Franchisor Stories
Planet Fitness Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Accessible, community-focused fitness franchise known for its Judgement Free Zone®.
Planet Fitness started as a small gym in 1992 and has since become a major name in fitness, with more than 2,700 locations worldwide. Known for its low prices and laid-back atmosphere, the brand attracts members who might feel out of place at a traditional gym. For franchisees, it offers a proven concept that’s easy to replicate and backed by nationwide brand recognition.
1. What Is the Brand Overview for Planet Fitness?
About the Brand
Planet Fitness started in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, when brothers Michael and Marc Grondahl acquired a struggling gym. They introduced low pricing and a welcoming environment to attract casual gym-goers. Chris Rondeau, a longtime employee, later became CEO and helped lead the brand’s national expansion. In 2024, Colleen Keating stepped in as CEO.
Mission: To provide a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.
Vision: To become the most inclusive health club in the world, where anyone can feel comfortable working out, regardless of their fitness level.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Planet Fitness offers a welcoming, non-intimidating environment built around its “Judgement Free Zone.”
- The gym appeals to first-time members who want a comfortable place to start their fitness journey.
- Memberships are affordable, making it easy for customers to stick with a routine.
- Facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained for a reliable experience.
- The brand creates an inclusive community where people of all fitness levels feel supported.
2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?
Why Franchise With Planet Fitness?
- Planet Fitness provides a proven, decades-refined playbook for franchisees.
- The brand offers hands-on support from site selection through grand opening.
- Franchisees receive marketing guidance to build awareness and drive early membership growth.
- Operational support helps ensure each gym launches smoothly and stays on track.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Planet Fitness franchise ranges from $2,537,500 to $5,221,500. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $0 | $20,000 |
| Site Selection Costs | $0 | $10,000 |
| Construction Development Plan Review Fee | $0 | $4,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $1,250,000 | $2,142,000 |
| Fitness Equipment | $36,300 | $1,103,000 |
| Non-Fitness Equipment | $76,200 | $1,061,000 |
| Pre-Sale/Grand Opening Marketing | $40,000 | $132,000 |
| Exterior Signs | $13,000 | $37,000 |
| Computer System, Point of Sale System & Other Supplies | $5,000 | $13,000 |
| Insurance | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Real Estate Lease Deposits | $0 | $87,000 |
| Other Deposits | $0 | $466,000 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Out-of-Pocket Initial Training Expenses | $1,500 | $7,500 |
| Licenses/Bonds | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $68,000 | $469,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: Franchisees will pay a lump-sum nonrefundable initial franchise fee of $20,000 when they sign the franchise agreement.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Planet Fitness franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 7% of total gross membership fees/month |
| Join Fee | 20% of the regular membership fee or 5% of the total price of a prepaid membership/month |
| National Advertising Fund Fee | 2% of membership fees/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 2,197 franchised clubs operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following EFT revenue:
| Segment | Average | High | Low |
| Bottom Third (733) | $1,205,580 | $1,536,894 | $283,269 |
| Middle Third (732) | $1,803,265 | $2,093,010 | $1,537,067 |
| Upper Third (732) | $2,613,753 | $5,280,380 | $2,093,692 |
| Total (2,197) | $1,873,895 | $5,280,380 | $283,269 |
3. What Franchisee Support Does Planet Fitness Provide?
Training Programs
Planet Fitness supports its franchisees every step of the way, from real estate selection to ongoing operations. New franchisees begin with training at the company’s corporate office. This includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Franchisees also gain access to the brand’s online learning platform.
Operational Support
Operational support includes help with site selection, build-out coordination, vendor relationships and staff training. Once open, franchisees receive guidance on running efficient operations and growing their membership base through national and local marketing programs.
Technology and Tools
Planet Fitness also equips its franchisees with technology to manage member data, track performance and streamline operations. The company’s proprietary systems handle billing, reporting and promotions, helping franchisees stay on top of performance.
4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Planet Fitness?
Eligibility Criteria
- Liquid Assets: $1,500,000
- Net Worth: $3,000,000
While prior experience in fitness or franchising is helpful, it isn’t required. What matters most is operational readiness and a commitment to the brand’s values.
Operational Commitments
This is not a semi-absentee or absentee model. Planet Fitness expects owners to be directly involved or to hire qualified managers who uphold its standards and culture.
Funding Assistance
Planet Fitness doesn’t offer direct or indirect financing for franchisees.
5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?
“[Becoming a franchisee of Planet Fitness] took me away from a sales position where I was so focused on just chasing the dollar to having a steady cash flow, an improved lifestyle and greater flexibility to pursue other franchise opportunities like Smoothie King. As a salesman, it made it difficult to enjoy the kinds of things I enjoy today. Getting involved in franchises like Smoothie King and Planet Fitness where you have residual cash flow opened the door to the kind of lifestyle I was looking for. That was the turning point.”
— Franchisee John Clancy told Franchising.com.
“Working for a large fitness equipment company in the northeast, with over 400 clubs in the territory, I quickly learned that Planet Fitness clubs were the busiest. We also loved the business model and the differentiated brand positioning – great value with memberships for only $10, high quality experience, and a non-intimidating environment geared towards making everyday people feel comfortable, unlike any other gyms.”
— One of Planet Fitness’s first franchisees, Eric Dore, told Entrepreneur.
6. What Is the Market Potential for Fitness?
The U.S. fitness market was valued at over $90 billion in 2025. More than 60 million Americans now hold gym memberships, and trends show growing interest in health and wellness, particularly among younger demographics and retirees.
Competitor Analysis
Planet Fitness competes primarily with other low-cost gym chains, including Anytime Fitness, Crunch and EOS Fitness. What helps Planet Fitness stand apart is its national scale, brand consistency, and clear niche: a welcoming space for people who don’t typically feel comfortable in traditional gyms.
7. What Is the Application Process for Planet Fitness Franchisees?
- Submit Inquiry: Fill out the franchise interest form on the Planet Fitness franchise website.
- Application Review: The corporate team reviews your application and qualifications.
- Receive FDD: If approved, you'll receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for review.
- Background Check: Complete a financial and background screening.
- Discovery Day: If you meet the qualifications, you'll be invited to visit Planet Fitness headquarters, meet the team, and tour existing locations.
- Franchise Agreement: Once approved, you’ll sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee.
- Real Estate and Development: Begin the site selection, construction, and pre-opening process with corporate support.
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