Top Largest Gym Franchises by Revenue and Scale
Planet Fitness leads the largest gym franchises by number of locations, with over 2,400 units as of its latest annual report, and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker PLNT. The brand focuses on a low-cost, high-volume model targeting casual and first-time gym users, with a membership base exceeding 6 million paid members according to its most recent filings SEC filing for Planet Fitness. Equinox is positioned as a premium operator with a smaller footprint of approximately 160 locations globally, emphasizing high-end amenities and personal training, and its parent company Equinox Group remains privately held with estimated revenues in the hundreds of millions Forbes on fitness franchise economics.
Franchise Models, Membership Figures, and Growth Strategies
Planet Fitness uses a franchise model where the majority of locations are owned by independent franchisees, with the company collecting royalties and ancillary revenue from equipment suppliers and ancillary services. The brand's growth strategy centers on opening in underserved markets and suburban areas, supported by a standardized low-cost operating model that keeps membership fees accessible Forbes on gym franchise growth. Anhalt, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, operates a portfolio of premium and boutique fitness brands including SoulCycle and Rumble, with a focus on experiential fitness and high retention rates, though it is not a traditional franchise in the same sense as Planet Fitness or Equinox Forbes on fitness franchise economics.
Global Expansion, Market Share, and Competitive Landscape
The largest gym franchises are expanding internationally, with Planet Fitness entering markets in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Asia through a mix of company-owned and franchise-operated locations. Globally, the fitness club industry is fragmented, with the top three chains controlling a significant share of branded gym memberships in the United States and growing presence in Europe and Latin America Forbes on fitness franchise economics. Competitive pressures are pushing the largest gym franchises to invest in digital offerings, app-based training, and hybrid models that combine physical locations with virtual access, aiming to increase member engagement and lifetime value in a post-pandemic market SEC filing for Planet Fitness.