The Best Fitness Franchises Under $250K To Open
Get the inside scoop on gyms and studios that require relatively little investment to get started
In the world of entrepreneurship, investing in a fitness franchise offers an enticing pathway to financial prosperity and personal fulfillment. However, the initial capital required can be a significant barrier for many prospective investors.
Fear not, franchises exist that provide strong investment opportunities without breaking the bank. With an initial investment under $250,000, these franchises offer a chance to enter the thriving fitness industry and carve out a path to success.
Athletech News uncovers what makes these fitness franchises ideal investments for aspiring entrepreneurs. Each franchise offers a unique blend of opportunity and potential, from affordable entry costs to comprehensive support systems.
GymGuyz
Investment: With an investment ranging from approximately $92,000 to $174,000, GymGuyz presents an enticing opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking entry into the fitness market. Boasting an impressive network of 178 locations across the United States, Canada, and the U.K., GymGuyz has experienced a staggering growth rate of 780 percent since its inception.
About: In the dynamic world of fitness franchises, GymGuyz emerges as a trailblazer, offering a unique and accessible approach to personal wellness. Founded in 2014 by Josh York, Gymguyz is on a mission to disrupt traditional fitness models and bring workouts directly to clients.
What sets GymGuyz apart is its commitment to convenience and innovation. Unlike traditional gyms, GymGuyz eliminates the need for brick-and-mortar establishments, delivering personalized workouts directly to clients’ homes or workplaces. This model reduces expenses and maximizes profit margins, catering to the ever-growing demand for convenience in today’s fast-paced world.
“Convenience will continue to rule the world,” York emphasizes.
With a focus on disrupting the fitness industry, GymGuyz is poised for exponential growth. Last year alone, GymGuyz expanded into over 265 cities, with plans to triple that number in the coming year.
When selecting franchisees, GymGuyz seeks individuals with drive, persistence and a growth mindset. York emphasizes the importance of leadership skills and the willingness to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for personal development.
With a focus on accessibility, innovation, and empowerment, GymGuyz is poised to shape the future of personal wellness on a global scale.
Learn more here.
Pvolve
Investment: With an investment requirement of between $150,000 and $250,000, Pvolve offers a compelling opportunity for aspiring franchisees looking to enter the wellness industry. Despite its relatively recent inception, Pvolve boasts an impressive network of 40+ locations, predominantly in San Diego, Phoenix, Houston, Austin and Nashville, with ambitious growth plans on the horizon.
About: Pvolve stands out as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the thriving fitness franchise space. Established in 2019, Pvolve has swiftly garnered attention for its proprietary fitness method and unique approach to holistic wellness.
“Pvolve is a proprietary fitness method unlike anything else on the market,” says Jill Brand, head of brand at Pvolve. “This dedication is evident in Pvolve’s emphasis on science and validation through clinical research trials overseen by a Clinical Advisory Board comprised of medical professionals.
Pvolve’s success lies in its distinctive fitness method, which combines functional fitness with patented resistance equipment. Overseen by a Clinical Advisory Board comprising medical professionals, Pvolve prioritizes science-backed workouts aimed at enhancing mobility, strength and lean muscle mass.
What distinguishes Pvolve is its omnichannel offering, allowing members to experience workouts online and in-studio. This flexibility caters to the modern consumer’s lifestyle, resulting in higher member engagement and retention—good news for franchise owners.
Moreover, Pvolve prioritizes low-impact, functional workouts, challenging the conventional fitness mantra of “no pain, no gain.” By emphasizing longevity and body support, Pvolve attracts individuals seeking sustainable wellness solutions.
When considering prospective franchisees, Pvolve looks for individuals passionate about health and wellness who are driven to positively impact their communities. Business acumen and operational expertise are also valued traits, ensuring a robust foundation of franchisee success.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Pvolve’s strategy, with ongoing enhancements to lead generation and marketing support for franchise owners. Looking ahead, Pvolve is excited to deepen its partnership with Jennifer Aniston and expand its support infrastructure for franchisees, both digitally and in-studio.
Learn more here.
Barre3
Investment: With investment opportunities starting at approximately $250,000, over 185 franchise studios, and a global online community, barre3 provides potential franchisees with a compelling reason to join a brand that is committed to empowering individuals to embrace their whole-body health.
About: In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness franchises, one name stands out for its unique approach to wellness: barre3. Founded in 2008 by Sadie and Chris Lincoln in Portland, Oregon, barre3 emerged with a vision to redefine success in fitness. Its holistic approach to exercise sets barre3 apart from traditional fitness models. Combining strength, cardio and mindfulness, barre3 workouts offer a refreshing alternative to the typical gym routine.
We exercise to feel present and alive in our bodies just as they are,” Sadie Lincoln, the CEO and founder of barre3, explains,.
The franchise’s recent acquisition of The Barre Code further solidifies its position as an industry leader. With 22 new franchise studio owners onboard, barre3 is poised for even greater expansion. This growth is fueled by a commitment to providing unparalleled support to franchisees, ensuring their success in local communities.
Prospective franchisees are sought not only for their entrepreneurial spirit but also for their alignment with barre3’s vision and mission.
“We seek owners who are entrepreneurial business-minded leaders in their local communities,” Lincoln notes,
Innovation is at the heart of barre3’s evolution. In the past year alone, the franchise has introduced three new class types, each designed to enhance the barre3 experience. From strength-building to cardio-boosting workouts, barre3 continues to push boundaries in functional fitness.
Looking ahead, barre3 shows no signs of slowing down. With plans to open 50+ new studios and expand internationally, the movement towards redefining success in fitness is only just beginning. As Sadie Lincoln aptly sums up, “With this momentum, we are leaning heavily into franchise sales and studio conversions, continuing our mission to bring balance and empowerment to communities worldwide.”
Learn more here.
Anytime Fitness
Investment: With existing franchise resale opportunities requiring less than $250,000, Anytime Fitness presents an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to join the fitness industry at one of the top big gym fitness franchises. With an impressive network of 5,200 locations worldwide, including all seven continents, Anytime Fitness continues to set the standard for accessibility and innovation in the fitness industry.
About: In the world of fitness franchises, Anytime Fitness is an unparalleled leader in revolutionizing how individuals approach personal wellness. Established in 2001 and franchised since 2002, Anytime Fitness has rapidly expanded to become the largest and fastest-growing fitness brand worldwide.
Distinguishing itself from traditional gyms, Anytime Fitness prioritizes tailored fitness experiences catered to individual needs. The brand’s commitment to customization and convenience is evident through its 24/7, 365-day access and advanced technological offerings, which facilitate personalized coaching and support.
Prospective franchisees are sought based on their alignment with Anytime Fitness’s core values and their dedication to promoting wellness within their communities. Attributes such as a genuine passion for fitness, entrepreneurial drive and a desire to make a positive impact are highly valued.
Continual innovation drives Anytime Fitness forward, exemplified by recent partnerships with Apple Fitness+ to enhance member experiences. With plans to double domestic clubs and expand into new markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Europe, Anytime Fitness remains at the forefront of fitness evolution.
Learn more here.
Pure Barre
Investment: With an entry-level investment of just over $250,000, Pure Barre has expanded to over 640 locations across 48 states and Canada, with recent developments in Japan. This impressive growth underscores its strong market presence, especially in the major cities within California, Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, Georgia and Colorado.
About: Established in 2002, Pure Barre has played a pioneering role in the barre industry that has set it apart from other fitness brands.
“Pure Barre is the pioneer in the barre industry, not only as it is the biggest barre brand in the world, but through the dedication to evolve the consumer experience and invest in class innovations constantly, it has a very loyal member base that allows the brand to continue to grow even now as a ‘legacy’ brand with a 22-year history,” explains Kate Doyle-Kwon, vice president of franchise marketing at parent brand Xponential Fitness.
Ideal franchise candidates exhibit effective leadership skills, strong business acumen, and a passion for health and wellness. Pure Barre values individuals who appreciate the franchise model and are committed to upholding the brand’s core values of inclusivity and community.
Pure Barre continuously innovates to enhance the member experience. In 2023, the brand introduced two new class types: Align, which focused on recovery and flexibility, and Define, which emphasized strength training with heavier weights. These innovations have been well-received, with the Define class achieving a utilization rate of 77 percent and driving a 15 percent increase in same-store sales across North America. Such innovations retain members by offering variety and attracting a more diverse membership base, catering to those seeking restorative and strength-focused workouts.
Looking ahead, Pure Barre aims to be a category leader.
“Our big vision is to continue to forge the path and be a driving force in developing the low-impact, high-intensity category in the fitness industry,” says Doyle-Kwon.
Learn more here.