
Gold's Gym
Fitness · Gyms
- Active units
- 132
Franchised, year-end 2025
About Gold's Gym
Gold's Gym is a chain of fitness centers headquartered in Dallas, Texas, United States. It was founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, who opened the first Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California. Initially, it attracted professional bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts and quickly gained a reputation as a hub for workout enthusiasts. Over the years, Gold's Gym expanded its operations and became one of the most recognizable names in the fitness industry. The company offers a range of products and services to its members. These include state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personal training sessions, nutrition counseling, and online workout programs. Gold's Gym aims to provide a holistic approach to fitness and wellness, catering to individuals of all fitness levels and goals. Gold's Gym operates on a global scale, with locations in over 30 countries. The company has established noteworthy subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships to expand its reach. For instance, Gold's Gym has joint ventures in India, Japan, and South Korea, as well as partners in Australia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. These partnerships have helped Gold's Gym establish a strong presence in international markets. In terms of market position, Gold's Gym is recognized as a leading global fitness brand. It competes with other major players in the industry, such as Anytime Fitness and LA Fitness. Gold's Gym distinguishes itself through its rich history and brand recognition, coupled with its comprehensive range of fitness offerings. In recent years, Gold's Gym has undergone various changes to adapt to the evolving fitness landscape. The company has introduced new fitness programs, invested in technology to enhance member experiences, and expanded its partnerships with fitness influencers to reach a wider audience. These strategic initiatives have contributed to the brand's growth and increased its relevance in the competitive fitness industry. As of the latest updates, Gold's Gym continues to operate and expand its global footprint. However, it is important to note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fitness industry as a whole has faced significant challenges. Gold's Gym, like many other fitness facilities, has had to temporarily close some of its locations and adapt its operations to comply with health and safety guidelines. This has led to a shift towards online fitness offerings, including virtual workouts and personalized training plans, to stay connected with members during the pandemic. In conclusion, Gold's Gym is a renowned fitness brand that offers a range of products and services to its members. With a strong global presence and a focus on innovation, it continues to position itself as a leader in the fitness industry. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Gold's Gym remains committed to providing its members with quality fitness experiences.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$40k
- Footprint
25,000 sq ft
- Development Rights Agreement
$10k
- Veteran discount
If you qualify for the Veteran Discount, your initial franchise fee will be 32000.
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2026 filing); filings on file: 2024, 2025, 2026.
Growth
- Total locations132
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings4
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate-17.0%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR-8.6%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio0.7×
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)$1.4M
Gross Revenue as defined in the Franchise Agreement; excludes sales/use taxes and bona fide refunds/credits; includes any imputed business interruption proceed…
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)$2.3M
Gross Revenue as defined in the Franchise Agreement; excludes sales/use taxes and bona fide refunds/credits; includes any imputed business interruption proceed…
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate—
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$3.8M
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open12 months
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
↓ Lower is better - Royalty rate—
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
- Sales-to-investment ratio—
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
Create your free Glidepath account to access full brand information.