2019 Franchise Forecast

By Rachel Zabonick on March 3, 2019

Entrepreneur Magazine recently designated fitness as one of its top 10 franchise categories for 2019. Writes contributor Tracy Stapp Herold, “Fitness is one of the biggest franchise industries, and one that continues to grow year after year, with no sign of slowing.” In light of this trend, use our 2019 Franchise Forecast for an overview of both established and up-and-coming franchise opportunities available to entrepreneurs.

Anytime Fitness

For 11 consecutive years, Anytime Fitness has been the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with more than 4,500 gyms now serving 4 million members in 35 countries on five — soon to be all seven — continents. All franchised gyms are individually owned and operated. Join one gym and use them all.

The Details

Year founded: 2002
Number of locations: 4,500
Initial investment: $114,950-$677,800
Net-worth requirement: $300,000
Liquid cash requirement: $100,000
Initial franchise fee: $39,000
Ongoing royalty fee: $549/month

More info: 800.704.5004 — Info@anytimefitness.com — anytimefitnessfranchise.com

Blink Fitness

Blink’s “Mood Above Muscle” philosophy celebrates that exercise isn’t just about how it makes you look, it’s also about how it makes you feel. Each gym employs the company’s signature “Feel Good Experience” that highlights enthusiastic staff members; a clean environment; an open, spacious and colorful design; and fitness training that is motivating and affordable. And because Blink wants every body to feel good — inside and outside the gym — Blink has added a brand-new technology to take its member experience to a whole new level: the first-of-its-kind Personalized Mobile Companion.

The Details

Year founded: 2011
Number of locations: 80
Initial investment: $637,000-$2.1 million
Net-worth requirement: $1.5 million
Liquid cash requirement: $300,000/gym
Initial franchise fee: $10,000-$25,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5%

More info: franchisinfo@blinkfitness.com — blinkfranchising.com

Crunch Fitness

Crunch is one of the most recognized brands in fitness, supported by its iconic logo, vibrant club design, overall personality and progressive marketing. Its turn-key model combines value pricing with the weights, machines and cardio consumers seek, plus Crunch’s proprietary personal training, unparalleled group fitness and innovative HIIT group training.

The Details

Year founded: 1989
Number of locations: 300+
Initial investment: $304,500-$2,129,500
Net-worth requirement: $1 million minimum combined net worth of all partners
Liquid cash requirement: $400,000 minimum combined liquid assets of all partners
Initial franchise fee: $25,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5% of monthly gross sales
Brand Marketing Fund contribution: 2% of monthly gross sales

More info: john@crunchfranchise.com — crunch.com/franchise

Delta Life Fitness

Delta Life Fitness is the only boutique fitness franchise that serves women, conducts 30-minute workouts and provides childcare to its patrons. It is also listed on the SBA Franchise Registry and has SBA loans available for qualified candidates, making its $75,000 liquid requirement extremely low compared to the competition.

The Details

Year founded: 2010
Number of locations: 25
Initial investment: $194,400-$398,650
Net-worth requirement: $150,000
Liquid cash requirement: $75,000
Initial franchise fee: $39,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 6%

More info: 409.651.0010 — josh@deltalifefitness.com — deltalifefranchising.com

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym has been the world’s trusted fitness authority since 1965. From its beginnings as a small gym in Venice, California, Gold’s Gym has grown into a global icon with 700-plus locations serving 3 million people across six continents each day. Featuring personalized transformation plans, state-of-the-art equipment, certified personal trainers and a supportive environment, Gold’s Gym delivers a dynamic fitness experience.

The Details

Year founded: 1965
Number of locations: 700+ locations in 29 countries
Net-worth requirement: $1 million
Liquid cash requirement: $400,000
Initial franchise fee: $40,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5%

More info: 214.296.5026 — ken.phipps@goldsgym.com — franchising.goldsgym.com

Honor Yoga

Honor Yoga is an eco- and beginner-friendly yoga studio and community that welcomes and nourishes every yogi through their practice. Honor Yoga’s mission is to provide welcoming, beginner-friendly and accessible yoga studios where healthier and happier communities can be built around the practice of yoga.

The Details

Year founded: 2013
Number of locations: 31
Initial investment: $150,000-$250,000
Net-worth requirement: $350,000
Liquid cash requirement: $50,000
Initial franchise fee: $49,108
Ongoing royalty fee: 7%

More info: 609.332.5689 — franchise@honoryoga.com — franchise.honoryoga.com

Jabz Boxing

Jabz Boxing, a full-body circuit style workout utilizing boxing inspired exercises designed specifically for all women, is a rapidly expanding franchise model bringing female empowerment to communities across the country. Jabz workouts are designed for women of all ages, body types and fitness levels to reach maximum results. Its focus is on developing fitness, rather than fighters.

The Details

Year founded: 2012
Number of locations: 22 open or in development
Initial investment: $99,245-$194,380
Net-worth requirement: $250,000
Liquid cash requirement: $70,000
Initial franchise fee: $29,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 6%

More info: 480.542.9001 — franchise@jabzboxing.com — jabzfranchising.com

MUV Brands

MUV Brands Franchising currently offers two results-driven franchise concepts. MUV Fitness clubs are full-service, multi-amenity premium health clubs. MUV Training is a boutique fitness concept that features MUV Tribe (heart monitored group strength classes), MUV Barre and MUV Cycle. Award-winning MUV It & Lose challenges are included in both concepts.

The Details

Year founded: 2014
Number of locations: MUV Fitness, 13 operating and 3 pending; MUV Training, 8 operating and 2 pending
Initial investment: MUV Fitness, $500,000-$2 million; MUV Training, $250,000-$750,000
Net-worth requirement: $250,000-$1 million
Liquid cash requirement: $200,000-$400,000
Initial franchise fee: $25,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 2.5%-4% declining
Additional info: Area development and international master franchise partnerships available

More info: jtallman@muvbrands.com —
muvfitness.com/franchising

Omni Fight Club

Train like a fighter, but without the bloody lips. Dynamic music, high-intensity interval exercises, and phenomenal staff all make Omni Fight Club an engaging and inspiring club experience. Its all-inclusive training format ensures you get the most out of every workout, and the community-focused atmosphere actually makes working out fun.

The Details

Year founded: 2016
Number of locations: 11
Initial investment: $134,700-$617,000
Net-worth requirement: $100,000
Liquid cash requirement: $20,000
Initial franchise fee: $30,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5%

More info: 404.392.0914 — info@omnifightclub.com — omnifightclub.com

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness has transformed into one of the world’s top fitness franchises. The brand’s ongoing success has reinforced its position as a leader in the franchise fitness segment, with the company on track to reach a goal of operating 2,500 studios and serving 2.5 million members worldwide within the next five years.

The Details

Year founded: 2010
Number of locations: 1,100+ studios in 49 states, 22 countries
Initial investment: $563,529-$999,121
Net-worth requirement: $500,000
Liquid cash requirement: $150,000
Initial franchise fee: $54,950-$59,950
Ongoing royalty fee: 8%

More info: mmettler@orangetheoryfitness.com — otffranchise.com

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. by number of members and locations. Its mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which it calls the Judgement Free Zone.

The Details

Year founded: 1992
Number of locations: 1,646
Initial investment: $857,080-$4,234,750
Net-worth requirement: $3 million
Liquid cash requirement: $1.5 million *some stipulations apply
Initial franchise fee: $20,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 7%

More info: franchising@planetfitness.com — planetfitness.com

Regymen Fitness

Regymen Fitness is backed by heart rate monitoring technology that allows for high calorie burns per workout. Three separate workouts in one facility: BURN, BOX and BUILD. Now franchising with qualified partners across the Southeast U.S.

The Details

Year founded: 2017
Number of locations: 3 corporate units; 1 franchise; 8 license units
Initial investment: $420,000–$870,000
Net-worth requirement: $1.5 million+
Liquid cash requirement: $500,000+
Initial franchise fee: $29,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 7%

More info: 225.769.2196 — nbinnings@regymenfitness.com — regymenfitnessfranchise.com

RockBox Fitness

RockBox Fitness was built to avoid the No. 1 problem with any fitness program – boredom. The studios feature all the boxing equipment and heavy bags one would expect for a boxing and kickboxing-based workout, plus an array of functional training tools like kettlebells, battle ropes and sleds (elliptical and treadmill machines need not apply). In addition, the studios are equipped with high-end sound systems and color adaptive lighting.

The Details

Year founded: 2017
Number of locations: 26
Initial investment: $210,000-$320,000
Net-worth requirement: $300,000
Liquid cash requirement: $75,000
Initial franchise fee: $49,900
Ongoing royalty fee: 6% + 1%

More info: 704.582.3406 — rockboxfranchise.com

Snap Fitness

With 2,000-plus clubs open or under a development schedule in 20-plus countries, Snap Fitness is the world’s most rewarding 24/7 fitness franchise. Founded in 2003, the Snap Fitness brand provides entrepreneurs with an innovative fitness concept, full-spectrum business and operational support, exclusive financing options, and a sought-after global brand.

The Details

Year founded: 2003
Number of locations: 2,000+
Initial investment: $149,771-$462,800
Net-worth requirement: $250,000
Liquid cash requirement: $75,000
Initial franchise fee: $29,500
Ongoing royalty fee: $549/month

More info: 952.567.5854 — clyons@liftbrands.com — snapfitness.com

UFC GYM and CLASS UFC GYM

UFC GYM is a community for all levels and ages to experience the benefits of fitness, revolutionizing the world to “Train Different.” With locations around the world, the brand continues to grow its presence with the best coaches and classes in the industry. With UFC GYM CORE, Signature and the new CLASS UFC GYM model, UFC GYM has options to fit all types of fitness-minded franchisees.

The Details

Year founded: 2009
Number of locations: 650+
Initial investment: Item 7 in FDD
Net-worth requirement: $250,000-$1.5 million
Liquid cash requirement: $100,000-$500,000
Initial franchise fee: $30,000-$50,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 4-6 percent

More info: franchiseinfo@ufcgym.com — ufcgymfranchise.com

WORKOUT ANYTIME

Atlanta-based WORKOUT ANYTIME is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at a value price, while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees.

The Details