Gym Franchise Cost in 2024 (100 Gym Franchises Cost List)

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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. 

An empty gym with its owner, waiting for customers

Pros and cons of opening a gym franchise

“Advantage” written on a lifebuoy to describe positive sides of having a franchise gym
Pros:Cons:
Brand RecognitionCreative Limitations
Support NetworkStrict Guidelines
Proven Business ModelHigh Investment Cost – the cost to start a gym franchise is, at times, higher than the cost of starting your own gym
Help With Getting StartedDependence
Job TrainingRoyalty 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 SoftwareFranchise disclosure document
A frustrated man sitting in front of his laptop, to illustrate dependence and lack of creativity when having a franchise gym.

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. These are not only top fitness franchises, but actually the majority of the industry.

NameYear of EstablishingNumber of GymsUpfront InvestmentFranchise Fee
24 Hour Fitness1983100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Disclosed
30 Minute Hit200450-100$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
9Round Fitness2008100+$50,000 – $100,000$30,000
Ageless Fitness2018<20<$25,000Not Available
AKT201320-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Alloy Personal Training1992<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Anytime Fitness2001100+>$250,000$42,500
Apex Leadership2011100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Athletic Republic199050-100$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Axe Monkeys201620-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
BASH Boxing2017<20>$250,000Not Available
BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers200820-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Beem Light Sauna2019<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
BFT2017100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Big Blue Swim School200920-50>$250,000Not Available
BODYBAR Pilates2011<20$100,000 – $250,000$49,500
CityRow2014<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
CKO Kickboxing199850-100>$250,000Not Available
Club Pilates2007100+>$250,000$60,000
Complete Nutrition2005100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Consignment King2010<20<$25,000Not Available
Core Progression2008<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
CrossFit2000100+<$25,000Not Available
Crunch Fitness2010100+>$250,000$25,000 – $50,000
Ctrl V201620-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Curves1992100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
CycleBar2004100+$100,000 – $250,000$49,500
D1 Training200150-100>$250,000Not Available
Delta Life Fitness200920-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Elite Home Fitness2016<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
EOS Fitness1985100+$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping200150-100$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Fitness 14402009<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Fitness Connection199950-100Can’t findNot Available
Fitness First1993100+<$25,000Not Available
Fitness Machine Technicians200250-100$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs2004<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
FITtec.2019<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
FUN BUS Fitness FUN on Wheels200320-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Gold’s Gym1965100+>$250,000$40,000
Green Leaf Massage and Sports Recovery2009<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
GYMGUYZ2008100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Hapa Yoga & Fitness2016<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Hard Exercise Works2008<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Honor Yoga201320-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Hudson Valley Swim2003<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
IM=X Pilates and Fitness200420-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
In-Symmetry Spa1999<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Intrepid Gym2011<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
ISI® Elite Training201120-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Jabz Boxing2012<20$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
Jazzercise1969100+>$250,000$1,250
Jon Ric International198320-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Just You Fitness2011<20$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
Kids In Sports1999<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
KIKA Stretch Studios2011<20$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
La Fitness1984100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Legends Boxing2013<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Level Red Boxing2017<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Life Time Fitness1992100+PrivateNot Available
Lucille Roberts197320-50>$250,000Not Available
MADabolic2012<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Max Muscle Sports Nutrition1990100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness201850-100$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
MELD Fitness + Wellness2014<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
My Backyard Sports2017<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
My House Fitness2010<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Ninja Nation2017<20>$250,000Not Available
Orangetheory Fitness2010100+$100,000 – $250,000$59,950
Outlaw FitCamp2007<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
P.volve2017<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Peak Performance198650-100PrivateNot Available
Planet Fitness1992100+>$250,000$20,000 – $30,000
Play It Again Sports1983100+>$250,000Not Available
Powerhouse Gym1974100+PrivateNot Available
Premier Martial Arts2004100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
PRO Martial Fit2021<20<$25,000Not Available
Pulse Performance2021<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Pure Barre2001100+$100,000 – $250,000$60,000
Purvelo2015<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Real Hot Yoga2012<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Retro Fitness2005100+>$250,000$69,000
Rock Box Fitness2016<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
RockBox Fitness201320-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Romp n’ Roll2004<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Row House2014100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Rumble201720-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Sasquatch Strength2019<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Send Me a Trainer200720-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Shapes Fitness for Women1990<20>$250,000Not Available
Shins Ninja Athletes2019<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
SKfit2011<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Sky Zone Trampoline Park2004100+>$250,000Not Available
Smart Drinks2002<20<$25,000Not Available
Snap Fitness2003100+$50,000 – $100,000$15,000
Soccer Stars2000<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
SoulCycle200650-100N/ANot Available
SPENGA2015100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
StarCycle2013<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
StretchLab2015100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
StretchMed201920-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
STRIDE2017<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
Tapout Fitness201420-50$100,000 – $250,000$30,000
Team Combat2011<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
The Bar Method2001100+>$250,000$46,500
The Exercise Coach2000100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
The Exercise Coach200020-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
The Gym Group2007100+PrivateNot Available
The Little Gym1976100+$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
THE MAX Challenge201120-50$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park2018<20>$250,000Not Available
TITLE Boxing Club2008100+$50,000 – $100,000$49,500
Tough Mudder Bootcamp2017<20$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
True Power Hybrid Fitness2014<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
TruFusion2013<20>$250,000Not Available
UFC Gym2009100+>$250,000$30,000 – $50,000
Unicus Fitness2003<20$50,000 – $100,000Not Available
Urban Air Adventure Parks2011100+>$250,000Not Available
USA Ninja Challenge201520-50$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
World Gym1978100+>$250,000$30,000
XSport Fitness199720-50PrivateNot Available
YMCA1844100+>$250,000Not Applicable
Yoga Six2012100+$100,000 – $250,000Not Available
YogaFit201420-50$25,000 – $50,000Not Available
YogaWorks198750-100PrivateNot Available
YouFit Gym200850-100PrivateNot Available
Zumba FitnessNot Available100+PrivateNot 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:

  1.  
  • Initial Franchise Fee: Upfront payment for brand rights.
  • Equipment and Build-Out Costs: Outfitting the gym.
  • Real Estate and Leasehold Improvements: Securing location and renovations.
  • Operating Expenses: Ongoing costs like rent, utilities, and marketing.
  • Royalties and Ongoing Fees: Payments to the franchisor.
  • Training and Support: Costs for franchisee training.
  • Marketing and Grand Opening Costs: Local promotion expenses.

Franchisees should plan carefully and consult with the franchisor for precise cost estimates.

A newly open gym, ready for customers

Factors Affecting Gym Franchise Costs

Factors affecting gym franchise costs:

    • Franchise Brand: Popularity impacts fees.
    • Location: Influences real estate and market demand.
    • Size and Scope: Determines construction and equipment expenses.
    • Franchise Agreement: Terms vary and affect overall investment.
    • Local Regulations: Compliance adds to setup costs.
    • Market Conditions: Economic factors influence profitability.
    • Training and Support: Initial and ongoing training costs.
    • Marketing and Promotion: Expenses for attracting members.
    • 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:
gym member management software
to marketing software for gyms,
gym payment systems,
and analytics thanks to gym reports,
ultimately helping gym owners run more profitable and successful operations.

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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: 

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Operating Licenses and Permits: Compliance with local regulations requires obtaining various licenses and permits, adding to the initial investment.
    • 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.
    • Working Capital: Sufficient working capital is needed to cover operational expenses for the first few months until your fitness franchise becomes profitable.
    • 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!

Dollar banknotes to illustrate gym franchise initial expenses

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 (Gym Manager 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

37. Mobile App 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)

Electricity, water, gas, so many bills to pay in your fitness franchise.

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. Gym Membership Management Software Fees

62. Gym Point Of Sale 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

96. Customer Feedback System

97. Mobile Membership 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.

Graphs are useful for franchise owners to plan the break even point.

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. 

A future gym franchisee negotiating with the owner of a gym franchise company

Gym Franchise Opportunities

  1.  
    • Brand Recognition: Partnering with a well-known gym franchise gives instant credibility and recognition in the market.
    • Proven Business Model: Franchises often come with proven systems and processes, reducing the risk associated with starting a new business.
    • Training and Support: Franchisors typically offer training programs and ongoing support to help franchisees succeed.
    • Marketing Assistance: Franchise agreements often include marketing support and national advertising campaigns to attract customers.
    • Access to Resources: Franchisees benefit from bulk purchasing power, access to preferred vendors, and shared resources, lowering operational costs.
    • 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

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.

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