Best Fitness & Gym Franchises
Compare the top fitness and gym franchise opportunities for 2026. FDD-verified investment ranges, royalty rates, and earnings data across 60+ fitness brands.
The fitness franchise market has completed a structural bifurcation. On one end, large-format value gyms ($10/month price point, 20,000+ sq ft) dominate by volume. On the other, boutique studios - cycling, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, boxing - command premium pricing ($150–$250/month memberships) and generate extraordinary revenue per square foot when operating at capacity.
Our FDD data across 60+ fitness brands shows that boutique studios outperform large-format gyms on cash-on-cash returns when build-out costs are controlled. The risk: boutique studios are vulnerable to attrition if the head instructor culture isn't maintained. Post-pandemic data suggests the best operators have cracked the retention code through community programming and digital engagement.
The royalty burden in fitness is particularly important to model. Combined royalty and marketing fund rates of 12–15% are common - and at those rates, you need revenue above $800K/year to generate meaningful franchisee EBITDA. Scrutinize Item 19 disclosures carefully for studios below that threshold.
How to use this list
1. Start with total cash required
The franchise fee is only one line item. Compare the full investment range, build-out, equipment, opening inventory, and working capital before you shortlist a brand.
2. Check earnings disclosure
Prioritize brands with Item 19 data, stable unit growth, and transparent franchisee economics. A cheap franchise without revenue disclosure is not automatically a good deal.
3. Pressure-test risk
Use SBA default rates, royalty burden, and payback period to separate affordable franchises from fragile ones.
| # | Brand | Royalty % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jazzercise Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence | 20.0% |
| 2 | ANYTIME FITNESS ANYTIME FITNESS Fitness Medium Confidence | N/A |
| 3 | ANYTIME FITNESS Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 3.3% |
| 4 | PLANET FITNESS Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 5 | Pla-Fit Fitness High Confidence | 7.0% |
| 6 | ORANGETHEORY® Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 8.0% |
| 7 | Club Pilates Franchise SPV Fitness High Confidence | 8.0% |
| 8 | F45 Training Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 9 | F45 Training Exemptions Fitness High Confidence | 7.0% |
| 10 | Pure Barre Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 11 | HOTWORX® Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence | N/A |
| 12 | SNAP FITNESS Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 13 | CURVES NA, INC. Fitness High Confidence | 7.5% |
| 14 | ASP - AMERICA’S SWIMMING POOL COMPANY Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 15 | Crunch Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 5.0% |
| 16 | Club Z! Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 8.0% |
| 17 | GRACIE BARRA Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence | N/A |
| 18 | 9ROUND Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 19 | FIT BODY BOOT CAMP Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 5.0% |
| 20 | i9 Sports Fitness Full DisclosureHigh Confidence | 7.5% |
| 21 | FIT4MOM Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 4.0% |
| 22 | Gymboree Play Programs, Inc Fitness High Confidence | 6.0% |
| 23 | Gym Consulting Fitness High Confidence | 7.0% |
| 24 | My Gym My Gym Childrens Fitness Centers Fitness High Confidence | 7.0% |
| 25 | Gold's Gym Fitness Full DisclosureHigh Confidence | 5.0% |
| 26 | Pro Image® Sports Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 5.0% |
| 27 | F19 Franchising LLC DBA FITNESS 19 Fitness Low Confidence | N/A |
| 28 | Stretch Lab Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 8.0% |
| 29 | Sky Zone Fitness Full DisclosureHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 30 | barre3 Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 31 | Fitness Machine Technicians FMT Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 32 | GYMGUYZ Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 33 | Club Pilates Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 8.0% |
| 34 | TITLE BOXING CLUB Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.5% |
| 35 | X GOLF Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 36 | Fitness Together Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 6.0% |
| 37 | Xx EFDID438174 REG49570 Fitness Together - Standard Fitness High Confidence | 6.0% |
| 38 | Stretch Zone Fitness Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence | 7.0% |
| 39 | D1 SPORTS D1 SPORTS TRAINING Fitness High Confidence | 7.0% |
| 40 | Retrofitness Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence | 5.0% |
Showing 40 of 361 brands. View all →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fitness franchise cost?
Fitness franchise investments range from $100K for mobile or home-based concepts to $1M+ for large-format gyms. Boutique studios (yoga, cycling, HIIT) typically require $300K–$700K including lease build-out, equipment, and 6 months of working capital.
Are fitness franchises profitable?
Yes, when executed well. Studios with strong membership retention and high class utilization can achieve 20–30% EBITDA margins. FDD data shows median fitness franchise revenues of $600K–$1.5M depending on the concept format and market.
What is the best gym franchise to invest in?
The best fitness franchise depends on your capital, market, and operator profile. Value gym franchises suit passive investors with capital; boutique studios reward owner-operators with community-building skills. Evaluate Item 19 earnings data and SBA default rates for any brand you're considering.
How do fitness franchise royalties work?
Most fitness franchises charge royalties as a percentage of gross revenue, typically 5–8%, plus an advertising/marketing fund contribution of 2–5%. Some concepts charge flat monthly fees instead of revenue-based royalties.
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Last updated: April 2026