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Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
These Are the Top 10 Fitness Franchises in 2025
These fitness franchises are leading the pack in growth, brand appeal and innovation — offering strong opportunities for health-focused entrepreneurs. The multi-billion-dollar fitness industry continues to flex its strength as one of the most dynamic sectors in franchising, offering scalable business models, passionate consumer bases and a wide range of ownership opportunities. From legacy gyms with global recognition to fast-growing boutique concepts redefining the workout experience, these 10 standout fitness franchises, all ranked on the 2025 Franchise 500, represent the best in branding, growth and long-term potential for health-minded entrepreneurs. Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget. 1. Crunch Founded: 2010 2010 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 32 32 Number of units: 458 458 Change in units: +30.1% over 3 years +30.1% over 3 years Initial investment: $918,000 - $6,700,000 $918,000 - $6,700,000 Leadership: Jim Rowley, CEO Jim Rowley, CEO Parent company: N/A Crunch blends affordability with energy, offering a welcoming, no-judgment environment for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Known for high-intensity classes, personal training and a vibrant gym culture, the brand has grown rapidly since it began franchising in 2010. With hundreds of locations and strong support systems for franchisees, Crunch stands out as a compelling opportunity in the competitive, multi-billion-dollar health and wellness space. Related: She Turned a Temporary Post-College Job Into Starting a Business at 23. Then Some 'Eye-Opening' Advice Helped Her Grow It to $5 Million. 2. Orangetheory Fitness Founded: 2010 2010 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 73 73 Number of units: 1,504 1,504 Change in units: +3.1% over 3 years +3.1% over 3 years Initial investment: $729,000 - $1,600,000 $729,000 - $1,600,000 Leadership: Richard Armstrong, CDO Richard Armstrong, CDO Parent company: Purpose Brands Orangetheory Fitness is a fitness franchise known for its science-backed, heart rate-based interval training. Founded in 2010, it has expanded to over 1,500 studios worldwide. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including training and marketing. Ideal Orangetheory franchisees are passionate about fitness and committed to active studio involvement. Related: How a Police Officer Started a Pet Care Business Making $3 Million a Year 3. Anytime Fitness Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2002 2002 Overall Rank: 82 82 Number of units: 5,273 5,273 Change in units: +7.5% over 3 years +7.5% over 3 years Initial investment: $398,000 - $973,000 $398,000 - $973,000 Leadership: Chuck Runyon, CEO Chuck Runyon, CEO Parent company: Self Esteem Brands For nearly a quarter of a century, Anytime Fitness has offered a 24/7 gym experience with a focus on convenience and community. The brand has grown to over 5,000 locations across more than 30 countries. The franchise appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a scalable model, with the majority of owners operating multiple units. Franchisees receive extensive training and marketing assistance, making it a compelling opportunity in the fitness industry. Related: I'm CEO of an International Commercial Cleaning Franchise. Here's How I've Turned My Failures Into Fuel for Success. 4. Hotworx Founded: 2017 2017 Franchising since: 2017 2017 Overall Rank: 95 95 Number of units: 768 768 Change in units: +125.9% over 3 years +125.9% over 3 years Initial investment: $252,000 - $1,200,000 $252,000 - $1,200,000 Leadership: Stephen P. Smith, CEO Stephen P. Smith, CEO Parent company: Hotworx Franchising, LLC Hotworx redefines boutique fitness with its patented infrared sauna workouts, blending heat, isometric exercises and HIIT in a 24/7 virtual format. Since launching in 2017, the brand has expanded to over 700 global locations, earning a spot in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 top 100. Founder Stephen P. Smith attributes this rapid growth to a culture rooted in discipline and commitment — qualities he seeks in every franchise partner. Related: How the IFA Plans to Strengthen the $800 Billion Franchise Industry in 2025 5. Club Pilates Founded: 2007 2007 Franchising since: 2012 2012 Overall Rank: 133 133 Number of units: 1,082 1,082 Change in units: +66.7% over 3 years +66.7% over 3 years Initial investment: $197,000 - $459,000 $197,000 - $459,000 Leadership: Mark King, CEO Mark King, CEO Parent company: Xponential Fitness Club Pilates offers a scalable model backed by a strong corporate support system. Franchisees gain access to proven site selection strategies, studio design expertise, hands-on training and national marketing campaigns — all designed to streamline the launch process and set owners up for long-term growth. The brand's flexible ownership structure also allows both hands-on operators and semi-absentee investors to thrive. Related: 70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025 6. Gold's Gym Founded: 1965 1965 Franchising since: 1980 1980 Overall Rank: 160 160 Number of units: 590 590 Change in units: -2% over 3 years -2% over 3 years Initial investment: $1,800,000 - $4,300,000 $1,800,000 - $4,300,000 Leadership: Kevin Christie, VP of global franchising Kevin Christie, VP of global franchising Parent company: RSG Group A symbol of strength and fitness since 1965, Gold's Gym opened in Venice Beach and eventually became a training ground for legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, with nearly 600 locations across six continents, the brand blends its iconic heritage with modern innovation. Gold's provides company support, including site selection, gym design and marketing assistance, making it an appealing opportunity in the fitness industry. Related: You're a Walking Billboard — What's Your Brand Saying? 7. The Exercise Coach Founded: 2000 2000 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 200 200 Number of units: 254 254 Change in units: +61.8% over 3 years +61.8% over 3 years Initial investment: $162,000 - $383,000 $162,000 - $383,000 Leadership: Brian Cygan, CEO Brian Cygan, CEO Parent company: Exercise Coach USA LLC The Exercise Coach offers a tech-driven fitness franchise tailored to adults over 45. Founded in 2000 and franchising since 2010, it delivers personalized, 20-minute strength training sessions using proprietary Exerbotics equipment. And with a compact studio footprint and minimal staffing needs, the franchise is designed for operational efficiency. Related: I Created a Meeting to Call Out My Team's Mistakes. What Happened Next Surprised Me. 8. F45 Training Founded: 2011 2011 Franchising since: 2013 2013 Overall Rank: 232 232 Number of units: 1,583 1,583 Change in units: +1.8% over 3 years +1.8% over 3 years Initial investment: $294,000 - $719,000 $294,000 - $719,000 Leadership: Tom Dowd, CEO Tom Dowd, CEO Parent company: F45 Training Holdings Inc. F45 Training's group fitness is focused on its 45-minute, high-intensity functional workouts, fostering a strong community atmosphere. Since its inception in 2011, F45 has expanded to over 1,500 studios, including approximately 800 international locations, while maintaining a significant presence in the U.S. Franchisees are drawn to its scalable model, diverse workout offerings and the brand's commitment to innovation, making it a standout opportunity in the boutique fitness industry. Related: How I Turned a Failing Business Into a $1 Million Powerhouse in Just 6 Months 9. Pure Barre Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2009 2009 Overall Rank: 375 375 Number of units: 631 631 Change in units: +5.3% over 3 years +5.3% over 3 years Initial investment: $265,000 - $419,000 $265,000 - $419,000 Leadership: Mark King, CEO Mark King, CEO Parent company: Xponential Fitness Pure Barre is a fitness franchise specializing in low-impact, high-intensity barre workouts. Since its founding in 2001, it has expanded to more than 600 studios across North America. The franchise offers a scalable business model with semi-absentee ownership options, attracting entrepreneurs seeking a community-focused fitness brand. Pure Barre franchises are ideal for those passionate about wellness, and the brand provides a proven concept in the growing boutique fitness industry. Related: 10 Lessons I Learned From Failing My First Acquisition 10. D1 Training Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2015 2015 Overall Rank: 390 390 Number of units: 116 116 Change in units: +103.5% over 3 years +103.5% over 3 years Initial investment: $162,000 - $711,000 $162,000 - $711,000 Leadership: Will Bartholomew, founder/CEO Will Bartholomew, founder/CEO Parent company: N/A Built on the principles of Division 1 athletic programs, D1 Training is a performance-based fitness franchise that offers structured training for youth, adults and elite athletes. Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2015, D1 Training now operates over 100 locations nationwide. With expert coaching, small-group sessions and a values-driven approach, the brand attracts franchisees who are passionate about sports, community and long-term growth. Related: Why Failure Is Crucial To Success
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Crunch Fitness Announces Strategic Investment from Leonard Green & Partners
Leading Fitness Brand Welcomes New Investment Partner to Accelerate Growth NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Holdings, LLC ('Crunch Fitness'), a globally recognized powerhouse in the fitness industry, today announced a strategic investment from Leonard Green & Partners ('LGP'), a leading private equity investment firm. Under the terms of the agreement, LGP will acquire a majority interest in Crunch Fitness from TPG Growth, the middle market and growth equity platform of global alternative asset management firm TPG, and Crunch's minority shareholders. Founded in 1989 in New York City's Greenwich Village, Crunch has grown from a single gym with a unique 'No Judgments' philosophy into one of the fastest-growing and most respected fitness brands in the world. Ranking #1 in the fitness category for the second year in a row and #32 overall in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® - the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking - Crunch has built a loyal and diverse membership base worldwide with its inclusive culture, innovative group fitness programming, and high-value, low-price gym model. 'This is an exciting new chapter for Crunch,' said Jim Rowley, Chief Executive Officer of Crunch Fitness. 'Leonard Green & Partners has a phenomenal track record of success and investing in consumer brands, and we're confident their strategic insight and operational expertise will only continue to accelerate our growth while staying true to our core values.' Since TPG invested in Crunch in 2019, the brand has experienced remarkable growth. During that period, Crunch added over 2.1 million members, a staggering 176% increase. The brand also significantly expanded its gym footprint, adding 275 locations, more than doubling its unit count. Today, Crunch boasts over three million members and operates more than 500 gyms worldwide. These achievements, in addition to Crunch's new gym innovations, such as the recently launched Crunch 3.0 design and its commitment to making serious fitness fun for people of all fitness levels, continue to drive strong demand across domestic and international markets. 'We're incredibly grateful to TPG for being an exceptional partner over the past five-plus years,' Rowley continued. 'Their support and commitment—especially during the challenges of the pandemic—helped drive our transformation and rapid expansion. We also want to thank our amazing franchisees whose passion and entrepreneurial spirit have been the driving force behind our success and our incredible team members who continuously strive to provide legendary experiences across every Crunch gym.' 'What Crunch has accomplished in the past five years is truly unprecedented,' said John Danhakl, Managing Partner at Leonard Green & Partners. 'We are excited to support the brand's continued evolution alongside a strong leadership team and franchise network. Crunch's powerful business fundamentals and distinctive member experience make it an ideal fit for our portfolio.' 'Jim and his team have built a superb company, serving both their members and their franchisees well,' said Jonathan Coslet, Partner at TPG. 'The Crunch team's creativity, tenacity, and customer-centric culture have been hallmarks of their very successful build to date and will continue to drive Crunch's leadership alongside their new partners at LGP.' Jefferies LLC served as the lead financial advisor to Crunch, with North Point M&A also acting as a financial advisor. Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel. 'I'd also like to thank our advisors for their invaluable insight and support throughout this process,' added Rowley. For more information, visit About Crunch Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves over three million members with over 500 gyms worldwide in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe. About Leonard Green & Partners: LGP is a leading private equity investment firm founded in 1989 and based in Los Angeles, California with over $70 billion of assets under management. The firm partners with experienced management teams and often with founders to invest in market-leading companies. Since inception, LGP has completed over 150 investments in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth equity, and selective public equity and debt positions. The firm primarily focuses on companies providing services, including consumer, healthcare and business services, as well as distribution and industrials. For more information, please visit About TPG TPG is a leading global alternative asset management firm, founded in San Francisco in 1992, with $246 billion of assets under management and investment and operational teams around the world. TPG invests across a broadly diversified set of strategies, including private equity, impact, credit, real estate, and market solutions, and our unique strategy is driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Our teams combine deep product and sector experience with broad capabilities and expertise to develop differentiated insights and add value for our fund investors, portfolio companies, management teams, and communities. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Crunch Fitness
