How to Finance an Anytime Fitness Franchise: Gym Costs
By Anthony Cornella
An Anytime Fitness franchise loan usually has to cover far more than the franchise fee. Opening one of these round-the-clock gyms means paying for leasehold improvements, a full floor of cardio and strength equipment, a franchisor-supplied technology package, signage, a grand opening campaign and enough cash to carry the club while memberships build. Because most of that money goes into a leased space rather than real estate the owner controls, how the financing is structured matters as much as how much is borrowed.
This guide walks through what it costs to open or buy an Anytime Fitness club, the fees that continue after opening, what the franchisor expects from new owners, and how SBA, conventional and equipment financing can fit together. It is general information only. US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Anytime Fitness; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures below come from the franchisor’s own disclosure document and website and can change with each new version. Loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, every loan is subject to lender review and approval, and nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice.
Anytime Fitness Franchise Loan at a Glance
According to Anytime Fitness’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the franchisor’s franchising website:
- Initial franchise fee: $42,500 for a single center, with a 10% discount for veterans
- Multi-unit fees: $75,000 for two locations, $97,500 for three, $130,000 for four and $27,500 for each additional location
- Monthly fee (the brand’s royalty): $842 per center per month for owners of one to nine gyms, adjusted annually for inflation; the franchisor’s website lists $647 per month for owners of 10 or more gyms
- Advertising and marketing fee: $900 per month, which the franchisor may raise to the greater of $900 or 3% of gross revenue
- Base technology fee: $799 per month, which may increase by up to 10% a year
- Estimated initial investment: $539,329 to $905,482 for a 4,000 to 7,000 square foot center in leased space
- Candidate requirements: minimum net worth of $380,000 and liquid capital of $225,000
- System size: the company reports more than 5,800 clubs in 40 countries and territories as of early 2026
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “Anytime Fitness” under code S0122, with no special directory notes
What Is Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness is a membership gym built around one idea: members can get in at any hour. According to the FDD, an access and security system developed through an affiliate lets members use any Anytime Fitness center 24 hours a day, although the franchisor may allow a particular center to operate on limited hours in some cases. Clubs are compact compared with big-box gyms, and the 2026 investment estimate is based on a center of 4,000 to 7,000 square feet.
The brand is franchised by Anytime Fitness Franchisor LLC, headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota. Its predecessor began offering franchises in October 2002, and since 2024 the franchisor has been an indirect subsidiary of its parent company. In a 2026 announcement, the company described Anytime Fitness as serving more than 5 million members at more than 5,800 clubs across 40 countries and territories on all seven continents, with every club individually owned and operated.
That combination is a large part of why lenders are familiar with the concept. The model depends on recurring monthly membership billing rather than walk-in sales, staffing is lighter than at a full-service club, and the prototype is standardized enough that build-out and equipment budgets can be compared from one deal to the next.
Anytime Fitness Franchise Costs
Item 7 of the FDD estimates what it takes to open and operate a new center for its first three months. The 2026 estimate assumes the franchisee leases a “vanilla shell” or “as is” space rather than buying land or a building.
Initial franchise fee
The standard fee for one center is $42,500. Existing franchisees, veterans and owners signing for several locations at once receive lower per-unit pricing, as described in Item 5. Franchise fees are usually an eligible use of loan proceeds under SBA programs, but lenders expect to see the signed franchise agreement and want the fee included in the total project budget rather than paid separately and forgotten.
Real estate, leasehold improvements and design
Because clubs are leased, the largest single cost is turning raw space into a gym. Item 7 estimates leasehold improvements of $170,280 to $417,300, architect and design fees of $12,825 to $26,075, construction management fees of up to $12,500, and three months’ rent plus a security deposit of $33,500 to $58,700. The FDD notes that most franchisees received some tenant improvement allowance from their landlord, which is one reason the build-out range is so wide. An allowance negotiated into the lease can meaningfully reduce the amount you need to borrow.
Fitness equipment, technology and furnishings
Equipment is the second-largest category. The FDD estimates $139,873 to $157,936 for fitness equipment, $37,857 to $45,462 for a technology equipment package purchased from the franchisor’s affiliate, $14,250 to $36,900 for interior and exterior signs, and $15,200 to $18,330 for furniture and fixtures. These items are tangible and identifiable, which makes them good candidates for equipment financing or for inclusion in a larger term loan.
Opening costs and working capital
Smaller line items add up: travel and training of $1,500 to $2,425, supplies of $3,500 to $3,800, miscellaneous opening costs of $6,750 to $7,910, insurance and bonding of $2,900 to $3,450, and pre-sale and grand opening advertising of $11,000 to $23,000 depending on the market tier. The estimate also includes additional funds of $47,394 to $49,194 to cover the first three months of operation.
Total estimated investment
Here is the full 2026 Item 7 range:
- Initial franchise fee: $42,500
- Travel and training expenses: $1,500 to $2,425
- Leasehold improvements: $170,280 to $417,300
- Three months’ rent and security deposit: $33,500 to $58,700
- Construction management fees: $0 to $12,500
- Architect and design fees: $12,825 to $26,075
- Fitness equipment: $139,873 to $157,936
- Technology equipment package: $37,857 to $45,462
- Supplies: $3,500 to $3,800
- Interior and exterior signs: $14,250 to $36,900
- Miscellaneous opening costs: $6,750 to $7,910
- Pre-sale and grand opening advertising: $11,000 to $23,000
- Insurance and bond: $2,900 to $3,450
- Furniture and fixtures: $15,200 to $18,330
- Additional funds for three months: $47,394 to $49,194
- Total: $539,329 to $905,482
According to the FDD, $91,357 to $111,462 of that total is paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. Treat the additional funds line as a floor rather than a target: many lenders and experienced owners prefer a larger cushion, because a new club’s membership base takes time to build while rent, payroll and loan payments start right away.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Anytime Fitness sets its core royalty as a flat monthly amount rather than a percentage of sales. That has real consequences for financing.
- Monthly fee: $842 per center, adjusted each year for inflation. The FDD reserves the franchisor’s right to switch to a royalty of up to 8% of gross revenue, so a long-term budget should test both structures.
- General advertising and marketing fee: $900 per month, which may rise to the greater of $900 or 3% of gross revenue.
- Local marketing spend: $600, $800 or $1,000 per month depending on the market tier, spent locally to promote your club.
- Base technology fee: $799 per month, which can increase by up to 10% annually.
- Renewal and transfer fees: a $7,500 renewal fee, and a $9,999 transfer fee (or $25,000 if the franchise is transferred before the center opens), plus a $550 pre-transfer technology inspection.
Lenders look at debt service coverage: whether the club’s cash flow after all operating costs comfortably covers loan payments. Fixed monthly fees behave differently from percentage royalties. While membership is still building, a flat fee is a larger share of revenue, which can squeeze early cash flow; as a club matures, the same flat fee becomes a smaller share. A careful projection shows the franchisor fees month by month, alongside rent, payroll, utilities and equipment payments, so a lender can see that the club can carry its debt during the ramp-up period and not just once it is full.
Renewal obligations matter too. According to the FDD, renewing the franchise requires upgrading the center, which can include replacing equipment. If you plan to finance a club over a long term, line up the loan’s maturity with the franchise term and budget for that refresh before it arrives.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchisor’s website lists a minimum net worth of $380,000 and liquid capital of $225,000 for new franchisees, and states that no previous franchise experience is necessary. Meeting those minimums does not guarantee you will qualify for financing; lenders set their own equity requirements.
The franchisor describes a four-step path: connect with a franchise development director, review the opportunity and the FDD, attend a Discovery Day to meet the team and current owners, then sign the franchise agreement. Under Item 5, new owners have 12 months from signing to open and begin operating their center, which means your financing, site and build-out timeline all need to fit inside that window.
Ways to Own an Anytime Fitness
Opening a new club. A new center starts with site selection, lease negotiation and build-out, followed by a pre-sale period and grand opening. Lenders underwrite a start-up on projections, the strength of the location, the borrower’s equity and liquidity, and the brand’s track record. Our page on fitness center start-up financing covers how new-club loans are typically structured.
Buying an existing club. A resale comes with members, billing history, equipment and staff, giving a lender actual results to study. The franchisor must approve the buyer, and the landlord usually has to consent to a lease assignment. Expect the purchase price to be weighed against the club’s historical cash flow, the condition and age of its equipment, and any upgrades the franchisor requires at transfer. See gym and fitness center acquisition financing and our guide to transfer approval, seller notes and timing in a franchise resale.
Signing for multiple locations. Buyers who commit to several clubs at once pay lower per-unit franchise fees but take on a development schedule. Each club is usually financed when it is ready to open, not all at once, which is covered in more detail below.
Financing Options for an Anytime Fitness Franchise
Most Anytime Fitness franchise loan packages combine owner equity with one or more of the following.
SBA 7(a) loans
The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible fit for a leased gym. A single loan may cover leasehold improvements, equipment, the franchise fee, opening costs and working capital, which keeps the whole project under one set of documents. It can also finance the purchase of an existing club. Learn more on our SBA 7(a) business and real estate loans page.
SBA 504 loans
Because most Anytime Fitness clubs lease their space, the 504 program is a less common fit. It becomes relevant when an owner buys the building the club occupies, constructs a building, or finances long-lived fixed assets as part of a larger project. In those cases, SBA 504 real estate financing pairs a bank loan with a loan through a certified development company and a borrower contribution, subject to program rules.
Conventional term loans
Experienced multi-unit operators with strong liquidity and established cash flow may use conventional business loans for a new club, an acquisition or a portfolio refinance. Terms and guarantees vary widely.
Equipment financing
Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, selectorized strength machines, racks, benches, free weights and functional training gear all have identifiable value, as do the access-control system and the in-club technology package. Some owners finance equipment separately from the build-out to preserve working capital or shorten the payback period on assets that wear faster. Our fitness equipment financing and leasing page explains how that works.
Working capital and lines of credit
A new club collects pre-sale memberships before opening, but rent, payroll, marketing and fees begin in earnest at about the same time, and member counts can soften after peak sign-up seasons. A working capital loan or revolving line can bridge those gaps and fund local marketing pushes. See fitness center working capital and lines of credit.
Seller financing on resales
When buying an existing club, the seller may agree to carry part of the price as a note. A seller note is typically subordinate to the primary loan, and SBA rules and lender policies may limit how it is structured and when it can be repaid.
SBA Loans for Anytime Fitness Franchisees
SBA lenders review the franchise relationship as part of every franchise loan. To streamline that step, the SBA maintains a Franchise Directory of brands whose agreements have been reviewed for eligibility. Anytime Fitness is listed on the directory as “Anytime Fitness” under code S0122, and the listing carries no special notes. In plain terms, that means a lender should not have to negotiate unusual addenda or restrictions with the franchisor before approving an otherwise eligible borrower. A listing does not approve any individual borrower or guarantee a loan; the lender still evaluates you, the location and the projections.
The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, and program rules can change.
A few practical tips for an SBA application:
- Give the lender the complete current FDD and the franchise agreement you will sign, not just the summary pages.
- Include a signed or near-final lease, contractor bids for the build-out and quotes for equipment and the technology package.
- Show where your equity injection comes from with bank and investment statements.
- Build projections that reflect a realistic membership ramp, not just a mature club’s numbers.
Our article on SBA loans for gyms and fitness centers explains how lenders apply SBA rules to fitness businesses in more detail.
How Lenders Evaluate an Anytime Fitness Deal
Personal credit and financial history
Owners of a meaningful share of the business generally provide personal guarantees, so lenders review credit reports, tax returns and any past bankruptcies, defaults or tax liens.
Net worth and liquidity
Lenders want to see the cash you will contribute to the project and the reserves you will have left after closing. The franchisor’s net worth and liquid capital thresholds are a starting point; lenders often look for additional liquidity because a new gym needs time to reach steady membership levels.
Industry and management experience
Prior franchise experience is not required by the brand, but lenders value management experience, sales and marketing skills, and any background in fitness or membership businesses. If you plan to hire a club manager, describe that person’s role and experience in your plan.
Business plan and projections
Strong projections for an Anytime Fitness club are specific: the pre-sale strategy, the expected pace of membership growth, a realistic attrition assumption, revenue from personal training or coaching, and every franchisor fee shown separately. They should also show how the flat monthly fee, advertising fee and technology fee behave as the club grows.
The FDD and franchise agreement
Lenders read the FDD for fees, the franchise term, renewal conditions, transfer rights and any obligations that could affect cash flow. Item 10 describes any financing the franchisor or its affiliates offer, and Item 19 tells you whether the franchisor provides financial performance information. Read both with your attorney and accountant, and ask current owners about their own experience during your due diligence.
Site and lease
For a leased gym, the lease is often the most important document after the franchise agreement. Lenders review the term and renewal options (ideally long enough to cover the loan), the tenant improvement allowance, any personal guarantee to the landlord, and assignment rights in case you sell.
For resales: the club’s historical financials
On an acquisition, lenders focus on tax returns, profit and loss statements, membership counts, billing history, cancellation trends and the age of the equipment.
Equipment and Technology: The Heart of an Anytime Fitness Budget
After the build-out, equipment and technology are the largest items in a new club’s budget, and they keep showing up throughout ownership. The fitness equipment line covers the cardio and strength floor members see every day. The technology equipment package, bought from the franchisor’s affiliate, supports the access and security system that makes round-the-clock operation possible, along with other in-club systems.
These assets wear out faster than the build-out around them. Treadmill belts, cables, upholstery and electronics take daily punishment, and renewal under the FDD can require equipment replacement. When financing equipment, match the loan term to the expected useful life of each item so you are not still paying for a machine after it has been retired. Resale buyers should confirm which equipment is owned, which is leased and what must be replaced at transfer.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Anytime Fitness encourages multi-unit ownership through lower per-unit franchise fees and, according to its website, a reduced monthly fee once an owner reaches 10 or more gyms. Signing for several clubs at once locks in pricing but also commits you to open them on schedule.
Lenders generally finance each new club as it is ready, rather than funding the entire development schedule up front. When you apply for a second or third club, the lender reviews the performance of the clubs you already operate, your combined debt and your remaining liquidity. A first club that is open, growing and well documented makes the next approval far easier. Before signing a multi-unit commitment, map out how much equity each opening will require and where it will come from. Our guide to financing a multi-unit development schedule walks through the planning.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner opening one club. A corporate manager with savings above the brand’s liquidity threshold signs for a single club in a growing suburb. She negotiates a tenant improvement allowance into the lease, which shrinks the build-out she needs to finance, and combines the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and working capital into one SBA 7(a) request.
A buyer acquiring an established club. A buyer finds an existing club whose owner is retiring. The lender studies several years of billing history and attrition, and the franchisor’s transfer requirements call for some equipment upgrades. The buyer includes those upgrades in the loan and negotiates a small seller note that sits behind the primary lender.
An operator adding a third location. An owner with two performing clubs signs for a third. Because the first two clubs show steady membership and clean financials, a conventional lender offers to finance the new build-out, and the owner uses a separate equipment lease for the cardio floor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting from the low end of the Item 7 range without getting real bids for your specific space
- Signing a lease before confirming financing, the tenant improvement allowance and assignment rights
- Treating the three months of additional funds in Item 7 as enough working capital for a slow membership ramp
- Ignoring the possibility that the monthly fee could convert to a percentage royalty, or that advertising and technology fees may rise
- On a resale, accepting member counts without reviewing billing and cancellation records
- Committing to a multi-unit schedule without a plan for the equity each new club will require
For more on avoidable missteps, read the fitness center loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Anytime Fitness Franchise
Step 1: Review the FDD with professionals. Read the current Anytime Fitness disclosure document with a franchise attorney and accountant, paying close attention to Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19.
Step 2: Confirm your capital. Compare your net worth and liquid capital with the franchisor’s thresholds, and document where your equity injection will come from.
Step 3: Decide your path. Choose between a new club, an existing club or a multi-unit commitment, since each changes the budget, timeline and loan structure.
Step 4: Build a site-specific budget. Replace Item 7 ranges with real lease terms, contractor bids and equipment quotes, then add a contingency and extra working capital.
Step 5: Talk with a financing specialist early. Before signing a lease or purchase agreement, confirm which loan structures may fit. Our SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates, which are for planning only and do not represent an offer or approval.
Step 6: Apply to the brand and lender in parallel. Coordinate franchisor approval, landlord consent and loan approval so that none holds up the others.
Step 7: Close and open on schedule. Manage construction draws, equipment delivery, pre-sales and staffing so the club opens within the franchisor’s deadline with working capital intact.
Anytime Fitness Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open an Anytime Fitness?
According to the 2026 FDD, the estimated initial investment for a 4,000 to 7,000 square foot center is $539,329 to $905,482. Leasehold improvements and fitness equipment make up the largest share, and the final number depends heavily on your space and lease.
What is the Anytime Fitness franchise fee?
The standard initial franchise fee is $42,500 for one center. Veterans receive a 10% discount, and multi-unit buyers pay lower per-unit fees, such as $75,000 for two locations.
What royalty does Anytime Fitness charge?
Instead of a percentage royalty, the FDD sets a monthly fee of $842 per center, adjusted annually for inflation. The franchisor may convert it to a royalty of up to 8% of gross revenue. Advertising, local marketing and technology fees are charged separately.
How much liquid capital and net worth do I need?
The franchisor lists a minimum net worth of $380,000 and liquid capital of $225,000. Lenders set their own equity and liquidity requirements based on the full project.
Is Anytime Fitness eligible for SBA loans?
Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S0122 with no special notes, so the franchise relationship itself should not be an obstacle. Each borrower and project still has to meet SBA program rules and lender requirements.
Can I get an Anytime Fitness franchise loan with no fitness experience?
The franchisor states that no previous franchise experience is necessary. Lenders still look for management, sales or business experience, and a plan to hire capable staff can strengthen your application.
Can I buy an existing Anytime Fitness instead of opening a new one?
Yes. Existing clubs change hands with franchisor approval and usually landlord consent. The FDD lists a $9,999 transfer fee, and lenders underwrite the club’s actual financial history.
Does Anytime Fitness offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD describes any financing the franchisor or its affiliates offer, and the 2026 document includes financing and leasing documents among its exhibits. Review that section carefully and compare any offer with SBA and conventional options.
How long does an Anytime Fitness franchise last, and can I renew?
Item 17 of the FDD sets out the franchise term and renewal conditions. Renewal requires a $7,500 fee and upgrading the center, which may include replacing equipment, so plan financing with that refresh in mind.
Can I open multiple Anytime Fitness locations?
Yes. The franchisor offers multi-unit pricing, and lenders typically finance each additional club as it is ready, based in part on how your existing clubs perform.
Final Thoughts
An Anytime Fitness franchise loan is built around a leased space, a standardized prototype and a recurring membership model that lenders understand well. Owners who budget from real bids, plan for the flat monthly fees and the membership ramp, and line up franchisor, landlord and lender approvals together put themselves in the best position to close and open on time.
US Professional Funding helps buyers and owners finance franchised gyms, including new clubs, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing programs and fitness center financing.
