Gold's Gym vs The Max Challenge Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
The Max Challenge Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$131,868 - $280,592
Franchise Fee $40,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 19652011
Year Franchised 19802013
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
The Max Challenge Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    The Max Challenge 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
    The Max Challenge Franchise
    Training Available at headquartersOn-The-Job Training: 18 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Ongoing virtual training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 2


    Expansion Plans

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    The Max Challenge 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 The Max Challenge

    THE MAX Challenge gives our Franchise Owners the opportunity to make an incredible financial return on their investment while truly making a difference in the lives of their members and the community. Enjoy comprehensive guidance and strong ongoing support as you start on your path to fitness franchise ownership.

    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee