Planet Fitness vs Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Planet Fitness vs Thrive Active Fitness Clubs including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Planet Fitness Franchise
Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise
Investment $968,100 - $4,113,000$140,000 - $750,000
Franchise Fee $20,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 7% of Gross Membership Fees-
Advertising Fee 9%-
Year Founded 1992-
Year Franchised 2003-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Planet Fitness Franchise
Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Planet Fitness Franchise
Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Planet Fitness Franchise
Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise
Training * Available at headquarters: 2 weeks * At franchisee's location: as needed-
Support * Newsletter * Meetings * Toll-free phone line * Grand opening * Internet * Security/safety procedures * Field operations/evaluations * Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing * Co-op advertising * Ad slicks * Regional advertising-
Operations * 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit * Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)-

Expansion Plans
 
Planet Fitness Franchise
Thrive Active Fitness Clubs Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness got its start in 1992 when Michael Grondahl acquired a struggling gym. He reduced membership prices to compete against better-known brands and focused on serving occasional or first-time gym users. Every Planet Fitness location holds a pizza night for members once a month, as well as a bagel morning, and Tootsie Rolls are available at all times.
Planet Fitness strives to promote health in a respectful atmosphere. For over a decade, Planet Fitness has gone to great lengths to provide its members with a friendly space to work out. We call it the Judgment Free Zone. We discourage weight dropping and obnoxious grunting so you can focus on your own workout and not the person next to you.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $968,100 to $3,072,000 if you finance your equipment.
This includes $48,000 to $297,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
If you choose to purchase your equipment, the total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $1,500,000 to $4,113,000.
This includes $295,000 to $912,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
These estimated initial investment ranges also apply to each location that you develop under the Area Development Agreement (plus the Area Development Fee you pay at the time you sign the Area Development Agreement). If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you must develop one or more Planet Fitness facilities, and you will pay an Area Development Fee of $10,000 per planned location (paid in full when you sign the Area Development Agreement) in addition to the then-current initial franchise fee due for each location at the time the Franchise Agreement for that location is signed.

"Entrepreneur

#7 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#8 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






About Thrive Active Fitness Clubs

Considering all of the endeavors you could pursue in your life, why not set your personal, business and financial goals to align with a philosophy of health, happiness and prosperity? With Thrive Active Fitness Clubs, you can do just that! The fulfilling experience of being a part of our completely integrated franchise model is only surpassed by knowing that you are making a positive difference in the lives of your club members. And how are you accomplishing that? Simple - by offering certified personal training in the areas of nutrition and exercise through our Thrive Biophase Training Systems. This element of the business becomes your sustainable competitive advantage and is generated month in, month out through our frequent, consistent and strategic print marketing program. Service is built right into our franchise model, not an extra-cost add-on! So, from the first step of business planning, to build-out, grand opening and start-up, continuing on through club operations, our franchisees receive a high level of support month after month, year after year. Our franchise development team is focused on your success every step of the way. Read on to see why you too should choose Thrive Active Fitness Clubs as the fitness franchise within your portfolio. Contact Us at your convenience. We stand ready to help you determine if a franchise with Thrive Active Fitness Clubs is right for you.