Anytime Fitness franchise startup costs run $98K–$523K — one of the most accessible fitness franchise models with flat monthly fees instead of a percentage royalty.
Anytime Fitness is the world's largest fitness franchise by location count, with more than 4,000 clubs operating across the U.S. and internationally. The brand's defining model is 24-hour, low-staffing access — members use key fob entry outside staffed hours, dramatically reducing labor costs compared with traditional gyms. Flat monthly fee structures (royalty and ad fee are flat dollar amounts, not percentages) make unit economics more predictable as revenue scales. This guide is for prospective Anytime Fitness franchisees at the capital planning stage.
Per Anytime Fitness's current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $98K–$523K. Location size, leasehold build-out scope, and equipment selection drive most of the range. Major cost categories include:
Anytime Fitness charges a flat $649/month royalty and a flat $649/month advertising fee, for a combined $1,298/month regardless of revenue. This structure is unusual in franchising — most concepts charge a percentage of gross sales. The flat-fee model means high-volume clubs pay less as a percentage of revenue than lower-volume clubs, which is favorable once a location reaches strong membership numbers. The advertising fund supports national marketing and the brand's digital and social media presence.
Anytime Fitness requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate a net worth of $300K+ and liquid capital of $100K+. These thresholds are among the more accessible in fitness franchising, reflecting the relatively lower total investment. Lenders will typically require 10–20% of project cost as an equity injection — at the $98K–$523K range, that is $10K–$105K depending on project scope and loan structure.
Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. The $98K–$523K investment range is a strong fit for SBA 7(a) lending parameters. Key financing paths include:
Anytime Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA-approved lenders process applications without a separate franchise agreement review. At the $98K–$523K investment range, SBA 7(a) is the standard vehicle; SBA 504 applies if the operator purchases the real estate. Here is what lenders evaluate:
Most Anytime Fitness loans are structured as SBA 7(a) term loans at 10-year terms covering franchise fee + equipment + build-out + working capital. At the mid-range ($300K project), the loan amount after 10–20% equity injection runs $240K–$270K. Equipment financing (cardio and strength equipment) is sometimes split off to a shorter-term equipment note, reducing SBA loan balance and monthly payment. If purchasing the commercial real estate, SBA 504 provides a 25-year fixed-rate component on the property. Use SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 to evaluate the structure for your specific project.
ClearValue Lending works with fitness franchise operators from first club to multi-unit portfolios. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender. Use our SBA loan payment calculator to model your monthly cost.
For a detailed financing breakdown, see how to finance an Anytime Fitness franchise. Comparing boutique fitness concepts? See Orangetheory Fitness franchise costs and F45 Training franchise costs.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $98K–$523K. The range is driven by location size, build-out scope, and equipment selection. Smaller club formats with minimal build-out are at the lower end; larger facilities with premium equipment packages are at the higher end.
Anytime Fitness charges a flat $649/month royalty and a flat $649/month advertising fee, for a combined $1,298/month. Unlike most franchises, fees are not calculated as a percentage of gross sales — they are flat monthly amounts regardless of revenue.
Franchise ROI depends on location, execution, and local competition. Review Anytime Fitness's FDD Item 19 with an independent franchise attorney and CPA. The 24-hour, low-staffing model reduces labor costs compared with traditional gyms, which is a structural advantage — but market saturation varies significantly by geography. This guide covers financing requirements, not investment returns.
Yes. Anytime Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the most common financing path and is well-suited to the $98K–$523K investment range.
Anytime Fitness requires $100K+ in liquid capital. Additionally, your lender will typically require a 10–20% equity injection from personal funds — at the lower end of the investment range, this may be $10K–$20K; at the higher end, up to $100K+.
SBA SOP 50 10 7 sets the minimum global DSCR floor at 1.15× — all debt service (including the proposed SBA loan) must be covered by projected net cash flow at 1.15× or better. Most SBA participating lenders require 1.25×–1.35× for fitness franchise startups. For Anytime Fitness, the pro forma is membership-based: lenders project stabilized membership count (typically 500–1,200 members depending on club size) × average monthly dues to build the DSCR model. Clubs in markets with strong demographics and limited competition support stronger projections. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7.
SBA SOP 50 10 7 requires borrowers to inject equity from their own funds — not borrowed for this purpose. For startup franchise loans (no operating history), the practical range is 10–20% of total project cost. At Anytime Fitness's $98K–$523K range: 10% equity = $10K–$52K, 20% equity = $20K–$105K. Lenders at the higher end of the investment range typically require 20% to satisfy their own credit standards independent of SBA minimums. The equity injection is verified at closing through bank statements showing the funds' source and seasoning (typically 60+ days in account).