Gold’s Gym Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Gold’s Gym is a leading fitness brand, founded in 1965 by Joe Gold in Venice Beach, California. Known as the “Mecca of bodybuilding,” it quickly became a global icon in the fitness industry. The brand started franchising in 1980 and is now headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
The franchise sets itself apart with its comprehensive offerings, including modern equipment, personalized transformation plans, and diverse group exercise programs.
Gold’s Gym is famous for its advanced fitness facilities and a strong community vibe, attracting top athletes and celebrities. Amenities vary by location but often include cardio and resistance equipment, personal training, basketball courts, and smoothie bars.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Gold’s Gym franchise? It costs on average between $2,356,000 - $5,162,000 to start a Gold’s Gym franchised business.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of gym you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses During Training | $4,000 to $7,000 |
| 3 Months’ Rent | $52,500 to $320,000 |
| Security Deposit for Lease | $17,500 to $110,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements and Construction Costs | $1,500,000 to $3,125,000 |
| Selectorized Equipment and Free Weights | $425,000 to $850,000 |
| Cardiovascular Equipment | $160,000 to $275,000 |
| Signage | $40,000 to $85,000 |
| Initial Inventory, Other Equipment and Supplies | $7,000 to $40,000 |
| Computer System and Gym Management System | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Advertising and Marketing | $50,000 to $120,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $10,000 to $65,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $40,000 to $100,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Gold’s Gym franchise? A Gold’s Gym franchised center makes on average $1,759,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
Gold’s Gym Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Gold’s Gym franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Gold’s Gym’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Gold’s Gym franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Gold’s Gym’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Gold’s Gym?
Gold’s Gym is owned by RSG Group, a global fitness and lifestyle company. RSG Group acquired Gold’s Gym in 2020 after the gym chain faced financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Rainer Schaller, the owner of RSG Group, purchased Gold’s Gym for $100 million, integrating it into their portfolio and revitalizing the brand globally.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
