Fly Fitness, a woman-owned, community-centered fitness brand, aims for national expansion by 2026.
Fly Fitness Studios, a health and wellness brand offering high-intensity workouts in an uplifting environment, announced it’s franchising and actively seeking entrepreneurs to bring its people-focused concept to key Midwest markets, starting with Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis.
With plans for national expansion by 2026, Fly Fitness aims to meet the growing demand for inclusive, community-driven fitness experiences. Franchise owners will be guided and supported by the Fly Fitness brand, but each studio will reflect the needs and personality of the community in which it operates.
“Each Fly Studio is more of a fingerprint than a blueprint,” said Morgan Mattison, the COO for Fly Fitness and co-owner of the downtown Omaha franchise location. “We equip franchise owners with everything they need to succeed but the real magic happens when the studio reflects its local community and members.”
Fly Fitness was launched in 2015 in Lincoln, Nebraska, by fitness instructor and motivational psychologist Jenni Bruning Brown. After nearly two decades of fitness industry experience, Bruning Brown recognized the need for an inclusive, science-based and community-focused approach to group exercise. Her mission was to create a space where all members have a voice and a choice, where everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes feels supported and empowered.
“The idea was to merge great training and a vibrant community, making everyone feel valued and uplifted in a way I hadn’t seen from other boutique fitness concepts,” said Bruning Brown. “I wanted to bring those pieces together: the idea that the classes could be great, the training could be great and the community could feel wonderful for anyone walking in, whether they were inexperienced or an Ironman athlete. What makes us different is our philosophy: ‘Make everyone feel like a someone.’ Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or training for an Ironman, we offer an inclusive environment where you leave feeling stronger and more connected.”
In February 2024, Staci Lawson opened the brand’s first franchise in Loveland, Colorado. Lawson was a Fly Fitness member for three years and loved the concept so much that she traded her 30 years as a salon owner and retail professional for franchise ownership. Her studio, located in the downtown area, is a perfect fit for the community’s vibe.
“I’m excited to offer members something that isn’t like anything else,” said Lawson. “The combination of community impact and a proven, people-centric business model made it an incredible investment opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.”
Fly Fitness franchise startup costs range from $450,000 to $800,000. Currently, the brand operates two corporate-owned studios in Lincoln, two independently-owned studios in Fargo and two franchise businesses.
“We’ve seen a lot of interest, as people are increasingly looking for purpose-driven work,” said Mattison. “Fly Fitness offers them the opportunity to build a business that has real community impact. We’re excited to connect with entrepreneurs in Denver, Kansas City, and Minneapolis who share our vision.”
Want more insights on what’s happening in the industry? Sign up for a digital subscription here.
