New Year’s resolutions may be long behind us, but Canada’s fitness industry—and the exciting franchise opportunities within it—is as active (pardon the pun) as ever. Valued in 2023 at a staggering $4.6 billion, fitness centres welcome more than six million Canadians each year. And with the rise of trendy modalities like high-intensity interval training and variations on staples like yoga and kickboxing, there’s ample reason to believe that a workout-based business will make bank.
Paired with increasing virtual options and enhancements such as real-time heart rate monitoring, companies in the fitness landscape are courting potential members with extras that will keep them on track to achieving their goals. The best part is you don’t need to be a pro-level exercise aficionado to start a successful fitness franchise. Whether you are looking for a turnkey solution or a system that allows you to add a little personal flair, there is something out there for every business-savvy investor.
These brands and their exercise styles, whether prescribed or ad hoc, are as varied as they are appealing, and for would-be entrepreneurs they serve as the perfect entry point to self-sustained success. Find more information on these brands and others by visiting LookforaFranchise.ca.
30 Minute Hit
A high-intensity, action-packed kickboxing circuit workout designed specifically for women, 30 Minute Hit provides prospective franchisees with the tools to succeed in this exciting and impactful market. In operation for 20 years, the brand has continued its expansion across Canada and the U.S., with 66 and 31 locations respectively.
30 Minute Hit franchisees enjoy work-life flexibility, a low investment level, and the brand’s recurring revenue model. The company’s quick ramp-up period also ensures that franchise investors hit the ground running in their pursuit to build sales. As well, franchisees benefit from franchisor assistance with site selection, floorplan design, and continued physical training, plus hands-on training through UniversHITy.
Learn more about franchising with 30 Minute Hit
9Round Franchising of Canada
9Round fitness centres meld kickboxing circuits with the convenience of on-demand workouts, providing a flexible and adaptable system for both the franchisee and their clients. Now with more than 430 locations worldwide and more than 30 in Canada, 9Round is poised to bring its take on high-intensity workouts to even more North American markets.
The franchise’s new 24/7 model helps provide franchisees the opportunity to reduce their manpower needs and increase profits. 9Round Franchise Business Coaches work hand in hand with franchise partners to ensure they are set up for success, and the brand’s experts in marketing, operations, and sales are there to support its franchisees every step of the way.
Learn more about franchising with 9Round Franchising of Canada
Orangetheory Fitness
Building on the popularity of high-intensity interval training, with the addition of performance-tracking technology, Orangetheory Fitness has ballooned to 1,500 locations since launching in 2010, more than 103 of which are in Canada. Its studios have a small footprint but huge value, offering interactive workouts that inspire members through real-time biometrics, such as heart rate. The workout brings together science and fitness in a revolutionary way, or the “Orange Effect.”
Select Canadian markets are available for interested owner-operators who align with Orangetheory’s philosophy of offering members more than just a gym membership. The company attracts franchisees with a range of skills from leadership, retail, operations, sales, and finance. They are all passionate about innovation and driven to introduce the latest fitness trends to their markets. Support from head office is upfront and ongoing in areas such as presales, real estate, operations, marketing, equipment, construction, design, and more.
Exercisers aged 40 to 64 spend the most time in the gym, when compared to other demographics.
Learn more about franchising with Orangetheory Fitness
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
As a well-established fitness brand, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness franchises leverage proven systems and offerings unique to the health and fitness industry. With 72 thriving franchises across Canada and 123 territories already sold, their cross-country presence is a testament to their success.
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness’ ideal franchisee is someone with an unwavering passion for health and fitness, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and an unyielding drive for success. What sets the company apart is that it offers in-depth support and training through its hybrid learning approach. From its Online Sales and Operations Training Academy to personalized one-on-one Zoom-based reviews, the brand ensures every franchisee is equipped for success. With assistance in site selection, lease negotiation support, and ongoing mentoring, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness is committed to its franchisees every step of the way.
Learn more about franchising with Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
Planet Fitness
For more than 30 years, Planet Fitness has offered affordable, accessible membership options for both regular and first-time gym-goers. With more than 2,500 locations, 90 per cent of which are owned and operated independently, the brand continues to offer its Judgement Free Zone® and non-intimidating environment globally. Since 2014, its expansion into Canada has led to 76 clubs across six provinces.
Planet Fitness entered the franchising industry in 2003, after refining its brand and approach to business. Prospective franchisees can consider many lucrative territories across Canada and join its network of like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
Learn more about franchising with Planet Fitness
STRONG Pilates
STRONG Pilates is turning Pilates on its head, thanks to its innovative take on the classic workout. The brand utilizes not only the traditional reformer but creative takes on the equipment—the ROWFORMER and BIKEFORMER—to elevate its studios offerings to a whole new level.
Established in 2019 in Australia, the brand continues to grow worldwide, with more than 140 territories in operation or preparing to launch in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Canada. STRONG Pilates is searching for franchisees with a desire to help others become healthier to bring the brand to the next level.
Four out of 10 Canadians with a gym membership hit the gym more than nine times per month.
Learn more about franchising with STRONG Pilates
Studio Pilates International
With a vibrant atmosphere and friendly, encouraging staff, Studio Pilates International is taking the Pilates lifestyle to the masses. More than 17,000 people attend their classes each week, and with studios already in six countries, they are looking to expand their footprint even further.
The company’s initial Canadian locations are slated to open this year in Oakville, Ontario; Langley, B.C.; and Cloverdale, B.C., with more attractive territories available. Studio Pilates International has a proprietary way of running a Pilates business, positioning itself as a market leader with tech and other innovations. More than half of their franchisees own multiple locations, making it a highly scalable option for investors.
Learn more about franchising with Studio Pilates International
SweatHouz
A system with its finger on the pulse of rising fitness trends, SweatHouz combines the power of infrared saunas, cold plunge tubs, and vitamin C-infused showers for a full-body recovery treatment. Tapping into the lucrative wellness industry, its locations offer private showers, premium entertainment, and an array of services that cater to health-minded consumers.
After their initial inquiry, potential investors are given access to a webinar explaining SweatHouz’s business model, followed by meetings outlining available support and a discovery day at the company’s home office in Atlanta. Once a commitment has been made and the franchise agreement is signed, the franchisee receives guidance in finding a perfect location, hiring a team, and how to effectively launch.
Learn more about franchising with SweatHouz
The Warrior Factory
Following the successful opening of its first Canadian location in Hamilton, Ontario, The Warrior Factory is poised for growth in Ontario and beyond. A hybrid of parkour and American Ninja Warrior obstacle parks, its locations appeal to kids and kids at heart.
The company’s franchise team helps set up price points for events and parties—another revenue stream beyond drop-in sessions, specialized Ninja Warrior courses, and membership—based on the franchise’s location. Private events offer another revenue-building option, and ongoing, step-by-step marketing support from The Warrior Factory team helps to drive leads even further. Selected franchises also have the option of attending two weeks of intensive training in Rochester, New York, prior to opening.
The Canadian gym and health club sector is expected to reach $4.6 billion in revenue by 2029.
Learn more about franchising with The Warrior Factory
UROSPOT
Though you may not think of pelvic health when you think of fitness, UROSPOT is a brand that deals with the fitness of your pelvic floor muscles in a holistic way. Combining education, health coaching, and non-invasive technology, UROSPOT franchisees help women and men take control of their pelvic health. With technology that does the equivalent of 11,000 kegels for you (while remaining fully clothed), UROSPOT helps people say goodbye to bladder leaks, urgency, sexual dysfunction, and more.
The franchise system has 27 locations across Canada, with locations in British Columbia and Saskatchewan slated to open this fall. For those looking to bring a unique health and fitness methodology to their community, and for those who have a passion for helping others, UROSPOT franchise ownership may be the right fit.
Learn more about franchising with UROSPOT
More fitness franchise facts:
- Globally, the fitness, mind, and body sector is estimated to be a $780 billion industry.
- It’s estimated that $3.9 billion in indirect and direct healthcare costs are attributed to physical inactivity in Canada each year.
- Eighty per cent of Canadian gyms offer fitness classes.
- As of October 2023, there were more than 8,750 gyms in Canada, a 22 per cent increase from the previous year.
- In 2022, approximately 260,000 Canadian jobs were within the physical activity, sport, and recreation sector.