Profitable Smart Gym w/ Recurring Revenue, Loyal Members
The Exercise Coach franchise for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina
List Price: $375,000 USD
Key Facts
Annual Gross Revenue
$382,795 USD
Cash Flow (SDE)
$100,000 – $150,000
Seasonal Business
No
Value of Inventory
Less than $25,000
Value of Assets
$50,000 – $100,000
Year Established
2022
Business Operates From
A retail location
Location Is
Leased
Approx. Monthly Rent
$3,000
Total Employees
Less than 10
1–3 MonthsTransition
Support
SomewhatPrice/Terms
Flexibility
Part-timeOwner
Involvement
About this Business
High-performing AI-enabled personal training studio located in SouthPark—one of Charlotte’s most desirable and affluent neighborhoods. Built on a data-driven model that delivers fast results, this studio blends cutting-edge fitness with strong recurring revenue and consistent member loyalty. In 2025, it generated $382,795 in revenue and $140,726 in cash flow.
Foundation of Profitability:
- Immediate cash flow and growing revenue
- Recurring monthly revenue model
- 120+ active clients with long-term commitment
- Avg. monthly client retention of 97% since 2019
- 5.0/5.0 Google Business rating and 4.9/5.0 Listen360 rating
- Minimal owner involvement required
Strengths You Can Leverage:
- Premium market location with low overhead compared to neighboring retail
- Marketing support through franchisor-led digital campaigns, blog, podcast, and referral program
- Operational ease with fully built-out studio and automated back-end processes
Growth Opportunities:
- Expand session availability during peak times
- Re-engage past clients with targeted outreach
- Form partnerships with local health and wellness providers
- Introduce new services such as balance, brain health, and stretch
Seller will support a smooth transition. Ideal for an investor or hands-on operator looking for a proven business with brand power, client loyalty, and room to scale.
Growth opportunities
This studio is well-positioned to grow by adding high-demand services like balance training, brain health, and stretch. Expanding session availability during peak hours, reactivating past clients with more personalized outreach, and forming partnerships with local health businesses could drive new membership. Increased owner involvement or management focus would further accelerate growth and retention.
Owner's Day-to-Day Involvement
10-15 hours or less per week total for both owners (husband and wife team). One owner's involvement is all back office support, including payroll, filings, accounting, etc. The other owner is available for studio related issues and weekly staff check-ins.
Asset Description
This studio has 5 Proprietary Exerbotics machines (Leg Press, Chest Press/Row, Overhead Press/Pulldown, Squat/Vertical Lift and an Abs/Back Extension), 2 Weight Stack Machines (Hip Combo, and Multi- Trainer), 1 360 Surge Machine (personalized strength & cardio training), 1 SciFit bike, and fitness accessories. Also includes a full suite of technology office equipment, including computers, tablets, a security system, signage, and office furniture, valued at $92,400.
Inventory Description
The $1,000 inventory is included in the sale and includes cleaning materials, janitorial supplies, office supplies, printed marketing materials, and retail items such as nutritional supplements and nutritional playbooks.
Reason for Selling
Narrowing focus closer to home and family.
Why I Love My Franchise
We love seeing our client’s healthy transformations! It is amazing to watch clients enjoy their strength training sessions despite numerous reasons to not like working out! As owners, we are also avid users of The Exercise Coach program. We have witnessed first-hand the health benefits of this program and have both experienced over 100% strength gains. We know that our health would not be as strong as it is now without this program!
About The Exercise Coach
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.
Franchisee 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.
Brand Accolades & 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.
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.
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.