Every gym owner dreams of their brand one day being on the list of the most successful fitness companies. But how to make your gym stand out? How did others get on that list? What can you learn from them? Check out this article!
Key Takeaways
- The most successful gyms stand out due to their innovative approaches to fitness, strong community engagement, flexible memberships, and diverse offerings, allowing them to dominate in their respective segments.
- Examples of fitness company brands that can be considered successful are: Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Barry’s Bootcamp, Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness and others.
- If you want to create a fitness company which earns more and more because it meets the needs of customers, offer personalized fitness programs or connect workouts with mental health.
- You may also follow the technological trends and establish a digital health company. Remember to make life easier for your members, e.g. by introducing a gym membership app for bookings and payments.
The Most Successful Fitness Companies in 2025
As of February 2025, several gyms in the United States have distinguished themselves through substantial financial performance, extensive national and international presence, and innovative business models.
These gyms have achieved success through a combination of strategic pricing, innovative services, and effective market positioning, allowing them to expand their memberships and maintain strong financial performance.
Here’s a table summarizing the 10 gyms with their respective number of locations, membership cost, estimated earnings, and date of establishment:
Brand | Number of Locations | Membership Cost | Estimated Earnings | Date Established |
Planet Fitness | 2,700+ | $10 – $25/month | $2.2 billion (2024) | 1992 |
Anytime Fitness | 5,200+ | $30 – $40/month | $379,000/member (avg) | 2002 |
24 Hour Fitness | Multiple (across the U.S.) | $30 – $50/month | $2.7 billion | 1983 |
Life Time Fitness | Numerous (across the U.S.) | $60 – $200/month | $2.2 billion | 1992 |
Equinox | Several (major U.S. cities, intl.) | $180 – $300/month | $455 million | 1991 |
Gold’s Gym | 700+ | $30 – $60/month | $900 million+ | 1965 |
F45 Training | 1,750+ | $150 – $250/month (varies) | Hundreds of millions | 2011 |
SoulCycle | 90+ | $30 – $40 per class | $100 million+ | 2006 |
Crunch Fitness | 300+ | $10 – $30/month | $200 million+ | 1989 |
Barry’s Bootcamp | 70+ | $30 – $40 per class | $150 million+ | 1998 |
Please note:
- Membership Cost: Prices can vary depending on location, membership type, and whether it includes extras (e.g., group classes, personal training).
- Estimated Earnings: Figures are based on the most recent available financial data, but they are estimates or rounded values.
- Number of Locations: Some brands, like 24 Hour Fitness and Life Time Fitness, have a large number of U.S.-based locations. Others like Equinox or SoulCycle focus on high-end locations in major cities.
Here are some of the most successful gyms, including both gym chains and independent brands, along with key details:
1. Planet Fitness
- Founder: Michael Grondahl (founded in 1992)
- Financial Performance: $2.2 billion in revenue in 2024.
- Number of Locations: Over 2,700 locations across the U.S. and internationally.
- Reason for Success: Focused on affordability and a “judgment-free” workout environment, appealing to a broad demographic, especially first-time gym-goers.
- Founder Info: Michael Grondahl co-founded Planet Fitness to make fitness accessible to everyone, emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere for beginners.
2. Anytime Fitness
- Founders: Chuck Runyon, Dave Mortensen, and Jeff Klinger (founded in 2002)
- Financial Performance: $379,000 average revenue per member.
- Number of Locations: 5,200+ locations worldwide.
- Reason for Success: 24/7 access and a flexible membership model have made it highly popular with busy professionals.
- Founder Info: The founders, originally franchise owners, wanted to create a fitness model that allowed members to work out anytime, making fitness more accessible.
3. 24 Hour Fitness
- Founder: Mark Mastrov (founded in 1983)
- Financial Performance: $2.7 billion in revenue.
- Number of Locations: Multiple locations across the U.S.
- Reason for Success: Offers 24/7 access, wide-ranging fitness services, and group classes, catering to individuals with varied fitness needs.
- Founder Info: Mark Mastrov started 24 Hour Fitness with the vision of creating a gym that would be open at all hours to accommodate any schedule, reshaping the fitness industry.
4. Life Time Fitness
- Founder: Bahram Akradi (founded in 1992)
- Financial Performance: $2.2 billion in revenue.
- Number of Locations: Numerous locations across the U.S.
- Reason for Success: Combines fitness, wellness, and lifestyle services, including spas and cafés, creating a premium, all-encompassing experience.
- Founder Info: Bahram Akradi, a former fitness enthusiast, founded Life Time Fitness with a vision of offering a holistic health and wellness experience that went beyond traditional gyms.
5. Equinox
- Founder: Danny and Vicky Koshland (founded in 1991)
- Financial Performance: $455 million in revenue.
- Number of Locations: Several luxury gyms in major U.S. cities and internationally.
- Reason for Success: Offers high-end fitness experiences with top-tier amenities, catering to high-income individuals.
- Founder Info: Equinox was founded by Danny and Vicky Koshland to provide a luxurious, exclusive fitness experience, blending fitness with luxury services.
6. Gold’s Gym
- Founder: Joe Gold (founded in 1965)
- Financial Performance: Estimated to have revenue over $900 million annually.
- Number of Locations: Over 700 locations worldwide.
- Reason for Success: Known as the “mecca of bodybuilding,” it has an iconic reputation and continues to appeal to both hardcore bodybuilders and casual gym-goers.
- Founder Info: Joe Gold, a bodybuilder himself, opened the first Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California, becoming the epicenter of bodybuilding and a global fitness phenomenon.
7. F45 Training
- Founders: Rob Deutsch and Adam Linton (founded in 2011)
- Financial Performance: Estimated revenue in the hundreds of millions.
- Number of Locations: Over 1,750 locations globally.
- Reason for Success: Specializes in high-intensity functional training in group settings, creating a strong community-based workout model.
- Founder Info: Rob Deutsch and Adam Linton wanted to revolutionize the fitness industry by combining group training with a high-intensity, functional approach that has resonated worldwide.
8. SoulCycle
- Founders: Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice (founded in 2006)
- Financial Performance: Revenue of about $100 million per year (estimation).
- Number of Locations: Over 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally.
- Reason for Success: Revolutionized indoor cycling with its focus on motivation, music, and community, offering an immersive fitness experience.
- Founder Info: Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice founded SoulCycle with the idea of creating an indoor cycling workout that wasn’t just physical but an uplifting experience focused on the mind and soul.
9. Crunch Fitness
- Founder: Doug Levine (founded in 1989)
- Financial Performance: Over $200 million in annual revenue.
- Number of Locations: 300+ locations across the U.S. and globally.
- Reason for Success: Known for its fun, inclusive environment and wide range of workout options, Crunch appeals to all fitness levels.
- Founder Info: Doug Levine founded Crunch with the concept of making fitness fun and inclusive for everyone, from beginners to fitness enthusiasts, without intimidating anyone.
10. Barry's Bootcamp
- Founders: Barry Jay (founded in 1998)
- Financial Performance: Estimated annual revenue of $150+ million.
- Number of Locations: 70+ locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Reason for Success: Focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), creating an intense and dynamic workout that has attracted celebrities and fitness enthusiasts.
- Founder Info: Barry Jay created Barry’s Bootcamp after noticing a gap in the fitness industry for intense group workouts, combining strength and cardio for a challenging yet highly effective workout. At the same time – appreciating unusual, unique and impressive gym interiors.
Successful Gyms: Key Features to Get Inspired
To build a successful gym, it’s essential to understand the key features and strategies that have propelled the most successful gyms to success. Below we present a guide to help gym owners navigate these features, and gain inspiration from some of the best fitness companies in the industry.
1. Implement a Membership App
- Inspiration: Equinox (its membership app and digital fitness content)
- Feature: Equinox integrates technology by offering digital fitness content and a members app to book classes, track workouts, and access exclusive content.
- What to Take Away: Implement technology: create a fitness app or digital platform for members to track progress, book classes, and access virtual workouts, especially if you want to cater to the tech-savvy audience.
- Why It Works: Technology can enhance the customer experience and encourage consistent engagement. An easy-to-use app can make it more convenient for members to interact with your gym.
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2. Implement a Gym Management Software
- Inspiration: Many successful gyms (e.g., Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness) utilize advanced gym management software.
- Feature: Management software helps manage member sign-ups, payments, schedules, class bookings, attendance, and communication. Some software also allows members to track their progress and provides the ability for remote or virtual training options.
- What to Take Away: Implementing a gym management system can streamline operations, improve member experience, and increase efficiency. Choose software that integrates payments, membership renewals, gym reporting, and class schedules to reduce manual work and provide a seamless experience for members.
- Why It Works: Automation and ease of use improve the overall member experience and allow gym staff to focus more on customer service. Members appreciate the convenience of online scheduling, easy payment options thanks to effective gym payment systems, and quick access to class or trainer availability.
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Manage your gym
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3. Offer Affordable Membership Models
- Inspiration: Planet Fitness. Read more about Planet Fitness business model.
- Feature: Planet Fitness has grown rapidly due to its low-cost, no-frills membership model. They focus on affordability to make fitness accessible to a wide audience, including beginners.
- What to Take Away: Consider offering tiered membership options, including a basic plan with limited amenities and a more premium option with added perks, to accommodate different customer budgets.
- Why It Works: Affordable prices attract a broad demographic, and the focus on accessibility helps foster a loyal, large membership base.
4. Switch to 24/7 Access
- Inspiration: Anytime Fitness
- Feature: Anytime Fitness offers round-the-clock access to its members, enabling flexibility for busy individuals.
- What to Take Away: Providing 24/7 access ensures that your gym can serve those with varying schedules and ensures consistent membership engagement.
- Why It Works: What are the benefits of 24 hour gym? Convenience is key. By offering 24/7 access, you can meet the needs of members with demanding work hours or those who prefer late-night workouts.
5. Create Community Engagement & Give Support
- Inspiration: F45 Training
- Feature: F45 creates a sense of community with its group-based functional training programs. The focus is on teamwork and camaraderie in a high-energy environment.
- What to Take Away: Foster a community-focused environment by hosting events, challenges, or social meetups. Building community is a powerful retention tool.
- Why It Works: When people feel part of a community, they are more likely to stay long-term. Social support can also help with motivation and accountability.
6. Invest in High-End Amenities & Wellness
- Inspiration: Life Time Fitness
- Feature: Life Time Fitness combines fitness with wellness. They offer everything from spas and cafes to wellness coaching, creating a holistic fitness experience.
- What to Take Away: Add premium amenities such as nutrition counseling, spas, or recovery services (e.g., saunas, massage) to create a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just the gym.
- Why It Works: Clients are increasingly looking for a more holistic approach to health and fitness. Offering a comprehensive service and becoming one of the wellness providers too, helps differentiate your gym and attracts higher-income individuals.
7. Have a Luxurious and Exclusive Image
- Inspiration: Equinox
- Feature: Equinox is known for its exclusive, high-end feel, providing luxury fitness experiences. It focuses on premium services and a curated environment.
- What to Take Away: You can differentiate by offering luxury services such as personal trainers, high-end gym equipment, and exclusive classes.
- Why It Works: The exclusivity and premium feel appeal to clients willing to pay more for a top-tier experience. Providing a luxury gym experience can attract high-income members who value quality and status.
8. Offer High-Intensity Group Classes
- Inspiration: Barry’s Bootcamp
- Feature: Barry’s Bootcamp focuses on intense HIIT (high-intensity interval training) group classes, combining strength and cardio in a highly motivating environment.
- What to Take Away: Create specialized high-intensity classes (e.g., HIIT, CrossFit, bootcamp-style training) that provide fast results and foster a competitive, energetic atmosphere. Use a dedicated HIIT studio software.
- Why It Works: People love results-driven programs. Offering high-intensity workouts can also build a loyal following, especially if you create an engaging, motivating environment.
Follow the Trends!
HIIT is also becoming more and more trendy lately, you can’t miss it!
Among other trends you can find, for example, wearable fitness devices and other digital tools, mental health offer, virtual classes, health and fitness together in one offer, artificial intelligence in service of fitness industry.
Don’t be left behind!
9. Brand Identity and Culture
- Inspiration: SoulCycle
- Feature: SoulCycle’s success is not just about cycling; it’s about creating an uplifting, soulful experience where music and motivation are at the center.
- What to Take Away: Create a strong brand identity that emphasizes your gym’s culture. Whether it’s about motivating members, fostering inclusivity, or a focus on personal growth, make sure your brand stands for something.
- Why It Works: A unique brand identity connects with customers on an emotional level, leading to higher loyalty and stronger word-of-mouth marketing.
10. Sell Personalized Services
- Inspiration: Gold’s Gym
- Feature: Gold’s Gym offers personalized services such as custom fitness plans, nutrition counseling, and personal training.
- What to Take Away: Personalization is key. Providing customized fitness plans, one-on-one coaching, and targeted programs can set your gym apart from the competition.
- Why It Works: Personalization makes members feel valued and helps them achieve their fitness goals more effectively, leading to increased retention.
11. Have a Flexible Contract & Membership Options
- Inspiration: Crunch Fitness
- Feature: Crunch Fitness offers flexible memberships, including short-term plans, month-to-month options, and specialized packages.
- What to Take Away: Offering flexible memberships, such as no-commitment or pay-as-you-go options, can attract individuals who are hesitant to commit to long-term contracts.
- Why It Works: Flexibility helps reduce the perceived risk of joining a gym, attracting those who may be uncertain about committing long-term. It’s also a good way to compete with budget gyms.
12. Focus on Recovery
- Inspiration: Life Time Fitness (spa and recovery services)
- Feature: Life Time Fitness offers specialized recovery services such as massage therapy, cryotherapy, and saunas.
- What to Take Away: Introduce recovery and wellness services to cater to individuals seeking rest and recuperation. This includes options like massage therapy, stretching classes, and mindfulness sessions.
- Why It Works: Recovery is increasingly recognized as a vital component of fitness. Providing recovery options can help attract members who are serious about their long-term health and well-being.
FAQ
The fastest-growing fitness company is F45 Training, which has expanded rapidly since its founding in 2011. Known for its high-intensity functional training and community-based workout model, F45 now boasts over 1,750 locations globally and continues to grow rapidly due to its strong franchise system and popularity among fitness enthusiasts.
WodGuru can make your gym successful by streamlining operations and enhancing member engagement. It provides tools for managing memberships, tracking attendance, organizing classes, and scheduling workouts. With its integrated features for progress tracking and communication, WodGuru helps create a personalized and seamless experience for your members, improving gym member retention and attracting new clients. Additionally, it allows gym owners to focus more on growth and less on administrative tasks, leading to better efficiency and a more organized business.
Yes, gym chains are among the most successful gyms in the USA due to their ability to scale quickly and reach a broad audience. Chains like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness have grown rapidly because of their affordable membership models, widespread locations, and effective marketing strategies. However, while gym chains dominate in size, smaller, niche gyms offering specialized services or luxury experiences (like Equinox or SoulCycle) can also be highly successful by targeting specific markets.
