Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$259,840 - $389,970
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Min Cash Required
$30,000
Total US Locations
215
Business Summary
THE EXERCISE COACH® operates studios that provide a comprehensive system of personal training. The goal is to optimize clients' longevity and health span using proprietary and technologically-advanced equipment, evidence-based training methods for strength, flexibility, stability, balance, and brain training, as well as metabolic health and nutrition programs. THE EXERCISE COACH® offers a unique, personalized, and guided experience, focusing on adult men and women of all fitness levels, with a particular emphasis on individuals aged 50 and older. Services include one-on-one and small-group personal strength training, Coach-Assisted Stretching, and Strength Plus plans.
Corporate History
Exercise Coach USA, LLC, the entity operating as THE EXERCISE COACH®, was organized in Illinois on November 2, 2009. The company began offering franchises for its studios in July 2011. While the franchisor itself has never directly owned and operated a THE EXERCISE COACH® studio, its co-founders, Brian R. Cygan and Gerianne M. Cygan, owned and operated studios through an affiliated entity, Strength for Life, LLC, from November 2000 through December 2022. This prior operational experience significantly contributed to the development of THE EXERCISE COACH®'s training systems, protocols, and internal studio management procedures.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$259,840 - $389,970
Franchise Fee (Low)
$20,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Minimum Cash Required
$30,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$116,995
Equipment Costs (High)
$241,855
Working Capital
$37,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
THE EXERCISE COACH® has provided audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. The independent auditor has issued an unqualified opinion, indicating that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Exercise Coach USA, LLC and its subsidiaries in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. There are no additional notes or qualifications in the auditor's report or in Item 21 suggesting any substantial doubt about THE EXERCISE COACH®'s ability to continue as a going concern or other significant financial health concerns.
Financing Details
THE EXERCISE COACH® does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own financing through third parties.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
215
Franchised Units
211
Corporate Units
4
Avg Square Footage
1,400
Franchising Since
2011
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
THE EXERCISE COACH® has no litigation to disclose, meaning the franchisor, its predecessors, its affiliates, or persons identified in Item 2 have not been involved in any material litigation that is required to be reported in this document.
Bankruptcy History
THE EXERCISE COACH® has no bankruptcy history to disclose, meaning the franchisor, its predecessors, its affiliates, or persons identified in Item 2 have not been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings that are required to be reported in this document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, THE EXERCISE COACH® franchisees must provide notice between 240 days and one year before their term expires. They must be in good standing under all agreements, sign THE EXERCISE COACH®'s then-current franchise agreement and a general release. Franchisees also need to pay a renewal fee equal to 20% of the non-discounted initial franchise fee, remodel their studio, and upgrade all furniture, fixtures, and equipment to meet current brand standards. The lease for the studio premises must also be extended for the duration of the renewal term. THE EXERCISE COACH® may refuse renewal if the franchisee has failed to make timely payments on two or more occasions within a 12-month period during the prior term, or if THE EXERCISE COACH® decides to stop offering franchises in that market.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, THE EXERCISE COACH® assists franchisees by providing access to its Brand Standards Manual, evaluating proposed sites, providing specifications for required goods and services, and arranging for the sale, delivery, installation, and setup of all EXERBOTICS® Equipment from its affiliate, Gymbot. The franchisor also provides access to approved advertising materials, evaluates the studio's design and buildout, and conducts an initial training program, including Management Training for up to 4 people and certification training for initial coaches. For area developers, Multi-Unit Operator (MUO) Training is also provided. During operation, THE EXERCISE COACH® ensures Gymbot licenses proprietary software for EXERBOTICS® Equipment and TEC Apps. The franchisor offers guidance and recommendations to improve studio operations, provides periodic training and certification programs for staff, maintains a corporate website and a local webpage for each studio, and refers prospective clients to the most conveniently located studio. THE EXERCISE COACH® also evaluates and approves annual growth plans and marketing budgets. Additionally, THE EXERCISE COACH® may administer a Brand Fund, conduct periodic field visits for on-site consultation, develop new strategic relationships with partners like insurance companies, suggest retail pricing (though franchisees can deviate with approval), develop new products or equipment, facilitate digital marketing services through its affiliate FranBoost, negotiate purchase agreements with suppliers for discounted pricing, host periodic conferences, create a franchise advisory council, and offer optional assistance with selling the studio.
Initial Training Hours
56
Training Location
Lake Zurich, Illinois and Smithville, Tennessee & Remote
Ongoing Support
After opening, THE EXERCISE COACH® provides ongoing support by ensuring its affiliate, Gymbot, licenses franchisees the proprietary software and technology associated with the EXERBOTICS® Equipment. The franchisor offers continuous guidance and recommendations to improve studio operations by reviewing performance and reports. Periodic training and certification programs, including refresher, supplemental, and remedial training, are available for managing owners, managers, and coaches. THE EXERCISE COACH® maintains a corporate website and a local webpage for each studio, and refers prospective clients to the nearest location. The franchisor also evaluates and approves the annual growth plan and marketing budget submitted by franchisees. THE EXERCISE COACH® may also administer a Brand Fund for system-wide promotion, conduct periodic field visits to provide on-site consultation and assistance, and develop new Strategic Relationships with vendors, insurance companies, or third-party payers. Franchisees may receive suggested retail pricing (with approval needed for significant deviations) and may utilize new products or equipment developed by the franchisor. Digital marketing services can be provided through its affiliate, FranBoost. The franchisor may negotiate purchase agreements with suppliers for favorable pricing, host periodic conferences to discuss business and operational issues, and, as an optional service, assist franchisees with selling their studio.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Commercial
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Exclusive
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
THE EXERCISE COACH® grants an exclusive territory that includes at least 5,000 qualified households. A 'qualified household' is defined as any household with an annual income of at least $120,000. The boundaries of the territory are designated by THE EXERCISE COACH® in a manner it deems appropriate, ensuring the minimum number of qualified households is met. THE EXERCISE COACH® uses various data sources to determine the number of qualified households within an area.
Staffing Notes
THE EXERCISE COACH® requires each studio to have at least three certified coaches on staff before opening. One or more of the owners (or their spouses) may serve as a certified coach. During normal business hours, either the Managing Owner or a trained manager must be physically present at the studio to provide onsite management and supervision. All coaches must successfully complete GSC (General Strength & Conditioning) Certification Training and SBB (Coach-Assisted Stretch, Balance & Brain) Certification Training before working with clients. Franchisees are responsible for determining appropriate staffing levels, conducting background checks, and ensuring employees understand they are employed by the franchisee, not THE EXERCISE COACH®.