance
83. Exterior Landscaping
84. Window Cleaning Services
85. Staff Continuing Education and Certification
86. Travel Expenses for Staff Training
87. Employee Benefits (Health Insurance, etc.)
88. Pest Control Services
89. Emergency Repair Funds
90. Depreciation of Equipment
91. Bank Fees
92. Merchant Service Fees for Credit Card Processing
93. Professional Membership Fees
94. Industry Conferences and Networking Events
95. Data Storage and Backup Services
97. Mobile App Maintenance
98. Website Maintenance
99. Social Media Management Tools
100. SEO and Online Advertising Costs
101. Corporate Office Support Fees
102. Training Equipment Replacement
103. Legal Compliance Training for Staff
104. First Aid Supplies and Training
105. Ongoing Brand Development Costs
106. Annual Fire Safety Inspections
107. Health Department Inspections and Compliance
108. Emergency Response Plan Development
109. Disaster Recovery Planning
110. Environmental Compliance Fees
111. Ongoing Support
Miscellaneous Costs
112. Unexpected Repairs and Maintenance
113. Inflation Adjustments for Various Costs
114. Member Complaint Resolution Costs
115. Community Sponsorships and Partnerships
116. Specialized Training Equipment
117. Seasonal Decorations
118. Membership Refunds and Discounts
119. Professional Photography for Marketing
120. Video Production for Promotions
121. Staff Retreats and Team Building Activities
This list covers a wide array of costs associated with establishing and running a gym franchise. From the initial cost to ongoing operational expenses. Budget properly for these items. You’ll be on the road to successful launch and sustainability of your gym business!
Understanding the Break-Even Point for a Gym Franchise
Achieving the break-even point marks a significant financial milestone for any business, including a gym franchise. It’s the stage where your total revenue equals your total expenses, resulting in neither profit nor loss.
To calculate the break-even point, you need to identify fixed costs (expenses that remain constant regardless of customer volume) and variable costs (expenses that change based on customer numbers or revenue). Understanding this point helps determine the customer volume required to cover expenses and begin generating profits.
Through effective cost management and revenue optimization, you can expedite reaching the break-even point and start generating profits earlier in your business journey.
Negotiating Fees and Royalties with Gym Franchise Companies
In the fitness business like in any other business, everybody wants to earn and have profits. When it comes to negotiating, both sides of the conversation must remember they have something to offer.
Firstly, franchisees should thoroughly understand the fee structure, including initial franchise fees, ongoing royalties, and any additional charges.
Secondly, they should assess the value provided by the franchisor in terms of training, support, branding, and marketing. This evaluation helps ensure that the fees align with the benefits received.
Additionally, franchisees may explore opportunities for negotiation based on factors such as market conditions, performance projections, and investment levels.
Gym Franchise Opportunities
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- Brand Recognition: Partnering with a well-known gym franchise gives instant credibility and recognition in the market.
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- Proven Business Model: Franchises often come with proven systems and processes, reducing the risk associated with starting a new business.
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- Training and Support: Franchisors typically offer training programs and ongoing support to help franchisees succeed.
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- Marketing Assistance: Franchise agreements often include marketing support and national advertising campaigns to attract customers.
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- Access to Resources: Franchisees benefit from bulk purchasing power, access to preferred vendors, and shared resources, lowering operational costs.
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- Growth Potential: Many gym franchises offer opportunities for expansion, allowing franchisees to open multiple locations and increase their revenue potential.
Most popular brands of gym franchise
How much does it cost to buy a Gold’s Gym franchise?
The initial investment for a Gold’s Gym franchise ranges from $2 million to $5 million, including the franchise fee, equipment, build-out costs, real estate, and other expenses.
How much does it cost to buy a Planet Fitness franchise?
Initial investment for a Planet Fitness franchise ranges from $969,000 to $4.2 million, which includes the franchise fee, equipment, build-out costs, real estate, and other expenses. However, exact costs may differ depending on individual circumstances and market conditions.
How much does it cost to buy a Jazzercise franchise?
Generally, the initial investment for a Jazzercise franchise ranges from $2,405 to $76,500, which includes the franchise fee, equipment, initial training, marketing materials, and other startup costs. Additionally, franchisees are required to pay ongoing royalties based on a percentage of revenue.
Key Takeaways
- Gym franchises have good sides, e.g. proven business model or supportive and motivating environment of the chain owners.
- Gym franchises have bad sides too, like limited creativity, Strict Guidelines and royalty fees.
- The initial costs of a franchise gym are not only the franchise fee.
- If you want to act on a grand scale, be prepared to spend up to $4-5 million.
- When setting up a gym franchise, make your life easier by implementing gym management software.
FAQ
No, when opening a gym franchise, the initial investment includes more than just the license fee. There are also: equipment and build-out costs, real estate and leasehold improvements, operating expenses, royalties and ongoing fees, training and support, marketing and grand opening costs, etc.
In most cases, the franchisee is responsible for selecting the location for their franchise. However, the franchisor may provide guidance, criteria, and assistance in the site selection process to ensure that the location meets the brand’s standards and has the potential for success.
Gym franchises have the potential to be profitable, but success depends on various factors such as location, market demand, competition, brand strength, management expertise, and operational efficiency.
Gym franchising is a business model where a franchisor grants rights to operate a gym under their brand to a franchisee. The franchisee pays an initial fee and ongoing royalties, receives training and support, and must adhere to brand standards. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s recognition and support while maintaining consistency across locations. It’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a gym business with less risk and more support.
Gym franchising is a business model where a franchisor grants rights to operate a gym under their brand to a franchisee. The franchisee pays an initial fee and ongoing royalties, receives training and support, and must adhere to brand standards. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s recognition and support while maintaining consistency across locations. It’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a gym business with less risk and more support.
