20 Fitness Franchises to Invest In for 2024

If you're passionate about health and fitness and thinking about starting your own fitness business, a fitness franchise could be a great fit. Investing in a franchise can alleviate the challenges of starting your own business. You can take advantage of a tested business model, existing resources, and a well-known brand, which can help you attract customers more effectively. Whether you're interested in smaller gyms and stretch studios or larger, big-name brands, franchises generally have higher success rates compared to starting a fitness business from the ground up. 

In this blog, we'll discuss searching for and selecting a franchise. We'll also provide a list of franchises and their specific requirements across various modalities. Whether you're an experienced business owner or a newcomer, there's something for everyone among these exciting opportunities. 

Finding a fitness franchise

There are several steps to finding and securing a fitness franchise, including thorough research and due diligence. Start by identifying your interests and what types of gyms align with them. For example, you may have expertise in a boutique fitness studio or a specialized program such as CrossFit or kickboxing. Once you've identified the type of fitness program that matches your interest, you can move on to finding the right franchise.

Use online resources and franchise directories to compile a list of potential options. Consider the factors and requirements associated with becoming a franchisee, such as initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and financial requirements.

Initial investment costs

It's important to grasp initial investment costs early to assess whether you have the financial means to pursue this business opportunity. Specific gyms require a larger initial investment, while others provide lower-cost entry opportunities that may attract individuals with limited funds.

Financial requirements

Prospective franchisees need to meet specific financial criteria, including net worth, liquid assets, and credit score, beyond the initial investment. Evaluate whether you meet these requirements as you research your options.

Brand reputation

Established brands have a strong market presence that can easily attract customers through brand recognition and a proven business model. When a brand has built trust with customers and a history of success, it increases the likelihood of owning a profitable franchise.

Franchisee resources and support

As you start the process of opening your own franchise, it's important to ensure you have the support you need. When selecting a franchise, consider the available resources for owners, including marketing, customer acquisition, technology, training programs, and one-on-one coaching.

Opportunities for growth and profitability

When considering owning a franchise, it's important to assess the potential for growth and profitability. Look at the demand for fitness services in your local area as well as the demand for a specific brand. Some franchises offer information on market opportunities in different states and regions on their website. You can use this information in combination with local demographics, competition, and fitness trends to choose a franchise that best fits your specific location.

Choosing a fitness franchise

Once you've narrowed down your options, the next step is contacting franchisors. Request detailed information, including the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which provides a comprehensive overview of the franchise system, financial performance, and legal obligations. We also recommend consulting a lawyer to review the FDD and assess the franchise's financial viability. During this time, you can also visit and connect with current franchisees to learn firsthand what their daily operations are like and about their overall experience.

After you've chosen the franchise you want to open, you can create a business plan that outlines several details, including an overview of the business, location, financing options (such as personal savings, loans, or investors), staffing models, and financial projections. Finally, you'll negotiate the franchise agreement, securing favorable terms and understanding all contractual obligations before signing.

20 fitness franchises to consider

D1 Training

D1 Training is a membership-based and boutique fitness franchise that uses science-backed programs, elite-level coaches, and 54-minute workouts to help people of all ages achieve their sports and fitness goals.  

• Number of U.S. locations: 100+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The initial franchise fee is $59,500, royalty fees are 7%, and the total estimated initial investment costs (including the franchise fee) range from $161,750 to $711,123.  
• Financial requirements: Liquid capital of $250,000 and a net worth of $500,000 are required for ownership.  
• Franchise support: D1 Training offers a three-day training program at its headquarters and flagship fitness facility that covers billing system operation, workout design, and staff scheduling. 

The Exercise Coach

The Exercise Coach is America's largest personal training brand. The studio offers strength training through 20-minute, coach-led workouts powered by Exerbotics technology. The exercises are safe for all ages and specifically target the 50+ demographic.  

• Number of locations: 40 territories worldwide 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The franchise fee is $49,500 and the initial investment ranges from $136,009 to $348,693. The royalty is 6% of gross sales, and they also collect 1% of gross sales.  
• Financial requirements: Unavailable  
• Franchise support: The Exercise Coach provides support every step of the way, assisting with site selection, training and certifications, marketing, client acquisition, business coaching, peer support groups, and manager mentor programs. 

Burn Boot Camp

Burn Boot Camp offers unlimited 45-minute workouts for women of all ages with the mission of helping them build confidence, happiness, and transform their health. 

• Number of U.S. locations: 350+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The initial investment ranges from $150,330 to $406,500, which includes the $43,000 to $45,000 franchise fee. Burn Boot Camp's royalty is 6% of gross sales, and the national marketing fee is 2% of gross sales. 
• Financial requirements: Franchise partners must have at least $150,000 in liquid assets, a net worth of $300,000 or greater, and a credit school over 700. 
• Franchise support: Burn Boot Camp offers an operations support team that covers tech platforms to help automate processes. It also provides training and education programs to make franchise partners experts in operating their gyms.  

F45 Training

F45 Training is a rapidly expanding fitness franchise network worldwide. The global fitness community specializes in cutting-edge, high-intensity group workouts that are quick, enjoyable, and results-oriented. 

• Number of locations: 3300 studios in over 67 countries 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Unavailable 
• Financial requirements: A minimum of $300,000 in liquid capital or access to investors or partners is required.  
• Franchise support: Franchisees have access to a global community, local marketing support through a member marketing program, a comprehensive induction program on F45's systems, franchise management and training methods, and ongoing training for marketing, sales, and business operations. The franchise also offers a full suite of music, marketing, and promotional assets and a 24/7 online support desk. 

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory is a one-hour, full-body workout that trains endurance, strength, and power. The franchise uses Heart Rate-Based Interval training, and workouts are geared toward all fitness levels. 

• Number of locations: 1500+ globally 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Unavailable 
• Financial requirements: $350,000 in liquid capital with a $1 million net worth is required. 
• Franchise support: Franchisees receive comprehensive corporate training and support for real estate, operations, marketing, sales, fitness, equipment, technology, training, construction, and design.  

Pure Barre

As the largest and most established barre brand, Pure Barre offers a variety of low-impact, full-body workouts for a range of fitness levels. The studio is ranked each year in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list. 

• Number of U.S. locations: 650 studios and over 100,000 active members 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The Pure Barre franchise fee is $60,000, and the estimated initial investment is $265,330 - $418,980 (including the franchise fee). The royalty fee is 7% of gross sales, while the marketing fee is 2%. 
• Financial requirements: Individuals and investors must have liquid assets greater than $100,000 and a minimum net worth of $500,000.  
• Franchise support: Pure Barre supports franchise owners for site selection and lease negotiation, construction and design, sales, recruitment, and marketing.  

9Round

9Round's kickboxing-themed fitness program offers semi-private training. Members spend 3 minutes rotating through 9 training stations, receiving a full-body workout.  

• Number of locations: 700+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The franchise fee is $19,900, and total investments typically range from $130,549 to $390,300. Additionally, there is a $600 monthly royalty fee, a $250 or 2% of net sales per month brand building fund fee, a $499 monthly technology fee, and a local advertising fee equal to 8% of gross revenue or an average of $1500 per month, whichever is greater.  
• Financial requirements: Franchisees must have a net worth of at least $200,000 and cash reserves of at least $50,000. 
• Franchise support: Franchise owners receive assistance during onboarding and have access to business coaches who can help them navigate the daily challenges of running a fitness studio. Additionally, in-house marketing, operations, and sales experts are available to provide solutions for driving business growth. 

CycleBar

CycleBar is the world's largest indoor cycling brand, according to its number of studios. It offers a rhythm-based experience and a variety of low-impact, high-intensity indoor cycling workouts suitable for all fitness levels. 

• Number of U.S. locations: 200+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Total investment ranges from $337,720 to $511,455. 
• Financial requirements: $100,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of $500,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: The Xponential and CycleBar teams guide franchisees through the opening process, including site selection, lease negotiation, and construction. They also assist with staff recruitment, membership sales, and marketing efforts. Additionally, ongoing training opportunities, weekly and monthly update webinars, and one-on-one support are available. 

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is among the largest fitness club franchises in terms of both members and locations. Each club provides equipment, free fitness training, and affordable memberships. 

• Number of locations: 2,500+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Unavailable 
• Financial requirements: A minimum of $10 million of non-borrowed liquid assets are required for up to three locations in the U.S. and a minimum of $25 million for international territories.  
• Franchise support: Unavailable 

StretchLab

StretchLab is ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list and Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list. It is the largest assisted stretching brand, offering one-on-one and group services for all ages and fitness levels. 

• Number of locations: 400+ in North America, 900+ globally 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: StretchLab offers a low-cost entry franchise opportunity with a total investment of $156,200 to $386,100.  
• Financial requirements: $250,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $1,000,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: Various resources are available to assist in the opening process, lease negotiation, site selection, construction, the sales process, staffing and recruiting, and marketing. Ongoing training opportunities, weekly and monthly update webinars, and one-on-one support are also provided. 

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp is an international award-winning personal training center that offers 30-minute weight loss boot camps. These camps combine high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with active rest.  

• Number of locations: 600+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The cost of opening a Fit Body location typically ranges from $170,600 to $296,100, including a $54,600 initial franchise fee, a 5% monthly royalty fee, and a $500 monthly marketing fee. 
• Financial requirements: Unavailable 
• Franchise support: Franchisees collaborate with an onboarding team for the initial 6 to 8 months. During this time, they receive support with locating a suitable space, negotiating the lease, and setting up the infrastructure. Also, they undergo training in sales, marketing, and software, hands-on experience at an established location, and guidance from a dedicated business coach. 

Workout Anytime

Workout Anytime gyms are open 24/7 to help you achieve your fitness goals, offering cardio, personal training, tanning, and more. 

• Number of locations: 190+  
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Partners can expect to invest a total of approximately $784,950 to $2,073,050 and pay a monthly royalty fee of 6% of monthly gross sales. 
• Financial requirements: $250,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $750,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: Workout Anytime offers pre-opening resources for real estate, construction, site planning, marketing, sales, and franchise operations. Franchisees also receive ongoing support for human resources, local marketing, club operations, credit card and financial processing, database management, and technology platforms.  

Stretch Zone

Stretch Zone offers 30-minute stretch sessions using the Stretch Zone Method. This unique practitioner-assisted stretching process uses a patented strapping system to position, stabilize, and isolate muscles, allowing for the best possible results with minimal resistance from the body. 

• Number of U.S. locations: 110+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Stretch Zone offers low-investment franchise opportunities with an initial investment of $133,000 to $241,000. There’s also a 6% royalty and 2% advertising fee. 
• Financial requirements: Unavailable 
• Franchise support: The Stretch Zone team provides franchisees with support through a comprehensive training program, technology onboarding, and localized and national marketing support. 

Anytime Fitness

Entrepreneur ranked Anytime Fitness as the top global franchise. It is the world’s fastest-growing fitness club, open 24/7, 365 days a year. 

• Number of locations: 5,200+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The initial franchise fee is $42,500, the royalty fee is $799 a month, and the initial investment typically ranges from $397,516 to $973,120.  
• Financial requirements: The ideal ownership candidate has a minimum net worth of $380,00 and $225,000 in liquid capital. 
• Franchise support: Anytime Fitness offers franchisees a week of training, access to a library of materials for continuous learning, ongoing support from a business coach, networking opportunities, operations software, and comprehensive marketing support. 

Gold’s Gym

Gold's Gym is a chain of fitness centers that offer a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group exercise programs. 

• Number of locations: 740 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: Gold Gym’s initial franchise fee is $40,000, and the estimated investment ranges from $1,483,000 to $3,602,000.  
• Financial requirements: $400,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $1,000,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: Franchisees receive support with site selection, gym design, equipment selection, employee training, online marketing assets, media planning, and a preferred vendor program with global purchasing power. 

Crunch Fitness

Crunch is a no-judgment gym that combines fitness and entertainment, emphasizing positivity, inclusivity, and fun. The gym has a wide range of programs, including group fitness, personal training, Zumba, and yoga. 

• Number of locations: 440+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The initial investment costs are between $668,000 and $3,488,000. Franchisees also pay monthly royalty fees equal to 5% of their monthly gross sales. They’re also required to contribute 2% of their monthly gross sales to the Brand Marketing Fund, spend a minimum of $15,000 on local advertising for their first year of operation, and spend the higher of $10,000 per month or 7% of their gross sales thereafter. 
• Financial requirements: $400,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $2,000,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: Crunch offers local marketing and promotional tools in addition to national marketing support to drive customer acquisition. The company also has hands-on support for financing options, site selection, design and construction, training and development, and ongoing operations.  

Snap Fitness

Snap Fitness is a 24/7 access gym that aims to create positive lifestyle habits. The franchise offers monthly contracts and personal training. 

• Number of U.S. locations: 520+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: The estimated initial investment ranges from $528,757 – $1,014,575, including the $39,500 franchise fee. Additionally, various monthly fees are charged, including a 6% royalty fee, up to a 4% national marketing fee, a $400 local marketing spend, a $325 technology fee, and an insurance fee ranging from $500 to $677. 
• Financial requirements: $100,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $500,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: Franchisees receive comprehensive support from the start, covering planning and finance, property selection, recruitment and training, pre-sales and launch, technology, ongoing growth, and member analytics. 

Iron Tribe

Iron Tribe's group fitness program helps transform bodies through 45-minute sessions, boosting strength and confidence. Members can choose from group training, semi-private personal training, high-performance training, and online training.  

• Number of U.S. locations: 29 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: While specific numbers are unavailable, Iron Tribe offers a low cost of entry, a membership-based model, and reoccurring revenue. 
• Financial requirements: Applicants should have a net worth of at least $60,000 and a credit score of 680 or higher. 
• Franchise support: Iron Tribe gives owners access to real estate resources, coach recruiting and training, owner and manager training, marketing, and ongoing training and support. 

KidStrong

KidStrong is an athletic play facility designed for kids ages 1-11. It helps develop confidence, character, and family bonds through fitness games based on science and led by expert coaches focused on kids. 

• Number of locations: 128+ 
• Franchise fees and initial investment: $40,000 franchise fee and an initial investment ranging from $313,150 to $664,200.  
• Financial requirements: $200,000 minimum cash and a net worth of $500,000 are required.  
• Franchise support: KidStrong provides support throughout the real estate, construction, and training and certifications phases. 

Get ready to open your dream gym

Each franchise offers something unique for potential franchisees. To find the right gym franchise: 

1. Continue researching your options until you find one that aligns with your expertise and interests 
2. Narrow down your choices based on investment levels that match your financial situation and your ability to secure financing 
3. Contact the franchises for more information on their requirements, training and support options, and profitability insights 

Find the perfect fitness franchise match for your goals.