The U.S. health and fitness club industry generated roughly $45 billion in revenue in 2025, with 77 million Americans holding a gym or studio membership. For entrepreneurs looking to open a gym, the 24/7 gym franchise model has become one of the fastest growing segments, drawing operators with smaller-footprint formats, recurring revenue, and lower staffing demands than traditional full-service clubs.
Why the 24/7 Gym Franchise Sector Attracts So Many Operators
The 24/7 access model has reshaped the fitness business over the past two decades, helping many fitness franchise brands expand rapidly. Members enter clubs with a key fob at any hour, while operators run smaller facilities with limited or no on-site staff during off-peak windows. Data from the Health & Fitness Association indicates median revenue growth of 9.9% across U.S. clubs in 2024, and 91% of operators surveyed forecast revenue gains for 2025.
Several structural factors explain why the 24/7 gym franchise model ranks among the most popular fitness business categories:
- Recurring revenue: members typically pay monthly dues, producing predictable cash flow.
- Smaller footprint: most 24/7 clubs operate between 4,000 and 12,000 square feet, well below the 35,000+ square feet of full-service health clubs.
- Lower staffing: keyless entry technology allows clubs to run with limited or no staff during off-peak hours.
- Convenience-driven demand: shift workers, early risers, and late-night users align with the always-open format and pursue fitness goals on their own schedule.
- Brand-supported franchise opportunities: established systems provide site selection, equipment packages, marketing, and personal training programs.
The five franchise systems below are profiled with figures sourced from SEC filings, brand franchise-development pages, IFA disclosures, and Tier-1 trade press, including the most recent FDDs each system has filed.
1. Anytime Fitness
Founded in 2002 in Woodbury, Minnesota, Anytime Fitness is the defining brand in the 24/7 gym franchise category, with 5,800+ clubs across 40 countries as of February 2026 and roughly 2,300 in the US. Per the 2024 FDD published on the brand’s franchise-development site, the initial fee is $42,500, the total investment ranges from $397,537 to $973,142, and royalties are a flat $799 per month rather than a percentage of revenue. Item 19 reports an average unit volume of $441,894 across 1,530 clubs open at least one year.
2. Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, Planet Fitness is the largest publicly traded fitness chain in the United States, with 2,896 system-wide clubs and 20.8 million members as of December 31, 2025, of which 89.9% are franchisee-operated. Most clubs run 24/7 in practice, though SEC filings do not disclose 24-hour access as a system-wide contractual obligation. Under the franchise growth model effective January 1, 2024, the initial fee is $0 with an Area Development Agreement (previously $20,000), royalties are 7% plus a 2% National Advertising Fund contribution, and the June 2025 FDD lists initial investment at $1,525,000 to $5,221,500. The FY2025 10-K reports an average unit volume of approximately $2.0 million.
3. Snap Fitness
Launched in 2003 and operated by Lift Brands of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Snap Fitness runs 1,036 clubs across 17 countries, including 493 in the US per the Franchise Times Top 400 2025. Per the 2024 FDD on snapfitness.com, the initial fee is $39,500, the initial investment ranges from $430,800 to $1,118,100, and royalties are 6% of gross revenue plus a 2% national advertising fee. Single-license candidates are typically expected to show a $1 million net worth and $250,000 in liquid capital.
4. Workout Anytime 24/7
Founded in 1999 and based near Atlanta, Georgia, Workout Anytime operates approximately 200 clubs as of April 2025, primarily across the southeastern and central US, and was acquired in early 2025 by a group led by its largest franchisee. Per the most recent FDD reflected in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, the initial fee is $45,000 and the initial investment ranges from $1,060,850 to $1,840,550. Item 19 reports average gross revenue of $503,608, with the top third averaging $777,323 and the bottom third $286,514. Minimum net worth: $500,000 per location.
5. World Gym
Founded by Joe Gold in Santa Monica in 1976 and franchising since 1982, World Gym operates more than 225 locations across six continents and offers a 24/7 club format alongside its traditional bodybuilding-heritage gyms. World Gym International, LLC is an IFA member. Per the brand’s franchise-development site, the initial fee is $45,000, the initial investment ranges from $790,000 to $2,765,000, and royalties are 5% of gross sales plus a 2% marketing fund. Veterans receive a 15% discount on the initial fee. Minimum liquid capital: $400,000.
Side-by-Side Comparison Figures Franchise Fitness Clubs
| Brand | Franchise fee | Initial investment | Royalty | U.S. clubs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime Fitness | $42,500 | $397,537 – $973,142 | $799/mo flat | ~ 2,300 |
| Planet Fitness | $0 (ADA) or $20,000 | $1,525,000 – $5,221,500 | 7% + 2% NAF | ~ 2,603 |
| Snap Fitness | $39,500 | $430,800 – $1,118,100 | 6% + 2% ad | 493 |
| Workout Anytime | $45,000 | $1,060,850 – $1,840,550 | not publicly disclosed in primary sources | ~ 200 |
| World Gym | $45,000 | $790,000 – $2,765,000 | 5% + 2% marketing | 225+ globally |
Figures sourced from each brand’s franchise-development page, SEC filings, the IFA membership directory, and Tier-1 trade press as of 2025–2026. FDD figures may be updated annually.
The Bottom Line
The 24/7 gym franchise sector remains one of the fastest-growing areas of the U.S. fitness industry, attracting continued investment. Brands such as Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, Snap Fitness, Workout Anytime, and World Gym operate different models, with franchise fees from $0 (under Area Development Agreements) to $45,000, and total initial investments ranging from about $397,000 to over $5 million. Prospective franchisees should rely on each system’s latest FDD, including Item 19 performance data where available, via state franchise registration portals (e.g., California DFPI, Wisconsin DFI, Minnesota Commerce, Maryland AG, Illinois AG, New York AG, Washington DFI).
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations vary by state and individual circumstances and may change over time. Readers should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or other licensed professional regarding their specific situation. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship.
