Franchising with a well-established brand such as Anytime Fitness presents a compelling opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the UK health and fitness sector. With over 5,000 clubs globally and a growing presence in the UK, Anytime Fitness offers a tried and tested model with strong brand recognition.
This guide explores the full cost of owning a franchise, ongoing expenses, support structures, earning potential, and how to get started.
What Is the Total Cost to Start an Anytime Fitness Franchise in the UK?
Starting an Anytime Fitness franchise in the UK requires an overall investment ranging between £330,000 and £550,000, depending on several factors including the size of the premises, geographic location, and design specifications.
The required personal investment starts at £184,000, with additional costs covered through financing partnerships facilitated by the franchisor.
This cost includes everything from the franchise fee and equipment purchases to leasehold improvements and working capital. Working capital is especially important to cover day-to-day operations for the first few months, including marketing, staff salaries, utility bills and unexpected overheads.
Key Investment Breakdown
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount |
| Initial Franchise Fee | £36,000 |
| Minimum Personal Investment | £184,000 |
| Total Investment Range | £330,000 – £550,000 |
| Equipment | £80,000 – £150,000 |
| Working Capital | Variable (typically 3–6 months of operations) |
The final investment total may vary depending on the specifics of the business model, the property chosen, and local construction or fit-out requirements. Franchisees are encouraged to allow for contingency within their budgets.
What Does the Franchise Fee Include?
The £36,000 franchise fee covers more than just licensing. It is an all-inclusive entry to the Anytime Fitness brand and support network. Franchisees receive:
- Access to brand name and trademarks
- Initial and ongoing training programmes
- Implementation of proprietary systems for gym management
- Business planning and financial forecasting support
The franchise fee also covers strategic and operational setup services, which help new owners make a smooth transition into the fitness industry.
How Much Are the Ongoing Fees and Royalties?
Anytime Fitness operates on a royalty model that aligns the success of franchisees with the brand. The ongoing royalty fee is 7% of gross monthly revenue, while the advertising contribution is set at 2% of monthly gross income. These fees help fund national marketing campaigns and brand growth initiatives.
The renewal fee, applicable after 6 to 10 years of operation, is £10,000. These structured fees offer transparency and allow franchisees to plan long-term financial projections with accuracy.
What Kind of Support Does Anytime Fitness Provide to Franchisees?
Anytime Fitness offers one of the most comprehensive support systems in the UK fitness franchising sector. From initial inquiry through to daily operations, franchisees are guided by a team of experienced professionals who understand the nuances of launching and sustaining a successful fitness business.
The franchise model is structured to minimise operational headaches and help owners focus on growth and member satisfaction.
Pre-Opening Support
Before opening your gym, you’ll receive in-depth guidance to ensure you’re fully equipped for success. This includes:
- Property Acquisition Support: Anytime Fitness has established relationships with major property agents and landlords across the UK. Franchisees are assigned a property specialist who assists in securing the right location based on demographics, footfall, and potential member interest.
- Lease Negotiation Assistance: Experts help franchisees negotiate favourable lease terms to reduce long-term risk and improve operational flexibility.
- Design and Fit-Out Management: A dedicated team ensures your club is fitted out to brand specifications. They coordinate with contractors and suppliers, helping you manage costs and timelines effectively.
Initial Training and Onboarding
Before launch, franchisees undergo a structured training programme that covers every aspect of club management. This includes:
- In-person training workshops focused on business operations, member engagement, health and safety compliance, and leadership
- Virtual learning modules that allow franchisees to study at their own pace
- Access to a digital knowledge base, covering best practices, marketing, staffing, and operational troubleshooting
This onboarding process is designed to accommodate franchisees from diverse backgrounds, including those without prior fitness industry experience.
Ongoing Operational Support
After the club is launched, support continues to ensure long-term success and profitability:
- Dedicated Franchise Performance Coach: Every franchisee is assigned a performance coach who monitors key business metrics and provides strategic advice on areas such as member retention, sales conversion, and local marketing.
- Technology and Systems Access: Franchisees are equipped with the latest gym management systems, including access control, billing platforms, CRM tools, and performance dashboards.
- Operations Support Team: Available to help with day-to-day queries, from HR management and compliance to maintenance scheduling and vendor relations.
Marketing and Membership Growth
Attracting and retaining members is a core element of running a successful gym. Anytime Fitness supports franchisees through a robust marketing framework:
- National Marketing Campaigns: Brand-wide promotions run throughout the year to raise awareness and drive new memberships.
- Local Marketing Toolkits: Customisable resources, including social media templates, direct mail assets, and promotional graphics, help franchisees build community presence.
- Marketing Strategy Consultations: Dedicated marketing advisors offer guidance on local events, partnerships, and seasonal campaigns tailored to each territory.
Staff Recruitment and Development
Although Anytime Fitness operates on a lean staffing model, having the right personnel is crucial to maintaining a strong member experience. The franchise provides:
- Hiring Templates and Job Descriptions: Professionally developed templates for recruiting general managers, personal trainers, and support staff.
- Training for Club Staff: Onboarding material and continuous development resources for team members to align them with the brand’s values and service standards.
- Performance Evaluation Tools: Systems that allow owners to monitor staff effectiveness and drive service improvements.
Access to Industry Experts
Franchisees benefit from the support of more than 40 industry professionals across departments. These specialists bring expertise in:
- Sales strategy and lead conversion
- Fitness and wellness programme development
- Technology integration and IT support
- Financial planning and cash flow management
Whether you’re launching your first unit or managing multiple clubs, Anytime Fitness ensures you’re never running your business alone.
Peer Community and Learning Opportunities
Being part of a franchise also means tapping into a powerful peer network. Franchisees gain:
- Access to regional and national conferences
- Workshops and masterclasses with high-performing club owners
- Online community groups for sharing strategies and solutions
This creates a collaborative environment where franchisees can learn from one another and apply proven techniques to grow their business.
In short, the Anytime Fitness support structure is built to empower franchisees with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to build a sustainable and profitable fitness business in the UK.
How Much Can You Earn With an Anytime Fitness Franchise in the UK?
Anytime Fitness follows a monthly direct debit revenue model, which provides predictable cash flow and recurring income. This model improves member retention and allows for more accurate financial forecasting.
Clubs typically require around 800 to 1,200 active members to operate at peak profitability. With average membership fees ranging from £30 to £45 per month, a club can achieve the following monthly revenues:
| Member Count | Estimated Monthly Revenue (at £35 per member) |
| 800 | £28,000 |
| 1,000 | £35,000 |
| 1,200 | £42,000 |
Once royalty and marketing fees are deducted, and operational costs are covered, franchisees can expect respectable margins, particularly in mature clubs with stable memberships.
Where Are the Hottest Locations to Open an Anytime Fitness Club?
The franchise’s development team continuously identifies high-demand regions across the UK using data from multiple sources. These hot locations represent areas with strong potential for gym success based on population demographics, health interest levels, and property availability.
Highlighted locations include:
- Scotland: Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Livingston
- North England: Hull, York, Huddersfield, Didsbury
- Midlands: Lichfield, Coventry, Leicester, Derby
- East and South East: Cambridge, Braintree, Marlow, Lewes
- London: Camberwell, Streatham, Harlesden, Maida Vale
- Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Bangor, Wrexham
- Northern Ireland and Ireland: Derry, Lisburn, Galway, Cork
Franchisees are guided to available territories based on strategic demand forecasts, and these opportunities are subject to change as more clubs are opened.
What Makes Anytime Fitness a Low-Risk Franchise Opportunity?
Several factors contribute to the relatively low risk profile of owning an Anytime Fitness franchise in the UK. As a globally recognised brand and a member of both UK Active and the British Franchise Association, the brand has proven credentials in successful franchising.
Key risk-reducing features include:
- A recurring revenue model through direct debits
- A lean staffing structure, reducing operational overheads
- A scalable business model suitable for multi-unit ownership
- A flexible access system that allows 24/7 member entry, increasing value for customers
- Ongoing support from a dedicated franchise team
These elements together create a sustainable business opportunity with predictable income, which is attractive both for first-time investors and seasoned entrepreneurs.
How Can You Fund Your Anytime Fitness Franchise Investment?
Franchisees can access funding through banking partnerships facilitated by Anytime Fitness. The brand’s established relationships with major UK banks provide tailored financing packages that can cover up to 70% of total project costs, making it easier to enter the market without providing the entire amount upfront.
Available funding options include:
- Business loans tailored to franchise start-ups
- Equipment leasing arrangements
- Turn-key financing packages for setup and early-stage operation
Franchisees are expected to invest a minimum of £184,000 personally, with the remainder often financed through external partners. Guidance is available throughout the funding application process to improve approval likelihood.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling with Multiple Units?
Scaling through multi-unit ownership is actively encouraged within the Anytime Fitness franchise network. Once a franchisee establishes a successful gym, they are often granted priority access to additional high-potential territories.
Benefits of multi-unit investment include:
- Economies of scale across operations and marketing
- Shared management teams and resources
- Stronger regional brand recognition
- Greater overall profitability through networked clubs
Owning multiple gyms also opens opportunities to develop leadership teams and reduce reliance on personal time investment in daily operations. Franchisees who scale effectively can build substantial fitness business portfolios.
How to Apply for an Anytime Fitness Franchise in the UK?
The application process is designed to ensure alignment between prospective franchisees and the brand. Initial expressions of interest are submitted via the Anytime Fitness UK website, followed by an introductory conversation with the franchise development team.
The process includes:
- Submission of a franchise enquiry form
- Introductory discovery call with franchise team
- Review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Tour of a working Anytime Fitness club
- Assistance with funding and financial planning
- Site search, approval, and lease negotiation
- Onboarding and franchise training
The typical time frame from enquiry to opening is between 6 and 12 months, allowing time for funding, location build-out and training completion.
How Does Anytime Fitness Compare to Other Fitness Franchises in the UK?
For aspiring franchisees evaluating the fitness industry, comparing Anytime Fitness with other gym franchise options is a crucial step. Below is a comparison table that outlines key differences between Anytime Fitness, F45 Training, and Snap Fitness, three well-known fitness franchise brands operating in the UK.
Fitness Franchise Comparison Table
| Feature | Anytime Fitness | F45 Training | Snap Fitness |
| Initial Franchise Fee | £36,000 | £35,000 – £55,000 | £30,000 |
| Total Investment Range | £330,000 – £550,000 | £200,000 – £300,000 | £250,000 – £400,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of monthly revenue | 7% of monthly revenue | 6% of monthly revenue |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of monthly revenue | 2% of monthly revenue | 2% of monthly revenue |
| Business Model | 24/7 gym access | Group HIIT training studio | 24/7 gym access |
| Member Access | Key fob, 24/7 | Instructor-led sessions only | Key fob, 24/7 |
| Training & Onboarding | 40+ support experts, in-depth onboarding | 1-week intensive onboarding | Moderate training support |
| Brand Recognition (UK) | Strong and growing | Growing but niche | Moderate |
| Ideal Franchisee Involvement | Active or semi-absentee | Actively involved | Semi-absentee possible |
| Multi-Unit Opportunities | Encouraged | Available | Encouraged |
Key Observations
- Anytime Fitness offers one of the most robust support systems and is the most established in terms of 24/7 fitness access and scalability.
- F45 Training is ideal for franchisees looking for a boutique fitness model focused on instructor-led HIIT sessions, although the format limits revenue to class-based scheduling.
- Snap Fitness offers similar access and pricing to Anytime Fitness but has a smaller market presence and less comprehensive support structure in the UK.
Why Many Choose Anytime Fitness?
The main reason franchisees opt for Anytime Fitness is the consistency of recurring income, the global brand presence, and the full support structure available. It allows for scalable investment, meaning successful franchisees can expand with additional locations more easily than with other boutique or niche fitness models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical time frame to open an Anytime Fitness franchise in the UK?
Most franchisees take between 6 to 12 months from initial enquiry to the grand opening, depending on funding, location availability, and build-out times.
Do I need fitness industry experience to own a franchise?
No, prior experience in fitness is not required. Anytime Fitness provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for franchisees from all backgrounds.
How many members does a typical Anytime Fitness gym have?
The average UK club has between 800 and 1,200 members, depending on the location and local competition.
Can I run an Anytime Fitness franchise as an absentee owner?
While the model supports lean staffing and efficient systems, active ownership is encouraged, especially during the early growth phase.
What kind of training will I receive as a new franchisee?
Franchisees receive onboarding, face-to-face training, virtual seminars, and access to a library of on-demand learning materials.
Are there opportunities to invest in multiple franchises?
Yes, many franchisees scale their operations by opening multiple clubs across different high-demand areas with Anytime Fitness’ support.
Is there marketing help available for new franchisees?
Yes, new clubs receive marketing toolkits, national advertising support, and guidance from local marketing teams.
