How Much Do Anytime Fitness Franchise Owners Really Make In A Year
If you're a fitness enthusiast, owning a gym might sound like the perfect investment and a path to financial freedom. For Anytime Fitness franchise owners, that vision can become a reality, as it is one of the largest gym franchises with over 5,200 locations that are open 24 hours a day and boast solid financials. With the brand's success over the years, many franchise owners take home over six figures a year.
The Anytime Fitness brand's popularity has led to strong returns for many franchises. According to Anytime Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the median franchise profit is over $394,973 a year. After expenses, according to Top Franchise, owners take home an average salary of $114,000; however, profitability ultimately depends on factors like expenses, membership rates, and management. Despite the lucrative returns, there are steep startup costs and requirements to become a franchise owner, potentially making it a less accessible opportunity.
Startup costs and how long it takes to break even
Outfitting any gym requires more than just treadmills and weights. Franchise owners must invest in a wide range of equipment, including strength training machines, ellipticals, and other functional training tools. All that equipment will set you back between $138,000 and $155,760. However, that is just one expense in a long list of investments required from franchise owners to open an Anytime Fitness location.
There are also construction fees, technology package fees, security deposits, and many other additional costs. In total, the Franchise Disclosure Document outlines that owners will need to spend between $458,826 to $907,607 to get a location up and running. On top of the capital required for startup, Anytime Fitness imposes a yearly franchise fee per location to operate under the brand. Yet, despite the costs, gyms remain a popular investment option, generally reaching profitability in as little as one to three years.
Are gyms good investments?
Gym franchises can be a good business to open, but whether they're the right opportunity depends on factors like risk tolerance and access to capital, as Anytime Fitness recommends having a minimum net worth of $380,000 to open a location. On the upside, the fitness industry has continued to grow as more people prioritize their health and wellness, and brands like Anytime Fitness and other major chains benefit from strong name recognition. While membership commitments may seem like a sneaky way gyms trick people into spending more money for some, they provide a steady cash flow for owners.
On the downside, startup costs are high and can price out a number of potential investors. For those with the capital, it can be years before they recoup their initial investments. Franchise gyms also face ongoing expenses, including royalties, maintenance, and staffing, which can eat into margins. There is also growing competition from individuals opting for home gyms and boutique studios offering more niche classes, like pilates. While gyms are popular and can deliver strong returns, success depends on choosing the right location and writing a proper business plan to remain profitable.