The Best Gym Franchises To Open
Learn which fitness powerhouse players are worth the investment for franchisees
In fitness franchising, big-box gym franchises represent significant opportunities, offering investors a chance to capitalize on the enduring appeal of the health and wellness industry. With their extensive facilities, diverse offerings,and established brand recognition, these franchises provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the thriving fitness industry.
For those looking for strong unit economics and the ability to make a meaningful community impact, large gym franchises could be your ticket to success and fulfillment.
Here, Athletech News dives into what sets some of the top players in the large gym franchise category apart in a competitive market. From robust training programs to strategic marketing initiatives, each franchise offers investors a unique blend of opportunity and potential.
Anytime Fitness
Investment: The initial investment to open a new Anytime Fitness franchise is just below $400,000. This comprehensive investment covers everything from equipment to the franchise fee, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to start their business on a solid foundation.
About: Anytime Fitness stands out as a premier choice for prospective franchise owners. Established in 2001, Anytime Fitness has rapidly evolved into the largest and fastest-growing fitness brand worldwide. With over 5,200 clubs in over 40 countries, Anytime Fitness boasts an extensive global presence, including unique locations like Antarctica. The brand’s robust expansion is evident, with over 2,300 locations in the U.S. alone, mainly concentrated in Texas, Florida, Minnesota and California.
Anytime Fitness distinguishes itself from other fitness brands through its commitment to accessibility and personalization. Unlike conventional gyms, Anytime Fitness provides 24/7, 365-day access to state-of-the-art facilities, allowing members to work out at their convenience. The brand is dedicated to individualized fitness plans. Upon joining, every member receives a customized plan supported by professional coaches and innovative technology like AF SmartCoaching and the A.F. App. This approach ensures members receive tailored guidance, enhancing their fitness journey inside and outside the gym.
Anytime Fitness seeks franchisees who share the brand’s core values and passion for fitness. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about promoting a healthy lifestyle and are entrepreneurial in spirit. Prospective owners should be committed to positively impacting their communities, building a successful business and fostering a supportive gym environment. This alignment ensures a strong foundation for success within the franchise network.
Relentless innovation has been a cornerstone of Anytime Fitness’s success. A notable recent development is the partnership with Apple Fitness+, launched in 2023.
Looking ahead, Anytime Fitness is poised for continued domestic and international expansion. In 2024, the brand aims to double the number of its domestic clubs, tapping into markets across all 50 states. Additionally, Anytime Fitness is expanding its global footprint, with significant growth planned in the United Arab Emirates and Europe. The first club in Dubai is set to open by the end of 2024, marking a new chapter in the brand’s exciting international journey.
Learn more here.
Snap Fitness
Investment: With a total investment ranging from £550,000 ($703,000) to £750,000 ($958,000) Snap Fitness presents a compelling opportunity for potential franchisees.
About: Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2015, Snap Fitness has grown to over 1,000 gyms across more than 20 countries, with the highest franchise concentrations being in the Americas, particularly the United States and Canada, followed by Australia and New Zealand, the U.K. and Ireland.
Over the past year, Snap Fitness has experienced a 16 percent rise in global memberships, remodeled 96 gyms, opened 32 new gyms and sold 78 new territories. The momentum behind the brand right now cannot be ignored. The goal for 2024 is to open a new site every two weeks, a target that the company is well on track to achieve. A strong value proposition and a commitment to holistic wellness drive this impressive expansion.
One of Snap Fitness’s key differentiators is its holistic approach to fitness. The brand focuses on the overall well-being of its members, emphasizing the intrinsic benefits of exercise, such as increased energy, reduced stress and improved mood.
“Snap Fitness has been a pioneer in shifting the fitness industry’s focus from aesthetics to overall wellness,” says the brand’s senior leadership team. This strategy resonates with modern gym-goers seeking more than just physical transformation.
Snap Fitness seeks franchisees who are passionate about health and wellness, committed to the member experience, eager to learn and grow, and keen to support their local communities. Their most successful franchisees understand the value of member satisfaction and strive to create welcoming, supportive and inclusive environments for them in every community they serve.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Snap Fitness’s offerings. In April 2024, the company launched Snap App 2.0, ensuring a seamless fitness experience for members. The app features improved navigation, personalized training programs and access to over 1,200 on-demand workouts. This advanced tool allows members to track their progress, receive personalized meal plans and participate in mental health programs, adding significant value to its members.
Looking ahead, Snap Fitness is focused on enhancing its member experience through ongoing, member-centric staff training and continuous app improvements. By prioritizing the member journey, Snap Fitness aims to expand its footprint and solidify its position as a leader in the global fitness industry. For investors seeking a dynamic and growing franchise opportunity, Snap Fitness offers a proven model with extensive franchisee support.
Learn more here.
D1 Training
Investment: With a total investment of between $161,000 and $711,000, D1 Training presents a compelling opportunity for potential investors.
About: Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2015, D1 Training already has an impressive footprint with over 116 locations, with the highest concentration being in the Central, South and Southeast regions of the U.S., including 25 new locations that have opened this year. The company is showing remarkable growth, as reflected in the March 2024 sales numbers, marking the largest sales month in company history. Add to that an impressive same-store sales growth averaging 6.5 percent year-over-year systemwide, and you can be assured that unit economics are top of mind for the team at D1.
The brand differentiates itself in several key ways, but the most compelling is its ability to offer training to youth and adults.
“Our rookie classes train kids as young as seven years old, but we also train adults, including college and pro athletes,” boasts the senior leadership team.
This broad demographic appeal is complemented by a 5-Star Training program, which delivers a division-one training experience for all levels. Additionally, D1 Training benefits from four growth markets: Fitness, Health & Wellness, Youth Sports, and Family Entertainment, making it a versatile and robust franchise opportunity.
When looking for prospective franchisees, D1 Training seeks financially qualified individuals with experience in small-business ownership and strong leadership experience who are driven and passionate about fitness. “We want community leaders who are enthusiastic about the D1 Training brand and share our mission and vision,” the leadership team explains.
D1 Training’s strategic business model provides state-of-the-art operations and marketing tools to empower franchise owners to operate a best-in-class training facility while being encouraged to grow with the brand.
Learn more here.