The fitness industry is booming, and for fitness entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, there is much to learn from the giants of the industry. Whether you’re running a small gym chain or aspiring to join the ranks of the largest gym chains in the US, understanding what makes these fitness chains successful can provide invaluable insights. From the availability of cardio equipment to the wide range of services offered by fitness centers, these chains set a high standard. Here, we explore 15 great fitness chains in America and the lessons they offer.
1. Planet Fitness
About Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the largest fitness chains in the US, known for its “Judgment Free Zone” philosophy and affordable membership fees. Planet Fitness locations are equipped with a variety of cardio equipment. Founded in 1992, it has grown to over 2,000 locations.
What You Can Learn:
- Affordability and Accessibility: Planet Fitness has positioned itself as a welcoming, non-intimidating gym with low membership fees. Their "Judgment Free Zone" philosophy attracts first-time gym-goers who might be intimidated by other fitness environments.
- Marketing: Their nationwide advertising campaigns and memorable promotions (like free pizza nights) keep them top-of-mind.
2. LA Fitness
About LA Fitness
LA Fitness was founded in 1984 and has grown to over 700 clubs across the US and Canada. As a comprehensive fitness center, it offers a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, racquetball courts, and a wide range of fitness classes.
What You Can Learn:
- Diverse Offerings: LA Fitness provides a wide range of classes and amenities, catering to various fitness needs and preferences.
- Expansion: By acquiring smaller fitness chains, LA Fitness has expanded its footprint significantly, becoming one of the largest gym chains in the US.
3. Equinox
About Equinox
Equinox is a luxury fitness club known for its high-end facilities and premium services. It started in 1991 and operates more than 100 locations in major cities worldwide.
What You Can Learn:
- Luxury and Exclusivity: Equinox markets itself as a luxury gym chain, offering premium services, high-end facilities, and exclusive membership perks.
- Brand Loyalty: Their focus on creating a community and lifestyle around fitness has fostered strong brand loyalty among members.
4. 24 Hour Fitness
About 24-Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness was founded in 1983 and operates more than 400 clubs across the US. It offers members 24/7 access, a wide variety of equipment, and numerous classes.
What You Can Learn:
Convenience: Offering 24/7 access meets the needs of members with varying schedules, making fitness more accessible. 24-Hour Fitness also offers a variety of group fitness classes to keep members engaged.
Member Engagement: Their extensive range of classes and personal training options keep members engaged and coming back.
88% trainers worldwide gave us 5 stars
Transform your fitness business with the power of your branded app on iOS and Android.
Try for FREE5. Gold's Gym
About Gold's Gym
Gold's Gym was founded in 1965 and is often referred to as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding.” It has over 700 locations worldwide and a strong reputation in the fitness community.
What You Can Learn:
Heritage and Niche Marketing: Known as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding,” Gold’s Gym leverages its rich history and appeal to serious fitness enthusiasts. Gold's Gym offers specialized equipment and classes focused on strength training, catering to the fitness needs of its customers.
Global Presence: Expanding internationally while maintaining a strong brand identity has helped Gold’s Gym grow substantially.
6. Orangetheory Fitness
About Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness, founded in 2010, is a rapidly growing chain with over 1,200 locations worldwide. It offers science-backed, heart rate-based interval training workouts.
What You Can Learn:
Science-Backed Workouts: Their unique, heart rate-based training program sets them apart in a crowded market. Orangetheory Fitness also offers personal training services to provide individualized instruction and support.
Franchise Model: Orangetheory’s franchise model allows for rapid expansion while maintaining consistent workout experiences across locations.
7. Anytime Fitness
About Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness, established in 2002, operates over 4,500 gyms in more than 50 countries. It offers members 24/7 access to its compact and convenient facilities.
What You Can Learn:
Community Focus: Each location has a strong sense of community, which is fostered by local ownership. Anytime Fitness offers a variety of gym membership options to cater to different fitness goals and preferences.
Accessibility: With over 4,500 locations, members have access to gyms almost anywhere, which is a significant convenience factor.
8. Crunch Fitness
About Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness was founded in 1989 and has grown to over 300 locations worldwide. Crunch fitness is known for its inclusive environment and innovative classes.
What You Can Learn:
Inclusivity: Crunch Fitness emphasizes a fun and inclusive environment, attracting a diverse membership base.
Innovative Classes: Crunch Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes to keep members excited and motivated. Offering unique and creative fitness classes helps keep members excited and motivated.
9. Life Time
About Life Time
Lifetime Fitness, a leading name in the health and fitness industry, was founded in 1992 and offers a holistic approach to fitness with over 150 resort-style fitness centers across the US and Canada.
What You Can Learn:
- Holistic Approach: Life Time promotes a healthy way of life, offering more than just a gym experience, including spas, health clinics, and dining options.
- Resort-Style Facilities: Their upscale, resort-style facilities cater to families and individuals looking for a comprehensive wellness experience.
10. Snap Fitness
About Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness, founded in 2003, operates over 2,000 locations worldwide. It offers small, 24/7 gym facilities that focus on convenience and accessibility.
What You Can Learn:
- Compact and Convenient: Snap Fitness offers small, 24/7 gym facilities that are convenient for members, especially in less densely populated areas.
- Member Autonomy: Their simple, straightforward approach allows members to take control of their fitness journey.
11. Club Pilates
About Club Pilates
Club Pilates was founded in 2007 and has become the largest Pilates brand in the world, with over 600 locations across North America.
What You Can Learn:
- Specialization: Focusing on one type of fitness, like Pilates, allows for deep expertise and a loyal customer base.
- Franchise Growth: Club Pilates has rapidly expanded through franchising, demonstrating the scalability of specialized fitness.
12. F45 Training
About F45 Training
F45 Training was founded in 2013 and has quickly grown to over 1,750 studios in 45 countries. It offers high-intensity group workouts that combine elements of HIIT, circuit training, and functional training.
What You Can Learn:
- Community and Support: The team training environment fosters a strong sense of community and motivation among members. F45 Training offers group fitness classes that combine elements of HIIT, circuit training, and functional training.
- Scalability: Their franchise model and standardized workout programs allow for rapid, consistent expansion.
13. Pure Barre
About Pure Barre
Pure Barre, established in 2001, is the largest barre franchise in the US with over 550 studios. It focuses on low-impact, high-intensity workouts that use ballet-inspired techniques.
What You Can Learn:
- Niche Market: Pure Barre has successfully tapped into the niche market of barre workouts, attracting a dedicated following.
- Consistent Experience: Offering a standardized personal training class experience across all locations ensures consistency and reliability for members.
14. Barry's Bootcamp
About Barry's Bootcamp
The popular gym chain Barry's Bootcamp, founded in 1998, offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts in a boutique studio environment. It has over 70 locations worldwide.
What You Can Learn:
Brand Experience: Barry’s Bootcamp creates a unique and immersive workout experience with its signature “Red Room” and high-energy atmosphere. Barry's Bootcamp also incorporates weight training into their high-intensity interval workouts.
Community Building: Their strong focus on community and social aspects keeps members engaged and loyal.
15. CycleBar
About CycleBar
CycleBar, founded in 2004, is the largest indoor cycling franchise within the health club industry with over 200 studios worldwide. It offers premium indoor cycling classes with a business model that focuses on performance tracking and community.
What You Can Learn:
- Performance Metrics: Using technology to track performance and progress keeps members of the group fitness classes motivated and engaged.
- Premium Experience: CycleBar creates a high-end, boutique fitness experience that appeals to cycling enthusiasts as well as the women's fitness industry.
Conclusion: What makes you stand out in the fitness industry?
For fitness entrepreneurs, the lessons from these major gym chains in the US are clear: understanding your market, differentiating your offerings, and creating a strong brand identity are crucial. Whether you're managing a small gym chain or aiming to become one of the largest fitness chains, these strategies can help you build a successful fitness business.
Achieve the perfect branding for your fitness business with FitBudd. Launch your own fitness app and take your business online in minutes. Get started for free.
Meet the author
Apra Pathak
Meet Apra Pathak, a social media virtuoso and expert blogger dedicated to helping personal trainers thrive digitally.
Workout Schedule & Progress Tracker Template
Stay on top of your fitness game with our customizable tracker to monitor progress and plan workouts.
Download Now
Templates
These functional templates have the power to make any fitness trainer's life easier.
Subscribe To
Our Blog
