The global market for health and fitness clubs is currently worth $94 billion in the U.S. And 39% of consumers currently belong to a health club in locations across the country.
This active market means it’s a perfect opportunity for health-conscious entrepreneurs to make a name for themselves. And if you want to kickstart your fitness business success, a franchise opportunity can help you get your gym or club up and running quickly.
Fitness Franchises to Consider
If you’re ready to flex your entrepreneurial muscles, here are 30 different fitness franchise opportunities to consider.
1. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness franchises in the U.S. And the company is also now expanding into markets in Canada, Latin America, and Australia. In fact, more than 2,000 locations are currently open. And the company has more than 14 million members, which makes it one of the best fitness franchises in terms of memberships. Franchisees must have an entrepreneurial spirit. However, experience in fitness franchising isn’t a requirement. The initial fee for Planet Fitness franchises is $20,000. Startup costs range from $968,100 to $4,113,500.
2. Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness is a worldwide fitness brand that has been around since 2003. With more than 2,000 clubs open or in development in 18 countries around the world, the company is always open to new franchisees who want to get into the fitness business. The franchise fee for a single unit is $25,000. However, you can inquire about multi-unit franchise opportunities as well. Initial startup costs range from $153,980 to $529,899.
3. Anytime Fitness
With thousands of franchise locations around the world, Anytime Fitness is a big name in the fitness franchise market. The company has one of the most recognized brands in the industry which goes a long way toward simplifying marketing efforts. The total initial investment can vary from $98,430 to $523,824, with a franchise fee of $42,500. There are also discounts available for multi-unit developments. Anytime Fitness provides franchisees with training, an online operations manual, assistance with market selection and more. As part of the growing 24-hour fitness franchise craze, Anytime Fitness gives owners the opportunity to earn income during all hours.
4. Curves
Curves is a health and fitness franchise that focuses on creating a unique and supportive environment for women who want to get fit. This is one brand that is well known among target consumers. Franchisees can operate in locations as small as 1,200 square feet to keep startup costs low. Curves also provides training and ongoing support. The initial fee is $39,900. The total upfront costs range from $54,000 to $75,000.
5. Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym is one of the best fitness franchises in the industry. With more than 50 years of history and 720+ gyms in countries around the world, it is one of the most recognizable names. Gold’s Gym provides training, site selection assistance and more. The company also offers flexible footprints to suit the specific needs of each community and franchisee. To get started, you’ll need between $2.2 and $5 million. The franchise fee ranges from $32,000 to $40,000. There’s also a veteran’s program to provide discounted franchise opportunities to those who have served.
6. Iron Tribe Fitness
Iron Tribe Fitness offers high-intensity fitness training in small group settings. As a result, it’s a great opportunity for those who are passionate about working closely with customers and changing lives. For those interested in becoming franchisees, the company currently has several different territories with locations open for development. Plus Iron Tribe Fitness also provides training and support. The fee for this boutique fitness franchise is $42,000. Initial investment ranges from $300,000 to $433,000.
7. Crunch Fitness
With locations around the U.S., Crunch Fitness is one of the most established names in the fitness franchise game. And the company is growing fast, with more than 100 new franchises opening each year. However, there are still territories and locations available in all 50 states. The company provides assistance with site selection, design, training and development, and ongoing operational support. The initial franchising fee is $25,000. Upfront costs range from $304,500 to $2,129,500, excluding real estate costs.
8. FIT4MOM
FIT4MOM offers fitness programs specifically for pre and post-natal women. The company offers a few different franchise models for those interested in helping moms get in shape, including digital fitness programs. The company also provides training, branding, exclusive territories and locations, and support for franchisees. The franchise fee ranges from $6,495 to $12,395. Startup costs start at $6,905 and go up to $26,385.
9. Fit Body Boot Camp
Fit Body Boot Camp is a business that aims to offer fun group workouts at its franchise locations. The company provides business coaching, operational support, grand opening marketing, and even a mastermind class, along with protected territories and locations. This insures you won’t have to deal with internal competition down the road. Costs to open a franchise vary by size and location. But $49,600 is the initial franchise fee. Startup costs can be anywhere from $151,000 to $213,000. Additionally, the company charges a flat monthly fee for royalties rather than taking a percentage of earnings.
10. TITLE Boxing Club
For those interested in opening a fitness franchise with more of a specific focus, TITLE Boxing Club offers an interesting opportunity. Obviously focused around boxing-related fitness activities, TITLE currently has more than 100 fitness clubs around the U.S., with room for growth in many more markets. The franchising fee is $49,500. Startup costs range from $162,808 to $423,120.
11. Pure Barre
If you’re interested in the new barre fitness craze that features dance-inspired workouts, Pure Barre is a great franchise option. The company looks for franchisees who are passionate about the method and have strong business acumen. There are currently more than 500 studios with 600,000 passionate, recurring clients around the country. Franchisees pay an initial fee of $60,000. Initial investment ranges from $204,100 to $461,700.
12. Club Pilates
For franchisees who are more interested in pilates, Club Pilates offers franchise opportunities around the U.S. The company currently has more than 600 studios open throughout the country. And they offer scalable opportunities that work for franchisees in various stages of their business ownership journey. Club Pilates offers training, site selection assistance, ongoing support and more. There’s a $60,000 franchise fee. Franchisees generally pay between $178,000 and $365,000 to get up and running.
13. Max Muscle
Max Muscle is a sports nutrition store that offers franchise opportunities in various markets. If you’re looking to open a fitness business that’s more of a retail model, this could be an interesting opportunity. The company provides franchisees with its own high-quality brand of supplements, along with training and support. The cost can vary depending on your location and other factors. However, they generally fall between $114,600 to $281,300, including a $35,000 franchise fee.
14. Fitness 1440
Fitness 1440 offers franchise opportunities that can be customized to each franchisee. You can choose the size and design to fit your individual needs and the needs of your community. The company provides training and support to franchisees throughout the setup process and beyond. Since it’s such a personalized franchise opportunity, costs vary significantly from $150,000 to $837,000. However, the initial franchise fee is $27,000.
15. EnVie Fitness
EnVie Fitness is a fitness franchise opportunity for women entrepreneurs or fitness professionals who want to help other women get fit. Franchises focus on whole life wellness and helping clients achieve noticeable results. The company boasts low startup costs for franchisees along with a unique training method and studio design. The initial fee is $29,000. Initial investment ranges from $75,000 to $150,000.
16. Jazzercize, Inc.
At Jazzercize, Inc., every certified instructor is a franchisee. However, you can also explore the opportunity of opening your own center and letting others do the teaching. The jazzercise franchise specializes in dance party workout classes that are meant to be fun for both instructors and students. The initial franchise fee is just $1,250, regardless of what model you choose. There are additional fees involved as well, including for liability insurance, an annual associate fee and music. Total upfront costs vary from $3,750 to $21,750.
17. UFC Gym
Part of the popular UFC brand, UFC Gym offers franchise opportunities to enthusiastic partners. The brand is well known around the world. There are a lot of passionate fans who may want to try their hand at competing or getting in shape. These gyms tend to be large and must include a lot of equipment. As a result, the startup costs can be hefty. Franchisees can pay anywhere from $295,057 to $4,912,007 depending on what model they choose. The initial franchise fee is $50,000.
18. CycleBar
For those interested in owning an indoor cycling club, CycleBar offers franchising opportunities for both single and multi-unit developments in select U.S. markets. Some international opportunities are available as well. Currently, the world’s largest indoor cycling franchise, CycleBar is part of a trend that’s still growing. They offer comprehensive training, recruitment, real estate and site build help, marketing, and financing. The franchise fee is $60,000. Initial costs range from $319,150 to $497,200.
19. Kaia FIT
Kaia FIT is a fitness franchise designed by women for women. It features a number of different workouts, coaching programs, nutritional guidance and more. The company looks for franchisees from all backgrounds, as long as they’re passionate about fitness and willing to make Kaia FIT their full-time job. Several states are currently open to new developments. The franchise fee is $39,500. Franchisees pay between $95,000 and $192,000 to get started.
20. Retro Fitness
If you’re interested in starting a bit of a larger operation, Retro Fitness could prove to be an interesting opportunity. The average size of a Retro Fitness franchise location is between 12,000 and 20,000 square feet. This includes lots of different gym equipment and activities to appeal to a wide range of customers. It’s part of the popular high value, low price fitness industry. The initial investment ranges from $939,250 to $1,600,500. However, the franchise fee is just $29,000. There are also multi-unit and area developer opportunities available.
21. CrossFit
CrossFit is one of the biggest movements in fitness today. The idea was popularized in garage gyms and made its way to facilities around the country. Gyms feature high-intensity boot camp style workouts in group settings. There are more than 15,000 affiliates around the world today. Affiliates get the ability to use the CrossFit name, promotion from the nationwide brand, and support for general issues. Fees start at $3,000 per year, along with $1,000 in training. There’s no traditional franchise fee. However, you’ll likely need at least $30,000 to get started.
22. Orangetheory
Orangetheory fitness gas grown dramatically in recent years. Each location features a variety of group workout classes designed to appeal to a wide array of consumers. Development opportunities are currently limited because of the high demand from new franchisees around the country. There’s a $39,500 franchising fee. Total initial investment ranges from $327,600 to $634,100.
23. Powerhouse Gym
Powerhouse Gym is one of the most established names in weight training. The company has been around for more than 35 years. In addition to gym memberships, the brand also sells gear and other fitness-related products for multiple income streams. It’s a licensing program rather than a franchise. As a result, there’s no franchising fee upfront. You can even convert an existing gym to the Powerhouse name.
24. YogaSix
If you’re interested in starting a yoga franchise, YogaSix may be the way to go. The company provides group classes in an intimate setting and has more than 400 licensed locations right now. The locations can range from 2,000 to 2,400 square feet. However, since it’s not a traditional franchise gym, it doesn’t require tons of expensive equipment. The franchising fee is $60,000. Total initial investment ranges from $216,900 to $399,750.
25. Bodytek Fitness
Bodytek Fitness is a gym franchising opportunity that offers group fitness classes focusing on total body, high-intensity workouts. The boot camp style is known for producing fast, noticeable results for customers. Franchisees get support with site selection, operations, marketing, design, and training. The company also recommends that franchisees check out classes before going into business. The franchise fee is $19,900. Initial investment ranges from $222,600 to $373,000.
26. F45
F45 is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the fitness industry. The company provides personalized training options that are popular with fitness enthusiasts. Franchisees can also access a proprietary business model that uses proven systems to create efficient operations and consistent profits. Upfront costs range from $90,000 to $300,000, including a $50,000 fee.
27. 9Round
9Round offers 30-minute kickboxing themed interval workouts. Franchisees can be owner-operators or simply purchase a franchise and allow your team to handle the day-to-day operations. Gyms also require little space and specialized equipment to keep costs down. The average owner investment ranges from $81,175 to $150,275. The franchising fee ranges from $5,000 to $30,000.
28. GymGuyz
GymGuyz is part of the growing home gym industry. The company provides an at-home personal training service. As a result, there’s less expense involved. You can also reach consumers who may not be interested in joining a traditional gym. The initial fee is $35,000 for a protected territory. Meanwhile, the upfront investment ranges from $87,000 to $222,672.
29. Burn Boot Camp
Burn Boot Camp franchises offer guided 45-minute cardio and strength workouts for members. There are currently more than 400 franchise locations around the country. These provide multi-unit ownership opportunities for those who want to scale their fitness business. The company charges between $43,000 and $45,000 in initial fees. Upfront expenses range from $150,330 to $406,500.
30. Workout Anytime 24/7
As the name suggests, Workout Anytime 24/7 allows members to work out on their own schedule. Part of the booming 24-hour fitness trend, this franchise has more than 170 locations throughout 21 states. Locations are generally spacious and include an array of equipment. Upfront costs vary from $562,850 to $1,008,550, including a $35,000 franchising fee.
What is the Best Gym Franchise to Own?
Finding the best fitness franchise depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a gym with a well-known name, Planet Fitness is likely the strongest. But Anytime Fitness and Crunch Fitness also offer strong brand recognition and mass appeal. If you want an inexpensive franchise opportunity, Fit4Mom may be a solid option. UFC Gym, Gold’s Gym, and Powerhouse offer lots of brand recognition for a more specialized audience. And options like YogaSix and Pure Barre offer niche franchise options for those who want to work with a smaller number of loyal members.
Is Owning a Gym Franchise Profitable?
Profits for gyms franchises can range from nothing in the first year or two to more than $500,000 per year. Owning a gym generally requires a hefty upfront investment. As a result, you’re unlikely to earn all of your money back in the first year. However, over time, especially if you’re able to regularly bring in new members, you can build a profitable business in the fitness industry.
Is Anytime Fitness a Good Franchise to Own?
Anytime Fitness is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness industry. This makes it easy to build trust and recognition with potential new customers. You get exclusive territory. As a result, you don’t need to compete with other franchisees in your area. However, other brands like Crunch Fitness and Planet Fitness offer similar opportunities and may also compete with your operation.
Image: Depositphotos.com
Anytime Fitness has been named the “#1 Top Global Franchise” — of any type, not just fitness franchises — by Entrepreneur magazine for two years in a row. Not sure which fitness franchise to buy? Talk to existing franchisees. They’ll give it to you straight.
Great info, good to see some of the top franchise opportunities for 2017!
Annie Pilon
Glad you found it helpful!
This the best time of year to talk about fitness-and fitness franchises. Great list, Annie!
The Franchise King®
Thanks for the write article