Gym Franchises For Sale

Gym Franchise Opportunities

What type of gym franchises can I invest in?

There are so many ways to exercise, and as a result, there are a variety brands monetising fitness. These businesses can be broadly categorised into:

- Full-service gym franchises

- Boutique fitness studio franchises

- Budget gym franchises

- 24/7 gym franchises

- Luxury gym franchises

Why choose a gym franchise in the UK, and not an independent gym?

Launching your business under a franchise model and setting up independently both have their merits. If you're planning to open up completely independently you have the freedom to call all the shots when it comes to how you run your business, what services you offer, and what your brand looks like.

However, those who opt to open under a franchise model usually do so because there's a bit more of a safety net involved. Business owners can usually run the day-to-day operations of their gym in a way that suits them, but have an overarching blueprint to guide them to creating strong revenue streams,. This set up also provides an established brand to build upon.

How much does a gym franchise cost?

The cost of opening a gym franchise business in the UK varies widely depending on where you choose to open and what brand you opt to franchise. For example, opening a big-name brand in London may cost considerably more than opening up Pilates studio in a suburban town.

How much do you need to start a gym franchise?

Initial franchise fees for well-known gyms are around the £30,000 mark on average, with total investment accumulating from anywhere between £150,000 to £500,000. If you’ve decided to invest in a master franchise agreement, with the intention of opening more than one gym location these initial costs will be a lot more.

These costs will usually include the franchise fee (the cost to use the brand), equipment for your gym, leasehold improvements, and marketing.

What are the ongoing costs of a gym franchise?

Franchisees will often have to pay ongoing costs such as royalties and marketing contributions. At the end of your franchise agreement, you’ll have to pay a fee to renew. However, some brands remove this fee to entice franchisees to stay.

How much does a gym franchise owner make?

Most gym franchises aim for franchisees to achieve ROI within the first two years of operation. (Remember to consult with a financial advice specialist about how you’ll fund yourself during this period).

Some franchisees pay themselves a salary which will range depending on the success of the fitness business. (Some sources estimate this to be around £30,000-£70,000 – but it’s best to talk to other franchisees in the network to get the most accurate figure) In the early stages, some franchisees opt to reinvest profit back into the business rather than take a large salary.

Are gym franchises profitable?

The fitness industry is currently experiencing growth. There are 4,880 gyms and fitness centre businesses in the UK as of 2023, an increase of 9.6% from 2022, according to IBISWorld research.

From this, we can assume that franchisees in this market experience a degree of profitability in the industry. The membership model, in particular, offers some security in terms of revenue.

However, the popularity of investing in the fitness industry naturally attracts competition, which means it can be difficult to differentiate your business and gain revenue.

The best option is to talk about revenue prospects with gym franchise brands early on and ask for figures. You may also want to fact check these with a third party or franchisees within the network. (If brands aren’t transparent with this information, it could be a red flag).

What is a full-service gym franchise?

Full-service gyms are among some of the most well-known high street fitness brands. For example, Anytime Fitness, The Gym, and PureGym would all be categorised as full-service franchises.

These brands are essentially a one-stop shop for fitness, offering a wide range of work out equipment, classes, and expertise. This variety can attract a wide range of people but can come at an additional cost in comparison to smaller studios.

If you decide to invest in a full-service gym, there will be a lot of requirements to consider when finding a location for your business. You’ll have to ensure you have a space that caters to extensive equipment, a variety of class formats, personal training services, showers and locker, and additional amenities such as fitness food cafes and vending machines. (Often franchisors will help you in finding a location that allows you to unlock all revenue streams.)

Is Pure Gym a franchise?

Well-known fitness brand, Pure Gym, does operate a franchise business model, which means owning your own PureGym business is a possibility.

Currently, the brand is focused on signing a master franchise agreement (a much larger investment than buying a single franchise location) in various parts of the world. Franchise fees are dependant on the territory you’re looking to purchase.

How much does an Anytime Fitness gym franchise cost?

Another popular brand is Anytime Fitness – a gym brand which has been rapidly launching across highstreets in the UK. The brand is still recruiting franchisees, with total investment costing between £455,000 and £745,000 (funding support is available).

What is a boutique fitness studio franchise?

Boutique fitness studios typically monetise a specific fitness niche, making it an ideal investment for someone who is passionate about a specific form of fitness.

Sometimes this will mean a brand will only offer one type of class such as spin, Pilates, yoga, or kickboxing.

In other scenarios a franchise brand will only offer a specific type of workout such as Cross-Fit or HIIT, which may also often use equipment exclusive to the brand.

Services at boutique fitness studios are often smaller, much more specialised, and sometimes more advanced which can justify a higher membership fees.

These businesses thrive off creating a strong community among members who are passionate about the type of fitness you specialise in.

What is a budget gym franchise?

Budget gym franchises prioritise offering fitness to the masses as an affordable membership price.

Sometimes these gyms will also be very similar to full-service gyms as they offer free weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment.

However, to keep prices down they may have a smaller collection of equipment and run fewer classes.

These businesses can be strong competitors in locations where only high-cost fitness memberships are available.

A big selling point with these franchises is that they’re accessible, and marketing often leans into this inclusivity angle.

What is a 24/7 gym franchise?

24 hour gyms enable consumers to work out at anytime of the day or night, making it ideal for those who work unconventional hours. Often budget gyms will offer a 24/7 service – subject to approval from the local council.

Facilities will usually include standard gym equipment such as weights and cardio equipment.

24 hour gyms are staffed throughout the normal working day, but will not have staff onsite during the night. This means franchisees will have to invest in additional safety measures such as cameras, keycard/digital pin entry systems, and emergency call buttons.

What is a luxury gym franchise?

Luxury gym franchises will aim to offer a premium fitness experience.

Brands will usually achieve this by providing large spaces with high-end equipment, a variety of classes, and spa facilities (including a pool which is often one of the most expensive investments for any fitness facility).

Staff will also aim to provide personalised services, with personal training and tailored nutrition plans being an important revenue stream.

A big part of luxury gyms is the aesthetics and there will be a big investment in kitting out changing rooms with premium cosmetic products, hair products, relaxation areas, and other niceties.

Although this all comes at a cost, membership fees are much higher than the average gym, meaning franchisees have the potential to earn a lot more from each member if they can afford the upfront investment.

How to open a gym franchise

Opening your own gym is a large financial investment and a big commitment of your time. The process to opening your business should be lengthy, with each step involving thorough research and rigorous financial planning.

Below we’ve mapped out the steps involved in a typical fitness franchise investment journey.

Decide what type of gym business you’d like to own

Think about what kind of fitness brand you’d like to own. What would it offer? And what would its values be? Once you have an idea of what you’re looking to launch, you can begin looking at the franchise market and identify gym franchises that align with your vision.

When doing this you’ll need to consider the level of competition in the area you’re looking to launch your business. For example, if there’s an Anytime Fitness in your target town, that may take the brand off the table for you.

Also consider the brand’s reputation, if the franchise is going to provide the support you need, and if you meet franchisee requirements, also look for evidence of franchisees succeeding. It’s at this initial stage that you’ll be reaching out to franchise teams within brands.

You can look for a gym for sale in the What Franchise directory.

Develop a business plan for your fitness studio

Gym franchises will provide a blueprint with a pre-existing business model to follow. However, you’ll still need to have a business plan tailored to the area you’re planning to launch in.

In your plan you’ll need to outline financial projections, considering the cost of gym equipment, personal trainer salaries, leasing a gym space. Also, think about your marketing expenses, as these will likely by vital as you begin to drum up your first gym members.

Where is your investment money coming from?

A lot of UK banks have a franchise unit that will be able to advise you on business loans which could be available to you. Your selected gym franchise may also have funding options. Remember this is an important financial decision so seek professional and unbiased financial advice.

They’ll be a period where you’ll most likely be applying for loans, while also going through the franchise approval process which may involve submitting financial statements and interviews.

Where are you going to open your gym?

Once your gym business gets the go ahead, you’ll need to look out for a space that can host your venture. (Franchises will usually provide help in doing this). Think about locations that might attract high levels of traffic, as well as have space for parking and are visible for passers-by.

When you identify an appropriate location, you’ll need to discuss the lease with the property owner. Take notice of clauses that may limit your business and seek to negotiate.

What ethical and legal requirements does your gym franchise need to meet?

Standard business regulations will apply to your gym franchise. This includes filing your taxes on time, and remaining GDPR-compliant with your gym member’s data.

However, as you’re hosting an environment for rigorous fitness activity, you may be required to keep medical equipment such as a defibrillator on site. If you’re interested in opening a 24/7 gym, you’ll also need to get permission from the council.

Enlist suppliers and make your location your own

Once you’ve secured your location, it’s time to make the space look like a gym. Your chosen franchise brand will supply you with a list of suppliers and requirements to ensure your gym stays consistent with its other locations.

Employ qualified fitness staff to run your fitness gym

Begin finding people to help run your gym. This may include office staff who stay on top of membership admin, as well as qualified personal trainers and fitness coaches to run PT sessions and classes.

Check what services come as part of your franchise agreement, as some head office teams will take care of tasks such as marketing for you.

Training is often offered by the head office, but you may need to give additional training specific to the area.

Do I need to be a personal trainer to own a health club franchise?

Investing in a gym franchise is a popular choice among personal trainers, however it’s not a requirement. Many franchises will provide two options:

- Qualified franchisees work day-to-day in the year, delivering services

- Franchisees take a management role, employing qualified fitness experts to roll out day-to-day services.

Launch your gym franchise

It’s time to open your gym! Ideally, you will have been creating a buzz prior to the launch, which will have compiled an initial member base. Often businesses will recruit gym members prior to opening by advertising appealing introductory offers.

Gym franchises have a vested interest in your business going well, so head office will likely be part of the business launch and will help you create a buzz within the local community. They’ll also help you monitor progress as you continue to get started and offer advice on where you can further develop.

Check out the What Franchise directory for a full list of franchise opportunities across the UK

Image credit: PeopleImages.com_-_Yuri_A/Shutterstock