If you have been searching for a scalable and recession-resilient business in the booming wellness sector, the Anytime Fitness franchise might be your golden opportunity. As of 2023, the U.S. fitness industry was valued at over $32 billion, with more than 70 million Americans holding gym memberships, an all-time high, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).
If you are considering how to open an Anytime Fitness franchise or simply researching the cost of opening an Anytime Fitness franchise, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
From startup investment to support structures, we will dive deep into what makes the Anytime Fitness gym franchise an attractive option and how it stacks up in the growing landscape of franchise business opportunities in fitness.
And if you are new to entrepreneurship or want to launch your business with clarity and confidence, our Entrepreneurs Success Blueprint Program (ESBP) is the perfect place to begin. It is a complete roadmap designed to help you start and run a sustainable business, whether it is a fitness franchise or your own unique concept.
See also: 7 Major Difference Between Franchising And Entrepreneurship
Key Takeaways
- Anytime Fitness is a globally trusted gym franchise offering 24/7 access and a proven model for aspiring fitness entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Franchisees benefit from robust support, including training, marketing resources, operational guidance, and a scalable business model.
- Anytime Fitness Franchise offer scalability, allowing entrepreneurs to expand into multi-unit ownership.
- Success depends on smart location selection, hands-on management, and financial planning, making it ideal for passionate, business-savvy owners.
What Is Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness is a U.S.-based gym franchise that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Founded in 2002, it offers members round-the-clock access to fitness facilities through a secure key fob system.
The brand is known for its convenience, flexible membership options, and global access. Members can use any of the 5,000+ locations across more than 40 countries.
The company provides a full range of fitness services, including strength training, cardio equipment, personal training, virtual coaching, and wellness programmes. Each location is designed to create a supportive, community-driven environment that encourages members to reach their health and fitness goals.
For entrepreneurs, Anytime Fitness operates as a franchise business model, offering training, operational support, and marketing tools to help franchisees run their own gym successfully under the brand.
See also: Franchising – The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Franchising Business
Overview of the Anytime Fitness Business Model
The Anytime Fitness business model is built on simplicity, scalability, and round-the-clock accessibility. It is designed to meet the evolving needs of fitness consumers while offering franchisees a streamlined path to business ownership with recurring revenue and manageable overhead.
Here is how it works:
24/7 Access With Minimal Staffing
At the heart of the model is 24-hour gym access. Each club operates with a secure, key-fob system that allows members to enter the facility at any time, day or night, without requiring full-time staff on-site. This unique feature dramatically reduces payroll expenses while catering to members who want flexibility in their workout schedules.
Most locations operate with lean teams, often just one or two full-time employees. Many owners serve as hands-on managers, particularly in the early stages, while others hire club managers and scale across multiple units.
Membership-Based Revenue Model
Recurring monthly memberships form the core of the revenue stream. Members typically pay between $30 and $50 per month, depending on the location and services offered. This creates consistent, predictable income, which is valuable for financial planning and long-term growth.
Members also benefit from global access to all Anytime Fitness locations, a major selling point that increases sign-up rates and retention.
This interconnected model encourages brand loyalty and allows members to stay active while travelling, without switching gyms.
Supplementary Services That Drive Growth
While monthly memberships form the financial backbone of the business, Anytime Fitness clubs also generate income through a variety of add-on services.
These include personal training, wellness coaching, and fitness assessments, which are offered by certified trainers either on payroll or working as independent contractors.
Many clubs also incorporate group classes, nutrition consultations, and branded product sales. These offerings not only boost the average revenue per member but also enhance customer experience and loyalty.
Unlike some gym models that rely solely on volume, Anytime Fitness creates multiple touchpoints for engagement and value, helping members achieve better results and increasing the likelihood that they will stick around.
Lean Operations, Strong Margins
The beauty of the model is its efficiency. Most gyms are compact, usually between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet, which keeps rent manageable, especially in suburban and secondary markets.
The standardised layout means franchisees know exactly what equipment and setup are needed from day one, reducing guesswork and costly experimentation.
Because of the limited need for staff and the predictable utility costs, Anytime Fitness locations can achieve strong margins compared to traditional big-box gyms. The streamlined nature of the business also means less complexity, making it more accessible for first-time entrepreneurs and easier to replicate when scaling.
Built for Scalability
Once franchisees establish a profitable first location, expansion is not only encouraged, it is systematised. Anytime Fitness has tools and resources specifically designed for multi-unit owners, from financing options to territory planning.
The operational consistency across locations makes it easier to duplicate success, and many franchisees go on to own two, three, or even ten locations under the brand.
Why Choose an Anytime Fitness Franchise?
Starting a gym is one thing. Owning a franchise backed by global recognition, a loyal customer base, and proven systems? That is a whole different level.
Here is why the Anytime Fitness franchise continues to attract smart entrepreneurs across the U.S.
A Globally Recognised Brand
Anytime Fitness is more than a gym, it is a global wellness movement. With over 5,000 locations across more than 40 countries and a presence in every U.S. state, the brand has cemented its reputation as a household name.
That level of brand awareness gives new franchisees a head start. You are not introducing a new concept to the market, you are delivering a service that is already in demand and trusted by millions.
High Demand for 24/7 Fitness
Americans are more health-conscious than ever, and they want flexibility. Anytime Fitness pioneered the 24/7 gym model, giving members the freedom to work out whenever it suits them.
This accessibility appeals to a broad demographic from early risers to night owls, students, remote workers, and professionals with unpredictable schedules.
As more Americans prioritise health and convenience, this model positions franchisees for long-term relevance and growth.
A Proven Business Model with Full Support
One of the biggest advantages of joining the Anytime Fitness network is its well-established franchise system. From day one, franchisees receive comprehensive training on operations, staffing, compliance, and customer retention.
You also get assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and gym layout planning. Once your doors open, the support does not stop, expect ongoing coaching, technology tools for membership management, and professionally designed marketing campaigns.
You do not need a background in fitness to succeed. The systems are designed to help first-time entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of owning a gym with clarity and confidence.
The franchisor also provides regional support teams, digital performance dashboards, and real-time guidance to help you make smart business decisions.
Strong Financial Model and Growth Potential
While the cost of opening an Anytime Fitness franchise ranges from $300,000 to $975,000, depending on your market and location, many franchisees see a healthy return within a few years.
The relatively low staffing requirements and smaller footprint compared to big-box gyms help keep overhead costs down. Additionally, recurring monthly memberships create predictable cash flow, a major win for any business owner.
Franchisees who execute well often expand to multiple locations, turning one gym into a profitable portfolio. The brand encourages multi-unit ownership and has clear pathways to help operators grow.
Built-in Community and Member Loyalty
Anytime Fitness is not just about equipment and access, it is about relationships. Each club is designed to feel like a neighbourhood fitness hub where members are known by name.
That sense of belonging increases retention and referrals, which directly impacts your bottom line. Plus, with virtual coaching tools and personalised wellness programmes, the brand is evolving beyond traditional gym services to meet today’s holistic health demands.
National Marketing With Local Flexibility
While the brand invests heavily in national marketing campaigns, local franchisees are empowered to build their own presence through community events, promotions, and partnerships.
This balance between national visibility and local autonomy allows owners to build meaningful relationships while benefiting from broader brand awareness.
Anytime Fitness Franchise Cost Breakdown
Understanding the cost of opening an Anytime Fitness franchise is one of the most important steps before committing to the opportunity.
Like any franchise business, it requires upfront capital, ongoing fees, and operational reserves, but the investment is designed for long-term return through a streamlined model and recurring income.
Let us break down what you can expect.
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee to open an Anytime Fitness club is $42,500. This one-time payment grants you the rights to operate under the brand and gives you full access to its training programmes, operational systems, site selection support, and national marketing infrastructure.
For military veterans, Anytime Fitness offers a 10% discount through its VetFran initiative, bringing the cost down to $38,250 for those eligible.
If you are planning to open more than one location, the franchise offers attractive discounts to encourage multi-unit investment. For two locations, the combined franchise fee is $75,000. If you decide to open three, the total fee becomes $97,500. With four clubs, the amount increases to $130,000. And for each additional unit beyond four, the franchise fee drops significantly to $27,500 per location.
This sliding scale makes it financially more viable for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to scale their portfolio quickly.
Initial Investment Range
The total cost of opening an Anytime Fitness franchise falls between $397,537 and $973,142, depending on several key factors. These include the size and condition of the leased space, local construction and permitting costs, regional utility rates, and the level of customisation required for your facility.
This investment range covers everything from leasehold improvements and gym equipment to technology systems, signage, marketing, legal fees, and working capital to keep the business running in its early months.
Urban locations or premium real estate may push costs toward the higher end of the spectrum, while smaller or suburban sites may fall closer to the minimum.
Financing is available through approved lenders, including SBA-backed loans, and the franchisor offers guidance to help new owners navigate funding options and capital requirements.
Net Worth and Financial Requirements
To qualify for an Anytime Fitness franchise, prospective owners are expected to have a minimum net worth of $500,000. This ensures that franchisees have the financial capacity not only to cover the initial investment but also to support the business through its early growth phase.
Of that amount, the sum of $100,000 must be readily available as liquid capital to fund expenses like lease deposits, equipment purchases, staffing, and marketing before the gym starts generating consistent cash flow.
This requirement also plays a key role in securing financing. Lenders, especially those offering SBA-backed loans, typically look for strong financial credentials and sufficient reserves as part of their approval process.
While the franchise offers operational support and business planning resources, entering the opportunity with a solid financial footing increases your ability to weather unexpected challenges and scale effectively.
Marketing and Grand Opening Expenses
No Anytime Fitness Franchise can achieve its full potential without an aggressive and strategic marketing campaign, particularly during the pre-launch and grand opening phases.
The Anytime Fitness Franchise cost includes a marketing budget aimed at generating awareness, attracting initial members, and establishing a strong community presence from day one.
These funds are used for digital campaigns, local advertising, community events, and promotional offers, all of which are essential to building a robust membership base quickly.
Working Capital and Operational Reserves
Beyond the visible infrastructure and equipment expenses, franchisees must also prepare for the less tangible, but equally important, working capital requirements.
The Anytime Fitness Franchise cost includes recommendations for initial reserves covering the club’s operational costs during the early months of business, when revenue streams may still be stabilising.
This working capital ensures that franchisees can manage payroll, utilities, maintenance, and unexpected expenses without compromising the club’s operations or member experience.
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Ongoing Fees and Royalties
Once your Anytime Fitness club is up and running, you will be responsible for ongoing monthly fees that help maintain the strength and consistency of the brand.
Each location pays a flat royalty fee of $799 per month, which grants continued access to the franchisor’s support systems, operational tools, and performance coaching. This royalty structure is unique compared to percentage-based models, offering predictability and making it easier to manage cash flow, especially in the early stages of the business.
In addition to the royalty fee, there is a monthly advertising fee of $600 per location. This goes toward national and regional marketing campaigns, brand awareness efforts, and member acquisition initiatives designed to benefit all franchisees across the network.
While franchisees are also encouraged to run local marketing efforts tailored to their communities, this national fund ensures the brand remains top-of-mind and competitive in a saturated fitness market. These fees are essential components of the franchise ecosystem, helping to fuel continued innovation, customer engagement, and long-term brand equity.
Anytime Fitness Franchise Cost Summary Overview
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $42,500 (discounts available for multi-units and veterans) |
| Total Investment Range | $397,537 – $973,142 |
| Net Worth Requirement | Minimum of $500,000 |
| Royalty Fee | $799/month per location |
| National Advertising Fee | $600/month per location |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Expenses | Varies by location and strategy (included in investment range) |
Steps to Becoming an Anytime Fitness Franchise Owner
Opening an Anytime Fitness franchise is a guided process, carefully structured to help new owners move from inquiry to grand opening with clarity and confidence.
The franchisor provides step-by-step support at every stage, ensuring you are equipped to build and run a successful club, even if you are new to the fitness industry.
Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Qualification
The journey begins by expressing your interest through the franchise’s official website or through a referral. Once submitted, a franchise development representative reaches out to learn more about your goals, experience, and financial background.
This stage is about mutual discovery, helping both parties determine if the fit is right.
If you meet the basic qualifications, including the required net worth and liquidity, you are invited to begin the formal application process. This includes a deeper financial review and a personal introduction to the franchise’s expectations and culture.
Step 2: Discovery and Due Diligence
Next comes the discovery phase, where you will engage in more in-depth conversations with the corporate team. You will receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines every legal and financial aspect of the franchise opportunity.
During this phase, you will also connect with existing franchisees, visit operating clubs, and get an inside look at the day-to-day business.
This is your opportunity to ask detailed questions and evaluate whether the Anytime Fitness business model aligns with your vision, goals, and financial capacity.
Step 3: Signing the Franchise Agreement
If both sides are confident in moving forward, you will sign the franchise agreement and officially become part of the Anytime Fitness network.
From here, you are assigned a dedicated support team that will guide you through the next critical milestones, including site selection, financing, and build-out.
Step 4: Site Selection and Lease Negotiation
Choosing the right location is key to long-term success. Anytime Fitness provides support with demographic research, market analysis, and broker partnerships to help you identify a prime location.
Once a site is selected, you will work with the franchisor’s real estate team to negotiate lease terms that suit the business model.
Step 5: Gym Design, Build-Out, and Pre-Opening
Once the lease is signed, the build-out begins. The franchisor provides standardised design specifications to ensure brand consistency, along with equipment layouts and vendor connections. During this time, you will also complete a comprehensive training programme that covers operations, marketing, sales, and member management systems.
As the gym nears completion, you will begin pre-opening marketing efforts to generate local buzz and early memberships before launch day.
Step 6: Grand Opening and Ongoing Support
Your grand opening marks the beginning of active operations, but it is far from the end of support. Anytime Fitness continues to work with you post-launch, offering operational coaching, marketing assistance, and business reviews to help you stay on track.
Regional performance coaches, digital dashboards, and peer communities all contribute to a support ecosystem designed to help you succeed over the long term.
See also: A product on how to become a successful franchise owner.
How Much Profit Can You Make from an Anytime Fitness Franchise?
One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective franchisees is: “How much money can I realistically make?”
While income varies by location, market conditions, and management style, owning an Anytime Fitness franchise can be financially rewarding, especially when run efficiently and scaled strategically.
Income Potential and Key Revenue Drivers
Anytime Fitness operates on a membership-based model with predictable monthly revenue. Clubs typically charge members between $30 and $50 per month. A club with 500 to 800 active members can generate $15,000 to $40,000 per month in gross revenue, depending on pricing, retention, and additional services offered.
Beyond standard memberships, franchisees can increase earnings through personal training, fitness assessments, and retail sales. These services not only add revenue but also enhance member engagement and retention, factors that directly impact profitability.
Average Earnings Estimates
While Anytime Fitness does not publicly disclose exact profit figures for all franchisees, available industry data and franchisee testimonials provide insight.
According to Franchise Business Review, top-performing Anytime Fitness locations can generate annual gross revenue well into the six figures, with some surpassing $500,000 to $600,000 per year in mature markets.
Once operating costs such as rent, staff salaries, royalties, marketing, and utilities are deducted, many profitable franchisees report net earnings between 15% to 25% of their gross revenue.
For example, a gym generating $400,000 annually could yield an owner’s income of $60,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on cost management and local economics.
What Impacts Profitability in an Anytime Fitness Franchise?
While the Anytime Fitness franchise model is built for efficiency and scale, actual profitability depends on how well some key elements are managed.
Understanding these variables can help franchisees make smarter decisions and maximise their returns.
Location Quality and Demographics
The success of a gym is often determined before the doors open because location is everything. High-traffic areas with good visibility, easy parking, and proximity to residential communities or office hubs attract more footfall.
Demographics also matter. Areas with a strong population of working professionals, young adults, or health-conscious families tend to perform better. A poor location can limit growth, no matter how strong your operations are.
Owner Involvement and Operational Execution
Profitability often mirrors the level of involvement by the franchise owner. Hands-on owners who engage with staff, monitor performance, and respond quickly to member feedback tend to run more efficient and profitable operations.
Passive investors may struggle to catch inefficiencies or seize growth opportunities. Attention to day-to-day details like staffing, cleanliness, customer service, and sales training can significantly improve retention and revenue.
Member Retention and Engagement
Keeping members is more profitable than constantly replacing them. High retention rates lead to more predictable cash flow and lower marketing spend.
A focus on member experience, personalised support, and consistent communication helps keep people coming back. Clubs that build a strong sense of community often perform better than those that simply offer equipment access.
Marketing and Local Presence
Even with a nationally recognised brand, local marketing plays a critical role in profitability. Franchisees who actively promote their club through social media, local events, partnerships, and referral programmes typically see stronger membership growth.
Building local brand awareness and nurturing word-of-mouth can reduce dependency on paid advertising over time. If you need expert help promoting your franchise, explore our business advertising services to craft and execute campaigns that convert.
Control of Operating Costs
Anytime Fitness is designed to run lean, but profitability still hinges on how well costs are managed. Rent, utilities, staff wages, maintenance, and technology expenses need to be monitored closely.
Choosing the right vendors, negotiating favourable lease terms, and keeping overhead low are all essential for maintaining healthy margins. Even small inefficiencies can chip away at net profit.
Financing Options for Owning an Anytime Fitness Franchise
Launching an Anytime Fitness franchise requires a significant upfront investment, but the good news is you do not have to shoulder the entire cost on your own.
There are several financing options available to help qualified entrepreneurs fund their franchise journey, whether it is their first location or part of a multi-unit expansion plan.
SBA Loans and Franchise-Friendly Lenders
Anytime Fitness is an SBA-approved franchise, which means many U.S. lenders are already familiar with the business model and are more likely to approve funding.
SBA 7(a) loans are one of the most popular choices for franchise financing, offering lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and competitive interest rates.
The franchisor also partners with a network of preferred lenders who specialise in franchise financing. These lenders understand the brand’s performance history and can often fast-track the loan application process for qualified candidates.
Financing through these channels can cover everything from the franchise fee and build-out to equipment and working capital.
Personal Capital and Retirement Funds
Some franchisees fund their clubs using personal savings or investment portfolios, allowing them to avoid debt and retain full equity. Others use Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS), a structure that allows qualified individuals to invest retirement funds into their business without early withdrawal penalties or taxes.
While this option can be complex, it is a legitimate strategy when done under the guidance of a financial advisor.
Equipment Leasing and Vendor Financing
Rather than buying gym equipment outright, many franchisees opt to lease machines through approved vendors. Leasing helps preserve cash flow in the early months and may come with service warranties and upgrades built into the contract.
Some vendors also offer flexible financing packages tailored to new franchisees, often with deferred payment terms until the business is operational.
Multi-Unit Financing and Expansion Support
Franchisees looking to open more than one club may qualify for multi-unit financing packages, which consolidate funding for multiple locations under a single agreement.
Anytime Fitness offers planning and support for scaling, and preferred lenders often extend favourable terms to owners with proven operational track records.
Conclusion
Launching an Anytime Fitness Franchise offers an exciting pathway into the booming fitness industry. While the startup costs may appear high initially, they reflect the extensive support, brand recognition, and proven business model that the franchise offers.
Entrepreneurs who are prepared to commit both financially and operationally will find that the cost of opening the franchise can be a rewarding investment, particularly when coupled with diligent management and a focus on member satisfaction.
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FAQs About Anytime Fitness Franchise Costs
What is the total Anytime Fitness Franchise cost?
The cost typically ranges between $397,537- $973,142, depending on factors like location, club size, and facility fit-out.
Is Anytime Fitness Franchise profitable?
Yes, it can be profitable with proper management, strong local marketing, and member retention strategies.
What are the main Anytime Fitness startup costs?
The Anytime Fitness startup costs include the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, gym equipment, marketing, and working capital reserves.
How does Anytime Fitness compare to other fitness franchise opportunities?
The franchise stands out due to its global brand, 24/7 access model, and scalable investment, making it highly competitive among fitness franchise opportunities.
What support is provided when opening an Anytime Fitness gym franchise?
Franchisees receive extensive training, marketing assistance, and operational support to ensure their Anytime Fitness Franchise operates smoothly.
What is the ongoing royalty fee for Anytime Fitness franchisees?
The franchise requires franchisees to pay ongoing royalties of $799 per month per location and ad royalty fees of $600 per month.
How long does it take to open an Anytime Fitness Franchise?
The average time to open the franchise is between 6 to 12 months, depending on location readiness and build-out complexity.
Can I own multiple Anytime Fitness gyms?
Yes, the franchise model supports multi-unit ownership, allowing franchisees to expand their portfolio within the brand.
What is included in the Anytime Fitness franchise cost?
The franchise cost covers the franchise fee, equipment, marketing materials, access systems, and the necessary software for club operations.
Is Anytime Fitness franchise considered a good franchise business opportunity in fitness?
Yes, the franchise is among the leading franchise business opportunities in fitness, thanks to its proven model and global recognition.
What makes the Anytime Fitness Franchise different from others?
The franchise offers 24/7 access, a strong community approach, and comprehensive support, giving it a distinct edge in the market.
Can I get financing for the Anytime Fitness startup costs?
Many franchisees secure bank loans or franchise financing to cover the Anytime Fitness startup costs, often with the franchisor’s guidance.
What are the main challenges of running an Anytime Fitness Franchise?
Managing competition, member retention, and the cost of opening an Anytime Fitness Franchise are common challenges that require strategic planning.
