Gold's Gym vs Express Train Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Express Train Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$73,700 - $130,000
Franchise Fee $40,000$37,900
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 2%3%
Year Founded 19652005
Year Franchised 19802005
Term Of Agreement -5 Years
Term Of Agreement -5 Years
Renewal Fee -$5000


Business Experience Requirements
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Express Train Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Express Train Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Express Train Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters* Available at headquarters: 3 days

    * At franchisee's location: 3 days
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNational Marketing Campaign

    On Going Training

    Support Visits

    Marketing Support Person

    Training & Certification

    Support Person

    Human Resources Support & Hiring Support

    Annual Franchisee Conference
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertising-
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Express Train Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Express Train

    Express Train Fitness for Men was born out of a need to provide men with an alternative to the large "Social Gyms" that have become the norm in today's fitness industry. This gives them a place where they can feel comfortable and receive the guidance and support needed to achieve the goals they set for themselves with regard to health and fitness. Express Train Fitness for Men provides an atmosphere in which we promote good physical fitness habits along with nutritional guidance without the hard-sell environment of the other gyms. Our memberships provide for all the instruction and guidance at no extra charge to the client. Our main goals are to help our members reach and maintain their visions of health and fitness. OUR GOALS ARE OUR MEMBERS GOALS