Back when I helped a friend scout franchise options for his fitness startup, we ran into the same problem over and over—everything looked expensive on paper. Until we found one brand that flipped the script.
That’s when I started taking a closer look at budget-friendly gym franchises in India. There’s a growing pool of them, and they’re quietly gaining ground.
This review comes from real conversations with franchise owners, field data on startup costs, and a breakdown of recurring expenses. I’ve cut out the fluff and focused on what matters to business owners.
You’ll find 8 gym franchises in this list, all with minimal investment and solid support systems. If you’re eyeing entry into the fitness market without taking on heavy risk, these names are worth your time.
Alright, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Chart
Here’s a comprehensive comparison chart to help you evaluate all 8 gym franchise options side by side. This chart focuses on key business criteria to help you weigh the startup costs, fees, space needs, and support structures at a glance.
Franchise Name | Initial Investment | Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Space Requirement | Support Highlights | Best Fit For |
1. Anytime Fitness | ₹2.5 – ₹3 crore | ₹15 – ₹30 lakh | ₹80,000/month (fixed) | 3,000 – 5,000+ sq. ft | Extensive training, fixed royalty, national brand promos | Metro and Tier 1 cities |
2. WTF Gyms | ₹5 – ₹10 lakh | Included in setup | Revenue share model | 2,000 – 5,000 sq. ft (flexible) | Co-management, AI tools, marketing support | Existing gym owners, revamps |
3. Plus Fitness 24/7 | ₹1 – ₹1.5 crore | ₹15 lakh | None | ~3,000 sq. ft | Turnkey setup, 24/7 model, no royalty | Urban professionals, tech parks |
4. Skale Fitness | ₹75 lakh – ₹3 crore | ₹7 lakh | 5% of monthly revenue | 3,000 – 10,000 sq. ft | Setup help, HR support, strong in South India | Mid to large cities in South India |
5. Burn Out Fitness | ₹30 – ₹75 lakh | ₹8 lakh | 8% of monthly revenue | ~4,000 sq. ft | Layout design, HR hiring, marketing assets | South Indian neighborhoods |
6. Gym99 (BBI) | ₹15 lakh – ₹1.5 crore | Integrated | Not disclosed (likely rev-share) | 250 – 3,100 sq. ft | Multi-format, supplement retail, flexible payment model | Price-sensitive markets, micro-locations |
7. O2 Gym | ₹30 lakh – ₹1.2 crore | ₹5 lakh | None | 3,000 – 7,000 sq. ft | Visual branding, no royalty, spa-gym combo | Premium fitness in urban areas |
8. FitnessOne | ₹51 lakh – ₹1.2 crore | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 2,000 – 5,000+ sq. ft | Multi-format, corporate wellness experience | South Indian cities, flexible formats |
1. Anytime Fitness
Address: Anytime Fitness India, 7th Floor, Tower B, DLF Building 10, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122002
Year Established: 2013 (India operations)
Website: https://www.anytimefitness.co.in
I always look for business models that balance scale with simplicity—and Anytime Fitness checks both boxes. It’s built on the idea that people should have round-the-clock access to fitness, and that concept has worked across cities, age groups, and income brackets. With a flat royalty and a global reputation, this franchise creates room for predictable growth and long-term value.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹2.5 crore to ₹3 crore
This includes everything from gym interiors and top-tier equipment to software systems, staff training, and pre-opening promotions. It also accounts for early-stage working capital.
- Franchise Fee: ₹15 to ₹30 lakh (one-time)
This gives you full branding rights, access to the global operational system, and ongoing strategic support. The exact fee depends on your city category.
- Royalty Fee: ₹80,000 per month (fixed)
- Unlike most gyms that charge a percentage of revenue, Anytime Fitness uses a flat-rate model. That’s a big advantage if you’re planning to scale membership quickly.
- Space Requirement: 3,000 to 5,000+ sq. Ft
You’ll need a location with steady footfall—commercial centers, residential hubs, or mixed-use developments work best. The layout must accommodate strength zones, cardio, changing rooms, and a clean reception area.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Structured Franchise Training: I like that they don’t leave you guessing—owners and managers receive full training before launch, including club operations, safety protocols, and sales systems.
- On-Demand Operational Help: You’ll get support for hiring, team development, local marketing, and retention strategies. The backend support is steady and easy to access.
- Marketing Playbooks & Campaign Kits: They provide seasonal promo materials, design templates, and digital marketing assets. I find this especially helpful for franchisees without a background in fitness branding.
- Technology and Tools: From member apps to billing software, the backend is built for scale. This helps streamline day-to-day tasks and gives you clear insights into performance.
Takeaway
Anytime Fitness offers a globally trusted brand with a strong support system and a proven 24/7 model that draws members from diverse backgrounds. The flat royalty model makes monthly planning easier and improves long-term margins as your member base grows. The downside is the high upfront cost, which may put it out of reach for first-time investors with smaller budgets.
2. WTF Gyms (Work That Fits)
Address: WTF Gyms India HQ, A-5, Sector 65, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201301
Year Established: 2021
Website: https://wtfgyms.com
I look at this model as a wake-up call for traditional gyms. WTF Gyms isn’t just another fitness brand—it’s a system that turns struggling or underutilized local gyms into polished, tech-backed operations with national reach. If you’re sitting on a decent location or an existing gym that needs a new engine, this franchise turns low cost into real opportunity.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
This covers rebranding, ambient upgrades, software integration, and tech systems. You don’t need to build a new gym from scratch—the model works by partnering with existing gym owners.
- Franchise Fee: Typically included in setup cost
There is no separate brand fee. The franchise model relies on a partnership agreement where WTF supplies branding and systems, and you revamp your gym to meet their standards.
- Royalty Fee: Profit-sharing model
Instead of charging a fixed royalty or percentage, WTF becomes a business partner. Revenue is shared between you and the brand based on a mutually agreed formula.
- Space Requirement: Flexible (2,000 to 5,000 sq. ft.)
Because the franchise adapts to pre-existing spaces, the size depends on your current gym or the space you want to convert. Locations in urban or semi-urban areas with steady member traffic are ideal.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Built-In Tech and Business Training: I appreciate how hands-on this model is. They provide operational guidance, team training, and access to their app and AI assistant, Fitty, which automates member interactions.
- Shared Management and Marketing Support: WTF actively manages operations with you. They handle membership pricing, promotional campaigns, and social media outreach so you can focus on customer service and staff quality.
- Flexible Partner Model: Since you’re not handing over your gym but working together, you stay involved in day-to-day business decisions. This keeps you in control while using a proven system.
- Ideal for Urban Revamp or Gym Owners: This setup works best for someone who owns a gym or space that’s underperforming. It’s built for cities and large towns where foot traffic exists but brand credibility and customer experience are missing.
Takeaway
WTF Gyms makes franchising more accessible by partnering with existing gyms and eliminating traditional entry barriers. Its tech-first approach, combined with co-managed operations, allows owners to modernize without going solo. However, the shared control model might not suit investors who prefer full independence over day-to-day decisions.
3. Plus Fitness 24/7
Address: Plus Fitness India, D-100, Sector 2, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201301
Year Established: launched in India in 2019
Website: https://www.plusfitness.co.in
I like Plus Fitness for its balance between global systems and localized strategy. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overcomplicated, it just delivers a solid 24/7 gym model with simple operations and a clean, professional feel. For a business owner looking for structured support without giving away a slice of every rupee earned, this one stands out.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore
This includes complete gym setup, fitness equipment, access control systems, fit-out, branding, pre-launch marketing, and staff onboarding. The pricing is competitive compared to other global brands in the 24/7 space.
- Franchise Fee: ₹15 lakh
Paid once, this gives you brand rights, operational manuals, training access, and use of the international franchise network. It also includes project planning and launch support.
- Royalty Fee: None
There is no ongoing royalty or monthly revenue share. This means all the income from memberships and services stays with the franchisee.
- Space Requirement: Around 3,000 sq. Ft.
A commercially approved property with good visibility and accessibility is required. Locations near residential clusters, tech parks, or colleges perform best.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Full Operational Training: I think the strongest part of their model is the plug-and-play structure. Franchisees are trained on everything from club operations to billing software and emergency protocols.
- Launch and Marketing Support: The brand supports your grand opening with media promotion, local advertising ideas, and digital templates. They also help plan seasonal offers and retention campaigns.
- 24/7 Access System: The gym is built to function with minimal staff using swipe access control and automated systems. This lowers labor costs and increases member flexibility.
- Ideal for Value-Conscious Urban Markets: Plus Fitness works best in urban areas where customers want affordability, quality, and flexible timing. Its low pricing and no-frills model appeal to young professionals and fitness-first communities.
Takeaway
Plus Fitness delivers an easy-to-operate, no-frills gym concept with full-time access and zero royalty, which significantly boosts profit retention. The brand’s international credibility and efficient systems make it ideal for value-conscious markets. Still, the initial setup cost remains substantial and might stretch budgets for smaller investors who haven’t finalized their gym equipment planning.
4. Skale Fitness
Address: Skale Fitness India, 29, Kamaraj Avenue, 2nd Street, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600020
Year Established: 2013
Website: https://skalefitness.com
I see Skale Fitness as a great option for anyone serious about running a gym with long-term plans. It’s one of the few Indian fitness brands that has built a name across Tamil Nadu by keeping investment manageable and support consistent. If you’re aiming to open a full-service gym without entering premium pricing territory, Skale strikes that balance really well.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹75 lakh to ₹3 crore
The total cost depends on the size and format. This includes gym construction, interiors, strength and cardio equipment, software, and initial marketing spend.
- Franchise Fee: ₹7 lakh
A one-time payment that covers brand licensing, access to systems, staff training, and operational support. It’s intentionally priced low to make the model more accessible.
- Royalty Fee: 5 percent of monthly revenue
This is charged on gross collections. It’s lower than many franchise standards, leaving room for strong profitability if your member base grows steadily.
- Space Requirement: 3,000 to 10,000 sq. Ft.
The gym should ideally be in a visible, accessible location within a residential or mixed-use area. Larger formats are suited for metro zones, while smaller clubs work in tier-2 cities.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Complete Franchise Onboarding: Skale walks you through the entire process, from location planning to opening day. I like that they also help with recruiting trainers and support staff so you’re not figuring it out alone.
- Ongoing Support & Brand Campaigns: The brand runs local and regional campaigns and shares ready-to-use promo content. Franchisees also get help managing day-to-day issues and keeping quality consistent.
- South India Market Advantage: Skale is already a known name in cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. That helps when launching because people already associate the brand with reliability and results.
- Flexible Formats for Growth: Whether you want to open a flagship club in a metro or a lean gym in a growing town, Skale can customize the scale. This makes it easier to match your budget and market demand.
Takeaway
Skale offers scalable investment options, strong regional support, and a well-documented track record in South India. Its low franchise fee and operational guidance make it especially appealing for newer business owners. That said, its regional recognition may limit the brand pull in other parts of the country without extra local marketing effort.
5. Burn Out Unisex Fitness Studio
Address: Burn Out Fitness HQ, 23/11, Muthuranga Mudali Street, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600005
Year Established: 2014
Website: https://burnoutfitnessstudio.com
I see Burn Out as a smart pick for those looking to run a neighborhood gym that’s simple, modern, and built to scale. The brand focuses on lean setups and smart operations, which makes it easier to manage without compromising on the member experience. If you’re targeting busy professionals in growing cities, Burn Out’s structure makes the process smoother from day one.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹30 lakh to ₹75 lakh
The investment includes setup, equipment, interiors, software systems, and branding. There are smaller formats available for compact locations, which helps you match the gym to the neighborhood.
- Franchise Fee: ₹8 lakh
This one-time fee covers brand usage, launch assistance, staff training, and marketing templates. It’s built into the overall investment and gives access to their full business system.
- Royalty Fee: 8 percent of monthly revenue
Paid on the gross income generated from memberships and services. While this is slightly above average, it comes with hands-on business support and marketing tools.
- Space Requirement: Around 4,000 sq. Ft.
The location should be easy to access and visible from a main road or residential pocket. The layout must allow room for cardio, strength training, changing areas, and a small reception.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- End-to-End Business Setup: The team helps with location layout, staff hiring, equipment planning, and pricing strategy. I like that they offer direct support during launch instead of leaving you to figure it out.
- Marketing and Lead Generation Help: Burn Out runs centralized ad campaigns and shares digital assets with franchisees. They also help generate leads through their website and regional promotions.
- Ideal for South Indian Urban Centers: Burn Out already has a strong presence in Tamil Nadu and is expanding into other South Indian cities. It fits well in high-density areas with young working professionals and students.
- Focused on Quick ROI: With smaller setups and controlled costs, most franchises see a payback within 18 to 24 months. The brand’s systems are designed to help franchisees break even faster than larger gym models.
Takeaway
Burn Out balances affordability with comprehensive setup and marketing support, making it a great fit for busy neighborhoods. The brand’s emphasis on quick ROI and lean operations helps reduce risk for smaller investors. However, its limited presence outside Tamil Nadu means it will require more groundwork to establish awareness in new regions.
6. Gym99 (by Body Building India)
Address: Body Building India HQ, B-5, Sector 8, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201301
Year Established: 2017
Website: https://bodybuildingindia.com
I think Gym99 is one of the boldest low-cost concepts in India’s fitness space. Instead of locking members into long-term plans, it offers pay-per-session workouts at just ₹99, which flips the traditional gym model on its head. For business owners, the flexibility in format and the supplement tie-in makes it more than just a gym—it’s a hybrid retail and fitness business with multiple revenue streams.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹15 lakh to ₹1.5 crore
The brand offers four formats: Basic (250 sq. ft), Value (1,500 sq. ft), Premium (2,400 sq. ft), and Gold (3,100 sq. ft). The investment covers equipment, interiors, a supplement retail setup, branding, and business system integration.
- Franchise Fee: Integrated within the investment
There’s no separate fee listed. The cost structure is all-inclusive and varies depending on the format you choose.
- Royalty Fee: Not publicly specified
The brand likely works on a revenue share or pay-per-usage percentage, especially for the ₹99 workout sessions. Exact terms are discussed privately with each franchisee.
- Space Requirement: 250 to 3,100 sq. Ft
The concept allows for high flexibility. You can open a small retail-focused unit or a full-scale gym depending on your location and budget.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Business and Operational Training: Franchisees receive support in gym management, supplement retailing, and customer service. I like that they teach how to run both sides of the business—the gym and the store.
- Brand Tools and Launch Guidance: You’ll get help with setup, local marketing, staff onboarding, and integration into their online ecosystem. They also promote gyms through their established supplement brand’s visibility.
- Targeted at Urban Youth and Fitness Starters: This model works well in college towns, high-footfall neighborhoods, and places where price-sensitive customers avoid long-term gym commitments. The flexibility attracts both casual and serious fitness goers.
- Multi-Format Scalability: The small footprint option allows faster expansion. You can open multiple micro-locations at lower costs and grow into larger gyms once the local customer base is proven.
Takeaway
Gym99’s flexible, pay-per-use model and supplement retail integration create multiple revenue streams from even small spaces. It’s ideal for tapping into budget-conscious or casual gym users without needing a massive footprint. The challenge is that the model is still fairly new and lacks widespread gym business model validation at scale.
7. O2 Gym
Address: O2 Fitness & Spa, Plot No. 133, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana – 122003
Year Established: 2009
Website: http://o2gyms.com
I see O2 Gym as a unique opportunity for investors who want a premium brand feel without the premium franchise fee. It blends spa-style wellness with full gym functionality, and the brand lets you scale based on your budget. For someone who already owns a space or can manage setup independently, the entry cost is surprisingly low for what you get in return.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹30 lakh to ₹1.2 crore
While their franchise entry cost starts around ₹2.5 to ₹5 lakh, the full gym setup including interiors and equipment typically pushes total investment higher. The actual spend depends on the format and local construction costs.
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakh
This one-time fee provides access to the O2 Gym brand, operational blueprint, and setup support. It’s among the most affordable in the premium gym segment.
- Royalty Fee: None
O2 Gym does not charge an ongoing royalty, which means more profit stays with the franchisee. This structure helps reduce monthly overheads and speeds up breakeven.
- Space Requirement: 3,000 to 7,000 sq. Ft
The brand positions itself as an upscale wellness destination, so you’ll need enough room for cardio, strength areas, group classes, locker rooms, and spa features like steam or sauna.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Onboarding and Setup Guidance: You’ll receive initial help with layout planning, vendor selection, and branding. I find this helpful if you’re entering the fitness space for the first time.
- Marketing and Promotional Support: O2 Gym shares promotional templates and guidance for online and offline campaigns. They also support grand openings and offer seasonal promotion ideas.
- Positioned for Upper-Middle Class Markets: The brand does best in cities and towns where customers are ready to pay for extra wellness features like spa zones. It fits well in metro areas and high-income neighborhoods.
- Strong Visual Branding and Member Retention Focus: O2 clubs are designed to look sharp and feel premium. This helps with member retention, referrals, and positioning your gym as a destination rather than just another workout space.
Takeaway
O2 Gym offers a low-cost entry into a premium-looking brand with no royalty and a strong wellness-first positioning. Its branding and support help create a high-end member experience in mid-to-large cities. Still, the overall project cost can climb quickly if you fully match the brand’s premium expectations for space and interiors.
8. FitnessOne
Address: FitnessOne India Ltd, 28, Wheat Crofts Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600034
Year Established: 2004
Website: https://fitnessone.in
I consider FitnessOne a well-rounded choice for anyone who wants a gym brand with depth and regional trust. They’ve been around long enough to build strong systems and community connections, especially in South India. If you’re looking for a franchise that blends fitness, wellness, and experience-backed operations, this one gives you a complete playbook.
Franchise Requirements
- Initial Investment: ₹51 lakh to ₹1.2 crore
The amount depends on the format—basic studio, mid-sized club, or large gym. It includes setup, interiors, fitness equipment, staff hiring, and pre-launch marketing.
- Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclose
While not listed separately, it’s likely part of the overall investment. Based on similar models, it may range between ₹5 to ₹10 lakh and includes brand rights and training.
- Royalty Fee: Not specified
Likely in the standard 8 to 10 percent range based on industry norms. Final terms are customized during the franchise agreement process.
- Space Requirement: 2,000 to 5,000+ sq. Ft
Flexible according to your target market and the chosen gym format. The setup must accommodate training zones, a reception, changing rooms, and optional wellness services.
Training, Market, and Growth Support
- Multi-Level Training and Operational Support: They provide full onboarding, operations manuals, and hands-on help with hiring, pricing, and equipment use. I like that they’ve been doing this long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.
- Marketing and Expansion Tools: FitnessOne shares branding materials and guidance for promoting both your launch and monthly offers. They also support local outreach and retention strategies.
- Best Suited for South Indian Markets: With strong roots in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the brand has recognition and credibility in the South. Franchisees benefit from operating in areas where the name already carries weight.
- Backed by Corporate Wellness Experience: They’ve also managed corporate fitness programs, so the systems are built for consistency and scale. That gives you a professional backbone even if you’re new to the industry.
Takeaway
FitnessOne brings two decades of experience, multiple gym formats, and deep operational knowledge, especially in the corporate wellness space. The flexibility in layout and investment makes it adaptable to various city sizes and markets. But outside South India, the brand may not enjoy the same level of name recognition, requiring more local promotion.
Conclusion
This isn’t just about gyms. It’s about building something of your own.
Each franchise here gives you a different path, and each one could be the right start.
So, where do you want to go from here?
Do you want a gym that runs 24/7? Or something lean, local, and personal?
Take that first step. Let’s build your dream gym together.
Contact YR Fitness for equipment and setup support.
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