Workout Anytime Franchise Cost 2026: $113K–$443K 24-Hr Gym

Workout Anytime franchise startup costs run $113K–$443K for a 24-hour access gym concept with a strong foothold in the Southeast. With one of the lower royalty rates in the fitness franchise segment at 5%, Workout Anytime offers a competitive unit economics profile for fitness-focused operators.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $113K–$443K (24-hour access gym)
Franchise fee: $25,000
Ongoing royalty: 5%; advertising fund: 2%
Net worth requirement: $300K+; liquid capital requirement: $100K+
200+ locations; strong Southeast base expanding nationally; one of the lower royalty rates in fitness franchising

Workout Anytime is a 24-hour access gym franchise founded in 1999 in Marietta, Georgia by John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland. The brand focuses on value-tier gym memberships with no contracts — a model positioned to attract price-sensitive gym members who want access to quality equipment without premium club pricing. Workout Anytime operates 200+ locations primarily in the Southeast, with active national expansion. The brand is privately held and has been consistently recognized on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list. The 24/7 keycard access model — with minimal staffing during off-peak hours — keeps labor costs low relative to traditional health clubs. Monthly membership dues provide predictable recurring revenue.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Workout Anytime franchise runs $113,000–$443,000. Fitness equipment and leasehold improvements are the primary cost components:

Franchise fee: $25,000
Leasehold improvements (flooring, electrical, HVAC, plumbing): $25,000–$150,000
Fitness equipment (cardio, strength, functional training): $45,000–$150,000
Keycard access and security system: $5,000–$15,000
Signage: $5,000–$15,000
Technology (membership software, POS, member app): $4,000–$12,000
Furniture and fixtures: $3,000–$10,000
Insurance: $4,000–$12,000
Training and travel: $2,000–$8,000
Marketing and grand opening: $5,000–$15,000
Working capital: $8,000–$20,000
Miscellaneous and professional fees: $4,000–$12,000

Ongoing fees

Workout Anytime charges a 5% royalty on gross sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 7% of gross sales. The 5% royalty is among the lowest in the 24-hour fitness franchise segment — a competitive advantage for operators focused on unit economics. The no-contract membership model means member count fluctuates with acquisition and churn; consistent local marketing to drive new memberships is the primary ongoing marketing task.

Financing options

Workout Anytime is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, fitness equipment, keycard system, and working capital. The $113K–$443K range is within standard SBA 7(a) limits.
Equipment financing: Cardio and strength equipment can be financed separately — typically with 5-7 year terms aligned to equipment useful life, reducing the SBA loan amount needed.
SBA Express loan: For franchisees targeting the lower investment range, SBA Express provides faster approval with streamlined documentation.
Working capital line of credit: Supports the initial membership ramp period before monthly dues revenue reaches operating cost coverage.
ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups): Franchisees with 401(k) or IRA balances can deploy retirement funds tax-free via ROBS as the equity injection for SBA financing.

Realistic ROI timeline

Value-tier 24-hour gym concepts typically target break-even within 18–36 months. Workout Anytime's lower royalty rate (5% vs. 6-7% for many competitors) improves unit economics relative to comparable concepts — more revenue stays at the location level. The no-contract membership model means member acquisition needs to stay ahead of churn to maintain membership volume. Operators who invest in local digital marketing and member engagement during the first 12-18 months build the membership base that drives long-term profitability.

Who's a good fit

Workout Anytime suits operators looking for a value-positioned fitness business in a community that benefits from an accessible gym option. The lower price-point membership model targets a broad demographic — seniors, busy families, blue-collar workers — that appreciates 24/7 access and no long-term contracts. Real estate site selection in population-dense suburban markets with limited competition drives the strongest membership volumes. Net worth of $300K+ and liquid capital of $100K+ are the financial benchmarks.

What lenders look for in a Workout Anytime franchise loan

DSCR 1.25×+ on stabilized membership projections: Underwriters model year-2 monthly dues revenue against debt service after the 7% combined fee load (5% royalty + 2% ad fund). Build your pro forma around a realistic membership ramp — typically 150–250 members at break-even for a mid-market location.
Equity injection 20–25%: SBA policy requires $23K–$111K upfront (20% of the $113K–$443K range). Workout Anytime's lower investment floor means the equity bar is among the lowest in fitness franchising. ROBS (401(k) rollover) is a common source.
Net worth $300K+ / liquid capital $100K+: Franchisor minimum thresholds match standard lender floors for SBA fitness franchise loans. Lenders verify these are post-close figures.
Keycard access equipment as collateral: Fitness equipment (cardio, strength) and the keycard/security system serve as tangible collateral — lenders discount fitness equipment to 20–40% of original cost for liquidation scenarios.
No-contract membership model risk acknowledgment: Lenders familiar with 24-hour fitness concepts understand churn risk and look for the franchisee's local marketing plan to sustain membership acquisition velocity.
SBA Franchise Directory eligibility: Workout Anytime is listed, removing the franchisor eligibility review step and reducing SBA processing time by 2–4 weeks.

Lender tip

Fitness equipment qualifies for IRS Section 179 immediate expensing in the year placed in service. Many SBA lenders for fitness franchises structure the equipment financing separately from the SBA loan — using equipment financing for cardio/strength gear and SBA 7(a) for leasehold improvements and working capital — which can reduce your total interest cost.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with fitness franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

Workout Anytime 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 leasehold improvements, fitness equipment, and working capital for 24-hour access gym concepts. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
Qualifying fitness equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179, reducing the after-tax cost of gym equipment investment. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Workout Anytime franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $113,000–$443,000. Fitness equipment, leasehold improvements, and the $25,000 franchise fee are the primary cost drivers. No retail storefront beyond the gym space is required.

What is Workout Anytime's membership model?

Workout Anytime uses a no-contract, month-to-month membership model. Members pay low monthly dues for 24/7 keycard access. The no-contract structure lowers the barrier to enrollment but means consistent member acquisition marketing is needed to offset natural churn.

What is the Workout Anytime royalty rate?

Workout Anytime charges a 5% royalty on gross sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 7% of gross sales — among the lowest royalty rates in the 24-hour fitness franchise segment.

Can I finance a Workout Anytime franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. Workout Anytime is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital within the $113K–$443K range. Fitness equipment can also be financed separately.

How does Workout Anytime compare to other 24-hour gym franchises?

Workout Anytime's 5% royalty rate and lower franchise fee ($25K) give it a competitive unit economics profile. The brand targets value-tier pricing and a broad demographic, whereas some competitors target premium or boutique positioning. Its Southeast base gives it density in that region; national expansion is ongoing.

What DSCR do lenders require for a Workout Anytime franchise SBA loan?

Lenders typically require DSCR of 1.25×–1.35× on stabilized-year projections. For Workout Anytime, underwriters model year-2 monthly dues revenue after the 7% combined fee load and debt service. A location reaching 200+ members at average monthly dues of $20–$30 typically generates sufficient cash flow to meet the DSCR threshold on a $200K–$300K loan.

How much equity injection is required for a Workout Anytime SBA loan?

SBA policy and most lender overlays require 20–25% equity injection on franchise startups. For Workout Anytime, that's roughly $23K–$111K (20% of the $113K–$443K investment range) — among the lowest absolute equity requirements in fitness franchising. ROBS (401(k) rollover) is a common source, allowing retirement funds to be deployed as equity without triggering taxes or penalties.