At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: Anytime Fitness vs KidStrong
Choosing between Anytime Fitness and KidStrong comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Anytime Fitness operates in Fitness & Health while KidStrong is in Children's Education & Enrichment. Cross-industry comparisons are valuable when you're evaluating which business model best fits your skills and lifestyle.
From a capital perspective, KidStrong has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Anytime Fitness charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $397K | $342K |
| Max Investment | $973K | $691K |
| Franchise Fee | $43K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 7.5% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $650K | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 5,500 | 190 |
| Annual Growth | 5.0% | 35.0% |
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 71/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 22 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 22 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $300K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Anytime Fitness | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 6 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anytime Fitness or KidStrong a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Anytime Fitness has 5,500 total units and a 71/100 franchisee satisfaction score. KidStrong has 190 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Anytime Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Anytime Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $397K – $973K. The franchise fee is $43K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a KidStrong franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a KidStrong franchise requires an initial investment of $342K – $691K. The franchise fee is $40K, with ongoing royalties of 7.5%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Anytime Fitness vs KidStrong?
Anytime Fitness's royalty rate is 5.0%. KidStrong's royalty rate is 7.5%. That means Anytime Fitness has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Anytime Fitness or KidStrong?
Anytime Fitness has 5,500 total units. KidStrong has 190 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Anytime Fitness or KidStrong semi-absentee friendly?
Anytime Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. KidStrong is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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