Invest in Your Health: The Top 12 Fitness Franchises in 2023

Gone are the days when a trip to the gym was just a once-in-awhile activity. Now, fitness has become a way of life for many of us. If you're looking to get into the fitness scene and invest in your health, then you might consider a fitness franchise. We've rounded up the top 12 fitness franchise opportunities of 2023 that promise to help you not only to reach your fitness goals, but also to give you a flourish business opportunity.

What are the advantages of owning a fitness franchise?

If you’re considering owning a top 12 fitness franchise, you’ll be thrilled to learn all the great advantages that come with it! First and foremost, you’ll be part of a reputable and recognizable brand. This means that your customers will know the quality of your services before even stepping through your door. Additionally, you’ll have direct access to all the resources that an established fitness franchise has to offer.

This could include anything from employee training programs to marketing materials and more. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of being able to leverage the experience of other franchise owners who have been in the business for years. Instead of building your up your own gym, with a franchise you'll benefit from a proven business model, brand recognition, existing customer base, vendor network and a robust support system.

There are many gym franchises seeking new location owners, but these twelve represent the most promising on the market right now—based mainly on name recognition and growth rate.

1. Planet Fitness

Being the largest franchise chain in the U.S. by the number of locations and membership, Planet Fitness has more than 2,000 operating locations worldwide. More than 1,900 of those franchises are located in the United States. Planet Fitness offers fitness training services and facilities, with opportunities available for new locations. They provide a high-quality experience in a welcoming environment. The brothers Marc and Michael Grondahl founded this fitness establishment in 1992.

In 2003, the duo turned their budding business into franchise gyms that offer competitive pricing, an all-inclusive environment, and a streamlined business model.

As a Planet Fitness franchisee, you'll offer casual gym-goers fitness training services, free weights, and exercise machines. You are likely to be part of an upward trending franchise, and even with a small staff size and no fitness background, you can open a new location or convert an existing gym into your own Planet Fitness franchise business.

2. F45 Training

F45 Training is one of the fastest growing fitness franchises in the world. It offers a unique 45-minute functional training exercise program that combines HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) with circuit and team training. This program is designed to be fun and social and is tailored to each individual’s fitness level. With more than 1,700 studios worldwide, F45 Training has quickly become a global sensation.

It has been featured in magazines, on TV shows, and on social media — testament to its immense popularity. Franchisees benefit from the franchise's comprehensive training and support system, as well as its marketing and promotional resources. Additionally, F45 Training has an engaging online presence, and its members form a strong community.

With its unique exercise program and great support system, F45 Training is a great franchise for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to be their own boss and bring a unique fitness experience to their communities.

3. Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness is an international fitness franchise that stands out from the competition with its diverse range of services. With signature group workout sessions that blend entertainment and hard work, the gym franchise has welcomed diverse groups through its doors since opening and beginning to franchise in 2010. No matter your age, gender, or race, the franchise strives to create an empowering atmosphere where you can feel good about getting fit.

Crunch has more than 225 locations in the United States, another few dozen in Canada, and even a few international franchises.

Whether you're looking to become your own boss or bring a unique fitness experience to your community, Crunch Fitness is a great choice.

4. Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is a top pick for those looking to get into the fitness franchise scene.

This franchise opened in March 2010 in Florida and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The parent franchise of Orangetheory Fitness is Ultimate Fitness Holdings LLC, and the franchise boasts more than 1,200 outlets across the U.S. and internationally.

The franchise uses a scientifically proven formula that combines technology with science and coaching to achieve results. Orangetheory Fitness offers a unique experience. Starting with sign-up, registered customers receive a heart rate monitor for their one-on-one sessions or group classes. And each workout is different from the next.

5. Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is also one of the most popular fitness franchises out there. It offers a wide range of services, from personal training and group fitness classes to 24/7 access to its gyms. It also has a loyal and active customer base, with more than 4,000 locations in 30 countries.

One of the main benefits of joining Anytime Fitness as a franchisee is that you get to work with a globally-recognized brand and benefit from their comprehensive training and support system. Additionally, the franchise has a great online presence and offers a range of marketing and promotional resources to its franchisees.

6. The Exercise Coach

The Exercise Coach is a popular strength and conditioning fitness franchise that was already founded in 2000. Focusing on delivering fast and effective workouts, The Exercise Coach offers members personalised fitness plans that are tailored to their individual fitness goals. With its combination of personalised coaching and strength-training exercises, The Exercise Coach is a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to offer an effective and enjoyable fitness experience.

The Exercise Coach has over 100 locations internationally, and offers members access to state-of-the-art equipment and a team of certified personal trainers.

7. Burn Boot Camp

Burn Boot Camp is an innovative fitness franchise founded in 2012. It offers an array of group training classes that combine high-intensity interval training with strength and resistance exercises, designed to help members reach their fitness goals. Each camp lasts 45 minutes and is led by experienced and certified trainers who motivate and challenge participants.

With more than 300 locations across the United States, Burn Boot Camp has quickly become one of the most popular fitness franchises. With its unique training program and supportive community, Burn Boot Camp is a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to bring a unique fitness experience to their local communities.

8. Gold's Gym

Gold's Gym is one of the oldest and most iconic fitness franchises in the world, with over 700 locations worldwide. Founded in 1965 in California, Gold's Gym has been at the forefront of the fitness industry for over half a century. Offering a wide range of services from group classes, personal training, free weights, and cardio equipment, Gold's Gym is a one-stop shop for all of your fitness needs.

With a commitment to quality and service, Gold's Gym is dedicated to helping its members reach their fitness goals. Franchisees benefit from the franchise's comprehensive training and support system, as well as its marketing and promotional resources. Additionally, Gold's Gym has a strong online presence, and its members form an active community. With its iconic brand and long-standing commitment to fitness, Gold's Gym is a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the lives of their local communities.

9. CycleBar

CycleBar is a popular cycling-focused fitness franchise founded in 2004. The franchise offers members a fun, energizing and effective workout through its signature 50-minute classes. CycleBar also provides members with a range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art sound system and on-demand music, performance tracking, and a full-service studio.

Franchisees benefit from CycleBar’s comprehensive training program and its strong customer loyalty and brand recognition. With its fun and vibrant atmosphere, CycleBar is a great franchise for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to deliver a unique fitness experience.

10. Workout Anytime 24/7

Workout Anytime 24/7 is a popular 24-hour fitness franchise which is around since 2002. The franchise offers members a full range of fitness services, including personal training, group exercise classes, and access to a wide range of fitness equipment. With its convenient 24-hour schedule and state-of-the-art facilities, Workout Anytime 24/7 is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to open a successful fitness franchise.

The franchise has over 200 locations around the world and offers its members access to a variety of amenities, such as locker rooms, group exercise classes, nutrition counseling, and a wide range of fitness equipment.

11. D1 Training

D1 Training was founded in 2001 and began franchising in 2015. D1 Training has grown to more than 40 locations across the United States, training over 100 draft picks and thousands of college athletes. D1 Training offers specialized scholastic athlete training alongside adult fitness and aims to bring training facilities to neighborhoods.

This franchise relishes helping athletes achieve their primary goal of realizing their full potential, both physically and psychologically. D1 Training seeks sports-passionate individuals who drive to better their communities through athleticism and fitness as core values.

12. Jazzercise

Since 1969, Jazzercise has been creating fun experiences through fitness. Its adaptability and fast-results fitness program may make it one of the best dance and music franchises out there.

As a franchisee, you may evolve with the latest workout trends. Your franchise could offer around five different classes combining cardio, strength, Pilates, hip hop, yoga, and kickboxing. Instructors of your franchise will lead 60-minute classes with students burning up to an impressive 800 calories per class.

Jazzercise is proud to be led by strong, active women and stresses the importance of community outreach. It has raised millions of dollars for various causes and fights childhood obesity through its Kids Get Fit program.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to get fit and make money in the process, then owning a top 12 fitness franchise could be the perfect solution! With a top 12 franchise, you can benefit from having an established name and reputation in the fitness industry, as well as access to the best resources and professionals. The franchise will also provide you with the necessary training and advice to help you get your business up and running quickly. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of the well-known marketing campaigns already in place for the franchise, giving you an edge over other fitness businesses in the area.

With a top 12 franchise, you’ll have the chance to make a difference in your community while also reaping the rewards of business ownership. To see the complete listing of all ranked fitness franchises, please have a look into the Franchise 500 list of Entrepreneur.com.