LA Fitness Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
LA Fitness was founded in 1984 in Southern California, with the goal of offering accessible fitness services to a broad range of members. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, and operates more than 800 clubs across the United States and Canada.
It provides a variety of amenities, including personal training, group fitness classes, swimming pools, sports courts, and state-of-the-art gym equipment. The brand serves members under different banners, such as LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and City Sports Club.
Although LA Fitness is not primarily a franchise-based model, it has pursued growth through strategic partnerships. One notable collaboration is with Xponential Fitness, which introduced boutique fitness experiences within existing LA Fitness locations.
This approach has expanded the range of services available to members. The company differentiates itself by offering a wide array of fitness options, catering to diverse preferences, while keeping memberships affordable and widely accessible.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a LA Fitness franchise? LA Fitness does not offer franchise opportunities, as all of its locations are company-owned.
Therefore, it is not possible to start a LA Fitness franchise, and there is no associated cost for franchising with the company.
For similar fitness franchises, however, the initial investment is on average $423,000.
In comparison, for example, Basecamp Fitness (a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) franchise brand) requires an investment upfront of $536,000 up to $853,000 for a franchised location.
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a LA Fitness franchise? Since LA Fitness does not franchise its studios and all locations are company-owned, LA Fitness does not publish a Franchise Disclosure Document. Therefore, it does not disclose the average revenue of its studios.
However, a similar fitness studio franchise makes on average $401,000 in revenue (AUV) per year. For example, a Basecamp Fitness franchised studio makes on average $486,000 in revenue per year.
Here are 10 competing franchise brands as a comparison:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a LA Fitness franchise owner expect to earn?
Since LA Fitness is entirely company-owned and does not operate as a franchise, there is no earning disclosure for a LA Fitness franchise.
Now, assuming the average gross sales for a fitness studio franchise similar to a LA Fitness franchise of $401,000 per store. And assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $401,000 yearly revenue would result in about $60,000 operating profit per year.
What funding options are available for a LA Fitness franchise?
Most franchise buyers in LA Fitness’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 LA Fitness franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in LA Fitness’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 LA Fitness?
LA Fitness is owned by Fitness International, LLC, which is a private company. The ownership structure primarily includes co-founders Chin Yi and Louis Welch, who have been instrumental in the company’s growth since its inception in 1984. Louis Welch serves as the President and CEO, playing a significant role in the company’s operations and strategic direction.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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Research La Fitness franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → La Fitness FDD Review.
