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.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
8% royalty + 2% ad fund + $408-$447/mo technology + $50/mo coaching directory + $13-$27/mo newsletter software
Franchise Stats
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 to Other Fitness Studios Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fitness Studios
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise 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
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Starting Strength franchise?
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.
How much revenue does a Starting Strength franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a Starting Strength franchise is $747,127.46. The median revenue is $654,530.
How many Starting Strength franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, Starting Strength has 25 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2018.
Can you get an SBA loan for a Starting Strength franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for Starting Strength franchises. Historical data shows 11 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for Starting Strength franchisees, with an average loan amount of $287,545. The historical default rate is 9.1%.
Is Starting Strength a good franchise to buy?
Starting Strength shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in Starting Strength?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if Starting Strength is the right fit for you.
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