The Workout Anytime franchise is a 24/7 fitness brand built on a simple promise: affordable memberships, convenient access, and consistent service.
Founded in 1999 by fitness industry veterans, the company has grown by focusing on a high-value, low-price model that appeals to today’s busy, cost-conscious consumers. Members benefit from round-the-clock access to professional-grade equipment and core amenities, while owners tap into a proven concept within the expanding health and wellness market.
This guide explores the Workout Anytime franchise opportunity in detail, including startup costs, franchise fees, support systems, training, and what it’s like to run a location. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced operator looking to diversify, this overview will help you evaluate if the brand aligns with your business goals.
For those comparing different opportunities in the franchise sector, the Franchise Brokers Association offers expert resources and guidance to help you evaluate your options.
This article is sponsored by Workout Anytime. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.
A High-Value, Low-Price Gym Model Built for Growth.
The Workout Anytime franchise has expanded to nearly 200 locations across 22 states and has begun international development by carving out a strong position in the high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness segment.
The brand was co-founded by John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland—both veterans of well-known fitness chains such as Bally Total Fitness—with a mission to deliver first-class workouts at a budget-friendly price point. Since franchising in 2005, Workout Anytime has emphasized its guiding principle: “Think Big, Keep It Simple, and Do It With Integrity.”
Each club operates 24/7, aligning with the lifestyles of members who need flexible access. Typical facilities range from 7,000 to 15,000 square feet and are equipped with modern cardio and strength machines, free weights, and optional amenities like tanning or hydro-massage stations. This format gives members an accessible, community-oriented fitness experience while creating multiple revenue streams for owners, including memberships, personal training, and retail sales.
The franchise model is designed with scalability in mind. Some owners start with one gym and later expand into additional territories, reflecting confidence in the brand’s systems, centralized support, and ability to adapt to local market demand.
Workout Anytime Franchise Costs and Investment.
Starting a Workout Anytime franchise requires building out a fully equipped 24/7 fitness center designed to attract and retain members. According to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the initial franchise fee is $45,000, which grants rights to open a gym and covers training and onboarding.
Beyond the franchise fee, the total estimated investment for a single location typically ranges from $1,060,850 to $1,840,550. This figure includes real estate improvements, equipment, signage, marketing, and opening reserves. Actual costs vary depending on gym size, construction pricing, and whether you lease or purchase your site.
Estimated Initial Investment Breakdown.
| Type of Expenditure | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Travel & Living Expenses (Training) | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Rent & Security Deposit (3 months) | $7,500 | $20,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements / Build-out | $460,000 | $780,000 |
| Key Tags (Member Access System) | $150 | $150 |
| Architect & Professional Fees | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Furniture, Office Equipment & Supplies | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Initial Gym Equipment Package | $420,000 | $780,000 |
| Low Voltage Wiring & Access Systems | $35,000 | $50,000 |
| Signage (Exterior & Interior) | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Advertising & “Start Strong” Marketing | $16,000 | $24,000 |
| Deposits & Permits | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Insurance (first year) | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months’ reserve) | $30,000 | $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $1,060,850 | $1,840,550 |
Key Cost Drivers.
- Build-out & equipment: The largest portion of investment comes from outfitting the facility with high-quality cardio, strength, and free weight equipment, plus construction suited to a 24/7 operation.
- Location variables: Rent, deposits, and contractor costs can fluctuate widely depending on market.
- Marketing & launch costs: Pre-opening advertising and early promotional campaigns are designed to help owners build awareness in their community.
- Working capital: Owners should budget reserves for at least three months of operations, plus contingencies for unexpected expenses.
While the upfront costs are significant, the Workout Anytime franchise model is designed with a smaller footprint compared to big-box gyms, which helps control capital requirements. For prospective owners, a clear understanding of these startup costs is an essential first step in evaluating whether this fitness franchise aligns with their financial and business goals.
Franchise Fees and Ongoing Costs.
When you open a Workout Anytime franchise, there are ongoing financial obligations and requirements that support both your business and the broader system:
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales, which provides continued access to the brand and franchisor support.
- Advertising Fund: 2% of gross sales, contributing to national and regional marketing that raises brand awareness.
- Minimum Net Worth Requirement: $500,000, ensuring franchisees have the resources to operate a full fitness center.
- Minimum Liquid Capital Requirement: $150,000, designated for upfront costs and to cover working capital needs.
These fees and requirements are standard in the fitness franchise industry. Royalties and advertising contributions help sustain corporate resources like training, technology updates, and marketing campaigns. The financial requirements are designed to make sure new owners can handle build-out, equipment purchases, and early operations without unnecessary strain.
Training and Support for Franchisees.
One of the biggest advantages of joining the Workout Anytime franchise is the comprehensive training and support system designed to prepare new owners for success.
Initial Training.
Franchisees begin with a multi-day training program at headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. This curriculum covers every aspect of running a 24/7 fitness center, including:
- Daily operations and facility management.
- Membership sales strategies and retention techniques.
- Fitness equipment maintenance and vendor best practices.
- Customer service protocols that align with brand standards.
Owners also receive a detailed operations playbook and access to proprietary management software that integrates billing, access control, scheduling, and member management into a single mobile app. This technology simplifies daily tasks and allows owners to remotely monitor club performance in real time.
Pre-Opening Support.
Before opening, franchisees work closely with Workout Anytime’s real estate and development team. They provide assistance with:
- Site selection and lease negotiations, using demographic research and broker partnerships to identify high-potential locations.
- Vendor relationships for purchasing gym equipment in volume at favorable prices.
- Construction guidance, ensuring build-outs meet brand specifications and local code requirements.
Ongoing Support.
Support doesn’t stop at opening. Franchisees benefit from:
- Marketing resources including national advertising campaigns, digital marketing strategies, and localized promotional materials.
- Staff training programs for managers, trainers, and front-desk employees, plus ongoing education on new equipment and fitness trends.
- Franchise business consultants who provide regular check-ins, financial reviews, and operational coaching to help optimize growth.
The combination of hands-on training, tech-enabled tools, and ongoing field support makes Workout Anytime accessible to both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners. By streamlining administration and providing tested frameworks, the franchisor allows owners to focus on what matters most: building membership, engaging their community, and running a sustainable gym business.
Workout Anytime Franchise Growth and Expansion Momentum.
The Workout Anytime franchise continues to expand steadily, backed by a proven business model and strong demand for affordable, 24/7 fitness options. Today, the brand operates more than 190 gyms across the United States, with additional clubs in development, and is beginning to enter select international markets. This growth highlights its adaptability across different markets, from large metropolitan hubs to smaller community-driven locations.
A strong indicator of confidence in the system is that many franchisees choose to invest in multiple gyms after opening their first. Multi-unit ownership underscores both the scalability of the concept and the support systems available to help franchisees expand successfully.
The brand has also earned recognition in industry rankings as one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises in the U.S. This visibility demonstrates its consistent expansion, appeal to entrepreneurs seeking a streamlined gym concept, and its ability to attract members through a combination of convenience and value-driven offerings.
Looking ahead, Workout Anytime aims to strengthen its presence in existing territories while expanding into new regions in the U.S. and abroad. With a leadership team of seasoned fitness and franchise professionals, the company is positioned for ongoing momentum in the competitive health and wellness sector.
Workout Anytime Franchise — FAQs.
How many Workout Anytime locations are there?
Workout Anytime operates roughly 190 franchised gyms across the United States. All locations are franchise-owned.
What is the total investment to open a Workout Anytime?
The estimated initial investment ranges from about $1.06 million to $1.84 million, including build-out, equipment, signage, initial marketing, and working capital. See the current FDD for itemized details.
What are the financial requirements to qualify?
Candidates are typically expected to have ~$500,000 in net worth and ~$150,000 in liquid capital. Exact thresholds and verification steps are outlined by the franchisor.
What are the ongoing fees for a Workout Anytime franchise?
Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty and contribute to a brand marketing fund, with additional required local marketing. Specific percentages and minimums are disclosed in the current FDD.
Who owns Workout Anytime?
Workout Anytime is privately owned by founders Steve Strickland and John Quattrocchi, with headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Is Workout Anytime the Right Franchise for You?
Deciding if the Workout Anytime franchise is the right fit comes down to your personal goals, budget, and passion for the fitness industry. This opportunity is well-suited for entrepreneurs who believe in the 24/7 gym model and are eager to provide a value-driven, affordable service to members in their community. It’s also attractive to those seeking a business that can operate with a lean team and has potential for semi-absentee ownership, since technology and automated access reduce the need for constant on-site presence.
Before investing, it’s important to carefully review Workout Anytime’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), connect with current franchisees to hear about their real-world experiences, and evaluate competitors in your target market. Consider your readiness to meet the financial requirements and whether you’re prepared to lead a team, drive membership sales, and oversee day-to-day operations.
If you are motivated by helping people achieve their fitness goals, enjoy leading teams, and want to leverage a proven playbook for building a fitness business, Workout Anytime could be a strong fit for your future.
