How to Finance a Get in Shape for Women Franchise: Studio Costs
By Marc Cornella
A Get in Shape for Women franchise loan funds a boutique fitness studio built around small-group personal training, where a certified trainer coaches a handful of clients at a time through strength training, cardio, nutrition guidance and accountability. The studio model keeps the footprint and equipment list modest compared with a full gym, but the brand’s women-focused positioning brings a specific SBA requirement that every borrower should understand before applying.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Get in Shape for Women; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs vary, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice. Review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant before you sign.
Get in Shape for Women Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: small-group personal training studios for women, combining weight training, cardio, nutrition coaching and accountability in scheduled sessions led by certified trainers.
- Origins: the brand was launched in Massachusetts and grew through franchising into a network of studios.
- Format: a compact boutique studio rather than a large gym, typically in a strip center or similar retail space.
- Revenue model: recurring client programs and memberships rather than low-cost open-gym access.
- Fees and investment: the franchise fee, royalty, marketing contributions and estimated initial investment are in Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD. We could not verify these from the franchisor’s own published materials, so request the current FDD before you budget.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “Get in Shape for Women” under code S2854, with a note requiring an affidavit that the business is open to both men and women.
What Is Get in Shape for Women?
Get in Shape for Women is a boutique fitness franchise that brings the personal training experience to small groups. Instead of paying for one-on-one sessions or navigating a crowded gym alone, clients book appointments where a trainer works with a small group, correcting form and technique and keeping each person on a program.
Training plus nutrition. The program pairs workouts with nutrition guidance and regular accountability, which positions the studio as a results-focused service rather than a place to simply use equipment.
Boutique economics. A small-group studio relies on trainers’ schedules, session capacity and client retention. Revenue depends on keeping appointment slots full and clients enrolled over time.
Current availability. Before you plan financing, confirm directly with the franchisor that it is offering new franchises in your area, and ask for the current FDD. Some franchise brands pause new sales or limit them to resales and existing markets.
How lenders view the brand. Lenders reviewing a Get in Shape for Women franchise loan will focus on the owner’s fitness or sales background, the studio’s location and the realism of client enrollment projections. The SBA affidavit requirement, explained below, is a documentation step that must be planned for early.
Get in Shape for Women Franchise Costs
Every dollar figure in your budget should come from the current FDD and from quotes for your site.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 discloses the initial franchise fee. It can be included in your loan request as part of your sources and uses.
Studio build-out. A training studio needs a workout floor with durable flooring, mirrors, changing areas and restrooms, a reception area and lighting and ventilation suited to exercise. Because of the SBA note, plan restroom and locker facilities that can serve both men and women.
Fitness equipment. Expect strength equipment, free weights, cardio machines, benches and functional training gear, plus a sound system and client tracking technology.
Opening costs and working capital. Pre-opening marketing, trainer hiring and certification, insurance, software and the first months of rent and payroll are needed before the client base grows.
Item 7 of the FDD will typically group costs into lines like these:
- Initial franchise fee
- Lease deposits and rent
- Leasehold improvements
- Fitness equipment
- Furniture, fixtures and decor
- Signage
- Computer, scheduling and point-of-sale systems
- Grand opening and pre-sale marketing
- Training and travel
- Insurance, licenses and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Confirm that the line items add up to the stated total and that the studio size described in Item 7 matches the space you are considering.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty and marketing. Item 6 lists the royalty, any marketing or brand fund contribution, local advertising requirements and technology fees.
Equipment refresh. Fitness equipment wears out with heavy use. Ask whether the franchise agreement requires periodic upgrades and set aside reserves for replacement.
How lenders treat these fees. Lenders calculate debt service coverage from cash flow after royalties, rent, trainer payroll and marketing. A Get in Shape for Women franchise loan should be sized against realistic client counts during the ramp-up period, not a fully booked schedule.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
We could not verify published net worth or liquid capital minimums for Get in Shape for Women. Ask the franchisor for its written criteria and review Item 11 for training obligations.
Experience. A background in personal training, fitness management, sales or customer service is helpful. Owners who will not train clients themselves need a plan for hiring and retaining certified trainers.
Approval process. Expect an application, discussions with the franchisor, a financial review, site approval and training before opening.
Ways to Own a Get in Shape for Women
Open a new studio. A new studio requires the full build-out and equipment budget, plus marketing to build an initial client base. Our fitness center start-up financing page covers how new studios are funded.
Buy an existing studio. Buying an operating studio brings existing clients, trainers and equipment, subject to franchisor approval of the transfer. Lenders will review client retention and historical cash flow. See our fitness business acquisition financing page and our article on buying a boutique fitness studio.
Add studios. Owners who succeed with one studio may open a second in a nearby market, using the first studio’s results to support the new loan.
Financing Options for a Get in Shape for Women Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 7(a) program can cover the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and working capital in one loan. Learn about SBA 7(a) loans.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit and collateral may qualify for a conventional business loan, particularly for a second studio.
Equipment financing. Strength machines, free weights and cardio equipment can be financed or leased separately, preserving cash for marketing and payroll. Explore fitness equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Fitness demand often peaks in the new year and before summer, then softens during holidays and late summer. A line of credit can carry payroll and rent through slower enrollment periods. See our fitness center working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. A selling owner may carry a note for part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the primary loan, and some programs limit how they can be structured.
SBA Loans for Get in Shape for Women Franchisees
SBA-guaranteed loans are made by participating lenders, with the SBA guaranteeing a portion. Lenders check the SBA Franchise Directory to confirm a franchise brand’s eligibility. Our article on SBA loans for gyms covers the program in more detail.
Directory status. Get in Shape for Women is listed under code S2854 with this note: the lender must obtain an affidavit signed by the applicant that the business is open to both men and women, and document the file with evidence that the facility is open to both, such as appropriate bath and locker rooms or documented membership demographics. The SBA provides a template for the affidavit.
What the note means. SBA-guaranteed loans cannot go to businesses that restrict customers by sex. A brand that markets to women can still qualify, but the borrower must sign an affidavit confirming the studio is open to everyone, and the lender must keep evidence in the file. In practice, that means planning facilities that can accommodate men and women and being prepared to show membership policies or demographics.
Program size. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million (program rules can change), well above what a single studio typically needs.
SBA application tips.
- Plan restrooms and changing areas that can serve both men and women.
- Be ready to sign the affidavit and provide supporting evidence.
- Include build-out bids and equipment quotes that match Item 7.
- Show fitness, sales or management experience.
- Estimate payments with our SBA loan calculator.
How Lenders Evaluate a Get in Shape for Women Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and existing debts.
Net worth and liquidity. Expect to inject equity and keep reserves for the ramp-up period.
Industry and management experience. Training, fitness management or sales experience helps, along with a plan to recruit certified trainers.
Business plan and projections. Base projections on session capacity, client enrollment and retention, program pricing, trainer payroll and seasonality. Explain how pre-opening marketing will build a client base before launch.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review fees, territory, term and transfer provisions. Our article on using the FDD for franchise financing explains what they check.
Site and lease. Lenders want a lease term that covers the loan period, reasonable occupancy costs and landlord consent.
Historical financials for resales. When buying an existing studio, expect tax returns, profit and loss statements and client enrollment reports.
Studio Equipment and Facilities
- Strength equipment: machines, free weights and benches for guided training.
- Cardio equipment: treadmills, bikes or rowers for conditioning work.
- Functional gear: bands, mats and accessories for small-group circuits.
- Technology: scheduling, client tracking and payment software.
- Facilities: changing areas and restrooms that support the SBA open-to-all requirement.
Financing equipment separately and matching terms to its useful life keeps more cash available for marketing during the first months.
Multi-Unit Growth
Owners who build a strong client base may add a second or third studio. Lenders typically finance each studio based on the performance of existing locations. Keep separate financial records for each studio and confirm with the franchisor how additional territories are granted.
Real-World Scenarios
The personal trainer. A certified trainer opens a studio using an SBA 7(a) loan for the franchise fee, build-out and working capital, with equipment leased separately.
The resale buyer. A fitness manager buys an existing studio with an established client base, using an SBA loan, personal equity and a subordinate seller note, subject to franchisor approval.
The second studio. A successful owner opens a second location with a conventional loan supported by the first studio’s results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking the SBA affidavit and facilities requirement until late in the process.
- Projecting a fully booked schedule from day one.
- Underestimating trainer recruitment and turnover costs.
- Spending too much on build-out and too little on pre-opening marketing.
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up period.
Read more in our article on fitness center loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Get in Shape for Women Franchise
Step 1: Confirm availability and request the FDD. Ask the franchisor whether your market is open and review the current FDD with a franchise attorney.
Step 2: Confirm requirements. Ask about net worth, liquidity and experience criteria.
Step 3: Find a site. Choose a space that fits the studio layout and can accommodate facilities for all clients.
Step 4: Gather documents. Collect tax returns, a personal financial statement, build-out bids and equipment quotes.
Step 5: Build projections. Model client enrollment, retention, payroll and seasonality.
Step 6: Apply. Prepare the SBA affidavit and coordinate franchise signing, lease approval and loan closing.
Get in Shape for Women Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Get in Shape for Women franchise cost?
The estimated initial investment is in Item 7 of the current FDD and depends on studio size, build-out and local costs.
What is the Get in Shape for Women franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD.
What royalty does Get in Shape for Women charge?
Royalty and marketing fees are listed in Item 6.
How much liquid capital do I need?
We could not verify a published minimum. Ask the franchisor, and expect lenders to require an equity injection plus reserves.
Is Get in Shape for Women eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2854, with a requirement that the borrower sign an affidavit that the studio is open to both men and women.
Why does the SBA require an affidavit?
SBA-guaranteed loans cannot fund businesses that restrict customers by sex, so the lender must document that the studio is open to everyone.
Can I finance fitness equipment separately?
Yes. Equipment loans or leases can cover strength and cardio equipment apart from your main loan.
Can I buy an existing studio?
Yes, if an owner is selling and the franchisor approves the transfer.
Can a first-time owner qualify?
Yes, though lenders will look for relevant experience or a strong plan for hiring trainers.
Does Get in Shape for Women offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses whether the franchisor offers any financing.
How long is the franchise term?
The term, renewal and transfer conditions are in Item 17 of the FDD.
Final Thoughts
A Get in Shape for Women franchise loan funds a compact, service-driven business where trainers and client retention matter more than square footage. Buyers who confirm availability, plan for the SBA open-to-all requirement and keep enough working capital for the ramp-up period will be well positioned to grow.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and fitness center financing solutions.
