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Established Scale
2,298 franchised units operating across 51 states and territories as of 2024, with net growth of 97 units that year.
Defined Investment Range
Total initial investment estimated at $1,525,000 to $5,221,500 for one location, excluding real estate costs.
Item 19 Disclosure
Provides Annual EFT Revenue data for 2,197 franchised clubs open all of 2024, segmented by performance thirds.
About Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness Franchising LLC, a subsidiary of publicly traded Planet Fitness, Inc., has offered franchises since 2018, with a predecessor affiliate franchising since 2003 from New Hampshire. The system operates 2,298 franchised fitness centers and 270 company-owned locations across 51 U.S. states and territories as of 2024. Franchises provide fitness facilities with exercise machines, free weights, training services, amenities, and merchandise under the proprietary system.
Planet Fitness franchises deliver accessible fitness training through facilities equipped with exercise machines and free weights, alongside related services and amenities. Operations emphasize a proprietary system for member services, including electronic funds transfer dues collection central to revenue. Franchisees handle local advertising and contribute to a national advertising fund based on EFT dues.
Planet Fitness, Inc. is the ultimate parent, a publicly traded company, majority owner and sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC (Topco).
The business model
How a Planet Fitness territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
$20,000 lump sum upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
Total Investment
$1,525,000 to $5,221,500 estimated for one location prior to opening, covering site costs, construction, equipment, marketing, and three months additional funds.
No Exclusive Territory
Single-unit agreements grant no protected area; franchisor retains rights to operate or franchise anywhere, including alternative channels.
Required Suppliers
All fitness equipment from affiliate PF Equipment; certain CRM software from franchisor; specifications cover 97% of initial purchases.
Area Development Option
$10,000 per location development fee for multi-unit agreements in specified areas, subject to development schedule.
Advertising Contributions
National fund currently 2% of EFT dues (up to 3%); local advertising minimum greater of $60,000 or 7% of annual cumulative monthly EFT.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$20,000
Total investment range
$1,525,000 – $5,221,500
Royalty
n/a
Marketing fund
n/a
Founded
2018
Headquarters
Hampton, NH
Active US franchisees
n/a
Total US units
n/a
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program provided before opening, as outlined in Article 6.1 of the Franchise Agreement.
- +Refresher training available during operations, per Article 6.2.
- +Ongoing support includes telephone and internet consultation, operating guidance, marketing programs, and meetings.
- +Additional paid training or guidance available upon request.
Multi-unit growth path
Area Development Agreements allow development of multiple locations in a specified area upon paying $10,000 per location (or $60,000 if in prior terminated territory). Rights are limited, requiring adherence to a development schedule, with franchisor exceptions for non-traditional venues, acquisitions, and other channels. No exclusive protections granted.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
Equipment Financing
Financing available through lenders for equipment purchases from affiliate, with typical 10-30% down payment estimated $36,300-$330,900.
Third-Party Lenders
Franchisees may seek bank or SBA loans for construction, equipment, and working capital needs.
Vendor Credit
Leased equipment vendors, utilities, and suppliers offer terms covering deposits and initial payments.
Personal Capital
Lump sum payments required for franchise fee, review fees, insurance, and professional services.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Weeks 1-2: Application and Agreement
Submit application, pay $20,000 initial franchise fee upon signing Franchise Agreement.
Weeks 3-8: Site Selection
Identify and secure site; incur site selection costs up to $1,000,000; pay site evaluation expenses.
Weeks 9-12: Design and Approvals
Submit Construction Development Plans; pay up to $40,000 review fee if not using designated architects.
Months 4-8: Build-Out
Complete leasehold improvements ($1,250,000-$2,142,000), install equipment ($3,630,000-$11,030,000 fitness, $7,620,000-$10,610,000 non-fitness), signs, and systems.
Months 7-9: Training and Pre-Opening
Attend initial training; secure insurance, licenses, deposits; conduct pre-sale/grand opening marketing ($40,000-$132,000).
Month 10: Opening
Launch operations with three months additional funds ($68,000-$469,000) for payroll, marketing, and working capital.
Find out in 60 seconds
Are you a Planet Fitness match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your fit-score and the reasoning behind it.
Take the assessmentCommon questions
How much does a Planet Fitness franchise cost?
Initial franchise fee is $20,000. Total estimated initial investment for one location ranges from $1,525,000 to $5,221,500, excluding real estate.
What is the initial investment range for Planet Fitness?
Item 7 estimates $1,525,000 to $5,221,500 for one location, including construction ($1.25M-$2.14M), equipment ($3.63M-$11.03M fitness), marketing ($40K-$132K), and three months working capital ($68K-$469K).
Does Planet Fitness provide an Item 19 financial performance representation?
Yes, discloses 2024 Annual EFT Revenue for 2,197 franchised clubs open all year, segmented by bottom, middle, and upper thirds with low-high ranges per group.
What ongoing fees does Planet Fitness charge?
FDD Item 6 does not specify fixed royalty or marketing percentages; franchisees contribute 2% of EFT dues to national fund (up to 3%) and local advertising minimum of $60,000 or 7% of annual EFT.
Is Planet Fitness territory exclusive?
No, single-unit agreements grant no exclusive or protected territory; franchisor may operate or franchise anywhere.
What training does Planet Fitness provide?
Initial training before opening and refresher training during operations, plus ongoing consultation, marketing support, and optional paid sessions.
How many Planet Fitness franchises are there?
2,298 franchised units and 270 company-owned as of end of 2024, total system 2,568 across 51 states and territories.
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness franchise: key differences?
Planet Fitness initial investment $1.53M-$5.22M with no exclusive territory; focuses on EFT revenue disclosure in Item 19. Compare specific FDDs for LA Fitness fees and terms.
Can I buy a multi-unit Planet Fitness territory?
Yes, via Area Development Agreement with $10,000 per location fee, subject to development schedule and limited protections.
What equipment must Planet Fitness franchisees buy?
All fitness equipment from affiliate PF Equipment; certain CRM software from franchisor; specifications cover 97% initial purchases.
Planet Fitness franchisee reviews and success rates?
Item 19 shows performance tiers for 2,197 clubs; system grew net 97 franchised units in 2024. Conduct independent investigation as results vary by market.