11 Most Popular Gym Franchises in America

Today we’re giving you a list of 11 most popular gym franchises in America. Modern media hold somewhat of a monopoly on the perspective of the way of life most of us should be leading. In this modern day, there’s simply no place for people who aren’t taking care of themselves – at least, that’s what they’ll make you believe. Everyone has the right to choose for themselves, but given the fact that some of the American gym franchises stocks are soaring right now (and have been for quite some time) – it seems that plenty of people do listen to what’s being served to them. Whether it’s the media that managed to crawl under their skin or just a genuine need to be active, gyms across the states are rubbing their hands. Before we start with the most popular gym franchises, take a look at 11 biggest fitness chains in America from the last year.

So, what parameter determines the most popular fitness franchises? That one should be fairly easy – it’s the number of state-wide franchises. It’s a no-brainer really, the most widespread franchises are usually the most popular ones as well. After all, these two things go hand in hand. Now, as far as our list is concerned, everything would have been simple if an overall number of franchises didn’t appear more than once across multiple different chains. What I’m trying to say is that some gym franchises showcase very similar numbers when it comes to a total number of units (locations). That’s why we have resorted to additional means when compiling this list of 11 most popular gym franchises in America. Apart from the number of units each franchise has, we have also taken their rank on Entrepreneur’s list of 500 most successful fitness franchises. Moreover, we’ll also inform you about the recent changes and trends in every franchise’s development, as well as about other general info you should know about them. Finally, only genuine gym franchises will be considered which pretty much excludes dancing fitness groups, boxing, kickboxing and other similar programs. So, let’s take a look at America’s most popular fitness franchises.

11. Get In Shape For Women

Get In Shape For Women is based on small group personal training (for women, of course) with all accompanying fitness aspects like nutrition coaching for instance. The company was founded in 2006 in Needham, Massachusetts, and started franchising the following year. In 2015, there were a total of 87 Get In Shape For Women gyms, 4 of which were company held. The rest were franchises within the US borders. If we take a look at current trends, the franchise is near its peak which it reached in 2012 but has still lost 5 locations in the last year. In order to start the Get In Shape For Women franchise, one must invest between $55,900 and $188,756, have a net worth of $250,000 and liquid capital of $100,000.

10. Koko FitClub LLC

Koko FitClub LLC offers highly personalized, yet modern workout program. For instance, all members are given a USB drive which tracks their progress and recommends the program and routine when plugged into gym’s terminal. The franchise was established in 2004 in Rockland, MA, and started branching out 4 years later. There are currently 109 locations available, three of which are still company held. However, Koko FitClub LLC have lost 6 locations during the last year and no less than 19 locations in last three years. If you’re interested in boosting their diminishing numbers, you’ll need to invest somewhere in the region between $203,421 and $396,337. Furthermore, you’ll need to have $200,000 liquid assets and have a net worth of at least $350,000.

9. World Gym

World Gym was founded by one of the most successful bodybuilding gurus of our time Joe Gold, back in 1976. Headquarters are still stationed in Los Angeles, and World Gym has been franchising since 1982. World Gym have had 213 locations all over the world in 2015 and 99 of these locations were in the United States. While US locations have shrunk by 7, World Gym have opened up 10 locations across the globe in order to remedy the situation. Quite a hefty initial investments are required in order to obtain this prestigious franchise. You’ll need between $762,200 and $3,212,500, together with liquid assets of $100,000 and net worth of $250,000.

8. Crunch Franchising LLC

Crunch Franchising LLC is a modern fitness franchise which offers corresponding services to all their clients. Founded in 2010 in Carlsbad, CA, Crunch gyms have started branching out from the get-go. Not only that, but they are seeing almost exponential growth, and currently feature 110 locations: 91 US franchises, 9 global franchises, and 10 company-owned locations. Initial investments for starting Crunch Franchising LLC gym are in a region between $304,500 and $1,395,500. Furthermore, future owner of their gym needs to fulfill some rather high personal standards. In other words, he’ll need a net worth of no less than $1,000,000, and liquidity in a region between $300,000 and $400,000.

7. UFC Gym

UFC Gym, as its name suggests, offers a mix of martial arts training and conventional gym routines. It’s actually tightly connected with Ultimate Fighting Championship promotions, being their own creation and all. Established in 1992, UFC Gyms have started their franchising expansion in 2004. There are currently 126 locations – most of which are found in the United States (115 franchises). Others are in Canada, and soon to be in Australia as well. To qualify for UFC Gym franchise license, the future owner needs to invest between $390,257 and $891,007. He’ll also need a $350,000 net worth of assets and a cash flow of at least $175,000.

6. Retro Fitness

Retro Fitness was founded in 2002, and it’s franchising since 2006. Here, you’ll find all the things you might require of a gym, but that’s not all. As their name suggests, Retro gyms are based on the eighties concept. That way you’ll be able to watch the movies and listen to the music from this period among other things. Retro Fitness gyms are very successful and are constantly growing in numbers. As of 2015, there have been 135 total locations, 134 of which are US-based franchises, and one of which is the original, company held gym. Between $781,350 and $1,572,250 is needed initially if one’s about to buy the franchising license. Furthermore, the owner needs to have a net worth of at least $1,500,000, and cash liquidity of $300,000.

5. Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness gyms are still rather young, but quite successful at the same time which is being suggested by their high position among 11 most popular gym franchises in America. Established in 2010, the company has started with franchising straight from the gates. This modern franchise offers contemporary workouts coupled with corresponding equipment and methods. As of 2015, there are at least 308 locations inside the US, which is a bump of 208 gyms compared to 2014. Furthermore, Orangetheory Fitness has additional 30 gyms outside the US. Initial investment into this franchise is usually within $437,600 and $772,100 borders. Net worth requirement amounts to $500,000 while liquidity comes to $150,000.

4. Gold’s Gym

Another gym franchise founded by Joe Gold – Gold’s Gym even carries its founder’s name. One of the world’s most prolific gym franchises was established back in 1965, and it’s branching out since 1980. As of 2015, Gold’s Gym has 273 US locations, 285 international locations and no less than 150 company held locations. It’s evident that Gold’s Gym is following the strategy of international expansion since US locations have been shrinking in recent years. Of course, international and even company held gyms have seen a boost in their numbers during the same period. Like World Gym, Gold’s Gym too maintains high standard when it comes to their new location and partners. Initial investments are in a region between $1,033,000 and $3,973,000, while net worth and liquid cash requirements amount to $500,000 and $300,000 respectively.

3. Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness would have been your average gym franchise – lest they weren’t having a pizza night once a month. The franchise was established in 1992, and it’s branching since 2003. There are currently no less than 1,014 Planet Fitness locations throughout the states, and only 58 of them are company-owned. It comes without saying that Planet Fitness web is growing in numbers year in, year out. Initial investment requirements aren’t that low either, coming to a region between $728,290 and $3,777,800. Net worth requirements are even more strict, amounting to $3,000,000 and all, and $1,500,000 liquid cash requirements aren’t any better either. Still, Planet Fitness grows by the day and isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

2. Snap Fitness Inc.

Snap Fitness Inc. was founded in 2003 by Peter Taunton – professional racquetball player. This 24-hour gym franchise has been branching out since 2004, and currently boasts no less than 922 US franchise locations, 394 international locations and 125 company owned gyms. These figures can be explained by sound strategy and low franchising fees. Initial investments aren’t higher than $109,525 to $285,620, while liquid cash requirements are low as well, amounting to $75,000. Only net worth requirements of $250,000 can be considered somewhat high.

1. Anytime Fitness

We’re concluding this list of 11 most popular gym franchises in America with Anytime Fitness. As it’s name suggests, Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 availability to their clients even during the unstaffed hours. This isn’t only the most popular fitness franchise in the country, but number 10 overall in aforementioned Entrepreneur’s list of 500 best franchises. This fact can be confirmed by 2,090 US franchise locations in 2016, as well as with 985 worldwide locations. The company-owned gyms are a vast minority, however, since they only amount to 28 locations. Usual initial investment fee stands within $62,900 and $417,900. Net worth requirement of $250,000 should suffice, while liquidity doesn’t have to be that high; only between $70,000 and $100,000.