#192
At a Glance
Products & Services: Gym & fitness center
Number of Locations: 690
Total Investment: $898.5K - 3.89M
Founded: 1965
Began Franchising: 1980
Private Owned
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.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 403 | 24 | 201 | 62 |
| 2010 | 452 | 24 | 179 | 63 |
| 2009 | 466 | 24 | 163 | 61 |
| 2008 | 465 | 14 | 131 | 61 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $898,500 - $3,887,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $400,000
Operations
30% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 week. Advanced training & staffing training : 1 week.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Marketing campaign & vendor program