Source: FranopolisThe Little Gym
The Business
SourcesThe current franchisor began offering franchises in September 1992.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read More About The Business
The franchisor was formerly known as The Little Gym International, Inc.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We began offering T HE L ITTLE G YM ® franchises in September 1992.
Source NotesWe were formerly known as The Little Gym International, Inc.
What It Costs
SourcesWhere Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Licenses and Permits | $500 to $1,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Business Licenses and Permits $500 $1,000 |
| Architectural & Construction Management Fees | $16,700 to $25,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 Architectural & Construction Management Fees 4 $16,700 $25,000 |
| Initial Supplies | $1,200 to $2,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Initial Supplies $1,200 $2,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $20,000 to $25,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Grand Opening Marketing 12 $20,000 $25,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $59,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 Initial Franchise Fee 1 $59,500 $59,500 |
| Development Agreement — Legal, Accounting and Other Fees | $3,000 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Legal, Accounting and Other Fees 2 $3,000 $5,000 |
| Signage (interior and exterior) | $24,000 to $35,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Signage (interior and exterior) 5 $24,000 $35,000 |
| Development Agreement — Development Fee | $113,050 to $160,650 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Development Fee 1 $113,050 $160,650 |
| Training Related Expenses | $17,500 to $22,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Training Related Expenses 9 $17,500 $22,500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $39,000 to $81,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Additional Funds – 3 Months 13 $39,000 $81,000 |
| Lease Payments (one month rent and security deposit) | $12,000 to $30,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 Lease Payments (one month rent and security deposit) 2 $12,000 $30,000 |
| Computer Systems, A/V, Security Surveillance System, Other Systems | $7,000 to $9,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Computer Systems, A/V, Security Surveillance System, Other Systems 8 $7,000 $9,000 |
| TOTAL — Development Agreement | $476,874 to $828,923 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 TOTAL 4 $476,874 $828,923 |
| Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees | $5,000 to $11,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees 10 $5,000 $11,000 |
| Insurance Deposit and Premium | $2,440 to $2,840 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Insurance Deposit and Premium 11 $2,440 $2,840 |
| Initial Inventory and Equipment Package | $65,000 to $75,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Initial Inventory and Equipment Package 6 $65,000 $75,000 |
| TOTAL — first Gym | $420,324 to $722,773 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 TOTAL $420,324 $722,773 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $15,000 to $18,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment 7 $15,000 $18,000 |
| Leasehold and Tenant Improvements | $135,240 to $325,644 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 Leasehold and Tenant Improvements 3 $135,240 $325,644 |
| Technology Fees and Call Center | $244 to $289 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 Technology Fees and Call Center $244 $289 |
| Development Agreement — Initial Investment for first Gym excluding initial franchise fee | $360,824 to $663,273 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Initial Investment for the first The Little Gym Franchised Business 3 $360,824 $663,273 |
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
- Royalty
View Disclosed Terms
Royalty Fee 8% of Gross Sales 2 or $2,500 per month, whichever is greater (“Minimum Royalty”)
2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 · Item 6
Review Fee Sources
Fees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Development Agreement Transfer Fee — Controlling Interest | Transfer Fee (Controlling Interest) $25,000 plus $1,500 for each Gym yet to be developed | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Audit Costs | Audit Costs Actual cost of the financial audit; currently $4,800 to $5,500 per audit | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Technology Fee | Up to $399 per month, which is subject to adjustment upward in an amount equal to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers when measured on January 1 of each year or in an amount equal to any increase passed on by the applicable third-party vendors; currently $119 per month for the base technology stack, and $21.60 plus $0.0121 SMS Rate per segment and $0.0276 MMS Rate per segment per month pass- | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Transfer Fee — non-controlling interest | 3) $3,500 but only if the Non-Controlling interest is | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| Resale Program Fee | Resale Program Fee Currently, 4% of the purchase price paid for your Franchised Business (in any form, including cash, credit, debt or stock) or our then-current initial franchise fee (currently $59,500), whichever is greater | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Gift card redemption administrative fee | If a gift card is redeemed in your Gym, we will reimburse the redeemed amount minus the up to 7% administrative fee retained by the vendor or affiliate. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Additional Training | Additional Training Then-current additional training fee (currently, $500 per day) plus reimbursement of our actual costs | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Interest — California | The highest interest rate allowed by law in California for late payments is 10% annually. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Start-Up Equipment and Inventory Package | The current cost of the Start-Up Equipment and Inventory Package is $65,000 to $75,000. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Call Center Fee | The sum of the Service Fee and your pro rata share of E-commerce Variable Cost, as defined in Note 6. Currently, the Service Fee is $80 to $120 per month per Gym | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Initial franchise fee — one Gym | The initial franchise fee is $59,500 for one Gym. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Additional On-Site Assistance | Additional On- Site Assistance 8 $500 to $2,500 per day; plus our expenses for travel and accommodations | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Gift Card and Loyalty Program Fees | Gift Card and Loyalty Program Fees Currently $0; amount of administrative fees once instituted | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Development Agreement Liquidated Damages | The lesser of i) $100,000 and ii) the Minimum Royalty Fee, multiplied by 36, multiplied by the number of units undeveloped under the Development Agreement. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Initial Training Fee | Initial Training Fee $500 for the first 2 individuals; then-current fee (currently, $500 per day) for each additional person | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Dashboard Access License Fee | Dashboard Access License Fee Waived for the first license; $10 per month per license after the first license | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Conference Fee | Conference Fee Currently $950 to $1,350 per attendee, up to $1,500 per attendee, which is subject to adjustment upward in an amount equal to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers when measured on January 1 of each year. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Split Territory Fee | Split Territory Fee 9 50% of our then-current initial franchise fee | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| Grand opening | You must spend between $20,000 and $25,000 in connection with your grand opening of the Franchised Business. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Compliance Review Fee | Compliance Review Fee Actual cost of program, including purchases made as part of the mystery shop or audit; currently, $1,500 to $3,500 per audit depending on the scope of the audit | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Development Agreement Administrative Fee | $3,500 but only if 20% or less of the total outstanding units or assets in the Franchised Business are being transferred to an approved Owner and limited to one time per rolling twelve-month period. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Renewal Fee | Renewal Fee 25% of our then-current initial franchise fee plus reimbursement of our legal and professional expenses and our other costs incurred in connection with the renewal | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Royalty Fee | Royalty Fee 8% of Gross Sales 2 or $2,500 per month, whichever is greater (“Minimum Royalty”) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Additional email address | two email accounts ($4.99 per month for each additional email address) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Conference materials fee | If you or your representative do not attend, you must pay us a conference materials fee of $1,500 (or the maximum allowed in the franchise agreement) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Holdover Fee | Holdover Fee $250 per day that you operate after the expiration of the term of the Franchise Agreement | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| Local Marketing Expenditure | Local Marketing Expenditure 4 Up to 6% of monthly Gross Sales, minus the portion we designate for NAF Contribution; currently 5% of Gross Sales | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| NAF Contribution | NAF Contribution 3 Up to 2.5% of monthly Gross Sales; currently 1% of Gross Sales | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesYour Role As An Owner
SourcesThe Franchised Business must be supervised at all times by a person who assumes the responsibilities of general management, and full-time responsibility for daily supervision and operation, of your Franchised Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
The franchisor must approve your Designated Manager and gym director.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
The Designated Manager may be an Owner, your gym director, or a general manager.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
The Executive Owner is not required to be the Designated Manager but may also serve as the Designated Manager.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We must approve your Designated Manager and gym director.
The Designated Manager may be an Owner, your gym director, or a general manager.
The Executive Owner is not required to be the Designated Manager but may also serve as the Designated Manager.
Source NotesThe Franchised Business must be supervised at all times by a person who assumes the responsibilities of general management, and full-time responsibility for daily supervision and operation, of your Franchised Business (the “Designated Manager”).
Training & Support
SourcesYou must complete Launch Training no later than 30 days before opening the Franchised Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
The second part of Bootcamp Training is internship training and is approximately two to three days in length.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
The first portion of Bootcamp Training is approximately five days in length with 3 to 5 hours of virtual training content.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You must complete Launch Training no later than 30 days before opening the Franchised Business.
The second part of Bootcamp Training is internship training and is approximately two to three days in length (“Internship Training”).
Source NotesThe first portion of Bootcamp Training is approximately five days in length with 3 to 5 hours of virtual training content.
Franchisor Financing
SourcesThe franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing, but the franchisor may develop relationships with preferred lenders or financing sources, which the franchisor may, when established, make available to you.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 33 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing, but we may develop relationships with preferred lenders or financing sources, which we may, when established, make available to you.
The Franchise Network
SourcesReported At Year-End 2023
| Year | Franchised At Year-End | Company-Owned At Year-End | Total At Year-End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 185 | 1 | 186 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 70 · 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
2023 Year-End Counts
Franchised 2023 173 185 +12
Company-Owned 2023 1 1 0
SourcesTotal Outlets 2023 174 186 +12
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 began offering franchises in September 1992.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor was formerly known as The Little Gym International, Inc.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We began offering T HE L ITTLE G YM ® franchises in September 1992.
Source NotesWe were formerly known as The Little Gym International, Inc.
04Bankruptcy Disclosure
This FDD reports no bankruptcy matters that require disclosure under Item 4.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 · Item 4 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesNo bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in this Item.
08Suppliers And Required Purchases
You may not purchase or lease the product or service until and unless the franchisor has approved the supplier in writing.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 29 · Item 8 · View Source
The franchisor will notify you of the franchisor’s approval or disapproval within 120 days of the franchisor’s receipt of complete information from you that the franchisor requires to evaluate a proposed supplier.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 29 · Item 8 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You may not purchase or lease the product or service until and unless we have approved the supplier in writing.
Source NotesWe will notify you of our approval or disapproval within 120 days of our receipt of complete information from you that we require to evaluate a proposed supplier.
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing, but the franchisor may develop relationships with preferred lenders or financing sources, which the franchisor may, when established, make available to you.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 33 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing, but we may develop relationships with preferred lenders or financing sources, which we may, when established, make available to you.
11Support, Training And Advertising
You must complete Launch Training no later than 30 days before opening the Franchised Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
The second part of Bootcamp Training is internship training and is approximately two to three days in length.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
The first portion of Bootcamp Training is approximately five days in length with 3 to 5 hours of virtual training content.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You must complete Launch Training no later than 30 days before opening the Franchised Business.
The second part of Bootcamp Training is internship training and is approximately two to three days in length (“Internship Training”).
Source NotesThe first portion of Bootcamp Training is approximately five days in length with 3 to 5 hours of virtual training content.
13Trademarks
The franchisor claims common law trademark rights in the names of the franchisor’s instructional classes, which may change.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 46 · Item 13 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe claim common law trademark rights in the names of our instructional classes, which may change.
15Owner Participation
The franchisor must approve your Designated Manager and gym director.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
The Designated Manager may be an Owner, your gym director, or a general manager.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
The Executive Owner is not required to be the Designated Manager but may also serve as the Designated Manager.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
The Franchised Business must be supervised at all times by a person who assumes the responsibilities of general management, and full-time responsibility for daily supervision and operation, of your Franchised Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 51 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We must approve your Designated Manager and gym director.
The Designated Manager may be an Owner, your gym director, or a general manager.
The Executive Owner is not required to be the Designated Manager but may also serve as the Designated Manager.
Source NotesThe Franchised Business must be supervised at all times by a person who assumes the responsibilities of general management, and full-time responsibility for daily supervision and operation, of your Franchised Business (the “Designated Manager”).
16Products And Services You Can Sell
You may offer and sell only the products, goods, and services specifically authorized by the franchisor in writing, including without limitation ancillary services that Franchisor may authorize from time to time.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 52 · Item 16 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesYou may offer and sell only the products, goods, and services specifically authorized by us in writing, including without limitation ancillary services that Franchisor may authorize from time to time.
17Renewal, Transfer And Ending The Agreement
If you are in good standing, you may elect to continue operating the franchise for two additional, consecutive five-year successor terms.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 53 · Item 17 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesIf you are in good standing, you may elect to continue operating the franchise for two additional, consecutive five-year successor terms.
18Public Figures
The franchisor says it does not use public figures to promote this franchise.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 63 · Item 18 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not use any public figure to promote our franchise.
20Franchise Locations
At the end of 2023, the FDD reports 185 franchised locations and 1 company-owned locations. These are reported locations, not a count of territories available to buy.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 70 · Item 20 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
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.
Keep Exploring
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