Gold's Gym vs Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Gold's Gym vs Lucille Roberts Fitness Express including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$271,850 - $402,400
Franchise Fee $40,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 2%12%
Year Founded 19651970
Year Franchised 19802005
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee -$2.5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesYes/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    Expansion Plans
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Lucille Roberts Fitness Express Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Gold's Gym

    Bodybuilders training outside on Muscle Beach were the first customers for the original Gold's Gym when it opened in Venice, California, in 1965. With its intense, no-frills atmosphere, the gym soon became known as the 'Mecca of Bodybuilding.' Arnold Schwarznegger's movie 'Pumping Iron' focused on Gold's Gym, propelling it into the spotlight in 1975. Gold's Gym has been franchising since 1980, and franchises account for more than 90 percent of its locations. In addition to running the health club facilities, franchisees sell Gold's Gym licensed apparel through their Pro Shops.

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #61 on Franchise Rankings.com

    "Entrepreneur
    #427 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


    About Lucille Roberts Fitness Express

    Inspired by a love of aerobics classes and a dream, Lucille Roberts opened her first gym in 1969. She took what seemed like millions of group aerobics classes before realizing that although the classes were predominantly women, the fitness clubs lacked a specific camaraderie that she craved. A pioneer of female empowerment, Lucille sought to create gyms that fostered a positive environment where women could come together to work out, meet new friends, and get inspired. An inspiration herself, Lucille Roberts was tough both in and out of the gym; rumor has it she would complete sets of curls while on conference calls and challenge coworkers to push up contests on Fridays.

    Recognizing a gap in the industry and a convenient location accessible to shoppers and commuters alike, she opened her first gym near the famed Macy’s flagship at Herald Square. Lucille's goal was to offer affordable gyms tailored specifically for women who needed to use their gym time productively. Shopping could be a workout itself, but she knew that women were capable of so much more than shoulder pads and pants suits. Thus the Lucille Roberts customer was born. No longer did she need to maneuver around men lifting weights or spend hundreds on memberships dedicated to spa-like experiences in order to complete a proper workout. Today, Lucille Roberts prides itself on offering the most current, in-demand classes to cater to its busy and informed clientele. Lucille Roberts is seeking both men and women franchisees to join our growing brand. Candidates should have business sales or management sales experience, but do not need to have a health club, fitness or wellness background. Prospective franchisees can either be active owner-operators or semi-passive investors looking to diversify their portfolio through this unique franchise investment.

    Also, franchisees should share a common goal with Lucille Roberts, which includes building a strong brand and a profitable business in an increasingly competitive marketplace. "Lucille Lucille Roberts began as a family business of women's fitness centers and we like to think of our franchisees and members as part of our extended family. To our members and guests, we are more than just a health club - we're a source of wellness where nutrition, weight loss and exercise become the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. 

    Our success is a result of our low membership fees with no contracts, our smaller facility size  (approximately 4,500 to 6,000 square feet) and our location in centers with national, daily-need and female-oriented retailers in both suburban and metro markets.