How to Open A Gym Franchise

Thinking about opening a gym franchise? Now’s a great time to join the club. The global fitness industry is booming—in 2025, it’s worth over $87 billion and only projected to grow. 

For many entrepreneurs, franchising is a faster way into the market. And we’re guessing that as a fitness mover and shaker, your favorite speed is fast.

Naturally, you’ve got questions—starting with how to open a gym franchise step by step. Second, how much does it cost to open a gym franchise, anyway?

The good news? Franchises come with built-in brand recognition, proven business models, and ongoing support. You can imagine how valuable these tools are when starting a fitness business in a competitive market.

Whether you’re a fitness pro or new to the industry, this guide will take you through launching a successful gym franchise with confidence. 

Let’s get started!

Pros and Cons of Franchising a Gym in 2025

Before diving into how much to open gym franchise locations or whether it’s the right move, it’s smart to weigh the pros and cons. Franchising isn’t for everyone—but it can be a smart way to launch a gym business with the backing of an established brand and a proven playbook.

PROS of starting a fitness franchise ✅ 

→ Built-in brand recognition

When you join a well-known fitness franchise, you’re not starting from scratch. When they hand over the keys, they also hand over marketing know-how, customer trust, and name recognition. Brands like F45 and Orangetheory have already done the hard work of building consumer awareness so you don’t have to.

→ Proven business model

You’ll gain access to established processes, systems, and tools. Operations manuals, marketing templates, and sales scripts are part of the deal, saving you time and guesswork every single day.

→ Ongoing support

Most gym franchises offer initial training, ongoing mentorship, and dedicated franchisee support. You don’t have to navigate gym ownership alone, especially when it comes to staffing, software, compliance, and scaling.

→ Easier access to financing

Banks and lenders often view franchises as lower-risk investments compared to independent startups. That makes it easier to secure funding, especially if the franchise has a strong track record.

→ Faster time to launch

Franchisees often open their doors faster than independent gym owners. With fewer decisions to make from scratch, you can move from signing to opening in months—not years.

CONS of franchising a gym ❌ 

→ High startup costs

Wondering how much it costs to open a gym franchise? It varies. According to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 listings, some smaller fitness franchises start at $100,000, while larger brands can cost upwards of $500,000. These costs include franchise fees, build-out, equipment, and staffing… All expenses that add up.

→ Ongoing fees

Most franchises charge monthly royalties (usually a percentage of revenue) plus marketing and tech fees. While these payments cover brand support, they also eat into your profit margins.

→ Less flexibility

Want to test a new class style or change up your brand? With a franchise, you’ll need to follow the company’s guidelines. That limits your ability to personalize your gym, or respond to local trends and member requests.

→ Territory restrictions

Some franchise agreements limit your ability to open other locations or expand outside your assigned area. Make sure to keep this in mind if you have long-term growth plans.

→ Not all franchises are created equal

The best gym franchises to own have strong support systems and healthy unit economics. But others may lack adequate training or fail to deliver on marketing promises. Do your research and request detailed financial reports before signing on the dotted line.

7 Steps to Open a Gym Franchise

Opening a fitness franchise can be a rewarding path to gym ownership so long as you cover all your bases. 

If you’ve just started looking into how to open a gym franchise, our guide will help you move forward with confidence.

#1: Research the market and choose a franchise brand

Start by researching demand in your local area. Are people looking for strength training? Boutique group fitness? More affordable options? Use what you discover to choose the best fitness franchise for your goals and community. (Pro tip: Many current owners recommend working in a gym franchise first to learn the ropes before investing.)

Compare franchise models using directories like Franchise Direct or Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. Look into:

• Brand reputation
• Target audience
• Support and training
• Required investment
• Profit potential

Pro tip: Shortlist a few options and request franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) to dig into the details.

#2: Understand the costs and financing options

Still bogged down by the question of how much to open gym franchise locations? The answer varies depending on the brand, location, and gym size, but here’s a breakdown of the typical startup costs:

• Franchise fee: $10,000-$50,000+
  This is the upfront fee you pay to use the franchise’s brand, systems, and support.
• Equipment and build-out: $50,000-$200,000
  Includes workout machines, weights, flooring, lockers, mirrors, and other essentials for your gym setup.
• Leasehold improvements: $30,000-$150,000
  Renovations and modifications needed to make your leased space fit the brand’s standards (lighting, HVAC, bathrooms, etc.). Learn more about commercial real estate for gyms here.
• Insurance, staffing, and software: $20,000-$75,000
  Covers your first few months of payroll, liability and property insurance, and gym management software like ABC Glofox.
• Ongoing royalties and marketing fees:
  Most franchises charge 5-10% of monthly revenue in royalties, plus 1-4% in additional fees for national marketing support.

Total estimated cost to open a gym franchise: $100,000 to $500,000+*

Some boutique models may come in under $150,000, while large, full-service gyms (like Planet Fitness) can exceed $1 million. Be sure to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for exact figures, and explore financing options like SBA loans, business lines of credit, or private investors.

📝 Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Gym Financing

*Note: In addition to the fees listed above, most franchises insist on a certain amount of cash upfront as well as a minimum net worth before allowing you to open a location.

“Franchising is a smart, smart choice—it shortcuts a lot of the stuff we had to deal with when growing our brands on our own. It’s a very appealing option for people who want to get into the fitness industry without starting from scratch.” – Debra Strougo, Row House co-founder 

#3: Create a franchise gym business plan

Even with a proven model, you’ll need a solid business plan. This should outline:

• Your target market
• Competitive analysis
• Startup and operating budget
• Growth and marketing strategy
• Revenue and expense projections

A clear business plan not only helps you stay organized—it’s essential when applying for financing.

📝 Read More: How to Write a Franchise Operations Manual

#4: Secure a location

Work with your franchisor to find and scout potential locations. Ideal spots often have:

• High foot traffic or easy access
• Nearby parking or transit
• Space for equipment, classes, and locker rooms

Some fitness franchises ask for a certain square footage or visibility. Check your agreement before signing a lease.

#5: Sign the franchise agreement and permits

Once you’ve secured funding and a location, it’s time to sign the franchise agreement! Before doing so, consider consulting a franchise attorney to review the fine print.

You’ll also need to register your business, apply for licenses and insurance, and meet local health and safety regulations. Your franchisor may assist with some of this, but responsibilities vary by brand.

#6: Build out and prepare for launch

This is the fun part—when your gym starts taking shape! Depending on your franchise, this phase might include:

• Construction and design (based on brand standards)
• Installing fitness equipment
• Setting up gym management software
• Hiring and training staff
• Pre-launch marketing and lead generation

Pro tip: Lean on your franchisor’s gym franchise startup checklist to help you avoid costly mistakes.

#7: Launch and grow!

Once your gym opens its doors, it’s time to focus on what you do best: build community, nail retention, and generate revenue. 

And remember, your franchisor is there to support you. Let them handle national marketing campaigns, staff training, and performance benchmarks.

Track your KPIs (key performance indicators) from day one. Three things you’ll want to watch: member sign-ups, retention rate, and monthly recurring revenue. 

With the right systems in place, you’ll be ready to grow your gym and open new locations in the future. (And maybe even franchise your own gym!)

Top Gym Franchises to Consider This Year

With hundreds of fitness franchise opportunities out there, it’s essential to choose the right brand and understand your investment. From budget 24/7 gyms to high-end studios, the options vary in cost, model, and support. 

To help you decide, we’ve pulled data from Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Fitness Franchises of 2025 and compared it to data from other leading sources. If you’re looking for the best gym franchises to invest in 2025, here are the top 5 franchises to consider and a more comprehensive comparison table.

F45 Training

• Founded: 2011, franchising since 2014

• Initial investment: approx. $350K-$565K
• Units: over 3,300 studios
• Known for: Its curated HIIT system, group fitness experience, and strong support.

Orangetheory Fitness

• Founded: 2010
• Initial investment: approximately $488K-$994K
• Units: 1,500+ studios, 1M+ members
• Known for: Its science-backed, heart rate-focused workouts.

Anytime Fitness

• Founded: 2002
• Investment: $389K-$970K; franchise fee ~$42.5K
• Units: 4,700+ locations, 4M+ members
• Known for: Its 24/7 access model and compact footprint.

Planet Fitness

• Founded: 1992; franchising since 2003
• Investment: $970K-$4.24M; franchise fee up to $20K
• Units: 2,575+ globally, 18.7M members
• Known for: Its ‘Judgment Free Zone’, which appeals to first-time gym-goers.

Crunch Fitness

• Founded: 1989; franchising since 2010
• Investment: $668K-$3.49M; franchise fee ~$10K-$20K
• Units: 500+ worldwide, 3M+ members
• Known for: Its fun, inclusive environment with eclectic class options.

Franchise comparison chart:

FAQ: How to Open a Gym Franchise

If you still have outlying questions or want to go deeper into the information we’ve provided so far, read on.

Is opening a gym franchise profitable?

Yes, opening a gym franchise can be profitable—especially if you choose the right brand, location, and manage your operations well. You can improve your chances of success with an established franchise. The bigger players often come with strong business models, brand awareness, and built-in support systems.

According to Franchise Business Review, many fitness franchise owners report high satisfaction and positive ROI. That said, profitability depends on your expenses, local demand, and how well you run your business.

How much to open gym franchise businesses in 2025?

The average cost to open a gym franchise ranges from $100,000 to over $500,000, depending on the brand, location, and size of the facility. Larger or full-service gyms like Planet Fitness can exceed $1 million, while boutique studios like 9Round or Burn Boot Camp may fall on the lower end.

Costs usually include a franchise fee, equipment, build-out, staffing, and operating capital. Request a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to see a detailed breakdown.

How to start your own gym franchise? 

If you’re looking to start your own gym franchise (not buy an existing one), follow this quick checklist:

1. Research the market and shortlist fitness franchise opportunities
2. Compare costs, brand values, and support systems
3. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
4. Secure financing, either through loans, investors, or savings
5. Choose a location, sign your franchise agreement, and get the required licenses
6. Build and equip your space, train your team, and prepare for launch
7. Open your gym, supported by the franchise’s marketing and operational tools

If you’re ready to take the next step, a detailed gym franchise startup guide can help you stay organized.

Ready to Launch Your Gym Franchise?

Opening a gym franchise is a major step. But with the right planning, support, and systems, it can also be a smart path to long-term success!

Congratulations, you’ve already done the hard work—understanding just how much it costs to open a gym franchise. Remember, every decision you make early on sets the foundation for growth.

Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to sprint, ABC Glofox is here to help. We built our all-in-one gym management platform to support franchise owners at every stage. Tackle your franchise with our expertise and tools, and watch everything else become second nature.

Book a free demo today and see how ABC Glofox can help you launch faster, manage smarter, and grow stronger as a franchise owner.