Planet Fitness Franchise Growth Outpaces Gym Peers
Event summary
- Planet Fitness ranked #25 on Entrepreneur's 2026 Fastest-Growing Franchises list, the highest ranking among gym franchises.
- The ranking is based on net new franchise units added in the U.S. and Canada between July 2024 and July 2025.
- Planet Fitness opened 181 new clubs in 2025, including 23 corporate-owned locations, bringing the total to 2,896.
- As of December 31, 2025, Planet Fitness had 20.8 million members across 2,896 clubs globally.
The big picture
Planet Fitness's rapid franchise growth underscores the appeal of its low-cost, accessible fitness model, particularly in a post-pandemic environment where consumers are seeking value. The company's success highlights the effectiveness of its franchise model in scaling operations across North America and internationally. However, maintaining this growth trajectory will require careful management of franchisee relationships and navigating an increasingly competitive fitness landscape.
What we're watching
- Franchise Economics
- The continued reliance on franchise expansion, while driving growth, exposes Planet Fitness to franchisee financial health and alignment with brand standards, which could impact future growth rates.
- Competitive Landscape
- While Planet Fitness dominates the accessible fitness segment, increased competition from boutique fitness studios and at-home workout platforms could pressure membership growth and pricing.
- Corporate vs. Franchise Mix
- The balance between corporate-owned and franchised locations will be key; a shift towards more corporate stores could impact profitability and capital requirements.