If you are searching for a cheap gym franchise, you are likely not looking for hype or buzzwords. You are looking for a fitness business that is financially realistic, operationally repeatable, and still competitive in a market where rent, labor, and customer acquisition costs continue to rise.
“Cheap” does not mean low quality. In the fitness industry, it usually means a focused model, controlled investment, and clear positioning.
Below are 15 affordable gym franchise options that continue to make sense in 2026, analyzed from an investor’s perspective rather than a marketing one.
Table of Contents
1.Jazzercise
Founded: 1969
Franchise Model: Single-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $3,700 – $32,750
Jazzercise is one of the lowest-cost fitness franchises available. It is built around instructor-led dance fitness classes and requires minimal equipment and flexible locations.
Facility & Equipment:
Basic sound systems and open floor space. No heavy gym equipment is required.
Space Requirement:
Can operate in shared spaces such as community centers, studios, or rented halls.
Accessibility:
Highly flexible location options with low rental pressure.
Membership & Training Programs:
Group-based dance fitness classes focused on cardio and movement.
24/7 Access:
No. Classes operate on scheduled times only.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Long-standing brand with strong community loyalty, particularly among mature demographics.
Best For:
Investors seeking the lowest possible startup cost and a community-driven group fitness model.
2.9Round
Founded: 2008
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $94,000 – $220,000
9Round is a kickboxing-inspired circuit training franchise built around 30-minute workouts with no fixed class schedules.
Facility & Equipment:
Boxing bags, resistance equipment, and compact functional training tools.
Space Requirement:
Typically 1,000–1,500 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Small footprint allows placement in strip malls and secondary retail locations.
Membership & Training Programs:
Instructor-guided circuit training with continuously rotating workouts.
24/7 Access:
No. Locations operate during staffed hours.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong appeal for time-efficient workouts and beginner-friendly structure.
Best For:
Owners looking for a compact studio with fast member turnover and low rent.
3.Snap Fitness
Founded: 2003
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $147,000 – $455,000
Snap Fitness operates as a 24/7 access gym with minimal staffing requirements.
Facility & Equipment:
Standard strength and cardio equipment with a focus on durability and low maintenance.
Space Requirement:
Typically 2,000–3,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Well suited for suburban and small-city markets.
Membership & Training Programs:
Open gym access with optional personal training services.
24/7 Access:
Yes.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Stable membership model with predictable recurring revenue.
Best For:
Investors prioritizing low staffing costs and simple operations.
4.GymGuyz
Founded: 2008
Franchise Model: Mobile franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $82,000 – $147,000
GymGuyz is a mobile personal training franchise that eliminates the need for a physical gym.
Facility & Equipment:
Portable fitness equipment stored in branded vehicles.
Space Requirement:
No fixed facility required.
Accessibility:
Extremely flexible, serving clients at homes or offices.
Membership & Training Programs:
One-on-one and small group personal training sessions.
24/7 Access:
By appointment.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High satisfaction due to convenience and personalization.
Best For:
Investors seeking minimal overhead and fast market entry.
5.Crunch Fitness
Founded: 1989
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $255,000 – $2M+
Crunch Fitness combines affordable pricing with high-energy group classes and large facilities.
Facility & Equipment:
Full commercial gym setup with group fitness studios and strength zones.
Space Requirement:
Typically 15,000–30,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Urban and high-traffic locations preferred.
Membership & Training Programs:
Open gym access plus a wide range of group fitness classes.
24/7 Access:
Some locations.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong brand recognition and broad demographic appeal.
Best For:
Operators targeting high-volume membership models.
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6.Club Pilates
Founded: 2007
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $150,000 – $300,000
Club Pilates focuses on boutique reformer-based Pilates training.
Facility & Equipment:
Pilates reformers and accessory equipment.
Space Requirement:
Typically 1,500–2,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Lifestyle retail and suburban shopping centers.
Membership & Training Programs:
Structured Pilates classes for all experience levels.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High retention and premium brand perception.
Best For:
Investors targeting boutique fitness and long-term member loyalty.
7.Burn Boot Camp
Founded: 2012
Franchise Model: Single-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $284,000 – $715,000
Burn Boot Camp offers group-based high-intensity interval training.
Facility & Equipment:
Open training floor with functional equipment.
Space Requirement:
Typically 2,000–4,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Suburban neighborhoods with family demographics.
Membership & Training Programs:
Instructor-led boot camp classes.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong community engagement and retention.
Best For:
Owners focused on group accountability and community building.
8.Anytime Fitness
Founded: 2002
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $388,000 – $970,000
Anytime Fitness is one of the most recognized 24/7 gym franchises worldwide.
Facility & Equipment:
Full commercial gym equipment with standardized layouts.
Space Requirement:
Typically 3,000–5,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Highly flexible across urban and rural markets.
Membership & Training Programs:
Open gym access with optional coaching services.
24/7 Access:
Yes.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Consistent global brand trust.
Best For:
Investors seeking scalable, standardized operations.
9.Planet Fitness
Founded: 1992
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $1M – $4M
Planet Fitness targets beginners with a low-cost, non-intimidating environment.
Facility & Equipment:
Large-scale cardio and selectorized strength machines.
Space Requirement:
Typically 20,000–40,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
High-traffic retail zones.
Membership & Training Programs:
Basic fitness access with minimal coaching.
24/7 Access:
Some locations.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High membership volume, low engagement model.
Best For:
Operators focused on scale rather than personalization.
10.UFC Gym
Founded: 2009
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $350,000 – $2M
UFC Gym blends traditional fitness with combat sports branding.
Facility & Equipment:
Strength equipment, functional training zones, and combat areas.
Space Requirement:
Typically 10,000–40,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Urban and youth-oriented markets.
Membership & Training Programs:
MMA-inspired classes, functional training, and open gym.
24/7 Access:
Some locations.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong brand identity among younger members.
Best For:
Investors targeting performance-focused demographics.
11.Orangetheory Fitness
Founded: 2010
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $575,000 – $1.9M
Orangetheory Fitness is a data-driven group training franchise built around heart-rate–based interval workouts.
Facility & Equipment:
Treadmills, rowing machines, heart-rate monitoring systems, and free-weight zones.
Space Requirement:
Typically 3,000–4,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
High-visibility retail centers with strong parking access.
Membership & Training Programs:
Coach-led group classes with performance tracking.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High satisfaction driven by measurable results and consistency.
Best For:
Investors seeking premium group fitness with high retention.
12.F45 Training
Founded: 2011
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $300,000 – $500,000
F45 delivers standardized functional training sessions worldwide.
Facility & Equipment:
Functional training rigs and modular equipment.
Space Requirement:
Typically 1,500–2,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Urban and suburban retail locations.
Membership & Training Programs:
45-minute group HIIT sessions.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong global brand consistency.
Best For:
Investors focused on standardized group training.
13.The Exercise Coach
Founded: 2007
Franchise Model: Single-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $100,000 – $190,000
The Exercise Coach provides technology-assisted personal training.
Facility & Equipment:
Proprietary strength machines.
Space Requirement:
Typically 1,000–1,500 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Medical plazas and neighborhood centers.
Membership & Training Programs:
Short, personalized strength sessions.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High satisfaction among older demographics.
Best For:
Investors targeting time-efficient training niches.
14.Fit Body Boot Camp
Founded: 2012
Franchise Model: Single-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $140,000 – $300,000
Fit Body Boot Camp focuses on marketing-driven group fitness.
Facility & Equipment:
Functional training tools with open layouts.
Space Requirement:
Typically 1,500–2,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Suburban retail zones.
Membership & Training Programs:
Coach-led boot camp workouts.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
Strong lead generation systems.
Best For:
Owners confident in marketing execution.
15.TITLE Boxing Club
Founded: 2008
Franchise Model: Single- and multi-unit franchising
Initial Investment: Approximately $160,000 – $300,000
TITLE Boxing Club delivers boxing-inspired fitness classes.
Facility & Equipment:
Heavy bags, gloves, and open training areas.
Space Requirement:
Typically 2,000–3,000 sq ft.
Accessibility:
Urban and lifestyle retail locations.
Membership & Training Programs:
Boxing-based group workouts.
24/7 Access:
No.
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation:
High engagement for stress-relief workouts.
Best For:
Investors targeting younger, urban demographics.
Where TZFIT Fits in a Cheap Gym Franchise Setup
When evaluating a cheap gym franchise, most investors focus heavily on the franchise fee and brand name. However, one of the most underestimated cost drivers in long-term operations is equipment selection and lifecycle cost.
This is where suppliers like TZFIT typically come into play.
TZFIT is a commercial fitness equipment manufacturer with decades of experience supporting gym owners, franchise operators, and multi-location fitness businesses. Instead of pushing one-size-fits-all packages, TZFIT works around different franchise models, including:
- 24/7 access gyms that require durable, low-maintenance equipment
- Group training studios that need compact, high-traffic solutions
- Boutique fitness spaces where layout efficiency matters more than quantity
For franchise investors, the advantage of working with an experienced equipment manufacturer is not about buying “more machines,” but about buying the right configuration that matches:
- Your franchise model
- Your space size
- Your target member behavior
- Your staffing and maintenance capacity
In low-cost gym franchises, equipment decisions directly affect operating margins, member experience, and long-term scalability. This is often where experienced suppliers quietly create the biggest difference.
How to Choose the Right Cheap Gym Franchise
1. Franchise Model vs. Your Management Style
Some franchises rely heavily on instructor-led classes, while others operate with minimal staffing and 24/7 access. Be honest about whether you prefer hands-on management or a low-touch model.
2. Space and Location Flexibility
Smaller studios and mobile models reduce rental pressure and make site selection easier, especially in secondary cities or suburban markets.
3. Membership Structure and Retention
Class-based franchises often achieve higher retention, while open-access gyms depend more on volume. Both models can work, but they produce very different cash-flow patterns.
4. Equipment and Operating Costs
Initial equipment cost is only part of the equation. Maintenance, replacement cycles, and layout efficiency matter more over time—especially in high-traffic franchises.
5. Scalability and Long-Term Control
If your goal is multi-unit expansion, consistency and standardization become more important than short-term savings.
The best cheap gym franchise is not the one with the lowest entry cost, but the one that aligns best with how you plan to operate the business.
Final
A cheap gym franchise is not about spending the least amount of money upfront. It is about controlling risk, simplifying operations, and building a model that can survive long-term competition.
In 2026, the most sustainable fitness franchises share three traits:
- A focused business model
- Predictable operating costs
- Clear positioning for a specific audience
Whether you choose a 24/7 access gym, a boutique studio, or a group training concept, success depends on how well the franchise model, location strategy, and equipment setup work together.
For investors who approach the decision with a long-term mindset—and choose partners carefully—a low-cost gym franchise can still be a highly viable and scalable business.