The largest fitness club network in the world is Anytime Fitness. It operates over 5,200 locations globally, spanning all seven continents. This extensive network is supported by a robust franchise model that emphasizes convenience with 24/7 gym access, community building, and a supportive atmosphere for its members. The brand’s success is driven by continuous innovation and strong franchisee support, making it a popular choice for gym-goers and franchise owners alike (TeamUp) (Anytime Fitness).
Another significant player in the fitness club industry is Planet Fitness, which has more than 18.4 million members and operates 2,472 locations across multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Planet Fitness is well-known for its “Judgement Free Zone®” philosophy, aiming to provide a welcoming environment for all fitness levels (Eastie Times).
Both Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness have made substantial impacts on the global fitness industry through their expansive reach and member-centric approaches.
Here are the plots comparing Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness:
- Total Locations: Anytime Fitness has significantly more locations (5,200) compared to Planet Fitness (2,472).
- Total Members: Planet Fitness has a larger membership base with 18.4 million members, while Anytime Fitness has 5 million members.
- Global Presence: Anytime Fitness is present on all seven continents, whereas Planet Fitness is in multiple countries including the USA, Canada, and Australia.
These plots visually illustrate the scale and reach of each fitness network across different metrics.
One notable owner of Anytime Fitness is Luke Guanlao, who is the Co-Owner and CEO of Anytime Fitness Asia. Luke, originally a high-flying corporate lawyer, transitioned into the fitness industry to create a passive income stream and eventually became deeply involved with the Anytime Fitness brand.
Guanlao, along with his brother, initially invested in the franchise by selling a property they co-owned. Their innovative approach to building the business, such as selling memberships from a rented car space, paid off when they managed to sell 460 memberships even before the gym opened. This success led to the opening of more gyms and eventually expanding to the Philippines and Malaysia.
In 2019, he acquired the master franchise business from Maurice Levine, further solidifying his role and influence in the company. Guanlao is also the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Inspire Brands Asia, which owns Anytime Fitness Asia, making it the largest 24/7 franchised gym network in Asia. Under his leadership, Anytime Fitness Asia has seen significant growth and strategic diversification, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic (Self Esteem Brands) (The CEO Magazine).
Planet Fitness was founded by Michael and Marc Grondahl in 1992. The company, headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, has grown to become one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness franchises in the world, with over 2,500 locations and approximately 18.7 million members across various countries (Planet Fitness) (Planet Fitness).
Colleen Keating has recently been appointed as the CEO of Planet Fitness. She brings over 30 years of experience in operations management, revenue growth, and efficiency enhancement, having previously served as CEO of FirstKey Homes and held various leadership roles at InterContinental Hotels Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (Fox Business) (Planet Fitness).
Additionally, many Planet Fitness locations are owned and operated by individual franchisees. Some notable franchise owners include Pete Peterson, Jill DiSabato, and Toni Rufo, who manage multiple Planet Fitness clubs across the United States (Wiza) (Wiza) (Wiza). These owners contribute to the extensive reach and community-based approach of Planet Fitness, ensuring the consistency of the “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy across all locations.
Financial Comparison of Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness
Anytime Fitness
- Revenue: Anytime Fitness reported an annual revenue of approximately $1.4 billion in 2023. The revenue per employee was noted to be around $134,671 (Franchise Chatter) (International Franchise Association).
- Franchise Costs: The initial investment required to open an Anytime Fitness franchise ranges from $474,000 to $970,000. The standard initial franchise fee is $42,500 (Franchise Chatter).
- Average Revenue: The average annual revenue for an Anytime Fitness center is around $424,655. This revenue comes from various sources including membership fees, personal training, and pay-per-visit fees (Franchise Chatter).
- Growth: The franchise network has grown significantly, with over 5,200 locations worldwide. The brand continues to expand, adding an average of 300 new clubs annually (Anytime Fitness) (International Franchise Association).
- Traffic and Membership: Anytime Fitness saw a substantial increase in member traffic and engagement, with daily club visits surpassing 750,000 and a projected total of nearly 250 million visits by the end of 2023 (International Franchise Association).
Planet Fitness
- Revenue: Planet Fitness had a revenue of $1.2 billion in 2023. The company has about 2,575 locations and approximately 18.7 million members (Planet Fitness) (Fox Business).
Metric | Anytime Fitness | Planet Fitness |
Annual Revenue (billion USD) | 1.4 | 1.2 |
Average Annual Revenue per Gym (USD) | 424,655 | 1,100,000 |
Initial Investment (USD) | 474,000 – 970,000 | 1,000,000 – 4,100,000 |
Franchise Fee (USD) | 42,500 | 20,000 |
- Franchise Costs: The cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise ranges from $1 million to $4.1 million, with an initial franchise fee of $20,000 (Planet Fitness).
Initial Investment (Minimum): Anytime Fitness: $474,000, Planet Fitness: $1,000,000
Initial Investment (Maximum): Anytime Fitness: $970,000, Planet Fitness: $4,100,000
Franchise Fee: Anytime Fitness: $42,500, Planet Fitness: $20,000
- Average Revenue: Planet Fitness locations generate average annual revenues of around $1.1 million per gym. This includes income from membership fees and other in-club purchases (Planet Fitness) (Fox Business).
- Growth: Planet Fitness continues to expand its footprint with a focus on affordability and accessibility, operating in multiple countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Australia (Planet Fitness).
- Traffic and Membership: The brand also reported high membership engagement and consistent growth, maintaining nearly 19 million members using its extensive network of clubs (Planet Fitness) (Planet Fitness).
In addition to Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness, there are several other major players in the fitness club industry. Here are some of the prominent ones:
LA Fitness
- Founded: 1984
- Locations: Over 700 clubs in the United States and Canada.
- Overview: LA Fitness offers a wide range of amenities including group fitness classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art equipment. They are known for their large facilities that often include swimming pools, basketball courts, and racquetball courts.
Gold’s Gym
- Founded: 1965
- Locations: Over 700 clubs in 29 countries.
- Overview: Known as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding,” Gold’s Gym has a strong reputation in the fitness industry. They offer a comprehensive fitness experience with group exercise classes, personal training, and advanced fitness equipment.
24 Hour Fitness
- Founded: 1983
- Locations: Over 300 clubs in the United States.
- Overview: 24 Hour Fitness is known for its round-the-clock access to fitness facilities. They provide a variety of fitness classes, personal training, and a supportive fitness community.
Equinox
- Founded: 1991
- Locations: Over 100 clubs in the United States, Canada, and London.
- Overview: Positioned in the premium segment of the market, Equinox offers luxurious amenities, high-end fitness equipment, and specialized fitness classes. They are known for their upscale environment and personalized services.
Crunch Fitness
- Founded: 1989
- Locations: Over 300 clubs in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Overview: Crunch Fitness is known for its fun and inclusive workout environment. They offer a variety of unique group fitness classes and personal training options. Their gyms are equipped with high-quality fitness equipment.
Snap Fitness
- Founded: 2003
- Locations: Over 1,400 clubs in 48 countries.
- Overview: Snap Fitness offers 24/7 access to their gyms with a focus on convenience and affordability. They provide various fitness programs, personal training, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Life Time Fitness
- Founded: 1990
- Locations: Over 150 clubs in the United States and Canada.
- Overview: Life Time Fitness offers a comprehensive health and fitness experience with large, resort-style facilities that include swimming pools, tennis courts, and full-service spas. They provide a wide range of fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programs.
These fitness chains are significant players in the industry, each offering unique value propositions and catering to different segments of the market.
Summary
Both Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness are leading fitness franchises with significant global presences. Anytime Fitness is known for its flexible, 24/7 access model and lower initial investment, while Planet Fitness emphasizes a more affordable, inclusive gym experience with a higher initial investment. Both companies continue to grow rapidly, driven by strong member engagement and consistent expansion efforts.