Gym Franchise Opportunities

Gym Franchise Opportunities

Why gym franchises are stronger than ever

Jemma Tonge-White, business development manager at Anytime Fitness, has seen a broad mix of franchisees enter the sector, each with different motivations. Some are fitness enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into a career, while others view gyms as a long-term, strategic investment.

“Fitness has a level of stability that other sectors struggle to maintain,” she explains. “Over the years, we’ve seen trends come and go, but gyms aren’t a passing fad. They’re embedded into people’s lifestyles, which makes them a solid business opportunity.”

That resilience is one of the key reasons gym franchises continue to attract investors. The model combines the reliability of recurring revenue – through memberships – with the scalability and support of an established brand.

Franchising in action

Few people understand the power of a strong brand better than John Prior (JP). With nearly two decades of experience in the fitness sector – including roles at David Lloyd, Nuffield and Virgin Active – he’s witnessed firsthand how independent operators struggle to compete with big chains. Now, as a Snap Fitness franchisee, he’s leveraging a proven model to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

JP’s journey into franchising wasn’t a straight line. In 2014, he joined one of the UK’s first Snap Fitness locations, helping to build the business from the ground up.

“I was standing outside Ebbsfleet under a gazebo from Homebase, handing out clipart flyers,” he recalls. But despite the grassroots marketing, the demand was there. The gym quickly signed up 350 members during pre-sales, a number that has since tripled with ease.

His ability to drive growth led to new opportunities, and before long, JP was overseeing multiple locations. By 2023, he decided to take the leap and open his own Snap Fitness branch in Addlestone. His expectations were modest, but the results exceeded them – he broke even in just four months.

“I acquired that franchise as a springboard location. I wasn’t expecting it to be an anchor site,” he admits. “But the rapid success of Addlestone proved that even a smaller franchise can thrive.”

JP is now scaling up further, working with other franchisees to co-own multiple locations. “Sometimes, when franchisees within the same brand team up, they can open more sites together,” he explains. “It’s not just about co-owning – it’s about creating long-term success through joint ventures.”

What it takes to succeed as a gym franchisee

For those considering a fitness franchise, experience in the industry isn’t a prerequisite. According to Jemma, the key trait of a successful franchisee isn’t technical knowledge – it’s drive.

“We look for certain attributes, but our franchisees come from all different backgrounds,” she says. “We can teach someone how to run a gym, how to manage a business – but that inner drive? That must come from them.”

Successful franchisees move quickly, ask the right questions and are proactive – they don’t expect the franchisor to do everything for them.

JP embodies this mindset. He didn’t just rely on Snap Fitness’s support; he leveraged every tool available to maximise success. He also prioritises transparency, regularly inviting new franchisees to visit his gym.

“I’m very open and honest with them,” he says. “The support network here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. As a gym franchise owner, you get exposure to different systems and processes, and I’ve never come across one as efficient and adaptable as this.”

Data-driven growth

One of the biggest advantages of franchising is access to sophisticated site selection tools – an area where independent gym owners often struggle.

Kara Ratcliffe, franchise development marketing manager at Anytime Fitness, explains how the brand removes the guesswork from expansion.

“We’ve worked with a mapping software partner for around ten years, building a bespoke reporting tool that integrates AI and data analytics. It allows us to pinpoint exactly where to open a new Anytime Fitness, using insights from nearly a quarter of a million members across our UK clubs.”

While data is crucial, Kara acknowledges that franchisees often have personal preferences for locations. “Many want to open in their own high street, and we’ll certainly consider that – but we let the data tell us whether it’s the right move.”

The changing face of gym franchising

Gym franchises aren’t just about treadmills and dumbbells anymore. The industry is shifting towards holistic wellness, with an increasing focus on community, recovery, and technology .

1. The power of community

Kara explains that retention is a major focus for Anytime Fitness. “Our average member stays for around 20 to 21 months – compared to the industry average of just three to four months,” she says. “That’s because we’re not a budget gym where people come and go. We focus on coaching, convenience and community.”

This sentiment is echoed by JP. “People join Snap Fitness because they want community,” he says. “They’re not just looking for a place to exercise – they’re looking for connection.”

2. Recovery and wellbeing

Recovery is one of the fastest-growing trends in the industry. From Theraguns to cold water therapy, gym-goers are becoming more aware of how to take care of their bodies.

“People are more educated about their own health than ever before,” JP notes. “We’re getting more and more members asking about recovery areas.”

3. Technology and virtual fitness

Digital fitness is another game-changer. Snap Fitness has integrated a Fitness On Demand platform, allowing members to access 24/7 virtual training. “It adds another layer of flexibility without putting pressure on staffing,” JP explains.

Breaking the franchising misconception

One of the biggest misconceptions about franchising – across all industries – is that it lacks creativity.

“People sometimes think gym franchises are just cookie-cutter businesses,” JP says. “That franchisees are just pressing buttons, like glorified managers. But in the best franchises, there’s real autonomy and individuality – backed by a system that supports you when needed.”

This balance is what makes gym franchising so appealing. It offers the structure and security of an established brand, while still allowing franchisees to shape their business to fit their market.

Are gym franchises profitable?

Absolutely – if you tap into the right market. Barney Botfield, business development and resales manager at Anytime Fitness tells us that while the fitness industry might seem saturated, the mid-market remains an underutilised goldmine.

“High-end gyms and budget chains dominate the landscape, but mid-market gyms offer a compelling alternative for those seeking quality without the premium price tag,” he says.

According to Barney, this is where gym franchises thrive. “Unlike corporate-owned chains that rely on mass marketing and razor-thin margins, franchisees build success through local engagement,” he explains.

“Owning a gym franchise isn’t about national branding alone – it’s about understanding your community, tailoring your approach, and maximising return on investment (ROI) in a way that works for your specific market.”

At its core, profitability in gym franchising comes down to three factors: yield, membership volume and retention. “The beauty of the model is its flexibility,” adds Barney. “A franchise in an affluent area might focus on high-yield memberships with long-term commitments, while one in a more transient, competitive market might prioritise accessibility and scale.”

Ultimately, mid-market gym franchises don’t just compete – they create a new space, pulling members from both budget and premium sectors while attracting an audience that wasn’t previously served.

That’s why, for savvy franchisees who understand their local market, the answer is clear: gym franchises can be highly profitable.

Overcoming self-doubt

For JP, the biggest challenge wasn’t competition or market shifts – it was his own self-doubt.

“It took me a long time to make the jump because I was comfortable in my job,” he admits. “I kept wondering, ‘Am I good enough to do this on my own?’”

That fear never completely disappears, but he’s learned to embrace it. “I second-guess myself all the time. But I’ve realised that no matter how difficult something seems, there’s always a solution.”

So, what advice does he have for aspiring gym franchisees?

• Do your research – Find a brand that aligns with your values.
• Ask the right questions – Speak to existing franchisees.
• Trust your gut – If the numbers add up and it feels right, take the leap.

“Franchising is about finding the right balance between structure and personal ambition,” JP says. “Once you’ve done your research, you just have to trust yourself and go for it.”

The future of gym franchising

With Anytime Fitness edging towards 200 clubs in the UK and Snap Fitness set to overtake Nuffield Health, the industry is showing no signs of slowing down. And with consumer demand shifting towards holistic health and community-driven fitness, gym franchises are perfectly positioned for long-term success.

For those looking to invest in a franchise that’s built to last, the gym industry might just be the perfect fit.

If you're interested in buying a health club franchise, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities, including fitness studio franchises, health club franchises and sports franchises.