Explore how Xponential Fitness franchising works, from application to ongoing support.
Passionate entrepreneurs are turning their love for health and wellness into thriving businesses through Xponential Fitness franchises, a global fitness and wellness franchisor that oversees a diverse portfolio of brands.
The company now operates 3,100-plus open studios and 6,120-plus licensed locations globally across fitness and wellness verticals. This includes Pilates, barre, cycling, stretching, boxing, yoga, metabolic health, and strength training.
But what does it take to join this fitness revolution? How can aspiring business owners transform their local communities through the power of boutique fitness? Read on to take a dive deep into the mechanics of Xponential Fitness franchising and the world of fitness entrepreneurship.
We’ll explore the nuts and bolts of the Xponential Fitness franchise model, from the initial application process to the ongoing support provided to franchisees. Using Pure Barre as a case study, we’ll break down the financial requirements, timeline, and day-to-day realities of running an Xponential brand. Finally, we’ll hear from franchisees themselves, gaining insights into the challenges and rewards of running a fitness franchise.
Overview of Xponential Fitness Brands
With a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all, Xponential Fitness has built a diverse platform of eight distinct brands, each catering to different fitness preferences and trends.
This includes Club Pilates, the largest Pilates brand globally; CycleBar, America’s largest indoor cycling brand; and StretchLab, the largest assisted stretching brand in the country. YogaSix, the largest franchised yoga brand in the U.S.; Pure Barre, the nation’s largest barre brand; Rumble, known for its boxing-inspired workouts; BFT, focusing on strength and conditioning training; and Lindora, providing medically guided weight loss and wellness solutions.
But what sets Xponential apart in the crowded fitness franchising market? The answer lies in its comprehensive support system for franchisees. From the moment an entrepreneur expresses interest in opening a studio, the company’s team is there to guide them through every step of the process.
This support begins with real estate assistance. Xponential helps franchisees navigate the crucial process of site selection, lease negotiation, and lease execution. Once a location is secured, the company’s assistance extends to construction and design. Franchisees can then take advantage of the franchisor’s design intent package with end-to-end detail on building out that brand’s studio including all construction specifications, equipment, and technology integration.
The firm’s commitment to franchisee success doesn’t end when the studio doors open. Xponential also provides an integrated sales platform with comprehensive and ongoing sales training. Regular monthly calls and expert guidance continue from presale through to grand opening and beyond, helping franchisees build and maintain a thriving business.
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of Xponential’s support is its approach to studio recruitment. Marketing for a new studio begins as soon as a letter of intent is executed, with personalized backup to ensure maximum lead generation. This head start can be crucial in building anticipation and a customer base before a studio even opens its doors.
Pure Barre: A Case Study in Franchising
To understand the specifics of launching and running an Xponential Fitness franchise, let’s take a closer look at Pure Barre, one of the company’s flagship brands.
Pure Barre franchisees tend to be enthusiastic about the Pure Barre method or health and wellness overall and also have the necessary business skills to operate a thriving studio. The company prioritizes candidates with solid connections within their targeted market, acknowledging the importance of local insights and relationships in fostering a thriving fitness community.
Embarking on the journey to own a Pure Barre franchise begins with thorough research. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to visit the company’s website and reach out for a conversation with the team. This initial step includes obtaining the franchise disclosure document, which provides a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and expectations that come with owning a studio.
The second stage involves submitting a confidential questionnaire form to the franchise development team. This form acts as an initial filter, determining if you’re a suitable candidate for the brand. Once approved, you’ll participate in a series of foundational discussions with Pure Barre’s brand managers. These conversations can offer insight into the business model, values, and next steps for potential franchisees.
If these steps go well, you’ll be invited to meet the Corporate team at their Irvine, CA office. This visit serves as the final step in the approval process, where candidates have the opportunity to validate their interest in the brand and learn more directly from the team. After completing this stage, successful applicants move forward by signing the franchise agreement. From that point on, the focus shifts to the practical elements of opening a studio, including selecting a location, building a team, and establishing a presence in the local community.
If approved, the initial franchise fee is $60,000. As of 2024, the anticipated total initial investment for establishing a Pure Barre studio ranges from $265,330 to $418,980.
Pure Barre has set clear financial requirements for potential franchisees. The company seeks individuals (and their investors) with liquid assets greater than $100,000 and a minimum net worth of $500,000. These requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary financial stability to launch and sustain their business during the critical early stages.
Qualified individuals who may need to utilize loans to fund their investment can also be approved. The company reviews each applicant’s funding structure on a case-by-case basis. Importantly, Pure Barre is registered with the Small Business Administration, which may provide additional financing options for qualified franchisees.
The timeline from signing a franchise agreement to opening a Pure Barre studio typically ranges from 125 to 200 days. This period allows for thorough preparation, including site selection, buildout, staff recruitment, and preopening marketing.
Franchisee Perspectives
Behind the rapid growth of Xponential Fitness lies a network of dedicated franchisees who have embraced the company’s multibrand approach to fitness and wellness.
In a recent YouTube video, franchisees like Rudy Klotsman highlighted the comprehensive support system as a key advantage of the company’s business model.
“There’s just a really easy step-by-step manual, and when you feel like you’re not really sure where to go, there’s always somebody to go to,” explained Klotsman, a Rumble franchise owner from New Jersey.
The value of this support becomes particularly apparent when franchisees face the inevitable challenges of running a business. Beth Georges, a multiunit and multibrand franchisee who owns several Club Pilates and YogaSix studios in California, emphasized the importance of leveraging Xponential’s expertise across various business functions.
“The best plan for success, especially as a franchisee, is to lean in and learn from those who know more and have more success,” Georges said. She pointed out the advantages of having access to marketing experts and development teams at the corporate level, allowing franchisees to focus on running their studios without having to reinvent the wheel.
However, Georges is quick to dispel any notion that owning a franchise is a guaranteed path to success. “Buying a franchise does not mean everyone will be successful,” she cautioned. “Just because you have spent a certain amount of money does not mean you will automatically be getting paid. Opening or running a franchise is work. Hard work. Just like any other business.
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” she continued. “You will be challenged. You will be defeated. You will want to give up. The more you can learn to not take things personally and not get upset, the better you will adapt to the constantly changing environment known as entrepreneurship.
“My suggestion is to buy into something that fuels your passion. Yes, some people just buy to fuel their love of money. But I have found that if you are passionate about the work you do in your business, the work is more fun. And that’s the ultimate success — making great money doing something you love!”
