Franchise Deep Dive: World Gym’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

World Gym is one of the most recognized and influential fitness brands globally. Over the last 40-plus years, it has developed a loyal following of fitness enthusiasts.

By Jeff DwyerStaff Writer

Updated 10:10AM • 11/17/23

LAST UPDATED: October 9, 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.worldgymfranchising.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 225+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $1,139,500 to $3,715,000
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

World Gym is a globally recognized workout and exercise brand that is considered the originator of the full-service gym model. First founded in 1976 in Santa Monica, California, owner Joe Gold was passionate about changing the world by improving people’s lives through fitness.

Despite starting with just one location, the brand developed a solid reputation for its offerings. By 1980, World Gym was established as a global fitness icon with franchise locations spanning the U.S. and abroad, and famous members such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Dave Draper.

How Many World Gym Locations Are There?

As of October 2023, there are more than 225 World Gym locations across six continents and 14 countries. The brand is actively offering franchise opportunities throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

You can browse a map of all available markets here.

What Is World Gym's Business Model?

At its core, the business model of World Gym is centered around providing state-of-the-art exercises and workout equipment to its members. Each World Gym location features a variety of free weights, cardio equipment and strength training machines. Many units also offer indoor turf training areas, group fitness classes, personal training, and wellness and recovery options.

With more than 45 years of experience in the industry, World Gym boasts that it has successfully mastered its franchise concept and lists the following benefits for its franchise opportunity:

Exclusive certifications for personal trainers
The best new equipment for members through preferred vendor agreements
Broader opportunities for revenue streams versus traditional gyms

Additionally, the brand offers a wide range of support and backing for its prospective franchisees, including:

Financial startup resources and budget forecasting
Territory analysis
Real estate representation
Facility layout and design support
Pre-construction and build-out guidance
Exclusive World Gym franchisee equipment discounts
Multiple online and in-person revenue streams
Marketing/public relations, national advertising and sales support
Leadership development and ongoing business coaching
Monthly workshops and seminars across all core areas of the business
Peer-to-peer networking and the annual world gym convention

How Much Can World Gym Franchise Owners Make?

World Gym does not have a publicly available Item 19. To learn more, contact the team about reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which will state the total earnings of any company or franchise-owned unit as a reference.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a World Gym Franchise?

The estimated initial investment to open a World Gym franchise ranges between $1,139,500 to $3,715,000. This investment is broken down into the following costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
Pre-Opening Membership Sales: $60,000 to $100,000
Build-Out and Leasehold Improvements: $600,000 to $1,000,000
Premises Lease Deposits: $50,000 to $100,000
Initial Inventory: $10,000 to $20,000
Equipment Purchases: $852,000 to $1,395,000
Audio/Visual Equipment: $75,000 to $500,000
Furniture and Displays: $15,000 to $20,000
Signs and Branding: $25,000 to $100,000
Cafe and Associated Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $15,000 to $25,000
Office Equipment and Supplies: $5,000 to $15,000
Insurance: $15,000 to $75,000
Utility Deposits: $5,000 to $15,000
Professional Fees: $5,000 to $20,000
Initial Training: $5,000 to $10,000
Licenses and Bonds: $2,500 to $25,000
Additional Funds (First 180 Days After Opening: $150,000 to $250,000

Interested candidates must also have a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $400K in liquid capital. Additionally, if you own an existing fitness facility and would like to convert it into a World Gym location, the cost to do so ranges between $262,500 to $412,500.

What Is the Franchise Fee for World Gym?

The initial franchise fee required to open a World Gym franchise is $45K. World Gym also offers a 15% discount off its initial franchise fee for qualified veterans.

Who’s On World Gym's Leadership Team?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About World Gym?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.