Crunch Fitness Plans 100 New Gyms
Crunch Fitness is accelerating its growth with plans to open 100 new gyms this year, further expanding access to affordable, high-value fitness options nationwide. The expansion represents a significant increase in the chain's growth pace compared to previous years.
- The planned 100 new gyms in 2026 represent a continued acceleration in growth, following the opening of 61 clubs in 2024 and 91 in 2025. - This expansion will add to Crunch's existing footprint of over 500 gyms globally, which serve more than 3 million members in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Spain, and India. - The growth is backed by a strategic investment from private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, which acquired a majority interest in Crunch Fitness in 2025. - A significant portion of the new locations will be franchise-owned, as approximately 92% of Crunch's current gyms are operated by franchisees. - Many of the new gyms will feature the company's "Crunch 3.0" design, which includes larger functional and strength training zones, Olympic lifting platforms, and designated recovery areas with amenities like HydroMassage beds and red light therapy. - This expansion is being led by Worldwide CEO Jim Rowley and President Chequan Lewis, who joined in March 2024 from Pizza Hut. - In early 2026, *Entrepreneur* magazine's Franchise 500® ranked Crunch Fitness as the #2 fitness franchise and #20 overall, an improvement from its #32 overall position in 2025. - Individual franchisees are also driving regional growth; for instance, franchisee Fitness Ventures plans to invest $75 million to open 15 new locations in the Portland, Oregon, area over the next several years.
