Starting Strength
Strength Train LLC offers franchises for Starting Strength Gyms, which focus on a barbell-based strength training system developed by Mark Rippetoe. The gyms provide services including introductory sessions, workshops, group and private coaching, online coaching, nutrition coaching, and key-card access memberships, operating in small retail spaces of 645-2,000 square feet. The business model emphasizes uniform design, proprietary methods, and targets individuals of all ages and athletic backgrounds seeking to build strength in a competitive fitness market.
Franchise Costs
8% royalty + 2% ad fund + $408-$447/mo technology + $50/mo coaching directory + $13-$27/mo newsletter software
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 28 Starting Strength Franchised Gyms, with 25 open and 3 closed due to bankruptcy in fiscal year 2024, as of March 15, 2025.
* Calculated average gross revenue, median gross revenue, top quartile average, and bottom quartile average from the 'Total Gross Revenue' data of 28 franchised gyms listed in the 'Sales Performance from Gym Opening to March 15, 2025' table. The top and bottom quartile averages are based on the mean of the top and bottom 25% of revenues respectively (7 gyms for each quartile out of 28 total).
Extracted Item 19 Section
How Starting Strength Compares
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fitness Studios
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Strength Current | $237K – $713K | $40K | 8.0% | 25 |
| Planet Fitness | $1.5M – $5.2M | $20K | 7.0% | 2,298 |
| ANYTIME FITNESS | $459K – $908K | $43K | N/A | 2,290 |
| F45 Training | $349K – $786K | $60K | 7.0% | 751 |
| Pure Barre | $314K – $629K | $60K | 7.0% | 617 |
| HOTWORX | $259K – $878K | $20K | N/A | 578 |
Fitness Studios Average 55 franchises | $425K – $1.0M | $47K | 6.9% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 55 Fitness Studios franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Starting Strength franchisees (2021 – 2025)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
30 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
| Name | SBA Loan |
|---|---|
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
30 Contacts Available
Unlock all Starting Strength franchisee contacts with verified contact information
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a Starting Strength franchise ranges from $237,033 to $712,503. This includes a franchise fee of $39,950. Ongoing royalty fees are 8.0% of gross sales.
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