Top 10 Fitness Industry Billionaires in 2024
This list of fitness industry billionaires includes Wang Jianlin, Chip Wilson, Li Ning, Chris Rondeau, David Long, and many others who are owners of billion dollar fitness brands like Lululemon, Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and more.
If you want to learn how to start a fitness business, how to become a fitness influencer, or you just want a big list of fitness business ideas, read on to get the inside track. They, like many other fitness professionals, have found that using cutting edge technology including platforms like Exercise.com can greatly enhance the way they run their business, providing an all-in-one solution for everything from their own custom branded fitness app to hosting exercise videos and selling workout plans online with everything from the best online fitness coaching software to the best gym management software.
With the best software for fitness influencers to the best software for personal trainers and the best software for gyms, fitness entrepreneurs who want to make money with fitness have a business management platform to run their entire fitness business in one place.
List of the Top 10 Fitness Industry Billionaires
| Name | Notable Ventures | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Wang Jianlin | Wanda Sports Group | $8 billion |
| Chip Wilson | Lululemon Athletica | $4.9 billion |
| Nerio Alessandri | Technogym | $2.5 billion |
| Li Ning | Li-Ning Company Limited | $1.3 billion |
| Chris Rondeau | Planet Fitness | $1 billion |
| David Long | Orangetheory Fitness | $1 billion |
| Mark Mastrov | 24 Hour Fitness | $1 billion |
| Greg Glassman | CrossFit | $1 billion |
| Sun Weimin | Decathlon | $1 billion |
| Ben Francis | Gymshark | $1 billion |
#1 – Wang Jianlin
Estimated Net Worth: $8 billion
Wang Jianlin’s Wanda Sports Group is a leading sports company in China, organizing a range of sporting events, including marathons and triathlons. His vision and business acumen have established Wanda Sports Group as a major player in the sports industry.
Notable Venture: Wanda Sports Group
#2 – Chip Wilson
Estimated Net Worth: $4.9 billion
Chip Wilson, the visionary behind Lululemon Athletica, revolutionized the activewear industry with high-quality, stylish yoga and fitness apparel. His innovative approach to blending fashion with function has made Lululemon a household name among fitness enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike.
Notable Venture: Lululemon Athletica (premium activewear brand)
#3 – Nerio Alessandri
Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Nerio Alessandri, the mastermind behind Technogym, revolutionized the fitness equipment industry with state-of-the-art machinery and wellness solutions. Starting the company from his garage in Italy, Alessandri’s passion and innovation have made Technogym a preferred choice for fitness facilities, athletes, and homes worldwide.
Notable Venture: Technogym (world-renowned fitness and wellness equipment brand)
#4 – Li Ning
Estimated Net Worth: $1.3 billion
Li Ning, a former Olympic gymnast, founded the Li-Ning Company Limited, a major sportswear and sports equipment brand. His commitment to quality and innovation has made Li-Ning a trusted name in the sports industry.
Notable Venture: Li-Ning Company Limited
#5 – Chris Rondeau
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
Chris Rondeau’s Planet Fitness has become a leading name in the fitness industry. With its affordable memberships and judgment-free zones, Planet Fitness has attracted millions of members.
Notable Venture: Planet Fitness
#6 – David Long
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
David Long’s Orangetheory Fitness, where he serves as co-founder and CEO, offers heart rate-based interval training, combining cardiovascular and strength exercises. His innovative approach to fitness has made Orangetheory a global brand.
Notable Venture: Orangetheory Fitness
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#7 – Mark Mastrov
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
Mark Mastrov, the founder of 24 Hour Fitness, has revolutionized the fitness industry by offering accessible and affordable fitness solutions around the clock.
Notable Venture: 24 Hour Fitness
#8 – Greg Glassman
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
Greg Glassman’s CrossFit has become a fitness phenomenon, with affiliates worldwide. His high-intensity functional workouts have reshaped the fitness landscape.
Notable Venture: CrossFit
#9 – Sun Weimin
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
Sun Weimin’s Decathlon is a global sports retailer, offering a wide range of sports equipment and apparel. His commitment to quality and affordability has made Decathlon a trusted name among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Notable Venture: Decathlon
#10 – Ben Francis
Estimated Net Worth: $1 billion
Ben Francis, the young entrepreneur behind Gymshark, transformed the fitness apparel industry with his innovative designs and influencer marketing strategies. Starting the brand in his garage while attending university, Ben’s dedication and vision have grown Gymshark into a global phenomenon, resonating with fitness enthusiasts around the world.
Notable Venture: Gymshark (leading global fitness apparel brand)
What are some of the secrets of fitness billionaires?
Fitness billionaires often prioritize continuous innovation, diversification of revenue streams, and a keen understanding of market demands. They also emphasize brand building, strategic partnerships, and scalability to expand their businesses globally.
What are some ideas to make money with fitness?
- Offering personal training sessions.
- Launching online fitness courses or subscription services.
- Selling fitness merchandise or equipment.
- Hosting fitness retreats or workshops.
- Affiliate marketing for fitness products.
- Licensing fitness programs or franchising.
Read More: How to Make Money From Fitness
How can I start a fitness business without a lot of money?
Starting with online personal training sessions, offering outdoor group classes, utilizing social media for marketing, and partnering with existing establishments can help launch a fitness business with minimal capital.
Read More: How to Start a Fitness Business With No Money
Who is the richest fitness trainer?
While exact net worths can vary, celebrity personal trainers like Tracy Anderson and Gunnar Peterson are among the wealthiest due to their high-profile clientele and business ventures.
How to get rich in the fitness industry?
Diversifying income streams, establishing a strong brand, continuous innovation, and expanding to online platforms can significantly boost earnings in the fitness industry.
How much money does the fitness industry make a year?
The global fitness industry’s value fluctuates yearly but is estimated to be worth over $100 billion.
Can you be rich as a personal trainer?
While being a personal trainer can be lucrative, especially with high-end clients or successful business ventures, achieving significant wealth often requires diversification of income streams and expansion beyond one-on-one training.
Read More: Can personal trainers become rich?
What is the most profitable fitness niche?
Online fitness coaching, specialized training (e.g., HIIT, CrossFit), and wellness retreats are among the more profitable niches in recent years.
Read More: Most Profitable Fitness Business Models
Who makes the most money in the fitness industry?
Owners of large fitness franchises, creators of widely-used fitness equipment or apps, and top-tier celebrity trainers are among the highest earners.
Read More: Highest Paying Fitness Jobs
How to make millions in fitness?
Expanding to online platforms, franchising, establishing a globally recognized brand, and continuously innovating can lead to substantial earnings in the fitness industry.
Read More: How to Make Money in Fitness
Where do gyms make the most money?
Gyms often make the most money from membership fees, personal training sessions, group classes, and selling merchandise or supplements.
Read More: Gym Multiple Revenue Streams
How much do gym owners actually make?
Earnings vary based on the gym’s size, location, and offerings. While small gyms might earn $30,000 to $70,000 annually, larger establishments or franchises can earn significantly more.
Read More: Gym Owner Average Salary Chart
What is the highest paid personal trainer salary?
Top-tier celebrity personal trainers can earn upwards of $1 million annually, especially when accounting for business ventures, products, and partnerships.
How much do top fitness trainers make?
Top fitness trainers, especially those in premium markets or with celebrity clientele, can earn anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million annually, depending on their ventures and brand.
Read More: How much do the best personal trainers make?
Who is the number one trainer in the world?
The title of “number one” is subjective, but trainers like Joe Wicks and Kayla Itsines have achieved global recognition and have impacted millions with their programs.
Read More: Top Personal Trainer Entrepreneurs
Who is the biggest male fitness influencer?
In terms of following and influence, Simeon Panda and Jeff Seid are among the top male fitness influencers globally.
Read More: Top Male Fitness Influencers
How can Exercise.com help me make money with a fitness business?
Exercise.com provides an integrated software solution tailored for those in the fitness industry. It offers tools for workout planning, client management, scheduling, and billing. With its customizable features, you can monetize your brand, streamline operations, and offer clients a seamless fitness experience. Whether you’re selling workout programs, hosting online classes, or managing a fitness facility, Exercise.com equips you with the tools to grow and monetize your fitness business effectively.
For those in the fitness industry aiming to establish a brand, grow their business, and potentially join the ranks of these successful individuals, Exercise.com offers a comprehensive platform tailored to the unique needs of the fitness community. Explore the platform’s features and capabilities by booking a demo with Exercise.com today!
