The health and fitness industry in the United Kingdom has experienced consistent growth, driven by increased awareness of physical wellbeing, flexible working lifestyles, and demand for 24-hour gym access. As more consumers prioritise convenient and affordable fitness solutions, franchise opportunities in this sector continue to attract strong interest. One of the most recognised names in the market is Anytime Fitness, a 24/7 gym brand with hundreds of locations across the UK and thousands worldwide. For entrepreneurs considering investing in the fitness sector, understanding the financial commitment required is a crucial first step.

Overview of the Anytime Fitness Franchise Model

Anytime Fitness operates a membership-based gym model that provides round-the-clock access to members. The brand focuses on convenience, community engagement, and accessible pricing. Most clubs are medium-sized facilities located in retail parks, town centres, or residential areas with strong local demand.

The business model generates recurring revenue through monthly membership subscriptions, which helps create predictable cash flow. Additional income may come from personal training services, retail merchandise, and fitness classes. Franchisees are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, staff management, local marketing, and ensuring the club maintains brand standards.

One of the attractive features of this franchise is its flexibility in entry routes, allowing investors to choose the path that best suits their experience level and financial capacity.

Franchise Investment in the UK

The franchise typically ranges from £170,000 to £250,000 or more depending on which of their 3 different franchise routes provided by Anytime Fitness. For example, you can either buy a complete new build location, a resale or a gym rebrand for an already established location.

A new build location often represents the higher end of the investment spectrum. This route involves securing a suitable property, carrying out a full gym fit-out, purchasing equipment, and launching the business from scratch. While this option may require greater upfront capital, it allows franchisees to build membership from the ground up in a chosen territory.

A resale opportunity generally involves purchasing an existing Anytime Fitness club from a current owner. Costs may vary depending on the performance, size, and profitability of the gym. In some cases, this route can provide immediate revenue from an established membership base.

A gym rebrand is another entry option. This involves converting an independent or non-affiliated gym into an Anytime Fitness location. While this may reduce certain setup costs compared to a full new build, investment is still required to meet brand standards, upgrade equipment, and implement company systems.

What the Start-Up Investment Covers

The £170,000 to £250,000 or more investment typically covers several key areas. A significant portion is allocated to property-related expenses, including lease deposits, renovations, and compliance with building and safety regulations.

Fitness equipment is one of the largest costs. Commercial-grade cardio machines, strength equipment, free weights, flooring, and security systems are essential components of a 24-hour gym. Technology systems, such as access control, CCTV, and membership management software, are also required.

The franchise fee grants the right to operate under the Anytime Fitness brand and provides access to training, operational support, marketing resources, and ongoing guidance. Franchisees typically receive assistance with site selection, gym layout planning, and pre-opening marketing campaigns.

Working capital is also necessary to cover staffing, utilities, insurance, and other operational costs during the early months of trading while membership numbers grow.

Factors That Influence Overall Costs

While the franchise typically ranges from £170,000 to £250,000 or more, the final figure depends on several factors. Location is one of the most significant variables, as rental prices and property sizes vary widely across the UK.

The size of the gym, the extent of refurbishment required, and the level of equipment investment will also impact total costs. Additionally, choosing between a new build, resale, or rebrand route will significantly influence the overall capital requirement.

Conclusion

Investing in an Anytime Fitness franchise in the UK offers an opportunity to join a globally recognised fitness brand with a proven membership-based business model. With the franchise typically ranging from £170,000 to £250,000 or more depending on the chosen route, prospective franchisees must carefully assess their financial readiness and business goals. Whether launching a brand-new gym, purchasing an established club, or rebranding an existing facility, Anytime Fitness provides structured support and access to a growing health-conscious market. For entrepreneurs passionate about fitness and community engagement, this franchise can represent a strong long-term business opportunity.