Women’s Fitness Franchises

Women’s fitness franchises have grown remarkably, with women-owned franchises increasing 24% over the last decade. More women now own businesses in the fitness industry that focus on female clients. Starting a specialized fitness franchise can help you avoid many challenges that come with building a business from scratch.

The market has plenty of options for moms who want to own franchises or run women-only gyms. Boutique fitness brands and 30-year old companies like Curves have showed lasting success by focusing only on women’s fitness needs. Curves now has over 200 locations in multiple countries. These fitness franchises are a chance to build communities where women of every shape and size can get healthier and happier together. This detailed guide looks at the top fitness franchises you can buy in 2025 and gives vital information to help investors make smart choices in this faster growing sector.

Understanding the Women’s Fitness Franchise Market in 2025

The women’s fitness sector has become one of the most active segments in the fitness franchise industry. The global fitness industry keeps growing fast, with a projected annual growth rate of 9.61% through 2027. This creates a perfect time for entrepreneurs to invest in women’s fitness franchises.

Why women-focused fitness is booming

Women make up 54% of gym memberships and 76% of group fitness class participants in the UK. The Allied Market research shows that global revenue for the female fitness industry will reach USD 184.60 billion by 2020. Women now want to build strength rather than just focus on being thin, which drives this growth.

“One of the biggest trends we’ve seen in the last decade is the growing embrace of strength training among women, and this momentum is only expected to accelerate as we head into 2025,” notes Rachel Vaziralli, Director of Fitness Design for Orangetheory Fitness.

The industry has shown women the many health benefits of building muscle. Women’s only gym franchises that focus on strength training and overall wellness now see huge demand.

Trends shaping the fitness franchise industry

These key trends are changing women’s fitness franchises in 2025:

1. Technological Integration: Wearables, mobile apps, and AI-driven platforms help create customized workout plans with live feedback. This matters because 50% of members quit within six months.
2. Holistic Wellness: Fitness now includes mental health, nutrition, and recovery. Franchises that add wellness services like recovery zones and health programming see better member involvement.
3. Hybrid Fitness Models: The Global Wellness Institute expects the market for hybrid models to grow from USD 738.00 billion in 2020 to USD 1.20 trillion by 2025. These models mix in-person and digital workouts to give flexibility that modern consumers want.
4. Specialized Programming: Programs designed for women at different life stages, especially when you have perimenopause and menopause, make fitness franchises more attractive to buyers.

How boutique fitness franchises are leading the way

Boutique fitness has changed the industry by creating specialized, community-focused spaces instead of generic gym experiences. Boutique fitness now makes up 35% of the total sports center industry.

The “no pain, no gain” mindset has given way to eco-friendly movement that focuses on long-term health. This change appeals to women who want fitness experiences that are flexible, available, and line up with total well-being.

Boutique fitness franchises stand out because they keep classes small—down from 50 to 18-20 students. Members get personal attention and become “brand evangelists,” according to Barry’s Bootcamp CEO Joey Gonzalez.

Entrepreneurs looking at top fitness franchises will find the boutique model offers benefits like lower original investment costs. Women own 39% of fitness franchises, and 63% say they have a balanced work/life structure.

The women’s fitness franchise market gives investors a great chance to succeed. Understanding these changes and delivering what modern women want makes all the difference.

What to Look for in a Women’s Fitness Franchise

Entrepreneurs must review several key factors to pick the right women’s fitness franchise. Traditional gym franchises target everyone, but women-focused fitness concepts need a different approach. Let’s break down what you should review before investing in this growing sector.

1. Brand mission and values

A successful women’s only gym franchise starts with its mission and values. You should check if the franchise’s core purpose lines up with your beliefs about women’s health and strength. To name just one example, Curves builds its philosophy around “strengthening women inside and out” and highlights strength training benefits for women.

Burn Boot Camp’s mission focuses on “inspiring and strengthening women and their families through transformative fitness experiences”. Your review should look at how these franchises show their dedication to women’s wellbeing beyond marketing—through community work, charity events, and women-specific programs.

2. Initial investment and ongoing costs

You need a complete financial picture of a fitness franchise for sale to make smart decisions. Women’s fitness franchises have different investment requirements:

• Burn Boot Camp needs a total investment of $249,375 to $573,679
• Curves asks for an initial franchise fee of £37,500 with total investment between £60,000-£80,000

The ongoing expenses you should review include:

• Royalty fees (Burn Boot Camp takes 6% of gross sales)
• Marketing fees (usually 1-3% of revenue)
• Extra operational costs like location, permits, business tax, equipment, employees, and insurance

A complete monthly budget covering business and personal expenses helps ensure you have enough capital.

3. Franchisee training and support

Support from fitness club franchises plays a big role in your success. Good support systems offer:

• Complete initial training (Curves provides a five-week Onboarding Certification program)
• Regular operational help
• Marketing and sales support
• Help with real estate and location picking

The franchisor’s leadership team should be available to you. Industry expert Nick Powills puts it well: “If you believe in the founder and the leadership, go for it—because you’re betting on the jockey, not the horse”.

4. Target audience and market fit

Each women’s fitness franchise serves specific female customers. Knowing this target group matters a lot. Curves targets women over 30 who feel too busy to exercise.

Successful women-focused brands use smart approaches. Curves uses its “3M business strategy” (No Men, No Mirrors, No Makeup) and “3F marketing strategy” (Fun, Fast, Fitness). Your local market research should include demographic studies and checking out competition through “mystery shopper” visits.

5. Technology and innovation in workouts

Technology shapes the success of top fitness franchises in 2025. Smart women’s fitness brands now offer:

• Digital platforms and mobile apps that track progress
• On-demand workout choices (like MyCurves On Demand)
• Individual-specific fitness experiences using AI and data analytics
• Complete wellness programs combining mental health, nutrition, and recovery

These tech features create more revenue streams and keep members longer—this matters since 50% of new gym members quit within six months.

Your search for fitness franchises for sale should focus on brands that keep innovating while staying true to their main goal: supporting women’s fitness journeys.

Top 8 Women’s Fitness Franchises to Consider in 2025

The 2025 women’s fitness franchise market offers plenty of chances for entrepreneurs to join this booming industry. Eight franchises have emerged as the best investment options after careful market research.

1. Pvolve

This luxury boutique fitness brand connects fitness with physical therapy through its functional movement method. Pvolve’s combination of low-impact exercises and patented resistance equipment creates a complete health solution for women. New franchise owners need $384,950 to $779,500 to get started. The business model generates money through memberships, equipment sales, apparel, and recovery supplements. The brand’s national expansion continues with new franchise deals in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, and Virginia.

2. Curves

Curves remains a strong player in women-only fitness despite scaling back from its peak days. New franchisees need $71,731 to $100,375, plus a $50,000 franchise fee. The brand’s presence spans 76 countries, featuring its trademark 30-minute circuit training workouts made just for women. Entrepreneurs looking for a time-tested name in women’s fitness will find Curves appealing.

3. Burn Boot Camp

Since 2012, Burn Boot Camp has grown faster to reach over 370 locations nationwide. The brand specializes in 45-minute high-intensity group workouts with certified trainers, targeting women and families. Starting costs range from $249,375 to $573,679. The brand’s success shows in its six straight years on Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchises list. Owners can boost their income through retail, nutrition products, and digital memberships.

4. Pure Barre

Pure Barre leads North America’s barre segment with nearly 650 studios and more than 100,000 active members. Members enjoy low-impact, full-body workouts that blend ballet, Pilates, and weights. New locations cost between $314,411 and $629,345. The brand keeps earning spots on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List year after year. Franchise owners receive complete support with location selection, construction, trainer education, and marketing.

5. FS8

FS8 brings something new by combining Pilates, Tone, and Yoga into one complete fitness package. The brand runs over 50 studios in five countries, offering low-impact workouts that deliver results. Opening a studio requires $343,700 to $781,600. The global Pilates and Yoga market’s expected growth from $176.35 billion to $420.98 billion by 2032 makes this an attractive option.

6. StretchLab

StretchLab leads the assisted stretching market with one-on-one and group sessions led by trained “Flexologists.” New owners need $269,019 to $610,224. The brand’s focus on recovery and mobility makes it a perfect fit alongside wellness and boutique fitness businesses. Both Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list and Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 have recognized StretchLab’s success.

7. Fit Body Boot Camp

This brand packs fat loss and muscle toning into efficient 30-minute workouts. Since 2009, Fit Body Boot Camp’s “Afterburn” workout program has helped countless clients. The franchise stands out by charging flat-rate royalties instead of percentages. Owners receive ready-to-use bootcamp workouts and marketing materials from day one.

8. Vaura Pilates

Vaura Pilates, the newest brand here, mixes reformer Pilates with athletic training in an immersive environment. The brand’s four unique class formats target different fitness goals. U.S. market expansion makes Vaura perfect for entrepreneurs who want the latest in women’s fitness. Members experience strength, flexibility, and high-intensity training enhanced by dynamic lights and sound.

Comparing Franchise Models: What Sets Them Apart

At the time of choosing investment options in women’s fitness franchises, the structural differences between franchise models play a vital role. These women-focused franchises work differently from general fitness concepts and deserve a closer look.

Franchise fees and pink fitness franchise cost

The original investments in this sector range from $50,000 for boutique concepts to over $1 million for larger brand-name gyms. The investment options show a wide spectrum:

• Curves: $71,731-$100,375 with franchise fees around $50,000
• Pink Iron: $240,000-$350,000 with a $39,500 franchise fee
• Burn Boot Camp: $239,000-$563,000
• Pure Barre: $265,000-$419,000

The ongoing costs also vary, and royalty fees typically range from 4-8% of gross revenue.

Support systems and onboarding programs

Women’s only gym franchises stand out from other industries with their detailed training programs. Curves runs a five-week Onboarding Certification program that includes virtual sessions, message boards, and in-person mentoring. Pink Iron takes a different path with its “white glove service” and provides in-house training at their flagship West Hollywood location.

Target demographics and niche focus

Each fitness franchise for sale serves different segments of the female market uniquely. Curves targets women over 30 specifically, while Pink Iron attracts women who want alternatives to “nightclub scene” gym atmospheres. The Bar Method has created spaces where women entrepreneurs own and operate almost all locations.

Hybrid and digital fitness offerings

The COVID-19 pandemic made hybrid models that combine in-person and virtual offerings more valuable. The Global Wellness Institute expects this market to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025, nearly double its current size. Studios with hybrid models need only 350-400 members to be profitable, compared to 2,000 in traditional models. This approach helps retain members better.

How to Choose the Right Franchise for You

Buying a women’s fitness franchise needs detailed research and smart evaluation beyond comparing business models. Potential franchisees must first take time to assess themselves fully.

Assessing your goals and lifestyle

A deep analysis of your primary motivations will help you understand why you want to purchase a franchise. Financial independence or work-life balance could be your driving force. Your entrepreneurial goals should match the franchise’s operational needs—some businesses need strict time commitments while others let you be more flexible. Your lifestyle goals like family time might suffer if you choose franchises that have intensive demands.

Evaluating financial readiness

Your financial position needs a detailed business plan that has revenue projections and expense estimates. The franchise fee is just the start—you’ll need money for ongoing royalties, equipment costs, and capital reserves. Franchisors usually look for specific net worth thresholds and credit scores.

Visiting existing locations

Current franchisees can give you great insights about daily operations, franchisor support, and their satisfaction levels. You should prepare specific questions about startup challenges, financial performance, and relationships with the franchisor. Both new and older locations can show you how operations change over time.

Reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

The FDD has vital information about the franchisor’s background, litigation history, bankruptcy records, and what franchisees must do. The law requires you to receive this document 14 days before signing any contract. A qualified franchise attorney should review it with you to understand all terms, costs, and potential restrictions.

The women’s fitness franchise market is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start profitable businesses in 2025. This sector shows remarkable growth potential as more women join gyms and their priorities evolve. These franchises make attractive investments because they provide focused solutions for specific demographics instead of generic fitness approaches.

Future franchise owners should think about several significant factors before investing their money. The brand’s mission, original investment needs, support systems, target audience fit, and tech integration all determine long-term success. Business owners need to assess their personal goals, financial position, and lifestyle priorities to find the right franchise fit.

Each franchise brings something different to the table. Pvolve gives members a luxury boutique experience, while Curves stands strong as a women-only game-changer. Burn Boot Camp specializes in high-intensity group workouts, and Pure Barre leads the North American barre fitness category. FS8, StretchLab, Fit Body Boot Camp, and Vaura Pilates complete the range of options available to investors.

Smart investors should do their homework before signing any franchise agreement. They need to visit existing locations, talk with current franchisees, and review the Franchise Disclosure Document with qualified legal counsel. This careful approach helps them avoid mistakes that can get pricey and find franchises that line up with their business vision.

The women’s fitness industry keeps growing strong in 2025. Female customers want specialized fitness experiences that meet their unique needs at different life stages. Smart entrepreneurs who spot this change can set themselves up for success by investing in women’s fitness franchises. These businesses create authentic, community-focused spaces where women feel ready to reach their health and wellness goals.

Here are some FAQs about women’s fitness franchises:

Which gym franchise is most profitable?

The most profitable gym franchises typically include large brands like Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness due to their established systems and large member bases. For those specifically interested in women’s fitness franchises, brands like Curves have historically shown strong performance in their niche market.

Are fitness franchises a good investment?

Fitness franchises can be a good investment if you choose an established brand with strong support systems and market demand. Many women’s only gym franchise opportunities offer particularly good potential by catering to a specific demographic with specialized services.

What is the fastest growing fitness brand?

F45 Training has been one of the fastest growing fitness brands in recent years with its high-intensity functional training model. While not exclusively for women, many women’s fitness franchises are also experiencing significant growth as they tap into this specialized market segment.

How much to open a curves franchise?

Opening a Curves franchise typically requires an initial investment between $40,000 to $60,000, which includes the franchise fee and equipment costs. This women’s only gym franchise has been one of the best franchises for moms looking to enter the fitness business with a proven concept.

What is the best franchise to own?

The best franchise to own depends on your interests and market, but fitness concepts often rank well due to recurring revenue models. For those seeking women’s fitness franchises, brands that cater specifically to female clients can be excellent choices in many communities.

Does owning a gym make money?

Yes, owning a gym can be profitable with proper management, marketing, and member retention strategies. Women’s only gym franchise locations often benefit from strong community engagement and loyal client bases that support consistent revenue.

How much to start a fitness franchise?

Starting a fitness franchise typically requires between $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the brand, location, and facility size. Women’s fitness franchises might require less initial investment than large full-service gyms while still offering good profit potential.

What insurance is needed for a gym?

Gyms typically need general liability insurance, professional liability coverage, property insurance, and workers’ compensation if they have employees. This applies equally to all fitness businesses, including women’s only gym franchise locations and other specialized facilities.

Are gyms worth owning?

Gyms can be worth owning if you have the business acumen and passion for fitness to create a successful operation. Many find that specialized concepts like women’s fitness franchises offer particularly good opportunities by serving a specific demographic with tailored services.