Low-Cost Fitness Franchises: 8 Opportunities for 2024

Fitness and wellness became increasingly important to consumers following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have adopted new fitness routines to support their continued health, and the fitness industry continues to see growth as a result. The global fitness industry is currently worth $112 billion, but it is expected to exceed $200 billion by 2030.

With a range of exercise options available, the fitness franchise industry is incredibly diverse, meaning franchisees are likely to find an affordable model that aligns with their specific interests. Here are eight of the top low-cost fitness franchise opportunities to consider this year.

Jazzercise is a dance-focused fitness franchise offering group aerobic classes. With two franchise models, the brand is open to both individual instructor franchisees and class owner franchisees. Both offer an opportunity to get involved in the high-demand fitness space with a unique model that offers a safe space for people looking to exercise in a supportive, community-focused space.

• Units: 7,348

• Total Initial Investment: $2,130 - $40,725

• Franchise Fee: $1,250

• Royalty Fee: 20%

• Marketing Fee: Not disclosed

• Liquidity Required: Not disclosed

• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Fit4Mom is a flexible fitness franchise specifically catered toward serving moms in multiple stages of motherhood. With prenatal, stroller-inclusive and mom-only class models, Fit4Mom franchisees can cater to an often-underserved community. While some traditional gym franchises offer childcare services on-site, many mothers may struggle to find exercise options that meet their needs and schedules.

Fit4Mom offers a specialized solution that addresses the unique needs of moms, including the ongoing question of childcare, meaning franchisees can become one of the only, if not the only, providers of such opportunities in their communities.

• Units: 300

• Total Initial Investment: $8,245 - $28,685

• Franchise Fee: $7,495 - $13,395

• Royalty Fee: 4%

• Franchise Agreement Length: 3 years

fit20 is an international strength-focused fitness franchise. The model offers once-weekly strength training classes that are brief but impactful in helping clients gain strength and support their overall wellness. Because the business fits well in relatively small real estate sites and does not rely on a high population or high frequency model, fit20 is an efficient option for entrepreneurs looking to generate revenue with a smaller investment.

• Units: 167

• Total Initial Investment: $106,650 - $229,700

• Franchise Fee: $35,000

• Royalty Fee: 8%

• Marketing Fee: Up to 3%

• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Ageless Fitness is a fitness franchise that specifically caters to older clients. Physical activity is increasingly important in aging populations, but some adults are unsure where to start or uncomfortable working out in big-box fitness concepts. Ageless Fitness franchisees offer programming designed with seniors’ needs in mind, including exercises for balance, healthy bones, flexibility, range of motion and other functional practices. By offering these specialized practices, Ageless Fitness franchisees can capture a highly specific, and often underserved, portion of the market.

• Units: 3

• Total Initial Investment: $76,250 - $134,300

• Franchise Fee: $45,000

• Royalty Fee: 5.5%

• Liquidity Required: $50,000

Fit Body Boot Camp is a group fitness training franchise that offers 30-minute “boot camp” sessions focused on weight loss, noting that clients turn into “walking billboards” to promote the business to friends and family. The franchise requires minimal equipment, meaning franchisees can fit more paying clients into a smaller space while keeping both start-up and ongoing costs relatively low.

• Units: 355

• Total Initial Investment: $170,600 - $296,100

• Franchise Fee: $54,600

• Royalty Fee: 5%

• Marketing Fee: $500/month

• Liquidity Required: $65,000

• Franchise Agreement Length: 7 years

Meld Fitness + Wellness is a “micro personal training studio” that offers 45-minute small-group classes with no more than four members at once. This smaller model creates an exclusive experience for the client while allowing the franchisee to run an incredibly lean operation. Meld Fitness + Wellness franchises can be opened in spaces as small as 500 square feet, keeping initial and ongoing overhead costs incredibly low compared to larger models.

• Units: 2

• Total Initial Investment: $104,875 - $158,324

• Franchise Fee: $40,000

• Royalty Fee: 6%

• Marketing Fee: 5%

• Liquidity Required: $104,875 - $158,324

• Franchise Agreement Length: Not disclosed

9Round is a kickboxing fitness franchise with a “semi-private” instruction model. The model uses a streamlined build-out, keeping costs low from the beginning, but it positions franchisees to capture reliable repeat revenue with a membership model. With workouts changing constantly and no strict start and stop times on classes, 9Round appeals to busy clients who seek a group fitness experience but require a bit more flexibility in their schedule.

• Units: 565

• Total Initial Investment: $115,000 - $278,000

• Franchise Fee: $19,900

• Royalty Fee: $600/month

• Marketing Fee: 9Round assesses a $200 or 2%, whichever is greater, Brand Building Fund fee per month and requires at least $1,500 of local advertising spend per month

KickHouse is a kickboxing franchise that combines fitness and community for a unique member experience. The brand offers memberships, individual classes and merchandise, allowing franchisees to capture multiple streams of revenue while growing in the high-demand kickboxing space. With robust initial training and ongoing support, KickHouse works to ensure franchisees can funnel the majority of their energy into growing the brand rather than managing day-to-day operations or reinventing the wheel.

• Units: 24

• Total Initial Investment: $241,200 - $454,500

• Franchise Fee: $49,500

• Marketing Fee: 2%

• Liquidity Required: $150,000

From dance exercise to kickboxing, the fitness franchise space is home to many concepts that support entrepreneurs in finding purpose and making a difference in their communities. If you’re interested in supporting members of your community in transforming their lives through wellness, but want to get started without breaking the bank, these eight low-cost models are a great place to start.