10 Gym and Fitness Brands for Franchises to Buy in 2024

In 2024, health and wellness is top of mind for many consumers. In fact, a recent survey from Forbes Health and OnePoll found that nearly 48% of respondents say improving fitness is their top priority in the New Year. At the same time, the boutique fitness industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with the global market projected to reach a whopping $79.66 billion by the end of 2029. 

This is great news for those looking to open a fitness franchise this year. If that’s you, here are 10 opportunities to consider for your venture. 

Workout Anytime

• Investment Range: $784,950-$2,073,050
• Unit Count: 190

Workout Anytime is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept with 190 units across the U.S. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at the lowest cost possible while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees.

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs

• Investment Range: $264,350-$585,000
• Unit Count: 19

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs began as a fitness center emphasizing personal attention and customized workout plans. Over the years, it developed into a health club that provides clients with the systems, programs and support they need to reach their goals. This fitness concept has an affordable business model, high-profit margins and a strong suite of support. 

Special Strong

• Investment Range: $59,000-$68,700
• Unit Count: 14

Special Strong is a franchise that provides adaptive fitness opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults with physical and mental challenges. According to the brand’s website, nearly 25% of all Americans have a disability, but not many fitness concepts cater to them directly. This makes Special Strong well-positioned to draw in a loyal, traditionally underserved customer base.

Jazzercise

• Investment Range: $2,000-$41,000
• Unit Count: 7,340+

Jazzercise rose in popularity in the early 1980s for its high-intensity cardio classes, offering a mix of dance-fusion. However, the fitness franchise is still very much around today. Notably, Jazzercise requires a super-low upfront investment fee for franchisees. This is largely due to the fact that franchisees can find affordable space at a school, church or community center that will welcome their Jazzercise business. 

CycleBar

• Investment Range: $351,475-$501,875
• Unit Count: 290+

CycleBar is a premium, indoor cycling franchise that offers instructor-led, high-energy cycling classes set to music in a boutique fitness studio environment. Participants use stationary bikes, and the classes typically include a combination of cycling intervals, strength training and sometimes arm exercises with weights.

Orangetheory Fitness

• Investment Range: $613,000-$1.6 million
• Unit Count: 1,500+

Orangetheory Fitness is a popular fitness franchise that focuses on providing high-intensity interval training workouts. Classes are designed to provide a full-body workout that combines cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Because Orangetheory has become so successful, development opportunities are limited. 

The Bar Method

• Investment Range: $237,559-$499,869
• Unit Count: about 100 

The Bar Method is a fitness franchise that offers a total body workout designed to strengthen, sculpt and lengthen muscles through low-impact, isometric movements. Classes are taught by trained instructors and are designed to transform clients’ bodies through high-repetition resistance training with elements of Pilates, yoga and other strength conditioning workouts.

UFC Gym

• Investment Range: $1,118,634-$4,998,412
• Unit Count: 150

UFC GYM was founded as the first major brand extension of the premium global sports brand and premier MMA organization UFC. The franchise combines traditional fitness training with elements of mixed martial arts, and is designed to cater to the needs of any experience level, training style and athletic ability. 

Anytime Fitness

• Investment Range: $389,000-$970,000
• Unit Count: 5,000+

Anytime Fitness is known for its convenience and accessibility, as members have access to the gym at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hence the name. The gym chain aims to provide a convenient fitness solution for people with busy schedules who may prefer to work out at non-traditional hours.

Crunch Fitness

• Investment Range: $668,000-$3,488,000
• Unit Count: 440+

Crunch Fitness is a gym franchise that offers a diverse range of workout options, including cardio equipment, strength training machines, free weights and group fitness classes. The goal is to cater to individuals with different fitness preferences and needs, with the brand even trademarking the phrase “No judgments.” 

From high-energy classes of CycleBar to the convenience of Anytime Fitness, these brands have something for everyone. So, whether you love fitness or simply want to bring the community together through your business, check out these 10 fitness franchises.