Best Australian Gym Franchises Compared: Which Is Right for You?

Owning a gym is an exciting and fulfilling career choice.

As a gym owner you get to help people achieve their fitness goals while building a profitable business. But going it alone can be tough—finding the right location, setting up operations, and building a customer base all take time and effort.

That’s why franchising is such a great opportunity. With a proven system and established brand, you can fast-track your success and focus on growing your business.

There are plenty of gym franchises out there, each catering to different types of owners and members. Some, like Anytime Fitness, Jetts Fitness, Snap Fitness, Plus Fitness, and EFM Health Clubs, have strong brand recognition and a large number of locations.

Others offer a more localised, flexible, or cost-effective approach that might better suit individual franchisees.

Choosing the right fitness franchise depends on what you’re looking for.

If you value widespread brand awareness and a larger network, some of the bigger franchises might be a good fit.

If you prefer more territory availability, a streamlined fee structure, or hands-on franchisor support, other options like Stepz Fitness might be worth considering.

In this post, we’ll explore different factors to consider when choosing a gym franchise and highlight how Stepz Fitness compares to other well-known brands to help you make the best decision for your business goals.

Ownership & Business Model

Choosing the Right Franchise Structure

The way a franchise is structured can have a big impact on your experience as a business owner. A locally owned franchise might provide more direct support, while an international brand might come with more rigid processes. Let’s take a look at how Stepz Fitness and Anytime Fitness compare.

Gym Franchise Ownership Franchisor Support
Stepz Fitness 100% Australian-owned Direct access to senior leadership, no middle management. Faster support and decision-making.
Anytime Fitness Owned offshore Large network, but support may be less personalised
Jetts Fitness Private equity Mix of corporate and franchise locations, flexible model
Snap Fitness Part of an international network Structured support system, but less flexibility
Plus Fitness Publicly traded company Strong franchisee training, but growing competition
EFM Health Clubs Locally owned model Unique month-to-month agreements for flexibility

Key Advantage: Stepz Fitness provides a more personalised experience with direct access to senior leadership.

Territory Options & Exclusivity

The Importance of Territory Protection in 24-Hour Gym Franchises

Having the right territory can make or break a franchise. You don’t want to be competing with other franchise locations for the same customers. Some gyms provide larger, exclusive territories, while others have higher saturation but stronger brand awareness. Let’s compare how major gym franchises allocate territories.

Gym Franchise Territory Availability Territory Protection
Stepz Fitness More prime territories available in Australia Exclusive and protected territories, reducing internal competition
Anytime Fitness Limited availability due to market saturation Protected territories, but some competition from franchisor-owned locations
Jetts Fitness Moderate availability, but growing demand Mostly exclusive territories with some exceptions
Snap Fitness Competitive market, many locations already established Franchisees have some territory protection but must compete locally
Plus Fitness Steady expansion, but some areas are highly competitive Franchisees receive reasonable territorial protection
EFM Health Clubs Highly localised, more flexible territory selection Franchisees control their own small, community-focused locations

things to consider

  • Looking for prime locations with strong protection? Stepz offers exclusive territories that reduce internal competition.

  • Prefer a well-known brand, even in a competitive market? Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness have strong brand recognition, but franchisees may have to compete with existing locations.

  • Want a more flexible approach? EFM Health Clubs offer community-focused models with adaptable territory selection.

Franchise Fees & Ongoing Costs

Understanding Franchise Costs

Buying into a gym franchise is an investment, and costs can vary significantly between brands. It’s important to look beyond the upfront fees—things like ongoing costs, marketing levies, and operational expenses can all impact long-term profitability. Stepz Fitness is designed to be affordable, transparent, and structured to give franchisees more control over their earnings.

Feature Stepz Fitness Other Gym Franchises
Initial Franchise Fee Substantially lower than most competitors Varies depending on brand and location
Monthly Fees Fixed, not based on turnover Some charge fixed fees, while others take a percentage of revenue
Advertising Fees Flexible & locally focused Some require mandatory contributions to national marketing funds

Key Advantage:  Stepz has simpler, lower fees with fixed costs, so franchisees get to keep more of their profits.

Total Investment & ROI Timeline

How Long Until You See a Return on Your Gym Investment?

Starting a gym isn’t just about getting customers through the door—it’s also about how long it takes to recoup your investment and turn a profit. Some gym franchises have higher upfront costs, while others provide lower-cost entry points that help franchisees reach profitability sooner.

Franchise investments vary, but Stepz Fitness is designed to help franchisees start with lower capital requirements and reach profitability faster, thanks to affordable setup costs and hands-on lease negotiation support.

Gym Franchise Initial Investment ROI Timeline
Stepz Fitness Lower total fit-out investment Faster ROI due to reduced capital requirements
Anytime Fitness Higher initial investment and setup costs Longer ROI timeline due to higher capital outlay
Jetts Fitness Moderate setup costs ROI depends on location and membership volume
Snap Fitness Varied investment depending on location ROI varies, but strong brand awareness can help
Plus Fitness Lower cost model Typically faster ROI compared to premium franchises
EFM Health Clubs Minimal setup costs Lower risk, faster break-even

Key Advantage: Stepz Fitness makes profitability easier and quicker to achieve.

Marketing & Branding

The Power of Strong Marketing

Marketing is one of the most important parts of running a successful gym. With so many fitness options available, your brand needs to stand out and consistently engage members.

A strong digital marketing strategy—including Google Ads, Meta Ads, and social media campaigns—is key to driving new memberships. Franchises that offer proven marketing systems and support can give franchisees a major advantage in attracting and retaining members.

Both Stepz Fitness and Anytime Fitness have strong digital marketing strategies that help franchisees succeed. Here’s how different gym franchises approach marketing:

Gym Franchise Marketing Approach Advertising Contributions
Stepz Fitness Locally tailored branding strategies designed to attract Australian customers Lower, flexible marketing levies, allowing franchisees more control
Anytime Fitness Well-established global brand with strong national marketing support Mandatory national and local marketing contributions
Jetts Fitness Hybrid model: National brand identity with some local flexibility Marketing fees vary depending on region
Snap Fitness Internationally recognized brand with strong digital and social media presence Set contributions to national campaigns
Plus Fitness Structured brand strategy with in-house marketing support Standardized marketing fund for all locations
EFM Health Clubs Highly localized marketing, often run by franchisees Franchisees manage their own advertising budgets

Key Advantage: Digital marketing is essential for driving gym memberships. Stepz has proven digital marketing strategies, leveraging platforms like Meta Ads, Google Ads, and social media to help franchisees grow.

Feature Stepz Anytime Jetts Snap Plus EFM
Ownership Australian-owned, direct support International brand, operates as subsidiary Australian-based Part of an international network Australian-owned Locally owned model
Territories More prime locations available Limited availability, market saturation Moderate availability, growing demand Competitive market, many locations Steady expansion, but some competition Highly localized, flexible areas
Franchise Fees Lower, fixed fees Higher fees, revenue-based deductions Low-cost model, membership-based revenue Moderate fees, established pricing Lower franchise fees, fixed pricing Flexible fees, month-to-month agreements
Setup Costs Lower investment, faster ROI Higher costs, longer ROI timeline Moderate investment, lower operating costs Higher setup costs Lower-cost model Minimal setup costs
Support Direct access to franchisor Large network, less personal support Supportive but lean operational model Global training and structured support Comprehensive franchisee support High level of personal franchisee support
Break-even Point Lower member numbers required Higher member numbers needed Break-even typically faster due to lower costs Requires larger membership base Moderate break-even period Lower risk, faster break-even
Marketing Flexible, localized branding Global strategy, mandatory fees Hybrid model with national and local options Strong digital and social media presence Standardized marketing fund Franchisees manage their own advertising

Final Comparison

Every gym franchise has different strengths, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and preferred business model. Below is a comparison of key factors across major gym franchises, helping you decide which one fits your needs best.

Want to learn more about Stepz Fitness Franchise opportunities?

Book a free consultation today to see why Stepz Fitness is the smarter investment.

gym franchise faq

  • Of all the Australian gym franchises, Anytime Fitness is one of the best.

    Although, depending on your needs, there are a few areas where Stepz Fitness stands out, especially if you're looking for lower costs, simpler operations, and more flexibility.

    Stepz also provides 1 on 1 support with the Master Franchisor which nobody else offers.

  • Key factors include initial investment, franchise fees, support services, brand reputation, and growth potential. Comparing franchises like Stepz Fitness and Anytime Fitness helps determine the best fit for your goals.

    Consider the benefits of each option, such as class offerings, studios, and overall member experience.

  • No, each franchise operates differently in terms of costs, services, member experience, and business support. Some, like Stepz Fitness, offer a more community-focused approach with additional wellness services, including classes and personalised training.

    Clear communication between franchisees and the brand is also key to long-term success.

  • The cost varies by brand and location, but the initial investment typically ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, including franchise fees, equipment, and setup costs.

    Franchise fees are usually $30,000 to $50,000, with ongoing royalty and marketing fees of 5-10% of revenue. Comparing different franchises can help find the best value.

  • Franchise support differs across brands. Some provide more hands-on business development and marketing assistance, ensuring franchisees have the tools they need to succeed. Stepz Fitness, for example, offers comprehensive education and resources to help new owners manage their business effectively.

  • No, some franchises allow more flexibility in ownership, staffing, and day-to-day operations. Stepz Fitness, for example, offers a scalable model with streamlined management options, making it easier for a person to operate multiple locations successfully.

    Reviewing the conditions of each franchise agreement is crucial to understanding ownership responsibilities.

  • Stepz Fitness provides a proven business model with strong support, competitive startup costs, and the flexibility to cater to diverse fitness markets while maintaining strong profit potential.

    The franchise also focuses on movement-based training, which appeals to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts. Stepz Fitness franchisees can also track their progress through structured business milestones and growth strategies.