9 Best Gym Franchises to Own in 2025
The best gym franchises to own include Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and more. Decide which of these top gym franchises is best for you.
With the fitness industry booming and people becoming more health-conscious than ever, this is an opportune time to invest in a gym franchise. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best fitness franchise for you? Are you passionate about fitness and entrepreneurship? If so, owning a gym franchise could be the perfect combination for you.
In this article, we will explore the factors you need to consider when selecting a gym franchise, highlight the top gym franchises with high profit potential, discuss low-cost options for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, delve into the fitness trends driving the success of gym franchises, and much more. So, let’s dive in and discover the best gym franchises to own! Then be sure to read our list of gym franchises and our list of the worst gym franchises to own.
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List of the Top Gym Franchises
These top gym franchises offer diverse business models and fitness experiences, from the most successful boutique fitness studios to the top HVLP gyms, catering to different market segments within the fitness industry. Choosing the right franchise requires careful consideration of various factors including your investment capability, the franchise’s support system, and alignment with your personal and business goals.
| Franchise | Investment | Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Marketing Fee | Founded | Franchising Since | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime Fitness | $510,000 | $42,500 | $8,388 | $7,200 | 2002 | 2002 | anytimefitness.com |
| Blink Fitness | $1,476,000 | $10,000 | 5.0% | 7.0% | 2011 | 2015 | blinkfitness.com |
| Crunch Fitness | $2,536,000 | $25,000 | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1989 | 2010 | crunch.com |
| Fitness Together | $285,000 | $40,000 | 6.0% | 4.0% | 1984 | 1996 | fitnesstogether.com |
| Gold’s Gym | $2,543,000 | $40,000 | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1965 | 1980 | goldsgym.com |
| Orangetheory Fitness | $1,129,000 | $59,950 | 8.0% | 4.0% | 2007 | 2010 | orangetheory.com |
| Planet Fitness | $3,328,000 | $20,000 | 7.0% | 9.0% | 1992 | 2003 | planetfitness.com |
| Snap Fitness | $783,000 | $29,500 | 6.0% | 2.0% | 2003 | 2004 | snapfitness.com |
| Workout Anytime | $1,519,000 | $35,000 | 6.0% | 2.0% | 1999 | 2007 | workoutanytime.com |
#1 – Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is known for its 24/7 accessibility, providing gym fitness centers with a variety of training and coaching services. It has a broad reach with over 4,700 gyms across the US and globally.
Pros
- 24/7 access to facilities.
- Broad global presence.
- Variety of training and coaching services.
Cons
- High initial investment.
- Monthly royalty fee can be a burden for some franchisees.
- Competition with other 24/7 gym franchises.
Website: Anytime Fitness
#2 – Blink Fitness
Blink Fitness, a subsidiary of Equinox Holdings, emphasizes simplicity in workouts and affordability in services. It operates over 107 gyms worldwide, mostly located in the USA.
Pros
- Affordability of services.
- Simplicity in workout regimes.
- Backed by Equinox Holdings, a reputable entity in the fitness industry.
Cons
- Limited international presence.
- Not as established as other franchises on the list.
- Franchising for a relatively shorter period since 2015.
Website: Blink Fitness
#3 – Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness stands out with its no-judgments philosophy, offering a fun and friendly workout environment. The franchise has a wide range of classes and training options, catering to a broad demographic.
Pros
- Inclusive, no-judgment philosophy encourages a diverse membership base.
- Wide variety of classes and training options.
- Strong brand recognition.
Cons
- High initial investment cost.
- Competition with other gym franchises offering similar class variety.
- Royalty and marketing fees could accumulate over time.
Website: Crunch Fitness
#4 – Fitness Together
Fitness Together focuses on personal training in private suites, providing a unique, personalized fitness experience for members. It’s a well-established brand, with over two decades in the fitness franchise industry.
Pros
- Unique personal training model.
- Long-standing reputation in the fitness industry.
- Lower initial investment compared to other franchises.
Cons
- Niche market may limit membership base.
- Royalty and marketing fees could impact profits.
- Competitive market for personal training services.
Website: Fitness Together
#5 – Gold’s Gym
Goldās Gym is one of the most recognized gym franchises, known for its comprehensive fitness experience including state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and diverse group exercise classes.
Pros
- Strong brand recognition and reputation.
- Comprehensive fitness offerings.
- Extensive support and training for franchisees.
Cons
- High initial investment cost.
- Royalty fee and other ongoing fees.
- Competitive market with other well-established gym franchises.
Website: Gold’s Gym
#6 – Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness provides a unique heart rate-based interval training model, offering technology-tracked, scientifically-designed workouts. With over 1,500 studios worldwide, it has a strong global presence.
Pros
- Unique workout model backed by science.
- Strong global presence.
- Comprehensive training and support for franchisees.
Cons
- High initial investment and franchise fee.
- Royalty and marketing fees could impact profits.
- Niche workout model may not appeal to all fitness enthusiasts.
Website: Orangetheory Fitness
#7 – Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is known for its Judgement Free ZoneĀ® philosophy, aiming to create a comfortable environment for all. With over 2,400 clubs globally, it is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchises.
Pros
- Judgement Free ZoneĀ® encourages a wide range of clientele.
- Extensive global presence.
- Low-cost membership model.
Cons
- High initial investment cost.
- Royalty and marketing fees.
- Competition with other low-cost gym franchises.
Website: Planet Fitness
#8 – Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness is recognized for its compact, state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness centers. It offers a franchise model that emphasizes simplicity, both in design and operation, making it a viable option for entrepreneurs new to the fitness industry.
Pros
- 24/7 access to facilities provides convenience to members.
- Simpler operation and design could be less daunting for new franchisees.
- Lower initial investment compared to larger gym franchises.
Cons
- Less brand recognition compared to industry giants.
- Smaller facility size may limit service offerings.
- Competition with other 24/7 access gym franchises.
Website: Snap Fitness
#9 – Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime emphasizes a straightforward, low-cost membership model, aiming to make fitness accessible to a broader demographic. With 24/7 access and a focus on essential fitness equipment and services, it caters to individuals seeking a no-frills workout environment.
Pros
- Low-cost membership model may attract cost-conscious members.
- 24/7 access provides convenience for various schedules.
- Straightforward, no-frills fitness approach.
Cons
- Lower brand recognition compared to larger franchises.
- Limited service offerings due to no-frills model.
- Competition with other low-cost and 24/7 access gyms.
Website: Workout Anytime
Finding the Best Gym Franchise for You
The gym franchises listed above each have their unique strengths, target demographics, and business models. While some franchises emphasize a high-end, comprehensive fitness experience, others focus on accessibility, affordability, or specialized training programs. The choice of which franchise to invest in largely depends on individual business goals, financial capacity, and alignment with the franchise’s brand and values.
Owning a gym franchise can be a lucrative venture given the growing fitness culture globally. The right franchise for you would align with your financial capacity, business acumen, and passion for fitness. Additionally, leveraging a robust gym management software like Exercise.com can significantly enhance the operational efficiency and client engagement of your gym franchise.
Exercise.com provides a comprehensive solution for managing business operations, accepting payments, online booking, hosting exercise videos, selling workout plans, and running online fitness coaching, all through a custom-branded fitness app. This professional solution is perfect for gym owners, personal trainers, and other fitness professionals looking to streamline their business processes and provide superior service to their clients. Book a demo to explore how Exercise.com can transform your gym franchise operations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gym Franchise
When evaluating gym franchises, several key factors should be taken into account.
Brand Reputation
One crucial consideration is the brand reputation and recognition. Look for established gym franchises with a solid track record and a strong customer base. Additionally, consider the level of support and training provided by the franchisor, as this can greatly impact your success. A comprehensive training program and ongoing support will set you up for long-term growth.
Location
Location is another critical element to consider. A well-chosen location, with high foot traffic and easy accessibility, can be the difference between a thriving gym and a struggling one. Market research is vital here – assess the local competition, target demographic, and demand for fitness services in the area.
Financial Consdierations
Financial considerations are also important. Evaluate the initial investment required, including franchise fees, equipment costs, and any additional expenses involved. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the potential return on investment (ROI) and the financial projections provided by the franchisor.
Personal Passion
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, consider your personal passion and interest in the fitness industry. Owning a gym franchise requires dedication and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others lead healthier lives. Choose a gym franchise that aligns with your values and goals, and that allows you to make a positive impact on your community.
Marketing Support
Furthermore, when choosing a gym franchise, it is essential to consider the available marketing and advertising support provided by the franchisor. Effective marketing strategies can help attract and retain customers, ultimately driving the success of your gym franchise. Look for a franchisor that offers comprehensive marketing materials, digital marketing support, and assistance with local advertising campaigns.
Franchise Gym Software
For gym franchisees seeking to optimize their operations and offer a superior customer experience, leveraging a professional gym management software solution like Exercise.com is crucial. Exercise.com provides an all-encompassing platform enabling gym owners, personal trainers, and fitness professionals to manage their business, accept payments, schedule online bookings, host exercise videos, sell workout plans online, and run online fitness coaching through a custom-branded fitness app. This professional solution significantly enhances operational efficiency, client engagement, and overall business growth. By booking a demo, gym franchisees can explore how Exercise.com can be the game-changer in managing and growing their gym franchise operations.
Read More:
- Gym Franchise List
- Worst Gym Franchises to Own
- Fastest Growing Gym Franchises
- How to Buy a Gym Franchise
- Gym Franchise Cost
- How to Start a Gym Franchise
- How to Find Gym Franchises to Own
- How to Become a Fitness Franchisor
- Most Successful Gyms in America
What is the world’s best gym franchise?
The “best” gym franchise can depend on various factors like your budget, business goals, and target market. However, some consistently highly-ranked franchises include Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Orangetheory Fitness, each offering different models and target markets.
Which gym franchise has the most locations?
Anytime Fitness has the most gym franchise locations worldwide, with over 4,000 locations across more than 50 countries.
Which gym franchise has the lowest initial investment cost?
The gym franchise with the lowest initial investment cost varies, but Planet Fitness was known for its relatively lower cost of entry. The initial investment for opening a Planet Fitness franchise, including the franchise fee, equipment, leasehold improvements, and operating capital, could start at around $1.2 million, which was less than some other large gym franchises. However, this can change, and there might be other emerging franchises with lower costs, so always check the current franchise disclosure documents.
Which gym franchise has the highest new franchise success rate?
Determining the gym franchise with the highest new franchise success rate can be challenging as franchises don’t always release this data. However, well-established franchises with strong brand recognition and effective support systems, like Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness, are known for having high success rates among new franchises. It’s important to review each franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document and speak to existing franchisees for the most accurate information.
Which gym franchise has the highest average profit?
Determining the gym franchise with the highest average profit can be difficult as profit depends on various factors including location, management, and membership numbers. Franchises do not typically release specific profit data. To get an idea of potential profitability, prospective franchisees should look at factors such as the franchise’s brand strength, the support offered to franchisees, membership costs, and operating costs. Consulting with existing franchisees can also provide valuable insights.
To streamline operations and enhance member engagement, gym owners and fitness professionals are recommended to leverage Exercise.com’s gym management software. It’s a comprehensive solution that supports business management, payment processing, online booking, exercise video hosting, workout plan sales, and online fitness coaching through a custom-branded app. Book a demo to explore how Exercise.com can enhance your gym franchise operations and contribute to your success in the fitness industry.
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