Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$227,394 - $691,527
Franchise Fee
$19,975
Total US Locations
22
Business Summary
Starting Strength Gyms offers a franchise to establish and operate a distinctive gym focused on a strength training system identified by the "Starting Strength" trade name and marks. These gyms provide introductory sessions, workshops, group training, private coaching, online coaching, nutrition coaching, and key-card access memberships. Starting Strength Gyms maintain a uniform appearance and design and are typically located in retail shopping centers.
Corporate History
Strength Train LLC was initially formed as a California limited liability company on February 2, 2018. In December 2020, Strength Train LLC began the process of changing its corporate domicile to Idaho, which was completed by September 24, 2021, and now operates as an Idaho limited liability company under the trade name "Starting Strength Gyms". The company started offering Starting Strength Gym franchises in July 2018. The "Starting Strength" system and marks themselves were originally founded by Mark Rippetoe in January 2005 through The Aasgaard Company, which licenses these rights to Strength Train LLC. Strength Train LLC has never operated its own gyms.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$227,394 - $691,527
Franchise Fee (Low)
$19,975
Franchise Fee (High)
$39,950
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$61,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$156,500
Working Capital
$19,798
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The financial condition of Strength Train LLC raises questions about its ability to provide services and support to franchisees, as highlighted in the FDD's Special Risks. The company has a significant accumulated deficit in its members' equity, reporting a deficit of $(729,407) as of December 31, 2023. Strength Train LLC has also reported consistent net losses for the past three fiscal years, with a loss of $(225,819) in 2023, $(43,291) in 2022, and $(18,906) in 2021. Additionally, the company has experienced negative cash flow from its operating activities in both 2023 and 2022.
Financing Details
Strength Train LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing for the franchise fee, area development fee, or any other obligations under the franchise agreement. Starting Strength Gyms also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
22
Franchised Units
22
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,413
Franchising Since
2018
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Strength Train LLC has no litigation history to report.
Bankruptcy History
Strength Train LLC has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew with Strength Train LLC, franchisees must have fully complied with their franchise agreement and not be in default. They must also update their gym to meet current Starting Strength Gyms standards, provide written notice of their intent to renew between 90 and 180 days before the agreement expires, pay a $20,000 renewal fee, and sign the then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms. A general release of claims against Strength Train LLC is also required.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Strength Train LLC provides comprehensive assistance before and after the gym opens. Before opening, Starting Strength Gyms offers initial online training, site selection guidelines, and referrals to approved real estate brokerage and law firms to assist with location and lease negotiations. Franchisees receive a confidential operations manual, specifications for gym design, equipment, and a list of approved suppliers. Starting Strength Gyms also provides grand opening marketing advice. Additionally, there's a mandatory Management Development Program, conducted in two phases by an existing franchisee, which includes hands-on training and on-site support at the franchisee's own gym (for which the franchisee pays the host franchisee and covers expenses). After opening, Strength Train LLC continues to specify and approve equipment and suppliers, provide ongoing consultation and advice on operational and administrative matters, and administer a national marketing fund. Starting Strength Gyms may also provide additional training (at the franchisee's expense), set pricing standards, conduct quality control audits, and, if necessary, procure required insurance for the franchisee (passing the cost along).
Initial Training Hours
57
Training Location
Online, at a designated franchised Starting Strength Gym, and at the franchisee's own gym.
Ongoing Support
Strength Train LLC provides ongoing support to its franchisees by specifying and approving equipment and suppliers, and offering regular consultation and advice on administrative and operational issues. Starting Strength Gyms also manages a national Marketing Fund and may conduct customer satisfaction and quality control audits. Franchisees can request additional training (at their cost) and are offered optional system-wide ongoing or refresher training for a fee, including annual owners' retreats and coaches' conferences.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strength Train LLC seeks qualified individuals with strong management skills, business acumen, and a willingness to invest and exert effort to operate a Starting Strength Gym. While personal supervision by the owner is recommended, it is not strictly required if a qualified Gym Manager is in place. Owners and their staff are expected to embody traits of enthusiasm, cleanliness, neatness, friendliness, honesty, and loyalty to ensure customer satisfaction and uphold the brand's goodwill.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Starting Strength Gyms defines its protected territory as a radius around the authorized location. This radius is up to three miles in suburban areas and less than half a mile in densely populated urban environments. The specific radius is determined after analyzing factors like population density, income, traffic patterns, and the mix of residences versus businesses.
Staffing Notes
Starting Strength Gyms franchisees are responsible for hiring and managing their own staff, which must include at least one certified Starting Strength Coach who manages a minimum of 12 sessions per week, and at least one other coach meeting Strength Train LLC's standards. Any non-certified coaches or apprentices must be enrolled in a prep course and complete in-person training under a certified coach. While the owner is encouraged to personally supervise, they may designate a qualified Gym Manager who has completed specific training to oversee day-to-day operations. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, policies, and legal compliance, and must ensure sufficient staffing at all times. Failure to maintain trained designated operators, managers, or coaches may result in a weekly Support Fee from Strength Train LLC.