TL;DR: The top fitness franchises span every level of investment, from $150K studios to $5M+ big-box gyms. Below, we break down 13 top rated fitness franchises by category, plus how to evaluate before signing the dotted line.
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Owning a fitness franchise gives you a head start most independent gym owners spend years building.
But with dozens of top fitness franchises competing for your investment, choosing the right one matters more than ever. Big-box chains, boutique studios, wellness concepts, and emerging specialty brands are all growing fast—and all at very different price points.
Some of the top 5 fitness franchises by location count require millions in startup capital. Others let you open a studio for under $200K. So, how do you find the right fit?
This post covers the top fitness franchises, plus what to look for before you invest. ABC Glofox supports franchises at every stage of growth with the technology to match.
📝 Read More: Are Fitness Franchises Profitable in 2026?
Table of Contents
- Top Fitness Franchises to Own in 2026
- How to Evaluate a Fitness Franchise Before You Invest
- FAQs: Top Fitness Franchises to Own in 2026
Top Fitness Franchises to Own in 2026
We’ve organized these top rated fitness franchises by category so you can find the model that matches your budget and how you want to run things.
Investment figures come from recent Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and official franchisor websites; actual costs vary by location. Scroll to the bottom of the blog for more info about specific franchises.
Big-box and 24/7 Gym Franchises
These high-volume, lower-cost models cast the widest net. Round-the-clock access and broad appeal make them strong picks in suburban and metro markets alike. If you’re looking at the top 5 fitness franchises by scale, this is where you’ll start, though startup costs can be steep.
Planet Fitness
- Est. Investment: $1.5M – $5.2M
- Locations: 2,400+ U.S.
- Franchise Fee: $20K
- Royalty: 7%
- What Stands Out: Known for “Judgement Free Zone.” Low cost, high volume.
Anytime Fitness
- Est. Investment: $397K – $973K
- Locations: 5,200+ globally
- Franchise Fee: $42.5K
- Royalty: –
- What Stands Out: 24/7 keycard access keeps overhead lean. One of the more accessible big-box options.
Crunch Fitness
- Est. Investment: $668K – $3.5M
- Locations: 400+ U.S.
- Franchise Fee: –
- Royalty: 5%
- What Stands Out: Flexible formats. Growing fast with a strong appeal to younger crowds.
Gold’s Gym
- Est. Investment: $1.78M – $4.35M
- Locations: 600+ globally
- Franchise Fee: $40K
- Royalty: –
- What Stands Out: One of the most iconic names in fitness since 1965. Instant brand recognition.
Snap Fitness
- Est. Investment: $529K – $1.1M
- Locations: 1,000+ globally
- Franchise Fee: $39.5K
- Royalty: 6%
- What Stands Out: Smaller footprint keeps costs in check. Solid franchisee support.
For operators weighing whether franchises can deliver strong returns, the big-box category offers proven scale, but demands significant capital upfront.
📝 Read More: Fitness Franchise Management: Everything You Need to Know
Boutique and Group Fitness Franchises
Boutique concepts charge premium prices and build tight-knit groups. Retention rates often beat big-box models, making these top rated fitness franchises a strong fit for hands-on owners who value brand culture.
Orangetheory Fitness
- Est. Investment: $822K – $1.4M
- Locations: 1,500+ globally
- Franchise Fee: $59.9K
- Royalty: 8%
- What Stands Out: Science-backed group workouts with strong revenue per studio.
F45 Training
- Est. Investment: $349K – $786K
- Locations: 1,600+ in 67+ countries
- Franchise Fee: $60K
- Royalty: –
- What Stands Out: 45-minute HIIT and functional training in a team-based format.
Burn Boot Camp
- Est. Investment: $282K – $645K
- Locations: 350+ U.S.
- Franchise Fee: $43K – $45K
- Royalty: 6%
- What Stands Out: Fiercely loyal community with strong retention numbers.
🎙️ Listen: April Fisk’s Fitness Franchise Tips For Success – The former VP of Orangetheory and sixth-ever hire at Snap Fitness shares what the best franchise operators do differently.
Yoga, Pilates, and Barre Franchises
Low-impact and high-retention: that’s the appeal here. Demand for Pilates and barre keeps climbing as more wellness-minded consumers look for options beyond high-intensity training. These brands don’t carry the scale of the top 5 fitness franchises, but they offer strong recurring revenue in a growing market.
| Franchise | Est. Investment | Locations | Franchise Fee | Royalty | What stands out |
| Club Pilates | $385K – $839K | 1,000+ globally | $60K | – | Leads the global Pilates franchise market.
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| Pure Barre | $314K – $629K | 650+ U.S. | $60K | 7% | Dominates the barre category. Low-impact, full-body workouts.
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If you’re exploring boutique fitness, understanding your financial projections early is key.
Specialty and Emerging Fitness Franchises
These niche concepts are gaining ground. They may not carry the name power of Planet Fitness or Orangetheory, but their focused models can deliver strong returns per location.
| Franchise | Est. Investment | Locations | Franchise Fee | Royalty | What stands out |
| D1 Training | $475K – $907K | 100+ U.S. | $59.5K | – | Sports-performance training programs for youth athletes to pros.
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| The Exercise Coach | $260K – $390K | 210+ U.S. | $49.5K | – | Largest personal training franchise in the U.S.
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| 9Round | $149K – $416K | 500+ globally | $14.9K | – | One of the most accessible top fitness franchises to own for first-time buyers. |
If you’re weighing different concepts, our roundup of fitness business ideas for 2026 covers what’s picking up steam. Owners looking to set up their own fitness franchise will also find the specialty category worth a closer look.
How to Evaluate a Fitness Franchise Before You Invest
Knowing which brands rank among the top fitness franchises to own is the starting point. But you still need a way to evaluate if a specific franchise is right for your situation, whether it’s one of the top 5 fitness franchises by size or a smaller emerging concept.
Let’s explore some key considerations.
Understand total investment costs beyond the franchise fee
The franchise fee is just the cost of entry. Your actual costs cover build-out, equipment, signage, marketing, operating expenses, ongoing royalty fees, and more. (Royalty fees are detailed in the brand’s FDD).
It’s worth reviewing the FDD with a franchise attorney before signing anything. For a complete breakdown of what to expect cost-wise, see “Counting the Cost of Opening a Gym.”
Check whether the brand is growing and if your market has room
Growing location counts usually signal a healthy franchise system. However, national growth doesn’t always mean success in local markets.
Before choosing among the top rated fitness franchises, research how crowded your local market is. Are there already three boutique HIIT studios within five miles? A booming brand might be overbuilt in your zip code.
Look at unit-level revenue in the FDD, not just total locations.
For more on where the industry is heading, check out 2026 Fitness Trends: 4 Ways To Future-Proof Your Business.
Evaluate franchisee support and training programs
What do you get for your royalty fees? The best franchisors help with site selection, marketing, tech platforms, and ongoing training. Quality varies a lot between brands, and it can mean the difference between feeling like a partner and feeling like you’re on your own.
📝 Read More: ABC Glofox Announces Dedicated Team to Serve Fitness Franchises of Any Size, Anywhere
Choose the right technology stack from day one
Whichever franchise you choose, you’ll need gym management software that handles members, payments, and admin from a single platform.
ABC Glofox supports franchise owners with premium branded member apps, automated retention workflows, and centralized reporting across every location. Plus, our payment processing works in 100+ markets.
“ABC Glofox is more than a software platform. They’re a partner for my future.”
– Victoria Thomas, Founder, JourneyFit
FAQs: Top Fitness Franchises
What is the most profitable fitness franchise to own?
Profits depend on more than just the brand. They also depend on your local market and operating costs.
Among the top rated fitness franchises, Orangetheory Fitness and Planet Fitness often report strong unit-level numbers in their FDDs. Boutique concepts like Club Pilates and The Exercise Coach can also be very profitable due to lower overhead and premium pricing.
How much does it cost to open a fitness franchise?
Costs range a lot. 9Round starts at around $149K on the low end, while a full-size Planet Fitness can require $5M+. Most top fitness franchises fall between $300K and $1.5M in total initial investment.
Always review the FDDs for a complete cost breakdown. We break down other costs you need to keep in mind here.
What should I look for in a fitness franchise?
The FDD is the single most important document to review. Look at unit-level revenue and total cost first. Then check franchisee turnover and lawsuit history.
Beyond the numbers, evaluate the strength of each brand in your local market and the quality of franchisee support.
Does the franchise give you the technology and marketing resources that the top 5 fitness franchises are known for? The right gym management software makes a real difference in day-to-day operations.
Set Your Fitness Franchise Up for Success with ABC Glofox
The top rated fitness franchises share one thing in common: they run on technology that makes operations simpler and builds strong relationships with members.
ABC Glofox is the all-in-one gym management platform built for exactly this. Franchise owners use our platform to easily manage memberships and automate communications, with centralized reporting that delivers real-time visibility across every location.
From your first location to your 30th one, ABC Glofox handles the day-to-day complexity so you can focus on growing your business. Get a free demo today.
Learn more about top fitness franchises:
