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ClearValue Lending
Guide 8 min read Updated July 31, 2026

Cost to Start an F45 Training Franchise in 2026

F45 Training franchise startup costs run $350K–$700K. The Australian-origin functional 45-minute group fitness concept has a strong global presence with a distinctive team-training model.

Total Investment

$350K–$700K

Franchise Fee

$50,000

Royalty

7% or flat

Ad Fund

2%

F45 Training franchise costs at a glance

Total investment $350,000–$700,000
Franchise fee $50,000
Net worth required $500,000
Source: F45 Training Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-07-31. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.

Key takeaways

  • Total estimated startup cost: $350K–$700K (functional 45-minute group fitness)
  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Ongoing royalty: $3,950/month or 7% of gross sales (whichever applies per agreement)
  • Advertising fee: 2% of gross sales
  • Net worth requirement: $500K+. Australian-origin brand with global presence across 60+ countries.
Ready to fund your F45 Training franchise?

Total startup cost breakdown

Per F45's current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $350K–$700K. Studio size, local construction costs, and equipment package tier drive most of the variance. Major cost categories include:

  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Leasehold improvements and build-out: $100K–$300K
  • Fitness equipment (functional rigs, kettlebells, battle ropes, assault bikes, rowers): $80K–$200K
  • Proprietary F45 programming screens and AV: $20K–$50K
  • Technology and member management systems: $10K–$25K
  • Signage and branding: $10K–$25K
  • Pre-opening training: $5K–$15K
  • Grand opening marketing: $10K–$30K
  • Working capital reserve: $20K–$60K
  • Professional fees and permits: $10K–$25K

Ongoing fees and royalty structure

F45's royalty structure can be structured as a flat $3,950/month or 7% of gross sales depending on the specific franchise agreement in your market. The advertising fee is 2% of gross sales. Confirm the exact royalty structure applicable to your agreement in the current FDD. The flat-fee option provides cost predictability at lower revenue levels; the percentage structure becomes relevant as studios scale.

Net worth and liquid capital requirements

F45 requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate a net worth of $500K+. Lenders will typically require an equity injection of 10–20% of project cost — at the $350K–$700K range, that is $35K–$140K from personal funds. Strong personal credit (680+ FICO) and business management experience improve approval outcomes on franchise financing.

Financing options for F45 franchisees

F45 Training appears on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. SBA 7(a) program details and current rate caps are published on SBA.gov. Key financing paths include:

  • SBA 7(a) loan: The primary financing path — covers franchise fee, equipment, build-out, and working capital in a single loan. Personal guarantee required.
  • Equipment financing: Functional training equipment, screens, and AV systems can be financed on equipment loans secured by the assets.
  • Working capital line of credit: Revolving facility to bridge pre-launch expenses and early ramp-up.
  • Section 179 deduction: Qualifying fitness equipment and screen technology may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179.
  • SBA 504 loan: For franchisees purchasing owner-occupied real estate, SBA 504 provides long-term fixed-rate financing for the property component.

What lenders look for in an F45 Training franchise application

F45 is on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA 7(a) eligibility. At $350K–$700K, SBA 7(a) is the standard financing path. Here is what underwriters evaluate:

  • DSCR 1.25×–1.35× on membership revenue pro forma: SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the DSCR floor at 1.15×; SBA participating lenders for fitness franchise startups typically require 1.25×–1.35×. F45's revenue is membership-driven — lenders build the pro forma from FDD Item 19 average gross revenue for comparable studios, net of the combined royalty/ad fee load (up to 9%), payroll, lease, and equipment loan payments. The first 6–12 months of membership ramp-up is modeled conservatively.
  • Equity injection 10–20% of project cost: Per SBA SOP 50 10 8, borrowers must contribute equity from personal funds not borrowed for this purpose. At $350K–$700K, that runs $35K–$140K. Equipment-heavy builds near the top of the range typically require closer to 20%.
  • Net worth $500K+ per franchisor requirement: F45 requires a minimum net worth of $500K+. Lenders verify the borrower meets this threshold in addition to SBA equity injection requirements.
  • Fitness or retail business management experience: F45 does not require prior fitness industry experience, but lenders assign lower risk to operators with demonstrated small business management, boutique fitness, or multi-unit retail operating history.
  • Market feasibility and territory demographics: Lenders review market saturation and demographic data for the proposed territory. Population density, household income, and proximity to competing boutique fitness concepts affect the revenue pro forma.

Apply at ClearValue Lending

ClearValue Lending works with fitness franchise operators from first studio to multi-unit expansion. Start at small business financing or apply at Find my match or browse the full franchise financing library. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file. See our business loan calculator to estimate payments before you commit.

Comparing functional training franchise options? See Anytime Fitness franchise costs and Orangetheory Fitness franchise costs — both are SBA-eligible at similar investment ranges.

Sources

  • F45 Training is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. — SBA Franchise Directory
  • SBA 7(a) loans finance franchise startups including equipment, build-out, and working capital. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
  • Qualifying fitness equipment and technology purchases may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946
  • All F45 franchise cost and fee data derives from the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) filed under the FTC Franchise Rule. — FTC Franchise Rule — Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide
  • Census County Business Patterns data show fitness centers and recreational sports clubs (NAICS 7139) represent one of the top 10 growing small business categories by net new establishment formation in recent years. — U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns

Frequently asked questions

How much does an F45 franchise cost in 2026?
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $350K–$700K. Studio size, local construction costs, and market determine where in that range a specific project lands.
What is F45's royalty fee structure?
F45's royalty is structured as a flat $3,950/month or 7% of gross sales depending on your specific franchise agreement. The advertising fee is 2% of gross sales. Confirm the structure that applies to your agreement in the current FDD.
Where did F45 originate?
F45 Training was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012. The brand has since expanded to operations in more than 60 countries. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas as of recent years following its public listing and subsequent restructuring.
Can I finance an F45 franchise with an SBA loan?
Yes. F45 is on the SBA Franchise Directory, making franchisees eligible for SBA 7(a) financing. The $350K–$700K investment range is well within SBA 7(a) lending parameters.
What DSCR do lenders require for an F45 franchise SBA loan?
SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum DSCR at 1.15×; participating SBA lenders for boutique fitness franchise startups typically underwrite to 1.25×–1.35×. The pro forma is built from FDD Item 19 average gross revenue for comparable F45 studios, net of royalty/ad fees (up to 9%), lease, payroll, and loan payments. The membership ramp period (typically 6–12 months to reach stabilized occupancy) is modeled conservatively. A strong pre-sale or founding member launch can improve the ramp projection.
How much equity injection is required for an F45 SBA loan?
SBA SOP 50 10 8 requires borrowers to contribute equity from personal funds not borrowed for this purpose — typically 10–20% of total project cost. At $350K–$700K, that runs approximately $35K–$140K depending on project scope. Equipment-heavy builds near the top of the range typically require the higher 20% injection. Equity can come from personal savings, home equity (if not used as collateral for this loan), or a ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) transaction using retirement funds.
What experience do I need to open an F45 Training franchise?
F45 does not require prior fitness industry experience. Lenders do assign lower risk to operators with demonstrated small business management, boutique fitness, or multi-unit retail operating history, so relevant management experience strengthens a financing application even though it isn't a franchisor requirement.
Does my F45 franchise territory affect my financing approval?
Yes. Lenders review market saturation and demographic data for the proposed territory — population density, household income, and proximity to competing boutique fitness concepts all factor into the membership revenue pro forma used in underwriting.
Summary:

F45 Training franchise startup costs run $350K–$700K. The Australian-origin functional 45-minute group fitness concept has a strong global presence with a distinctive team-training model.

This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.

https://clearvaluelending.com/franchises/f45-training/cost-to-start

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