The choice between F45 Training and Anytime Fitness represents two fundamentally different approaches to gym franchising in Australia. F45 Training operates as a high-intensity group fitness concept with structured 45-minute classes, while Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access membership-based facilities. Based on publicly available data — franchise directories, media coverage, industry benchmarks, and both franchisors' public communications — the two concepts require similar initial investments but diverge significantly in their royalty structures, operational complexity, and risk profiles.

F45 Training charges percentage-based royalties of 7% or AUD $2,500 monthly (whichever is higher) across approximately 240 Australian studios, while Anytime Fitness operates over 530 clubs nationally with a flat $699 monthly royalty fee. The risk assessment favours Anytime Fitness with a 4/10 moderate risk rating compared to F45's elevated 6.7/10 classification.

Quick Comparison

Metric	F45 Training	Anytime Fitness
Total Investment	AUD $349,000–$786,000 + GST	AUD $350,000–$975,000
Median Investment	AUD $450,000–$550,000	AUD $600,000–$700,000 (est.)
Initial Franchise Fee	AUD $60,000	AUD $42,500
Royalty Structure	7% of gross sales OR $2,500/month	Flat $699/month
Australian Network	~240 studios	~530+ clubs
Global Presence	1,600+ studios (60+ countries)	5,000+ clubs (40+ countries)
Risk Rating	6.7/10 (Elevated)	4/10 (Moderate)
Owner Return Estimate	AUD $80K–$120K+	AUD $80K–$150K+ EBITDA

F45 Training Investment Breakdown

F45 Training's initial investment ranges from AUD $349,000 to $786,000 plus GST, with most franchisees investing between $450,000–$550,000 based on publicly reported figures from franchise directories and media coverage. The investment covers specialised functional training equipment, technology systems, and fit-out requirements specific to F45's group fitness model.

AUD $349,000–$786,000 + GST (median: AUD $450,000–$550,000)

Initial franchise fee$60,000 (16.1%)

Fitout and equipment$200,000 (53.7%)

Equipment and technology$50,000 (13.4%)

Initial inventory and supplies$10,000 (2.7%)

Working capital and contingency$50,000 (13.4%)

Ongoing royalty$2,500 (0.7%)

The largest component involves fit-out and equipment costs ranging from AUD $200,000–$450,000, reflecting F45's requirement for functional training zones, audio-visual systems, and branded environmental design. Equipment and technology costs add AUD $50,000–$100,000 for heart rate monitoring systems, tablets, and F45-specific training equipment.

Initial franchise fees of AUD $60,000 provide territory rights and access to F45's workout programming, which updates daily across the global network. Working capital requirements typically range from AUD $50,000–$100,000 to cover operational expenses during the initial trading period.

Anytime Fitness Investment Breakdown

Anytime Fitness requires an estimated total investment between AUD $350,000–$975,000, encompassing franchise fees, comprehensive gym equipment, 24/7 access control systems, and substantial lease deposits typical of larger format facilities. The investment reflects Anytime Fitness's traditional gym model with extensive cardio and strength equipment.

Estimated $350,000–$975,000 AUD (total entry cost including fit-out, equipment, fees, working capital)

Initial franchise fee$42,500 (8.6%)

Fit-out and equipment$150,000 (30.4%)

Real estate and lease deposit$180,000 (36.5%)

Technology (access control, POS)$20,000 (4.1%)

Working capital and contingency$100,000 (20.3%)

Ongoing royalty$699 (0.1%)

Real estate and lease deposits represent the largest investment component at an estimated AUD $180,000–$300,000, reflecting Anytime Fitness's requirement for ground-floor locations with street frontage and parking access. Gym equipment and fit-out costs approximately AUD $150,000–$250,000 for cardio machines, free weights, strength equipment, and club amenities.

The initial franchise fee of AUD $42,500 is notably lower than many fitness franchises, with Anytime Fitness generating ongoing revenue through its flat monthly royalty structure rather than high upfront fees. Technology investments of AUD $20,000–$50,000 cover access control systems, point-of-sale equipment, and security monitoring essential for 24/7 operations.

Ongoing Fees

The royalty structures present the most significant operational difference between these concepts. F45 Training charges 7% of gross sales or AUD $2,500 monthly, whichever amount is higher, creating variable costs that scale with revenue performance. For studios generating over $35,714 monthly gross sales (approximately $428,000 annually), percentage-based royalties exceed the minimum threshold.

Anytime Fitness operates on a flat $699 monthly royalty regardless of club performance, providing cost certainty and potentially significant advantages for high-performing locations. A club generating AUD $50,000 monthly revenue pays approximately 1.4% in royalties, while F45 studios at equivalent revenue levels pay the full 7% rate.

Marketing contributions for Anytime Fitness range from $600–$1,700 monthly, combining general marketing fund contributions and local area development fees. These structured marketing investments support national advertising campaigns and digital marketing initiatives across the extensive Australian network.

The flat fee advantage becomes increasingly significant as revenue grows. Anytime Fitness locations generating AUD $100,000+ monthly revenue benefit from effective royalty rates below 1%, while F45 Training maintains the 7% rate regardless of scale, creating different profit margin dynamics between the concepts.

Earning Potential

F45 Training franchisees can expect healthy owner returns estimated at AUD $80,000–$120,000+ annually, including owner-operator labour value. These returns reflect the premium pricing model for group fitness classes, with successful studios charging $50–$70 per week for unlimited membership access to F45's structured workout programming.

The earnings potential depends significantly on class utilisation rates and membership retention. F45 studios typically require 150–200 active members to achieve break-even operations, with strong locations supporting 300–400+ members. Revenue per member averages $200–$250 monthly when factoring in membership fees and additional services.

Anytime Fitness demonstrates strong owner return potential of AUD $80,000–$150,000+ EBITDA annually, benefiting from the flat royalty structure that preserves margin expansion as clubs mature. Successful locations typically support 800–1,200+ members paying $15–$25 weekly, generating monthly revenues of $50,000–$100,000+.

The 24/7 access model provides operational efficiency advantages, with minimal staffing requirements outside peak hours and automated access control systems reducing labour costs. Mature Anytime Fitness clubs often operate with 4–6 staff members compared to F45's requirement for multiple certified trainers to deliver group fitness classes.

Both concepts benefit from recurring membership revenue models, though Anytime Fitness typically demonstrates higher member volumes due to lower price points and broader demographic appeal. F45's premium positioning supports higher per-member revenue but requires consistent class programming and trainer expertise to justify pricing levels.

Risk Assessment

F45 Training carries an elevated risk classification of 6.7/10, reflecting several operational and market factors that prospective buyers may wish to consider carefully. The percentage-based royalty structure creates margin pressure during revenue growth phases, while the group fitness model requires consistent class attendance to maintain viability.

The elevated risk rating also considers F45's dependence on trainer expertise and class programming consistency. Unlike traditional gyms where members exercise independently, F45's value proposition relies entirely on delivering structured group training experiences, creating operational vulnerabilities if staffing or programming quality declines.

Anytime Fitness achieves a moderate risk rating of 4/10, supported by its established operational model, extensive network effects, and flat royalty structure that preserves franchisee margins as clubs mature. The 24/7 access model provides operational flexibility and reduced dependence on staffing compared to class-based fitness concepts.

The lower risk classification reflects Anytime Fitness's proven scalability across diverse market conditions and demographics. The concept's broad appeal supports member acquisition across age groups and fitness levels, while the extensive Australian network of 530+ clubs creates brand recognition and member reciprocity benefits.

Market saturation presents a consideration for both concepts, though Anytime Fitness's larger format and broader service offering may provide better defensive positioning in competitive markets. The chain's global scale and operational maturity also support ongoing system improvements and technology investments.

Operator Experience

F45 Training requires hands-on operational involvement with daily class programming, trainer management, and member engagement activities. Most successful F45 franchisees maintain active involvement in studio operations, particularly during peak class times and member onboarding periods.

The concept typically requires 3–5 certified trainers to maintain class schedules across morning and evening peak periods. Trainer recruitment and retention represents an ongoing operational priority, as F45's group fitness model depends entirely on consistent coaching quality and member motivation.

Daily operational hours typically span 5:00 AM–8:00 PM on weekdays with reduced weekend schedules, though exact hours vary by location and member demand. The structured class format provides operational predictability but requires precise scheduling and resource allocation to optimise class utilisation rates.

Anytime Fitness operations centre on member services, facility maintenance, and staff management for a smaller team typically comprising 4–6 employees. The 24/7 access model reduces owner presence requirements outside standard business hours, though security monitoring and facility maintenance require ongoing attention.

Member service excellence drives retention and referral generation in the competitive fitness market. Successful Anytime Fitness operators focus on creating welcoming environments for diverse fitness levels while maintaining equipment quality and facility cleanliness standards that justify membership fees.

The larger format facility requires more extensive maintenance coordination and equipment servicing compared to F45's functional training focus. However, the operational model provides greater flexibility for owners seeking less intensive daily involvement compared to class-based fitness concepts.

Our Assessment

The data indicates two viable but distinctly different franchise opportunities serving different market segments and operator preferences. F45 Training appeals to franchisees seeking premium group fitness positioning with hands-on operational involvement, while Anytime Fitness suits operators preferring larger-scale facilities with operational flexibility.

From a purely financial perspective, Anytime Fitness's flat royalty structure provides significant advantages for high-performing locations, potentially generating superior returns as clubs mature. The moderate risk rating and extensive network support also favour long-term operational stability.

F45 Training's elevated risk classification reflects legitimate operational challenges, though successful studios can achieve strong returns within the premium group fitness segment. The concept's structured programming and global brand recognition support member acquisition, but operational complexity requires careful consideration.

Market positioning differs substantially between concepts. F45 targets fitness enthusiasts seeking structured group training experiences and willing to pay premium pricing, while Anytime Fitness serves broader demographics across fitness levels and commitment preferences.

Both concepts benefit from Australia's growing health and fitness participation rates, though market maturation and increased competition may pressure future growth rates. Prospective buyers may wish to evaluate local market conditions, competition density, and demographic alignment when selecting between these established fitness franchise options.

Our analysis of franchise comparison reports across the fitness sector indicates that success factors vary significantly between class-based and traditional gym concepts, supporting the importance of operational preference alignment in franchise selection decisions.

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