Boutique Gyms: The business that is leading the fitness industry

Imagine going to a class that specializes in your favorite type of exercise, or blends a couple types of exercise that you love into one. You’re surrounded by energetic people in a social atmosphere where people know you. The space itself is attractive and upscale. The class is led by an amazing instructor. They’re playing motivating music, and for an hour, you’re pushed to your limits in a unique blend of fun, intensity, and team work.

What are boutique gyms?

The sporty revolution seems to have no end, a new concept has emerged aimed at true fitness fans who, in addition, seek extra peace of mind and hate having to wait to use a machine. The solution?    The boutique gyms business!

A boutique fitness gym is generally viewed as a small gym that focuses on group exercise and specializes in one or two fitness areas. One of the most remarkable aspects of boutiques is their premium price tag. Fitness Boutiques re-defined the industry, driving much of the membership growth over the past decade. They adapted to the unique preferences of millennials and younger generations who sought more specialized experiences, a sense of community, and flexible participation. Highlighting their rapid expansion, the definitive trade organization IHRSA notes that boutique memberships expanded 74% from 2012 to 2015, compared to 5% for health clubs.

Although no definitive date marks the birth of fitness boutiques, several seminal brands were founded during the early 2000s, grew aggressively, and enticed a multitude of new entrants over the last ten years. Pioneering boutiques specialized in particular forms of fitness and crafted distinct cultures. 

7 Boutique gyms that worth your money:

Initial investment (Dollars)	$255,500	$300,000	$575,422	$48,000 – $50,000	$138,750 – $399,000	$142,330 – $349,950	$1,084,600
Franchise Fee (Dollars)	5% on monthly gross sales	$1500	7% on monthly gross sales	$300	6% on monthly gross sales	6% on monthly gross sales	5% ongoing royalty fee

1. Fit Jeff

One of the most profitable franchise boutique gyms. They offer the most demanded activities, creating a social environment in a unique space away from the noise and gray color of the city. Their centers are flexible, sociable, low cost and motivational; it's the perfect solution.

2. Crunch Fitness

Crunch fitness centers offer access to workout equipment, personal training, and a variety of classes to base members. Peak members, who pay a higher monthly membership fee, also receive tanning services, free guest passes, and access to an online fitness and nutrition program that includes meal planning, recipes, fitness videos and tools, and nutritional products. The initial investment is $255,500.

3. F45 Training

F45 is a fitness franchise that provides team-based interval training.The cost to become an F45 franchise owner begins with a minimum liquid capital requirement of $90,000. The total investment is approximately $300,000. 

4. Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness studios offer trainer-led group workout sessions, which are broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Equipment used in the classes includes treadmills, rowing machines and free weights. Each participant also wears a heart-rate monitor, and their heart rate is displayed on screens during the workout. The initial investment is around $575,422.

5. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Fyzical Therapy offers balance retraining, physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, fall prevention, individualized wellness programs, and fitness programs. For you to invest in a Fyzical Therapy Franchise, you will have to pay between $138,750 – $399,000. Up to date, Fyzical Therapy has over 335 locations and about 18 strategic partnerships.

6. Burn Boot Camp

Burn Boot Camp emerged in 2012, and it started franchising in 2014. You will have to pay an initial investment fee of around $142,330 – $349,950 before legally owning a Burn Boot Camp franchise. The primary mission of Burn Boot Camp is to ignite global health transformation by seeking to build emotionally, physically, and mentally strong women

7. Planet Fitness

With $1,084,600 of initial investment, Planet Fitness got its start in 1992 when Michael Grondahl acquired a struggling gym. He reduced membership prices to compete against better-known brands and focused on serving occasional or first-time gym users. Every Planet Fitness location holds a pizza night for members once a month, as well as a bagel morning, and Tootsie Rolls are available at all times. 

Are boutique gyms profitable?

The truth is, fitness boutique gyms aren't cheap to run. They require an engaged and excited staff at a much higher ratio of trainers-to-clients than a traditional gym. According to a survey by Les Milles and Nielsen, 63% of people attend boutique fitness studios forLes Milles and Nielsen the community aspect, while 47% of people participate because of the atmosphere. These two factors definitely play a large part in its success. 

Millennials are abandoning their gym memberships for more expensive and trendy boutique fitness classes. Despite the more expensive fee, there are reasons why so many people are visiting specialized small gyms for cycling, boxing, boot camps, and much more. Why?

1. Limited Availability

With such limited availability, unlike regular fitness centers, there are strict rules for attendance. Many boutique fitness gyms require cancellation or no-show fees. This motivates the registered to attend the classes.

2. Mind Refreshing 

The days of mindless treadmill running are behind the millennial generation. Now, whether it is cycling or an intense boot camp, millennials can choose where to go and what to do.

3. Effectiveness: Cost, Commitment, and Community

As expensive the classes for boutique fitness studios can be, they do provide higher value for each classes. Since the classes are smaller, the training can be more tailored to your expectations and personal goals.

Difference between Fitness Boutique and Big Gym:

Generally, a typical gym works on a membership basis, just some cardio machines and things for strength training. In the other side, boutique fitness studio are much smaller workout facilities that often specialize in a certain type of class each offers a signature class that’s unique to that studio.