Gym Franchise Buying Guide: Best Opportunities for Success

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a fitness business but don’t want to initiate from scratch, gym franchise opportunities could be your ticket to success. 

Imagine having the backing of a well-known brand, a steady stream of fitness-loving clients, along with all the support that you need to hit the ground running. 

Sounds pretty exciting, right? 

The best part? The fitness industry is booming right now. People of this modern age are prioritizing their health more than ever. 

“The global fitness market is expected to soar from $96.7 billion in 2022 to a jaw-dropping $131.9 billion by 2028.”

Well, that’s huge.

So whether you are a fitness fanatic or just see the business potential, there is no better time to jump right in. But with a wide range of fitness gym franchise opportunities to choose from—ranging from high-end studios to affordable setups—finding the appropriate fit can be tricky. 

Don’t worry. We will walk you through everything you need to know to discover the best gym franchise opportunities that align with your budget, goals, and community needs. 

Let’s dive in and find the franchise gym opportunities that are calling your name.   

Why buy a gym franchise?

Let’s be real – the fitness industry is booming like never before. 

People all over the world are giving utmost priority to their health, and it’s no surprise that fitness studio franchises and franchise fitness centers are in super high demand. 

Think about it: the health and fitness market worldwide is projected to evolve by 9.61 percent (2022- 2027), resulting in a market volume of US $6.73 billion in 2027. 

If you’ve been considering the idea of owning a gym franchise, now might just be the perfect time to jump in and ride this wave of growth. 

Fun Fact: Over 60 million Americans have gym memberships. 

And with new fitness trends popping up left and right, people continuously look for the next best workout. 

Imagine — your gym could be where they’re excited to check-in. 

Case study: Daniell Jenkins – From Heartbreak to Thriving Franchise Owner 

Imagine turning one of life’s most challenging moments into a story of triumph as well as inspiration. That’s precisely what Daniell Jenkins did. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Brandon, Daniell found herself struggling with grief and unhealthy habits. But instead of giving up, she made a life-changing decision, not just for herself but also for her daughter. 

Her journey started with a step toward self-care: joining Anytime Fitness. Over time, Daniell lost an incredible 85 pounds, a transformation so inspiring it earned her the National Member Success Story Award. This wasn’t just about weight loss tough. In fact, it was about rediscovering her passion and strength. 

That passion became a purpose. In 2021, Daniell took a leap of faith and became the proud owner of an Anytime Fitness franchise in Destrehan, Louisiana. Her timing was not easy. Hurricane Ida had temporarily closed the club. But Daniell was undeterred. 

In her first year as a franchisee, Daniell increased membership retention by 30% and boosted the club’s revenue by 40%. 

How did she do it?

By creating a community where every member felt seen and supported. Her hands-on approach, coupled with a genuine love for helping others, turned her club into a thriving, welcoming space. 

Hence, Daniell’s story is not just about personal growth. It’s a masterclass in building a successful franchise through perseverance, community, and a whole lot of heart. 

Factors to consider before buying a gym franchise 

Before jumping in, take some time to think about the following key factors: 

• Initial Investment and Cost of a Gym Franchise: Franchise fees and startup costs vary widely. From affordable options to premium 24-hour gym franchise opportunities, there is something for every budget. 
• Support and Training: Several fitness gym franchises offer extensive training and marketing support to help you succeed. Ensure that you choose a brand that provides the level of support you’ll require, especially if you are new to the fitness industry. 
• Brand Strength: Is the franchise name recognizable? Established franchise gym opportunities with strong brand recognition often mean a swift route to building a loyal member base.
• Ongoing Fees: Some franchises take a percentage of monthly revenue or charge royalties, so factor that into your budget. 

Top gym franchise opportunities 

Ready to explore some best gym franchise opportunities? Here are a few popular options to help narrow your search:

1. Pure barre

• Franchise Fee: $60,000
• Estimated Investment: $214,287 to $457,337 
• Locations: 613

Pure Barre mainly focuses on fitness studio franchise options that combine barre classes with a strong sense of community. If you are looking to offer a niche workout experience, then small, supportive group classes of Pure Barre could be the perfect fit. 

2. Blink fitness

• Franchise Fee: $25,000 to $50,000
• Estimated Investment: $398,500 to $6.9 million 
• Locations: 107

Blink Fitness is an absolutely appealing option, especially for those looking for affordable franchise gym opportunities. They offer no-frills, and simple exercise routines, making it ideal for first-time franchisees as well as gym goers who are budget-conscious. 

3. Gold’s gym 

• Franchise Fee: $32,000 to $40,000
• Estimated Investment: $2.2 million to $5 million 
• Locations: 700

Undoubtedly, Gold’s Gym is a legendary name in the fitness industry. With franchise locations all across the world, it is ideal, especially for those who are ready to invest in a well-established franchise fitness center known for its training as well as fitness facilities. 

4. Anytime fitness

• Franchise Fee: $3,150 to 42,500
• Estimated Investment: $58,870 to $521,437
• Locations: 4,000+

Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour gym franchise opportunities. This allows members to work out whenever suits their schedules. Their flexible model makes it easier to attract clients, even those with the busiest lives. 

5. Planet fitness

• Franchise Fee: $20,000
• Estimated Investment: $1.6 million to $4.9 million 
• Locations: 2,010+

The “judgment Free Zone” of Planet Fitness is perfect for those who want a welcoming inclusive environment. It is a big investment, but it comes with brand power as well as a loyal customer base. 

6. Orange theory fitness

• Franchise Fee: $59,950
• Estimated Investment: $589,129 to $1.6 million 
• Locations: 1,277

Orange Theory provides a high-energy, unique group workout model based on technology and science. Members wear heart-rate monitors that display real-time stats during class. This makes it a hit for those who love tracking their progress. 

Tips for choosing the right franchise

Alright, so you are excited about diving into the world of gym franchise opportunities — but how do you pick the one that’s truly right for you? 

Here’s a quick rundown to find the gym franchise opportunity that’s right for you:  

• Look for Support: Some brands offer hands-on training along with marketing support. Choose one that gives you the help you need in order to succeed. 
• Budget Wisely: From initial fees to royalties, be clear on the cost of gym franchise ownership, plus make sure it fits your budget. 
• Align with Brand Values: Some brands focus on inclusivity, others on performance. Go with a brand that feels like you. 
• Set Your Goals: Love high-end amenities? Group fitness? 24/7 amenities? Pick a franchise that aligns with what excites you. 
• Know Your Market: Does your area want a boutique fitness or a franchise fitness center? Match your brand to local demand.  

Decision and next steps 

So you’re finally thinking about gliding into the world of fitness gym franchise opportunity? Well, that’s a great way to ride the wave of the booming fitness industry while benefiting from an established brand as a loyal customer base. 

Whether you are eying a 24-hour gym franchise like Anytime Fitness or a trendy boutique studio like Pure Barre, there’s a perfect fit out there for every single individual. 

Now, are you ready to take that exciting leap and own a gym franchise? Here are some steps that are surely going to help you get started: 

• Make Your List: Jot down what truly matters the most to you. Is it community focus, type of fitness, or investment level? 
• Talk to Current Franchisees: Get the inside scoop. Reach out to exciting franchise owners to hear their experiences as well as tips. 
• Ask Questions: Don’t be shy. Reach out to franchisors with all your burning questions. They are there to help you feel confident in your decision. 
• Take Your Time: This is a big decision, so ensure you choose the franchise that truly feels like the appropriate fit for you. 

Let’s make your dream of owning a franchise fitness center a reality. 

Ready to start your gym franchise journey?

If you’re buzzing with excitement to dive into the world of franchise fitness center options and turn your dream gym into a reality, now is the perfect time to jump in. With the suited gym franchise choice, you can create a thriving business that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. 

So what’s next? 

Check out our awesome resources to get the lowdown on franchise gym opportunities. Start crafting your path to success in the fitness industry today. 

Let’s get this journey rolling together.