Gym Franchise Cost in the USA
Fitness is not just a trend—it’s a booming business. In 2025, the U.S. health and wellness industry is worth over $87 billion, with gyms and fitness studios accounting for a substantial share. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into this lucrative sector, buying a gym franchise offers brand power, built-in support, and scalable revenue potential.
But how much does it really cost to start a gym franchise? The answer depends on brand, location, gym size, and business model. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Fitness industry trends and stats
- Types of gym franchises
- Startup cost breakdown
- Top gym franchises in 2025
- Financial performance & ROI expectations
- Franchise requirements
- Funding options
- Risk factors
- Franchise comparison table
- Final thoughts
1. Fitness Industry Trends (2025)
- Market Size: $87+ billion in 2025 (U.S. health club market)
- Annual Growth Rate: 5.3% CAGR (2022–2025)
- Total U.S. Gyms: Over 42,000
- Active Gym Members: 74 million (approx. 1 in 4 Americans)
Trends include:
- Increased demand for boutique and HIIT studios
- Rise in women-only gyms and community-based models
- Growth of 24/7 gyms and hybrid (in-person + digital) training platforms
2. Types of Gym Franchises
a. Budget Gyms
Low-cost, high-volume gyms with basic equipment.
- Example: Planet Fitness, Snap Fitness
b. Boutique Studios
Focus on HIIT, yoga, pilates, or strength training in small group classes.
- Example: Orangetheory Fitness, F45 Training, Barry’s Bootcamp
c. Women-Focused Gyms
Safe, supportive spaces tailored for women.
- Example: Burn Boot Camp, Curves
d. 24/7 Access Gyms
Convenient, unmanned or semi-manned fitness centers open around the clock.
- Example: Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness
3. Cost Breakdown of a Gym Franchise
| Expense Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Real Estate / Lease | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Construction & Buildout | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Machines | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Marketing & Branding | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Technology/Software | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Total Range | $150,000 – $4,000,000 |
Note: Higher-end franchises like Planet Fitness often require multi-million dollar investments, especially for large locations.
4. Top Gym Franchises in 2025
1. Orangetheory Fitness
- Startup Cost: $325K – $500K
- Franchise Fee: $54,950
- Royalty: 8% + 2% marketing
- Studios Worldwide: 1,500+
- Focus: HIIT + heart-rate monitoring
2. Anytime Fitness
- Startup Cost: $300K – $600K
- Franchise Fee: $42,500
- Royalty: 7%
- Locations: 5,000+ globally
- Model: 24/7 access with minimal staffing
3. F45 Training
- Startup Cost: $250K – $350K
- Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Royalty: 7% + 2% marketing
- Locations: 2,000+ in 65 countries
- Focus: Functional group training
4. Planet Fitness
- Startup Cost: $1.5M – $4.0M
- Franchise Fee: $20,000
- Royalty: 7%
- Requirements: $3M net worth, $1.5M liquid
- Model: High-volume, low-price ($10/month)
5. Burn Boot Camp
- Startup Cost: $150K – $350K
- Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Royalty: 6%
- Focus: Female-centric fitness + childcare
5. Financial Performance & ROI Benchmarks
| Brand | Avg Annual Revenue | Net Profit Margin | Breakeven Period |
| Orangetheory | $900K – $1.5M | 18–25% | 18–30 months |
| Anytime Fitness | $300K – $600K | 15–20% | 24–36 months |
| F45 Training | $500K – $1.2M | 15–22% | 18–30 months |
| Planet Fitness | $2.5M – $4M | 10–15% | 3–5 years |
| Burn Boot Camp | $400K – $800K | 18–25% | 18–30 months |
6. Franchise Requirements
Most gym franchises require:
- Net Worth: $200K – $3M (brand-dependent)
- Liquid Capital: $75K – $1.5M
- Background: Business or fitness experience preferred
- Owner Role: Can be absentee (24/7 gyms) or owner-operated (boutiques)
7. Financing Options
- SBA Loans: Backed by the U.S. government, great for startups
- ROBS (Retirement Rollover): Use 401(k) funds without penalties
- Equipment Leasing: Reduce upfront costs
- Franchisor Partnerships: Some offer internal funding or lender networks
8. Risks and Considerations
- Membership churn: 25–40% annually in some models
- Real estate volatility: Especially in high-traffic urban areas
- Competition: Local independents and low-cost gyms
- Staff turnover: Especially for trainers in boutique studios
- Tech integration: Members expect apps, scheduling, tracking, and streaming options
9. Franchise Comparison Table
| Brand | Startup Cost | Franchise Fee | Avg Revenue | Breakeven |
| Orangetheory | $325K – $500K | $54,950 | $1M+ | 18–30 mo |
| Anytime Fitness | $300K – $600K | $42,500 | $500K | 24–36 mo |
| F45 Training | $250K – $350K | $50,000 | $900K | 18–30 mo |
| Planet Fitness | $1.5M – $4M | $20,000 | $2.5M+ | 3–5 yrs |
| Burn Boot Camp | $150K – $350K | $40,000 | $700K | 18–30 mo |
10. Final Thoughts
Owning a gym franchise can be both profitable and fulfilling—especially in today’s health-conscious culture. With the right brand, location, and support system, many franchisees report breaking even within 2 years and scaling to multi-unit ownership.
Whether you prefer the community energy of a boutique like F45 or the consistency of a 24/7 chain like Anytime Fitness, your success will depend on:
- Market research and site selection
- Operational discipline
- Member retention strategies
- Consistent branding and local marketing
Ready to start your fitness business? Review Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), compare startup costs, and speak with current franchisees to make an informed decision.
Health is wealth—and in this case, it can be both.
