Gold's Gym vs Club Pilates Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Club Pilates Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$178,000 - $365,200
Franchise Fee $40,000$60,000
Royalty Fee 5%7%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 19652007
Year Franchised 19802012
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Club Pilates Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • At Club Pilates, we're looking for franchise owners who are outgoing, results oriented, eager to learn the Pilates industry and have sales, marketing and/or management experience. A person who can build strong relationships, lead a team, and is committed to building the brand and driven to success. You'll need a minimum of $80k in liquid capital, and be ready to DO PILATES. DO LIFE!

    Financing Options

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Club Pilates 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
    Club Pilates Franchise
    Training Available at headquartersYou’ll attend a 3-day training course at our corporate headquarters in Costa Mesa, California along with an annual Franchise Convention and ongoing weekly support. Ongoing web-based and in person training. Private class training, instructor training and general manager training. On-The-Job Training: 2 hours Classroom Training: 44 hours Additional Training: Instructor training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsPre-Opening Support Real Estate: Our dedicated staff will help you in the site selection and lease negotiation to find the ideal site for your Club Pilates Franchise. Finance: Our Finance team will provide assistance in loan processing through the SBA and preferred financiers. Site Build Support: You’ll be walked through the entire build out process from corporate approved layout and general construction to interior design and on-site security & technology. Sales: Get introduced to our sales process, retail range and POS system to drive sales from the start. Marketing: The minute you sign your lease agreement, the marketing of your location begins, with personalized support to set up social media, marketing materials and all means of generating website traffic and memberships. Recruitment: Receive assistance hiring the most qualified instructors, general managers and sales associates. To compliment this, our Certified Club Pilates Teacher Training Program ensures a seamless on boarding process for Pilates instructors new to our unique Pilates method. Comprehensive Training: You’ll attend a 3-day training course at our corporate headquarters in Costa Mesa, California along with an annual Franchise Convention and ongoing weekly support. Ongoing Personalized Support Ongoing web-based and in person training Sales, marketing & operations tools and resources accessible online 24 hours and the ability to communicate with and learn from other franchisees. Branding and marketing support with monthly materials developed for your studio. Monthly marketing updates and performance reporting. Purchasing 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: 4 - 8

    Expansion Plans

     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Club Pilates 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 Club Pilates

     
    "Club

    Club Pilates is the largest Pilates brand, with more than 600 studios open.
    Ranked #69 in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2020 Franchise 500 list and on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list 4 years running,
    we provide an established executive model and completely scalable business to make the possibilities endless!

    Join us in bringing the benefits of Pilates to as many people as possible!

    "Entrepreneur
    #69 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #104 in Franchise 500 for 2021.