Gold's Gym
Gold’s Gym is a fitness franchise that operates gyms serving first-time exercisers, fitness enthusiasts, and serious athletes. Its facilities provide strength-training equipment, free weights, functional training zones, cardio areas, recovery areas, group exercise rooms, and optional small-group training studios. The franchise supports owners with site selection, gym design and equipment layout, preferred vendors, training systems, marketing assets, media-planning tools, staffing resources, and ongoing field support. Gold’s Gym operates as part of a worldwide franchise system.
The Business
SourcesThe current franchisor was formed on July 27, 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read More About The Business
The franchisor’s parent is RSG Group USA Inc.. Immediate Parent’s parent company is RSG Group GmbH.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor has offered franchises for the operation of Gold’s Gym Facilities since March 26, 2021.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We are a Delaware limited liability company formed on July 27, 2020.
Our parent is RSG Group USA Inc. (“Immediate Parent”). Immediate Parent’s parent company is RSG Group GmbH (“Ultimate Parent”).
Source NotesWe have offered franchises for the operation of Gold’s Gym Facilities since March 26, 2021.
What It Costs
SourcesYour location, business format and operating plan can change the total.
Where Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Signage | $40,000 to $85,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Signage (6) $40,000 to $85,000 |
| Initial franchise fee | $40,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Initial franchise fee (1) $40,000 |
| Initial inventory, other equipment and supplies | $7,000 to $40,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Initial inventory, other equipment and supplies (7) $7,000 to $40,000 |
| 3 months’ rent | $52,500 to $320,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 3 months’ rent (3) $52,500 to $320,000 |
| Development Fee under Development Rights Agreement | $10,000 to $40,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 Development Fee (1) $10,000 to $40,000 |
| Advertising and marketing | $50,000 to $120,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Advertising and marketing (9) $50,000 to $120,000 |
| Additional funds – 3 months | $40,000 to $100,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 Additional funds – 3 months (11) $40,000 to $100,000 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | $10,000 to $65,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Miscellaneous opening costs (10) $10,000 to $65,000 |
| Selectorized equipment and free weights | $425,000 to $850,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Selectorized equipment and free weights (5) $425,000 to $850,000 |
| Travel and living expenses during training | $4,000 to $7,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Travel and living expenses during training (2) $4,000 to $7,000 |
| Security deposit for lease | $17,500 to $110,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Security deposit for lease (3) $17,500 to $110,000 |
| Total estimated initial investment | $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (excluding real estate purchase costs) (12 ) $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 |
| Cardiovascular equipment | $160,000 to $275,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Cardiovascular equipment (5) $160,000 to $275,000 |
| Computer system and Gym Management System | $10,000 to $25,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Computer system and Gym Management System (8) $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Leasehold improvements and construction costs | $1,500,000 to $3,125,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 Leasehold improvements and construction costs (4) $1,500,000 to $3,125,000 |
Line items are shown as disclosed. Some costs overlap or apply to different formats; do not add them together without reviewing the source.
SourcesKey Franchise Fees
- Initial Franchise Fee
View Disclosed Terms
If you sign the Franchise Agreement for a new Gold’s Gym Facility, then unless you qualify for a Veteran Discount (described below), you will pay us a $40,000 initial franchise fee in a lump sum when you sign that Agreement.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 · Item 5
Review Fee Sources- Royalty
View Disclosed Terms
Greater of 5% of Facility’s Gross Revenue (2) each month or $2,000 per month
2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 · Item 6
Review Fee Sources
Fees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Contribution | Greater of 2% of Facility’s Gross Revenue (2) each month or $1,350 per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Studio Program initial fees total | Accordingly, the initial fees for the Studio Programs will range from $0 (if you elect not to offer any Studio Programs) to $1,000 (if you elect to offer both of the Studio Programs that are currently offered). | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Transfer fee - control transfer | $10,000 for control transfers | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Fee for ongoing training | $500 per person per session | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Studio Program training fee per trainee | You will incur training fees of $250 per trainee. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Transfer fee - non-control transfer | $2,500 for non-control transfer | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Royalty | Greater of 5% of Facility’s Gross Revenue (2) each month or $2,000 per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Interest | interest at 1.5% per month or highest interest rate the law allows, whichever is less | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Interim Operations fee | 3% of Gross Revenue (2) plus direct out-of-pocket costs and expenses | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Veteran Discount initial franchise fee | If you qualify for the Veteran Discount, your initial franchise fee is $32,000. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Follow-up inspection fee | Our cost (estimated to be $300 to $500 per inspection, but could increase if our costs increase) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Administrative fee | $100 administrative fee | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Studio Program initial fee per program | If you participate in one or both optional Studio Programs (the Gold’s Fit program and/or the Gold’s Burn program), you must pay us an initial fee of $500 per program at the time you sign the Studio Program Addendum. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Initial franchise fee | If you sign the Franchise Agreement for a new Gold’s Gym Facility, then unless you qualify for a Veteran Discount (described below), you will pay us a $40,000 initial franchise fee in a lump sum when you sign that Agreement. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Additional training fee | We currently charge $500 per person per session for this additional training, and this fee is not refundable. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Studio Program instructor travel expenses | We estimate these expenses to range from $1,500 (if you only elect to participate in one training program, with one instructor attending) to $3,000 (if you elect to participate in both currently offered Studio Programs, with one instructor attending). | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Development fee | Your development fee is $10,000 multiplied by the number of Gold’s Gym Facilities you agree to develop in the Development Area, subject to a minimum of 2 Gold’s Gym Facilities. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Successor franchise fee | 50% of the standard initial franchise fee we then charge for new Gold’s Gym Facility franchises (currently would be $20,000) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Studio Program field-based training fee | As an example, if you participate in both Studio Programs, and each training program is conducted by field-based training, you will incur a minimum (based on 5 trainees for each program) of $1,250 in training fees (if only one instructor attends the training session for each program) plus approximately $3,000 in instructor travel expenses payable to us (depending on whether the training for both programs is conducted back-to-back). | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Non-Compliance Fee | $500 per default per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Supplier testing fees | Our cost (estimated to be $500 to $5,000) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Studio Program software fees for first 3 months | In addition, you will pay us $300 to $750 for the first 3 months of software fees related to the optional Studio Programs. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesSee how the disclosed startup costs fit your cash, reserves, and financing plans.
Your Role As An Owner
SourcesThe Facility’s manager does not need to have an equity interest in the Facility (or in you).
2026 FDD · PDF Page 44 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe Facility’s manager does not need to have an equity interest in the Facility (or in you).
Franchisor Financing
SourcesThe franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 30 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
The Franchise Network
SourcesReported At Year-End 2023
| Year | Franchised At Year-End | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 158 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 62 · Item 20 |
These are reported outlet counts, not available territories or a measure of profitability. A dash means a count is not available in this record.
Review The Source Figures
Inside The FDD
SourcesPlain-language summaries of the available FDD information. Each summary links to its source, with original excerpts available to review.
Sources
The Franopolis report provides the source research. FDD page references identify the supplied excerpts when available.
01The Business And Its Ownership
The current franchisor was formed on July 27, 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor’s parent is RSG Group USA Inc.. Immediate Parent’s parent company is RSG Group GmbH.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor has offered franchises for the operation of Gold’s Gym Facilities since March 26, 2021.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We are a Delaware limited liability company formed on July 27, 2020.
Our parent is RSG Group USA Inc. (“Immediate Parent”). Immediate Parent’s parent company is RSG Group GmbH (“Ultimate Parent”).
Source NotesWe have offered franchises for the operation of Gold’s Gym Facilities since March 26, 2021.
02The Leadership Team
The leadership team listed in the FDD includes Jörg Fockenberg (Chief Development Officer and Vice President Strategy, Expansion & Franchise).
2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 · Item 2 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesJörg Fockenberg - Chief Development Officer and Vice President Strategy, Expansion & Franchise
03Disclosed Legal Proceedings
This FDD reports no litigation that requires disclosure under Item 3.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 · Item 3 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesNo litigation is required to be disclosed in this Item.
07Estimated Startup Investment
The FDD estimates a total startup investment of $2,356,000 to $5,162,000. Review the listed costs and any conditions before setting your own startup budget.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 · Item 7 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesTOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (excluding real estate purchase costs) (12 ) $2,356,000 to $5,162,000
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 30 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
14Patents, Copyrights And Proprietary Information
The franchisor owns no patents or patent applications that are material to the franchise.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 42 · Item 14 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe own no patents or patent applications that are material to the franchise.
15Owner Participation
The Facility’s manager does not need to have an equity interest in the Facility (or in you).
2026 FDD · PDF Page 44 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe Facility’s manager does not need to have an equity interest in the Facility (or in you).
20Franchise Locations
At the end of 2023, the FDD reports 158 franchised locations. These are reported locations, not a count of territories available to buy.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 62 · Item 20 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesFranchised 2023 158 158 0
Find The Right Business For The Life You Want.
You don’t have to compare every brand on your own. A franchise consultant can help narrow your options and work through what ownership would ask of you.
Bring your questions about this brand, your priorities and the kind of business you want to run.
Your Role
Understand the hours, sales and people responsibilities behind the ownership model.
Your Shortlist
Spend less time sorting through brands and more time on options worth exploring.
Your Market
Check territory options with franchisors and identify the next questions to ask.


