About this report

Fitness franchising isn’t just growing — it’s exploding. The question is: which brands and operators are ready to win the next wave of expansion? 

In Athletech’s Franchise Landscape 2025 report, we unpack how boutique concepts, HVLP operators, and multi-brand franchisors are reshaping the industry, from Pilates and barre studios to big-box gyms. Drawing on franchisee interviews, executive-level insights and new market data, this report maps the strategies, innovations and investments driving growth across the franchising landscape.

Inside, you’ll find what’s really happening with global expansion, brand differentiation, and franchisee success strategies, including how brands like Club Pilates, Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness and more are scaling domestically and internationally. Whether you’re evaluating a franchise opportunity, expanding your multi-unit portfolio, or looking to effectively deploy capital, this report offers a playbook for turning franchising into a competitive advantage.

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Download this report to learn:

  • Why Pilates and boutique studios are booming: Speaking with franchisors and franchisees, we break down the rise of Pilates — and what it means for investors and franchisees.
  • The playbook for franchisee success: Hands-on operations, community engagement, and strict adherence to the franchisor’s system are key. Learn what the most successful franchise owners are doing differently to scale efficiently, manage staffing challenges and drive strong unit economics.
  • Why global expansion is the new frontier: North American fitness brands aren’t just growing domestically. Club Pilates, Anytime Fitness, Crunch, Gold’s Gym, and other major players are moving into Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. We break down which markets offer the biggest opportunities for growth.
  • What’s going on with capital reinvestment in HVLP gyms: Large-scale gym operators are modernizing clubs with functional training zones, strength equipment and recovery spaces, proving that thoughtful reinvestment can drive check-ins, retention and member sentiment.
  • Key differentiation strategies: From high-tech equipment to multi-modality offerings, boutique and HVLP concepts alike are finding ways to stand out in crowded markets. Learn how leading franchisors are innovating to capture loyalty and expand rapidly.

Don’t wait until franchising trends hit peak saturation. Download the Franchise Landscape 2025 report now and get ahead of the strategies, markets and systems shaping the future of gym and studio ownership.