Opens in a new tab

FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a The Exercise Coach Franchise

The Exercise Coach is a boutique fitness franchise built around technology-driven strength training for the 45-and-older market. Founded in 2000 by Brian and Gerianne Cygan and franchising since 2011, the brand delivers two 20-minute, one-on-one sessions per week led by Certified Exercise Coaches rather than the crowded, high-intensity format of conventional gyms.

Each studio runs on Exerbotics, proprietary AI-assisted resistance equipment that personalises and tracks every workout, giving the brand an exclusive technology platform and protected territories. Studios are small and lean: typically around 1,000 square feet in Class A or B office, retail or medical space, staffed by three to five mostly part-time employees. The model suits both single-unit owner-operators and multi-unit developers.

The network has grown to more than 200 US studios plus locations in Japan and over 400 territories awarded, positioning it as the largest personal training chain in the United States. Its focus on an older, underserved demographic and a recurring membership base sets it apart from volume-led group fitness concepts.

Latest Resales

Why buy a The Exercise Coach Franchise?

Buying a The Exercise Coach franchise gives an owner an established, differentiated position in a fitness category that has stayed resilient across economic cycles. The brand targets the 45-plus demographic most gyms overlook, a group that controls a large share of discretionary spending and tends to value results and personal attention over price. The proprietary Exerbotics platform and protected territory give each studio a genuine point of difference rather than competing on membership price alone.

The lean model keeps overhead low: a small footprint, modest staffing and a recurring-revenue membership base support stronger unit economics than large-format gyms. No fitness background is required, and the two-session-per-week format makes scheduling and client retention more manageable. Corporate marketing drives client lead generation, and an owner can run a studio hands-on or build a more executive multi-unit operation.

The Exercise Coach Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2000

    • Franchising Since

      2011

    • New Startup Cost

      $259,840 – $457,970

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $49,500

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $15,000

      $7,500 if buyer is existing franchisee

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      1%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      215

    • New Units Opened *

      28

    • Units Transferred *

      13

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $291,424

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

The Exercise Coach – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Incoming owners complete the proprietary Exercise Coach certification, which combines online learning with 55 to 77 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction at corporate headquarters; no prior fitness experience is required. Ongoing support includes a dedicated business coach, KPI-driven business reviews, an industry-leading CRM for real-time studio management, corporate-led digital and print lead generation, and franchisee peer groups plus a manager mentor program. Resale buyers should confirm what transfer training and CRM and Exerbotics system access the franchisor provides to incoming owners and existing staff.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The Exercise Coach suits relationship-driven operators who enjoy coaching, community building and motivating clients, particularly within the 45-plus demographic. No fitness or exercise-science background is required; the brand prioritises leadership, strong interpersonal skills, a genuine interest in health, and the discipline to follow proven systems. Single-unit owners are often hands-on in the studio alongside their team, while multi-unit developers take a more executive role managing staff, marketing and growth. A consultative, service-oriented sales approach helps convert and retain members.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    The Exercise Coach has ranked repeatedly on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 (across 2014–2016 and 2021–2023, including #137 in 2023) and continues to appear in recent editions. The brand is recognised as the largest personal training chain in the United States, has been named the #1 fastest-growing personal training franchise in America, and ranks among the top fitness franchises in North America. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition should be weighed alongside the specific studio's local reviews, membership loyalty and community reputation.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US health and fitness club industry generates well over $30 billion in annual revenue, yet adults aged 50 and older remain underserved by conventional, high-intensity gyms. This demographic is among the fastest-growing in the country and controls a disproportionate share of discretionary spending; by 2030 roughly one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Demand for low-impact, time-efficient strength training tied to healthy aging continues to rise, and the membership model gives resale buyers useful visibility into recurring revenue.

Learn more about
how to own a The Exercise Coach franchise resale

Please fill out the form below and a Franchise Flippers expert will be in touch with you shortly.

The Franchise Brand Index

This page is part of Franchise Flippers’ independent franchise Index, designed as an educational resource to help potential buyers explore the franchise resale market and compare brands.

Trademark & Affiliation Disclaimer

This website is an independent, informational resource. All trademarks, logos, and brand names displayed are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and educational purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from the respective trademark holders.