Planet Fitness Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Planet Fitness, founded in 1992, is one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness franchises in the U.S. It boasts a high number of members and locations across the country.
Headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, Planet Fitness began franchising in 2000. The brand focuses on providing a welcoming fitness experience in its well-known Judgement Free Zone®.
Planet Fitness stands out by promoting inclusivity, with 40% of its members being first-time gym-goers. This approach makes it unique in the fitness industry, catering to a diverse range of people and fostering accessibility.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Planet Fitness franchise? It costs on average between $1,283,000 - $5,386,000 to start a Planet Fitness franchised studio.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of facility you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $0 to $40,000 |
| Site Selection Costs | $0 to $10,000 |
| Construction Development Plan Review Fee | $0 to $5,000 |
| Design Resubmission Fee | $0 to $5,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $1,000,000 to $2,167,000 |
| Fitness Equipment | $33,300 to $995,000 |
| Non-Fitness Equipment | $89,200 to $1,315,000 |
| Pre-Sale/Grand Opening Marketing | $40,000 to $120,000 |
| Exterior Signs | $12,000 to $40,000 |
| Computer System, Point of Sale System, and other Supplies | $1,000 to $7,000 |
| Insurance | $25,000 to $45,000 |
| Real Estate Lease Deposits | $0 to $95,000 |
| Other Deposits | $0 to $23,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 to $25,000 |
| Out-of-Pocket Initial Training Expenses | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Licenses/Bonds | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $68,000 to $459,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $1,282,500 to $5,386,000 |
Planet Fitness Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Planet Fitness franchise?
Planet Fitness franchise is owned by Planet Fitness, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PLNT.
What funding options are available for a Planet Fitness franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Planet 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 Planet Fitness franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Planet 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.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
→ How much does a Planet Fitness franchise owner make? Full income breakdown and analysis.
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