Top Fitness Franchises to Check Out

Like any other business venture, fitness franchises can be a good opportunity for profit. For possible franchise owners, it’s something to consider, especially if you love going to the gym yourself. But here are some things you should consider before opening your first franchise.

The gym and fitness industry is experiencing a boom after people have been holed-up because of the pandemic. More and more people are finding creative and unique ways to exercise. Barre classes, spinning, kickboxing—you name it.

On the other hand, just like barbershop franchises, some gyms have higher initial fees. This can be a dealbreaker for people with little capital. Nonetheless, it can be a worthy investment if you have the right resources. Here are the top fitness franchises you can consider in 2023. 

1. Anytime Fitness

One of the best reasons to choose Anytime Fitness as your franchise is its 24/7 gym access. Thanks to their security systems, members can check in the locations even when it’s unstaffed. Aside from that, Anytime Fitness has high brand recognition and consumer trust. To date, it has close to 5,000 units around the world—and they’re still expanding.

The total franchise fee can be anywhere from $58,870 to $521,437. The business provides support for franchise owners by offering support teams, training, and marketing aid.

2. Pure Barre 

Pure Barre is one of the more approachable boutique fitness franchises. Since launching in 2001, this yoga, pilates, and ballet hybrid have amassed more than 76,000 active members across the globe. Pure Barre is known for its low-impact, full-body workouts emphasizing strength and flexibility. 

Interested franchise owners can spend anywhere from $202k to $462k for their initial franchise fee. It’s a great option if you want to bring new fitness franchises to your location.

3. Planet Fitness 

On the other hand, Planet Fitness is also a popular contender if you want to get started in the fitness franchise industry. It has a pretty warm reception because of its wide popularity.  Plus, its monthly membership system is perfect for gym beginners. 

Planet Fitness has a global membership network, with 14 million members across its more than 1,800 locations. The estimated total investment costs for opening a Planet Fitness franchise is from a million to $4.1m. 

4. Crunch Fitness

Meanwhile, Crunch Fitness is another monthly membership gym model that offers premium fitness services. They’ve made their mark in the industry by creating a judgment-free zone to pursue a healthy lifestyle.  

It’s not one of the top fitness franchises, but it’s growing steadily. Potential franchisees can expect to shell out $304k to $2.1m. In addition, candidates must have at least $1m in net worth. 

5. UFC Gym

On the other hand, UFC Gym is the only way to go if you’re a fan of MMA-inspired training. The gym offers many other fitness classes, such as traditional and fusion martial arts.  The combination of sports and fitness training makes it a steadily popular option that can access different fitness communities. Plus, you’d be the owners of one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises. 

The franchise requires candidates to have a total net worth of $250k. The initial total investment is quite manageable compared to other gyms—especially considering their brand recognition. The estimated total investment fee starts from $100k to $2m. This choice is great for business owners who want an exciting way to sweat. 

6. Club Pilates

Meanwhile, Club Pilates is another low-impact, high-intensity option. It is one of the most popular pilates studio networks worldwide. The fitness studio uses a variety of equipment such as TRX, Barre, Bosu ball, mats, and more. It also has four membership tiers that customers can choose from. 

Since opening up for franchises in 2012, the chain has grown rapidly. The initial investment fee starts at $179k and can run potential owners up to $368k. It’s one of the cheapest gym franchises on the market today. 

7. Snap Fitness

On the other hand, Snap Fitness is another low-cost gym that offers monthly memberships and 24/7 access.  The most popular workout model from Snap Fitness is known as MYFIT. This routine is an 18-minute HIIT workout that targets cardio and endurance. 

The chain has over a thousand locations with over 400 units outside the US. Franchise candidates can expect to pay anywhere between $354k to $1.2m.

8. Burn Boot Camp

At the same time, Burn Boot Camp is another community-centric fitness gym. Rather than prioritizing gym culture, it places a spotlight on passion and community building. The camp is known for its 45-minute HIIT workout routines. This workout regimen prioritizes cardio, strength training, and endurance. 

Candidates are expected to shell out $182k to $448k in initial franchise fees. Since its opening in 2012, it currently has over 280 branches. This franchise is a good option for owners who want to focus on a steady calorie burn. 

9. F45 Training

Meanwhile, F45 Training might be better for people who want to give customers a premium service at a cheap price point. It has an innovative fitness model, where consumers are treated to 45 minutes of functional and custom training. The chain has produced 27 types of workouts based on high-intensity circuit training.

The company started in Australia in 2011 and has seen steady growth since. To date, it has around 1,700 locations—with 1,106 located outside of the US. 

10. SPENGA

If you’re looking to eye more hybrid fitness franchises, SPENGA is a good option. It combines spinning, strength, and yoga exercises. There are separate sections in the studio for each type of exercise. The studio recommends spending 20 minutes working on each exercise type.

Because of this, this HIIT-style workout routine helps improve strength, flexibility, and endurance while inducing a sweet calorie burn. Interested franchise owners can expect to pay anywhere from $289k to $849k.

The best fitness franchises offer a safe and welcoming space even to beginner gym-goers. The most successful chains offer a solid support system that can encourage gym-goers to meet their goals. In turn, customers can come back and renew their memberships, invest in personal trainers, and even spread the good word about their experience.