Starting Strength
Fitness · Strength Training Studios
- Active units
- 25
- Royalty
- 8.0%
Franchised, year-end 2024
of weekly Net Sales
About Starting Strength
Starting Strength is a comprehensive training system that focuses on building strength over time, utilizing fundamental barbell exercises that engage the body's full range of motion. Unlike other exercise programs, Starting Strength is not a random collection of exercises, but a long-term process designed to help individuals get stronger and achieve lasting results. Strength is the foundation of our physical existence and plays a crucial role in overall health, athletic performance, and quality of life. The Starting Strength System, developed by Mark Rippetoe based on decades of experience, combines his expertise as a powerlifter, weightlifting coach, and gym owner with a scientific analysis of human movement under the barbell. Barbell training forms the backbone of the system, employing basic movement patterns to work the entire body and progressively increase resistance. This approach, grounded in centuries of athletic tradition, is far from a list of new exercises or the use of fancy machines. It is a systematic and time-tested method of building strength—the most important characteristic of successful athletes and healthy individuals. For those looking to learn more about Starting Strength, there is a wealth of resources available. The website features articles, videos, podcasts, and a training log, along with a community forum for support and discussion. Starting Strength also offers coaching, seminars, training camps, and events to enhance your understanding and skill in the system. If you're ready to embark on a journey of strength and self-improvement, Starting Strength is your ideal partner. Don't settle for quick fixes or temporary results; embrace a training system that will empower you to reach your full potential.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$40k
- Area Development discount
Initial Franchise Fee reduced by 20% (2 Gyms), 30% (3), 40% (4), 50% (5) under an Area Development Agreement.
- Brand fund
2.0% of Net Sales
- Local advertising
3.0% of Net Sales
- Footprint
645 – 2,000 sq ft
- Development Fee for 2 Gyms
$64k
- Development Fee for 3 Gyms
$84k
- Development Fee for 4 Gyms
$96k
- Development Fee for 5 Gyms
$100k
- Veteran discount
Not offered
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2025 filing); filings on file: 2024, 2025.
Growth
- Total locations25
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings6
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate13.6%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR21.3%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio6.0×
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 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$475k
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open—
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
- Royalty rate8.0%
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
↓ Lower is better - 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
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Location footprint
Showing 34 of 52 mapped locations
Sources
Financial and operating figures are sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Documents. Brand percentile rankings are based on comparisons to other brands that include the same metrics in their Franchise Disclosure Documents.