F45 Franchise Cost

What's Included in the F45 Initial Investment

$299,950 to $554,000 is the total estimated initial investment to open an F45 Training franchise. That range covers everything from the franchise fee to the working capital you will need during the first months of operation. Unlike traditional gyms that require rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines, F45 studios use a smaller set of functional training equipment - kettlebells, battle ropes, sleds, TRX straps, plyo boxes, and similar gear. This keeps the equipment budget well below what a full-service gym would cost.

F45 studios typically occupy 1,600 to 2,000 square feet of open floor space. There are no individual workout stations or cardio rows. The entire floor is used for rotating circuit-style classes, which means build-out is relatively straightforward: rubber flooring, mirrors, a sound system, TV screens for the proprietary workout display system, and a small front desk area. The table below breaks down where the investment goes.

The studio build-out is the biggest variable. Converting an existing gym or fitness space can save $50,000 or more compared to a ground-up build in a raw retail shell. High-end locations in premium shopping centers or downtown districts will push costs toward the top of the range. If you are comparing fitness franchise options, an OrangeTheory franchise has a higher total investment range due to the treadmills and heart rate monitoring equipment required in every studio.

F45 Franchise Requirements

$600,000 minimum net worth and $200,000 in liquid capital are the financial thresholds to qualify as an F45 franchisee. Compared to restaurant franchises like Raising Cane's, the financial bar is significantly lower, which makes F45 accessible to a broader range of investors.

F45 does not require franchisees to have prior fitness industry experience. The brand's technology-driven model handles much of the workout programming automatically - daily workouts are sent to each studio's screens from F45 headquarters, so owners do not need to design classes or hire specialized programming staff. That said, a background in sales, marketing, or local business management is valuable since membership sales are the primary revenue driver.

Franchisees are expected to be involved in day-to-day operations, particularly during the first year. Building a membership base from zero requires consistent effort in local marketing, community outreach, and retention. Absentee ownership is not the intended model, though some multi-unit operators hire studio managers once locations are established.

F45 Franchise Revenue and Profitability

$450,000 to $840,000 in annual revenue is a realistic range for a mature F45 studio, depending on membership count and local pricing. Revenue at an F45 studio is almost entirely membership-based. Most studios charge between $150 and $200 per month for unlimited classes, with some markets supporting higher pricing. A studio with 250 to 350 active members falls within that revenue range.

The recurring revenue model is one of F45's strongest selling points. Unlike a restaurant that resets to zero sales each morning, a membership-based fitness studio starts each month with a predictable revenue base from existing members. Monthly churn rates (the percentage of members who cancel each month) typically run between 5% and 10% in the boutique fitness industry, so retention efforts are critical to long-term profitability.

Operating expenses for an F45 studio include rent, trainer wages, utilities, insurance, royalties (7%), and the advertising fund (2%). Rent is often the largest single expense, and keeping occupancy costs below 15% of revenue is a common benchmark in the fitness industry. After all expenses, studio-level profit margins typically fall between 15% and 30% for well-run locations with strong membership numbers.

Always review Item 19 (Financial Performance Representations) of the current F45 Franchise Disclosure Document for the most accurate and up-to-date revenue data. The FDD is the only authoritative source for financial performance claims.

F45's Business Model and Technology Platform

$299,950 to $554,000 gets you access to a workout system that runs on autopilot, which is a key differentiator from other fitness franchises. F45 stands for "Functional 45" - every class is 45 minutes of functional group training. The brand offers over 4,000 unique workouts across categories including HIIT, circuit training, resistance training, and hybrid formats. New workouts are programmed centrally and pushed to studio screens daily.

Each studio is equipped with large display screens that show members exactly which exercise to perform, how long each set lasts, and when to rotate stations. Heart rate monitoring is integrated into the experience, allowing members to track their effort in real time. This tech-driven approach means the trainer's role shifts from designing workouts to coaching form and motivating the class.

The 45-minute class format is deliberate. It is short enough to fit into a lunch break or before-work time slot, which helps drive higher class attendance rates. Most studios run 6 to 10 classes per day, with peak hours in the early morning (5:30-7:00 AM) and early evening (5:00-7:00 PM). Studios are typically closed during midday hours, which keeps staffing costs lower than a traditional gym that stays open 16 to 20 hours daily.

F45 was founded in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, and began franchising in 2014, entering the U.S. market in 2016. The brand attracted attention when actor Mark Wahlberg became a major investor and brand ambassador, which helped accelerate growth in the U.S. and globally. F45 went public on the NYSE under the ticker FXLV, though the company later faced financial headwinds and stock price declines. The brand now operates from its headquarters in Austin, TX, with more than 1,750 locations worldwide.

Pros and Cons of Owning an F45 Franchise

$300K to $554K is a significant commitment, so it is important to weigh the strengths and risks before signing a franchise agreement. Here is an honest look at both sides.

Pros

• Lower entry cost than restaurants. At $299,950 to $554,000, F45 costs a fraction of what a Raising Cane's or Crumbl Cookie franchise requires. The smaller footprint and simpler build-out keep startup costs down.
• Recurring membership revenue. Monthly memberships create predictable cash flow. Once a studio builds a solid member base, revenue becomes more stable than transaction-based businesses.
• Automated workout programming. The centralized technology platform handles workout design and delivery, which removes a major operational burden. You do not need to hire a head programmer or develop class content.
• Small footprint, lower overhead. A 1,600 to 2,000 square foot studio costs significantly less in rent than a 3,500 square foot restaurant or a 10,000 square foot traditional gym.
• Growing demand for boutique fitness. The boutique fitness market has grown steadily, with consumers willing to pay premium prices for specialized group workout experiences.

Cons

• Corporate financial challenges. F45's public listing and subsequent financial difficulties raised questions about the parent company's stability. Research the brand's current financial health before investing.
• Membership-dependent model. Revenue is entirely tied to membership count. A studio that fails to build and retain members will struggle with fixed costs like rent and royalties.
• Competitive boutique fitness market. OrangeTheory Fitness, Barry's, CrossFit, and Burn Boot Camp all compete for the same fitness-minded consumers. Local independent studios add further competition.
• Seasonal membership fluctuations. Fitness studios typically see membership spikes in January and drops in summer months. Managing cash flow through slower periods is a real challenge.
• Ongoing royalty and ad fees total 9%. The combined 7% royalty and 2% advertising fee on gross sales is a meaningful ongoing cost, especially during months when membership numbers are building.

How to Open an F45 Franchise

$299,950 to $554,000 and 4 to 8 months is the typical range for investment and timeline from approval to opening day. The timeline is shorter than most restaurant franchises because the studio build-out is simpler. Here are the key steps in the process.

1. Research and Self-Assessment

Start by reviewing the F45 franchise opportunity on their corporate website. Evaluate whether you meet the financial requirements ($600K net worth, $200K liquid capital) and whether you are prepared to be actively involved in growing a membership-based business. Visit existing F45 studios as a member to experience the product firsthand.

2. Submit a Franchise Application

Complete the franchise inquiry form through F45's development team. The application covers your financial background, business experience, target market, and reasons for interest in the brand. You will go through an initial screening call to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

3. FDD Review and Discovery Process

If your application advances, you will receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Review it carefully with a franchise attorney. Pay close attention to Item 19 (financial performance), Item 7 (estimated initial investment), and Item 5 and 6 (ongoing fees). F45 will walk you through a discovery process that may include calls with the corporate team and conversations with existing franchisees.

4. Secure Financing

With the FDD reviewed, arrange your financing. SBA loans, conventional bank loans, home equity lines, and personal savings are common funding sources for fitness franchises. The lower total investment compared to restaurant franchises makes F45 more accessible to individual investors without institutional backing.

5. Site Selection and Build-Out

Work with the F45 real estate team to identify a location in your territory. The ideal studio is 1,600 to 2,000 square feet in a high-visibility retail strip or shopping center with strong foot traffic and easy parking. Build-out typically takes 8 to 16 weeks and includes flooring, mirrors, the technology display system, branding, and equipment installation.

6. Training Program

Before opening, you and your staff will complete F45's training program covering studio operations, the technology platform, membership sales, class delivery, and business management. Training includes both remote learning modules and hands-on sessions. Your trainers will learn how to coach F45's workout formats and use the in-studio display system.

7. Pre-Sale and Grand Opening

F45 emphasizes a pre-sale period before the studio officially opens. During this phase (typically 6 to 8 weeks), you will sell founding memberships at a discounted rate to build an initial member base. The goal is to open with 100 to 150 members already signed up. Grand opening marketing includes local advertising, social media campaigns, and community events to drive awareness and trial visits.

Compare F45 to other franchise investments in our cheapest franchises and most profitable franchises rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Franchises