About Starting Strength Franchise
Starting Strength is a strength training franchise built around the widely recognized Starting Strength method, a barbell training program developed by coach Mark Rippetoe.
Each location offers structured coaching sessions where clients learn the foundational barbell lifts under the guidance of certified coaches.
The brand appeals to a broad demographic, from beginners seeking proper technique to experienced lifters looking to refine their form in a focused, no frills gym environment.
Starting Strength Franchise Cost & Fees
Minimum Investment
$227K
Average Investment
$459K
Maximum Investment
$692K
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,950 | One-time payment upon signing |
| Royalty Fee | 8% of Gross Sales of gross sales | Ongoing; paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% of Gross Sales | National brand fund |
| Total Investment Range | $227,394 – $691,527 | Includes build-out, inventory, working capital |
The investment range of $227K–$692K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (8% of Gross Sales) and marketing fee (2% of Gross Sales) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,950 | $39,950 |
| Real Estate/Lease (3 months + Deposit) | $6,042 | $49,000 |
| Real Estate Consulting Fees | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Construction Management Fees | $2,000 | $20,000 |
| Tenant Improvements and Build-Out | $70,000 | $250,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture, Finishes, Fixtures & Supplies | $61,000 | $156,500 |
| Signage | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $2,500 | $8,500 |
| Insurance | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Utilities | $1,750 | $4,200 |
| Business License and Permits | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Technology Fees paid to Franchisor | $4,837 | $5,422 |
| Other Technology Fees | $750 | $4,635 |
| Computer System and Related Hardware | $1,000 | $3,500 |
| Professional Fees | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Architectural Fees | $4,850 | $15,300 |
| Management Development Program | $5,320 | $11,520 |
| Marketing Agency Management Fees | $0 | $2,000 |
| Recruiting Fees | $1,000 | $5,300 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $395 | $39,200 |
Additional Fees (Item 6)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | $10,000 |
| Renewal Fee | $20,000 |
| Technology Fee | $408 - $447 per month |
| Audit Fee | All costs of or relating to the audit. |
| Local Marketing/Advertising Expenses | 3% of Gross Sales |
| Ongoing/Refresher Training | $500 to $1,000 per day |
| Late Fees | The lesser of 1.5% per month or the highest rate of interest allowed by law |
| Insurance Reimbursement | Amount of unpaid premium |
| Cost of Enforcement or Defense | All costs including attorneys’ fees |
| Indemnification | All costs including attorneys’ fees |
| Upgrades and Maintenance | $500 - $25,000 |
| Alternative Supplier Approval | Our reasonable costs incurred in evaluating a supplier. |
| Support Fee | $3,500 per week |
| Gift Card Program | Face value of the gift card. |
| Marketing Agency Management Fees | $50 per hour |
| Recruiter Placement Fees | $500 - $1,750 per placement |
| Veteran Apprentice Management Fee | $50 per veteran Monthly |
| Online Coaching Lead Fee | $50 per lead |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | 2.6% to 3.2% of total amount charge. |
| Compromise of Manual Liquidated Damages | $8,000 |
| Marketing and Coaching Directory Fee | $50 per month |
| Starting Strength Gyms Owners Retreat (Optional Fee) | $500 - $1,500 per attendee, plus travel expenses. |
| Starting Strength Gyms Coaches Conference (Optional Fee) | $95 - $150 per attendee, plus travel and living expenses. |
Training Program (Item 11)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | Online Initial Training Program is approximately 2 to 3 non-consecutive days. Management Development Program is 3 consecutive days for Phase 1 and 2 consecutive days for Phase 2. |
| Classroom Training | 17 |
| On-the-Job Training | 40 |
| Training Location | Online (on your computer), Host Franchisee’s location, At your Gym |
| Additional Training | From time to time, we may offer system-wide ongoing or refresher training to the Starting Strength Franchisees for a fee ranging from $500 to $1,000 per day, such training may include online and offline courses, meetings, seminars and conventions. You are required to attend and complete any additional required training and comply on an ongoing basis with all training requirements to our satisfaction. |
Territory Rights (Item 12)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Territory Type | Non-exclusive protected radius |
| Exclusive Territory | No |
| Territory Size | up to three (3) miles around the Authorized Location in suburban environments; less than half (1/2) a mile in densely populated urban environments. |
| Description | So long as you are in good standing, you will receive a non-exclusive protected radius around your Gym’s authorized location. We will not operate or establish, or authorize another Starting Strength franchisee to operate or establish, a Starting Strength Gym within your protected radius. You will not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control. |
Renewal, Termination & Transfer (Item 17)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Term | single additional 10-year term |
| Renewal Fee | $20,000 |
| Renewal Conditions | You have complied with all of the Franchise Agreement provisions; you are not in default of the Franchise Agreement; you have brought the Gym into compliance with our current standards; you have given us notice of renewal; you have signed a then-current form of Franchise Agreement; and you have signed a general release in substantially the form of Exhibit F to this disclosure document. You must give us notice of your intent to renew no less than 90 days or more than 180 days before the Franchise Agreement expires. The new Franchise Agreement may contain terms and conditions that are materially different from your original Franchise Agreement. |
| Transfer Fee | $10,000 |
| Transfer Conditions | You must be in compliance with all agreements, the Manual, all contracts with any party, and transferee must assume all obligations under these agreements; transferee meet our then-current requirements and complete or agree to complete our training program for new franchisees; you must pay the transfer fee; all sums due must be paid; all obligations to third parties must be satisfied; the Gym must be in full compliance with the Manual and standards and specifications for new Starting Strength Gyms; and the transferee must satisfactorily complete training. |
| Termination for Cause | Failure to properly establish and equip the premises; failure to complete training; make a material misrepresentation or omission in the application for the franchise; conviction or plea of no contest to a felony, or other crime or offense that can adversely affect the reputation of you, us or the Gym; make unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; abandonment of the business for 2 consecutive business days unless otherwise approved; surrender of control of the business; unauthorized transfer; you are adjudicated bankrupt, insolvent or make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; your misuse of the Marks; failure on 3 occasions within any 12 consecutive month period to pay amounts due, or otherwise to comply with the Franchise Agreement; violate any health, safety or sanitation law or conduct your operation in a manner creating a safety hazard; or violating the rights and restrictions of your territory. Operating a competing business. |
| Non-Compete Period | 2 years after termination |
| Non-Compete Details | You must not have any interest in any weight-lifting or strength-training business, any weight-lifting or strength-training marketing or consulting business, any business offering services or products of a similar nature to those of the Gym (subject to applicable state law). You must not operate any weightlifting or strength-training business similar to a Starting Strength Gym within a one (1) mile radius in dense urban environments and within a five (5) mile radius in suburban environments of any Starting Strength brand Gym for 2 years after termination (subject to applicable state law). |
Operations & Supply (Items 8 & 15)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner-Operator Required | No |
| Participation Details | We do not require, but do recommend, that you (or the Designated Operator) personally supervise the Gym. You may designate a Gym Manager who has successfully completed our Management Development Training Program, and meets our then-current standards, to assist in the direct, day-to-day supervision of the operations of the Gym, or to be the on-premises supervisor if you choose not to personally supervise the Gym. If you are a business entity, your designated Gym Manager need not hold an ownership interest in the business to be the on-premises supervisor. You must have at least one coach employed at the Gym with a valid Starting Strength Coach Certification. |
| Required Suppliers | You must purchase or lease all gym equipment, furniture, fixtures, finishes, signage, merchandise, and gym supplies for the establishment of your Gym from suppliers designated and approved by us (“Approved Suppliers”). We are currently the sole Approved Supplier of certain software programs, marketing management services, and recruiting services that you are required to purchase. Licensor, The Aasgaard Company, is the sole Approved Supplier of the required Starting Strength Coach training and certification and Starting Strength Coach Prep Course training. You are required to hire and use the real estate brokers and attorneys that we have designated as the Approved Suppliers for real estate in selecting and leasing the premises for your Gym. You are required to hire and use our designated Approved Suppliers for construction management, architecture and engineering, and general contracting and finishing work (unless unable to do the job and approved by us). |
| Supply Restrictions | On notice by us, you will immediately cease and desist from using/offering any equipment, products, and/or services otherwise not authorized by us. We may designate a single supplier or multiple suppliers for any given item or service and may concentrate purchases with one or more suppliers in our business judgment. We may condition and/or revoke our approval of particular items or suppliers as we choose. Approvals of an alternative supplier, or any supplier, may be revoked by us at any time, in our sole discretion. |
| Franchisor Revenue from Suppliers | In our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, our revenues from required purchases and leases of products and services by franchisees, including purchases of software programs (i.e., Technology Fees), architecture and design fees, recruiter fees, and fees for online coaching leads from us, were $141,073, or 18% of our total revenues of $780,296. |
Financing (Item 10)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Available | No |
| Description | We do not offer direct or indirect financing for any amount due under the Franchise Agreement or Area Development Agreement. We do not guarantee your note, lease or any other obligation. |
Starting Strength Franchise Earnings — Item 19
Average Revenue
$282K
Median Revenue
$292K
Revenue Range
$185 – $670K
Sample Size
25 units
Past financial performance does not guarantee future results. Individual results will vary.
Starting Strength Litigation & Risk Flags
Clean Litigation RecordStarting Strength has no pending litigation actions listed in their FDD. There is also no bankruptcy history disclosed.
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
Starting Strength System Growth
Total Units
22
Franchised
22
Company-Owned
0
Starting Strength currently operates 22 franchised locations and 0 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
Unit History (Item 20)
| Year | Opened | Closed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 | 0 | 17 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | 22 |
Transfers: 1 | Closures: 0
State Registrations
Registered in 14 states: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA, WI
Franchisor Financials (Item 21)
Revenue
$780K
Net Income
$-225,819
Total Assets
$113K
Audited by LAVINE, LOFGREN, MORRIS & ENGELBERG, LLP for year ending December 31, 2023.
Starting Strength Franchise — FAQ
The total investment to open a Starting Strength franchise ranges from $227,394 to $691,527, per their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of $39,950. The investment covers build-out, inventory, equipment, signage, working capital, and other startup costs.
Starting Strength charges a royalty fee of 8% of Gross Sales of gross sales, plus a 2% of Gross Sales contribution to the marketing/advertising fund. These fees are paid on an ongoing basis.
You can download the Starting Strength Franchise Disclosure Document free on this page. The FDD is a public document filed with state franchise registries. Always also request the current FDD directly from Starting Strength to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
According to the Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD, Starting Strength franchise owners report average revenue of $282K and median revenue of $292K. This is based on a sample of 25 units. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Starting Strength has been franchising since 2018. The FDD shows an investment range of $227,394-$691,527, a 8% of Gross Sales royalty, and includes an Item 19 earnings disclosure. There is no pending litigation. Review the full FDD and contact current franchisees listed in Item 20 before making any investment decision.
The franchise fee is $39,950 and the total investment ranges from $227,394 to $691,527 depending on location size and market. Contact the franchisor directly for current net worth and liquid capital requirements, territory availability, and application details.
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Data Source & Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to sell or buy a franchise. This profile is based on publicly available FDD data sourced from state franchise registry filings. All information is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may be outdated or contain errors. Always obtain the current FDD directly from Starting Strength and consult a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. FranchiseOverview.com is operated by Franchising Compliance, LLC and is not affiliated with Starting Strength or any of its subsidiaries. To report an inaccuracy: info@franchiseoverview.com