Stretch Zone vs Planet Fitness: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Fitness & Health Real Data Not Investment Advice
SZ

Stretch Zone

Fitness & Health
$180K – $270K
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VS
PF

Planet Fitness

Fitness & Health
$1.5M – $4.9M
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Stretch Zone wins on investment range ($4.6M less) vs Planet Fitness.
Fee Burden
Both have the same royalty rate.
Unit Count
Planet Fitness wins on total units (1,990 more) vs Stretch Zone.
Satisfaction
Planet Fitness has available Franchisee Satisfaction data; Stretch Zone does not.

Investment & Fees

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Min Investment $180K $1.5M
Max Investment $270K $4.9M
Franchise Fee $50K $20K
Royalty Rate 7.0% 7.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 7.0%

Unit Economics

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Avg Unit Revenue N/A $2.5M
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Total Units 510 2,500
Annual Growth N/A 6.0%
Failure Rate N/A 1.0%

Franchisee Performance

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Franchisee Satisfaction N/A 82/100

Track Record

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Years in Business 20 32
Years Franchising 9 22

Financial Requirements

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Min Net Worth Required $250K $3.0M
Liquid Capital Required $75K $1.5M

Operations

Metric Stretch Zone Planet Fitness
Avg Employees N/A 20
Training Weeks N/A 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stretch Zone or Planet Fitness a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Stretch Zone has 510 total units and a track record in its industry. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a Stretch Zone franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Stretch Zone franchise requires an initial investment of $180K – $270K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Stretch Zone vs Planet Fitness?

Stretch Zone's royalty rate is 7.0%. Planet Fitness's royalty rate is 7.0%. That means Planet Fitness has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Stretch Zone or Planet Fitness?

Stretch Zone has 510 total units. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Stretch Zone or Planet Fitness semi-absentee friendly?

Stretch Zone is typically run as a owner-operator model. Planet Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

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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