Gold's Gym vs Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$121,750 - $196,950
Franchise Fee $40,000$24,900
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 2%1.5%
Year Founded 19651998
Year Franchised 19802015
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise
    Training Available at headquartersOn-The-Job Training: 11 hours Classroom Training: 29 hours
    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
    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: 4

    Expansion Plans

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Polestar Pilates Studio Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    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 Polestar Pilates Studio

    Polestar is an International authority with educators across 50 countries and education facilities in over 28 countries. Polestar has developed a low-cost, high-return business model for entrepreneurs and aspiring studio owners to meet the demands created by increasing health awareness and interests.