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Updated RecentlyPlanet Fitness vs American Bodyworks Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Planet Fitness vs American Bodyworks including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $968,100 - $4,113,000 | $72,000 - $246,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | N/A |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of Gross Membership Fees | - |
| Advertising Fee | 9% | - |
| Year Founded | 1992 | - |
| Year Franchised | 2003 | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | - |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | * Available at headquarters: 2 weeks * At franchisee's location: as needed | Before you open, you will run the ABW school. This is a very unique offer in the fitness industry. Under our model, anyone who has no experience in the fitness industry at all can learn how to run a health club. We teach you how to sell memberships, enter in contracts, reconcile your money, pick employees and trainers, and any other club operation necessary. Every new club can send one person to this week long seminar for no extra charge. After this training, you will feel confident when your doors open. |
| Support | * Newsletter * Meetings * Toll-free phone line * Grand opening * Internet * Security/safety procedures * Field operations/evaluations * Purchasing cooperatives | American Bodyworks offers temporary and full time workers that have been in the industry and know how we operate. This ranges from sales people to back end workers. These workers can work temporarily to boost productivity and further your training; or provide a needed service for an extended period of time! Advertising. Through a small monthly fee you are a part of a national ad campaign. Our website is well maintained and up to date. We also have in house designers for any of your graphics needs that will make all of your promotional items professional looking and effective. Billing. As a franchisee we handle that for you. We run your credit card and checking drafts. We also provide a service for a small fee that will handle all your backend work for a monthly fee. This is perfect for non-owner operators. 24 hour tech support. Your computer system is vital to the operation of your club whether it is the draft or key card system. Problems sometimes arise and it is comforting to know someone is there to fix them at anytime. |
| Marketing | * Co-op advertising * Ad slicks * Regional advertising | - |
| Operations | * 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit * Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | - | - |
| International Expansion | - | - |
Company Overviews
About Planet Fitness
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.
Planet Fitness strives to promote health in a respectful atmosphere. For over a decade, Planet Fitness has gone to great lengths to provide its members with a friendly space to work out. We call it the Judgment Free Zone. We discourage weight dropping and obnoxious grunting so you can focus on your own workout and not the person next to you.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $968,100 to $3,072,000 if you finance your equipment.
This includes $48,000 to $297,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
If you choose to purchase your equipment, the total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $1,500,000 to $4,113,000.
This includes $295,000 to $912,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its
affiliate.
These estimated initial investment ranges also apply to each
location that you develop under the Area Development Agreement (plus the
Area Development Fee you pay at the time you sign the Area Development
Agreement). If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you must develop
one or more Planet Fitness facilities, and you will pay an Area
Development Fee of $10,000 per planned location (paid in full when you
sign the Area Development Agreement) in addition to the then-current
initial franchise fee due for each location at the time the Franchise
Agreement for that location is signed.
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#7 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#8 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About American Bodyworks
American Bodyworks is the premier 24-7 fitness franchise of coed,
neighborhood clubs.
American Bodyworks is a "key" club which allows
members to access the club at any time they want.
Each member has a key
card to give them access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
American Bodyworks is setting the standard in 24-7 fitness.
Most health clubs today want you to fit into their schedules, American Bodyworks wants to fit into yours. You are our top priority. We understand that you need a health club with flexible hours in order to fulfill your fitness needs and have a healthy lifestyle. We want to help you meet your goals, and that is why we provide our customers the best equipment and services available to their neighborhood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Everyone will feel welcome and comfortable with us.
From beginner to athlete, all can workout in a non-intimidating environment with the best equipment available. Normal people, like you and me work out here. All of our clubs have a community feel and everyone will know your name. You will not find the traditional, high pressure sales of health clubs. You will find a customer friendly staff whose job is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.