Key points:
- The F45 Training franchise is one of the hottest boutique fitness concepts in the market today with a loyal following around the world and approximately 1,000 studios in North America alone.
- The initial investment for an F45 ranges from $349,200 to $786,100, with a $60,000 franchise fee, plus a monthly royalty fee of 7% of gross sales or $2,500 (whichever is higher).
- Entrepreneurs considering a fitness franchise should compare alternatives, such as Burn Boot Camp, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, and Gold’s Gym—all of which have been independently vetted for franchisee satisfaction.
A record 77 million Americans, roughly one in four people aged six and older, are members of a gym, studio, or other fitness facility, according to the Health & Fitness Association, and an increasing share of them are choosing specialized, high-energy concepts over the traditional big-box gym.
Every year, new boutique concepts compete for the same square footage, and F45 Training has managed to carve out a loyal corner of it.
With its high-energy music, timer-driven circuits, and coaches urging members through 45-minute functional workouts, F45 has built a devoted following around the world. But if you’re thinking about becoming an F45 franchisee, the member experience is only one piece of the story.
Let’s take a look at how this concept developed such a cult following, and whether now is the time to invest in an F45 Training franchise.
What Is F45 Training?
F45 Training is an Australian-founded fitness franchise now headquartered in Austin, Texas. The name breaks down simply: “F” stands for functional training, and “45” refers to the length of each class. It’s a format designed for the person who wants maximum results in minimum time.
The F45 concept is based on the belief that interval, cardiovascular, and strength training using functional movements executed at a high intensity across a 45-minute timeframe provides an optimal workout for burning fat and building lean muscle.
F45 studios offer a unique and constantly varied workout experience that is fun, challenging, and results-driven.
A Brand With Global Reach—and Celebrity Flex
F45 began franchising in 2014 and sold its first U.S. franchise in 2015. Today, it operates approximately 1,580 franchised units across more than 60 countries, including about 1,000 studios in North America alone.
In 2019, Mark Wahlberg Investment Group and FOD Capital announced they were buying a minority stake in the F45 business, valuing the company at US$450 million. The deal brought instant visibility and helped fuel an aggressive expansion into the United States. F45 Training went public in July 2021 with the company valued at US$1.4 billion.
That story took a sharp turn during the pandemic, however. F45 later revealed it lost $193.5 million in 2021 and $178.8 million in 2022. Since then, the company has been working to stabilize under new leadership.
By 2024, the company boasted significant overall growth and the highest Average Unit Volumes in their 12-year history. F45 Training’s AUVs increased by 12.4% and same-store sales rose 5.6% globally. The company also received notable industry recognition in 2024, including being named “Best Circuit Workout” by Men’s Health.
In 2025, the parent company launched FIT House of Brands — a broader wellness platform that includes F45 Training alongside FS8 (a Pilates-yoga hybrid concept) and VAURA Pilates, positioning the organization as a comprehensive boutique fitness company.
See the list of 2026’s Top Fitness Franchises.
The Workout Model: What Makes F45 Different?
F45’s appeal to members rests on a few key pillars that also shape the franchise model.
Variety
F45 has over 6,000 exercises in its encyclopedia. The program combines full-body strength training exercises like weight lifting and squats with cardio intervals like rowing and biking. The result is a session that feels fresh every time—a key member retention tool.
Technology
Workouts are displayed on screens throughout the studio, with timers guiding members through each circuit. The proprietary content library means franchisees don’t need to design programming themselves. Rather, it’s delivered centrally, updated regularly, and standardized across every studio in the world.
Community
The team-based format creates a social atmosphere that traditional big-box gyms can’t replicate. Members aren’t exercising alongside strangers — they’re working with them, cheering each other on, and building accountability. The community dynamic is one of the biggest reasons members stay loyal to their local studio and drives word-of-mouth referrals.
Recovery and Wellness
In 2024, F45 introduced “Recovery by F45 Training”. A complement to its functional training sessions, it features infrared saunas, cold plunges, and percussion therapy. This addition creates a new revenue stream for franchisees while reinforcing F45’s position as a full-spectrum wellness destination, not just a gym.
How Much Does an F45 Franchise Cost?
Opening an F45 Training franchise is a relatively heavy lift; however, it does have a lower cost barrier to entry than large box gyms such as Planet Fitness or Gold’s Gym. The total initial investment ranges from $349,000 and $786,000, including costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The wide range reflects variables like studio size, location, and local construction costs. Additionally, there is a $60,000 fixed franchise fee.
Ongoing Fees
Franchisees pay a monthly royalty fee of 7% of gross sales or $2,500, whichever is higher. In addition to the royalty, franchisees contribute to a brand fund at 2% of gross sales (minimum $200/month) and a fixed marketing fee of $2,500 per month. These fees fund national marketing, brand development, and the ongoing support infrastructure.
F45 Training Franchise Alternatives — Investment Requirements
| FRANCHISE | FRANCHISE FEE | INVESTMENT | ROYALTY |
| F45 Training | $60,000 | $349,000 – $786,000 | 7% of sales or $2,500/month |
| Orangetheory | $59,950 | $822,000 – $1.4M | 8% of sales |
| Planet Fitness | $20,000 | $$1.6M – $4.9M | 7% of sales |
| Gold’s Gym | $40,000 | $1.8M – $4.5M | 5% of sales or $2,000/month |
| Burn Boot Camp | $60,000 | $142,000 – $349,000 | 6% of sales |
| Oxygen Yoga & Fitness | $48,000 | $149,000 to $590,000 | 6% of sales |
How Much Does an F45 Training Franchise Make?
While F45 does not include earnings representations in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), it does report average annual sales of $$454,320, based on 699 U.S. units.
However, this doesn’t include the cost of operating expenses, royalties, or other costs that must be deducted from gross sales figures to get to your net income or profit.
Is an F45 Franchise Worth the Investment?
F45 appeals most strongly to owner-operators who combine a genuine passion for fitness and community with a business-minded approach to local marketing and operations. You don’t need a fitness background, but you do need to be hands-on, especially early on, and willing to become a visible presence in your studio and neighborhood.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of owning an F45 Training franchise, here are a few reasons to consider it:
Consumer Demand
The macro environment for boutique fitness is genuinely attractive. The global Pilates and yoga studio market is projected to reach 388.4 Billion by 2033. Consumer demand for results-oriented, community-driven fitness formats shows no sign of retreating.
F45 sits squarely in that trend. It’s popular among millennials and college students, especially women, so local demographics are important. An F45 gym needs the right sort of population, both in terms of interests and in terms of ability to pay. Its pricing is on the higher end of the boutique fitness spectrum, which helps revenue per member but can make it vulnerable during economic downturns.
Partnership Ecosystem
In 2024, F45 formed high-profile partnerships that expanded visibility and member engagement. These include a collaboration with Samsung that brought F45 workouts to Samsung Daily+ in over 100 million households globally, partnerships with HYROX and Spartan for race-preparation programs, and a telehealth partnership offering FSA/HSA fitness reimbursements and a GLP-1 weight management program for members.
Training and Support
Once you sign on to open an F45, you’ll attend an 8-day seminar at the company’s headquarters in Austin, TX. This initial training program spans 40 hours, covering operations manual study, shadow training, and conducting classes. F45 does not charge a separate fee for this training, though franchisees cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
F45 Training offers a robust onboarding program, including operational guidance and marketing strategies, and provides access to a library of resources including fitness program content and technology. The central content team continuously develops new workouts and updates the exercise library, meaning franchisees never have to worry about programming going stale.
Territory Protection
F45 franchisees receive exclusive territorial rights within their designated area. This protection is designed to ensure that franchisees can build their local member base and invest confidently in their community without concern about internal brand competition.
Why F45 Might Not Be the Right Franchise for You
Ups and Downs
The brand has been through real turbulence—a failed public offering, leadership turnover, and net studio closures. At the same time, the underlying workout product remains well-regarded, 2024 AUVs hit all-time highs. Same-store sales also rose 5.6% globally. These positive financial performance trends suggest the new leadership team is executing a more disciplined growth strategy.
Ramp Up Time
You should proceed with extra caution if you’re expecting rapid profitability, are relying heavily on financing, or are in a market with existing boutique fitness saturation. The median AUV of $407,000 is meaningful context, but the bottom third of operators may struggle to cover their fee obligations against that revenue level.
As with any franchise investment, speaking directly with current and former F45 franchisees is essential. Request the full FDD, review it with a qualified franchise attorney, and ask hard questions about unit economics in your specific market. You can find franchisees’ contact information in Item 20.
Alternatives to F45: Fitness Franchises With Muscle
If you like the idea of owning a fitness franchise, but have decided that F45 isn’t the franchise for you, there are several alternatives to consider. The franchise brands listed below have been highly recommended by the franchisees who own them, winning them a Franchisee Satisfaction Award and landing them on FBR’s Top Franchises list.
Burn Boot Camp
Founded by former professional baseball player Devan Kline and his wife Morgan in 2015, Burn Boot Camp started with group workouts in a parking lot and has since grown into a community-driven fitness franchise with over 385 locations across the United States.
The concept centers on 45-minute camp-style workouts with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, and it stands out for offering complimentary childcare—a meaningful draw for its core demographic of busy moms. You’ll need to bring at least $100,000 cash to the table to purchase a franchise, and the total investment can range between $142,000 – $349,000.
Learn more about owning a Burn Boot Camp franchise.
Gold’s Gym
Few names in fitness carry the weight of Gold’s Gym. Founded in 1965 in Venice, California, the original location quickly became known as “The Mecca of Bodybuilding” and received international acclaim when it was featured in the 1977 film Pumping Iron. Today, the brand operates over 600 locations globally and has evolved well beyond its bodybuilding roots. All new Gold’s Gym locations are required to offer cardio equipment, resistance training, group fitness, personal training, locker rooms, a kids’ club, and a pro shop.
For well-capitalized investors who want to own a full-amenity gym anchored by one of the most recognized names in the industry, Gold’s Gym is a marquee option. Owning a Gold’ Gym comes with an initial investment of $2.2 – $5 million and a minimum cash requirement of $500,000.
Learn more about owning a Gold’s Gym franchise.
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
For prospective franchisees drawn to the wellness and yoga space but looking for something more distinctive than a standard studio, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness offers a genuinely differentiated concept. Launched in 2011 in British Columbia, the brand has built its identity around far-infrared heated studios, where every class — whether yoga, barre, strength training, or high-intensity—takes place in a heated room designed to boost calorie burn, promote flexibility, and support detoxification.
The brand has grown to 80+ operating locations with active expansion underway in the U.S., Mexico, the UK, and New Zealand. The initial investment ranges from $149,000 to $590,000.
Learn more about owning an Oxygen Yoga & Fitness franchise.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has built an empire on a simple premise: make the gym feel welcoming to everyone. The brand focuses on providing an inclusive fitness experience in its well-known “Judgement Free Zone,” and notably, 40% of its members are first-time gym-goers.
With around 2,600 clubs, Planet Fitness is one of the largest fitness chains in the world. The model’s volume-driven, low-price membership structure generates strong recurring revenue, but it comes with a substantial investment. With a minimum cash requirement of $1.5 million and an initial startup investment ranging from $1,625,600 – $4,921,000, Planet Fitness is best suited for experienced, well-capitalized operators.
Learn more about owning a Planet Fitness franchise.
Ready to Invest in a Fitness Franchise?
An F45 Training franchise could prove to be a strong opportunity. But with so many franchise concepts to choose from, we recommend you explore multiple franchises and perform extensive due diligence. Even the healthiest opportunities demand careful research. Remember to:
- Compare different franchising options
- Weigh franchising costs relative to profits
- Ask for feedback from current franchise owners
- Look at independent ratings and reviews from unbiased sources
- Be honest with yourself about how much time and effort you can put into it
Start your research by perusing our list of the Top Franchises. Each year, Franchise Business Review surveys over 26,000 franchisees to identify the top-rated franchise opportunities based on owner satisfaction. Many of them make their satisfaction reports publicly available on our site so you can see how they rate their franchise experience in eight key areas critical to owner success.
