Short answer
Fitness franchise owners typically need funding for equipment replacement, studio refreshes and the cash gaps that come with membership billing and seasonal sign-ups. Merchant Fund Express looks at open gyms and studios for working capital, equipment financing, a line of credit or revenue-based financing, from $5,000 to $5,000,000, using the location's own deposits. A complete file usually gets a decision in 2–4 hours.
Where gym owners need capital
Equipment cycles
Treadmills, bikes and strength stations wear out and brand standards change. Replacing a full line is a large, planned cost.
Membership timing
Recurring dues arrive on a billing cycle; payroll, rent and equipment payments do not wait for it.
January and summer swings
Sign-ups spike in some months and drift in others.
Refreshes
Flooring, lighting, locker rooms and access systems.
Need to product
| Need | Fits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a cardio line | Equipment financing | Machines support the deal; term matched to useful life |
| Refresh floors and locker rooms | Remodel funding | Finish work fits working capital |
| Dues settle after payroll | Line of credit | Reusable timing tool |
| Slow summer months | Revenue-based financing | Payment follows revenue |
How a fitness location's deposits read
Gyms often show recurring billing deposits in clusters around billing dates, plus smaller daily amounts from enrollment, retail and personal training. A reviewer reads those clusters as normal. What matters is the trend in recurring revenue and how much is already committed to equipment leases and other payments. If you replaced equipment recently on a lease, list it; it changes what the next payment can look like.
Hypothetical example, not a past deal: a single-club owner plans to replace half the treadmills before the January rush. A quote for the machines plus three months of statements would let the reviewer decide whether equipment financing alone fits or whether a smaller working capital piece is needed for installation and downtime.
Studios vs big-box clubs
Boutique studios carry less equipment and more instructor payroll, so working capital and lines of credit come up more than equipment financing. Larger 24-hour clubs carry heavy equipment, so replacement cycles drive the request. Either way, the review is on the location's deposits. For a brand example, see the Anytime Fitness owner page.
What to send
Fitness owner questions we hear most
Should I replace equipment all at once or in phases?
Phasing spreads cost and avoids downtime, but brand standards or a vendor discount can make a full refresh cheaper overall. Get both quotes and compare the total payments either way.
Does a dip in memberships hurt my chances?
A short seasonal dip is normal and expected. A steady decline over many months is what a reviewer will ask about, so explain any cause, such as a new competitor or a closure.
Can I fund new equipment and a refresh together?
Yes. Equipment financing can cover the machines while working capital covers flooring and finish work, presented as one plan.
How fast it moves for a club
- Apply in about 4 minutesName your brand, the club address and the need.
- Upload statements, ID and the equipment quoteFrom the account that receives membership billing.
- Decision in 2–4 hoursUsually the same day on a complete file.
- FundingSame-day available; often the next business day, ahead of your vendor's delivery date.
Every product for this sector
Merchant Fund Express funds open locations in this sector with business loans, merchant cash advances, revenue-based financing, lines of credit, equipment financing and working capital. Already carrying an advance? It is considered. Not sure which fits? Compare MCA and a business loan.
What we will not do for a gym
We do not fund new-club construction, the purchase of a club from another owner, or real estate. We do not count projected membership growth as revenue; the review uses what has actually been deposited. And if a lower payment over a longer term would protect the club through a slow season, the specialist will suggest it before you sign anything.
Owner questions, answered
Can a gym franchise owner finance new equipment?
Yes, for an open location. Send the vendor quote with your application.
Do membership dues count as revenue in the review?
Yes. Recurring billing deposits into the business account are part of the store's revenue.
My gym is seasonal. Does that hurt?
No. Explain the pattern. Revenue-based financing can follow the swings.
Can I fund a studio build-out for a new location?
No. Merchant Fund Express funds operating locations, not new builds.
Are you affiliated with any fitness franchise?
No. Merchant Fund Express is independent.
Keep going
Merchant Fund Express is a separate company with no franchisor ties. Terms depend on the business's revenue and history.