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Investing in wellness: the rise of fitness franchises in Spain

Franchise Innovation Summit | FIS

Madrid, April 23, 2025

The fitness franchise market in Spain is experiencing a moment of splendor.
The rise of interest in health, wellness and active lifestyle
it has catalyzed a growth of 31% in 2024, with 534 franchised gyms
assets, out of a total of 703 centers operated by 29 leading chains.
This phenomenon reflects a transformation of the Spanish consumer, more and more
aware of the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise.

X-ray of the market: growth and diversification

According to data from CMD Sport and the
DBK Sectoral Observatory, the sector bills
more than 950 million euros annually, with growth forecasts of 4.5%
by 2025. The average initial investment to enter the sector as
franchisee is around € 112,285, although there are more affordable options such as
Rapid Fit Well (26.400€), up to more premium concepts such as
Pilates10 (100.000 €).

Among the main brands of the sector are:

The Spanish Franchise Association (AEF) points out that fitness already represents 6.5% of franchised brands in Spain, which positions it among the six most relevant sectors of the ecosystem. In total, the sector has generated more than 3,587 direct jobs and remains one of the growth engines of the franchise system.

Industry challenges: debt, costs and global competition

However, success is not without its challenges. The report “Perspectivas
of the fitness market in Spain” from BDO (2024) highlights that 39% of the
directors of the sector identify indebtedness as the greatest risk.
Energy costs and inflation continue to put pressure on profitability,
especially for low-cost models.

The key to this forecast is the focus on comprehensive health and well-being,
that expands the target beyond conventional athletes, encompassing
older adults, people with specific pathologies and profiles who are looking for
“wellness” experiences.

Brands such as Énergie Fitness, Anytime Fitness or Nexes are diversifying their offer with functional training, digitized health monitoring and scientific methodologies that respond to these new demands.

Trends: digitalization, personalization and new models

The Valgo 2025 report on fitness trends in Spain places as priorities:

  • Training for weight loss.
  • Functional training and HIIT.
  • Personalized sessions and in small groups.
  • Exercise apps, wearables and remote training.
  • “boutique” spaces with premium experiences.

Models such as Fit+ (gyms without staff, 100% automated) are
leading the disruption of the traditional format. On the other hand, Yogaone,
Vidya Studio and Bikram Yoga Spain are betting on specialized environments
in mindfulness, therapeutic heat and yoga, attracting an audience that values
the experience and the community.

FIS2025: The key event of the sector

For those looking to enter or expand in this sector, the Franchise Innovation Summit 2025 (FIS) is the must-attend event. It will be held on the days October 15th and 16th, 2025 at the stadium Riyadh Air Metropolitano of Madrid, and will bring together more than 120 brands and 3,000 professionals from the sector, including referents from the fitness sector in a franchised expansion model.

Promoted by the Spanish Franchise Association (AEF), the event will offer:

  • Strategic networking between brands, investors and operators.
  • Presentations of trends, innovation and technology.
  • Access to national and international expansion opportunities.

In addition, parallel activities will be held such as the FranquiTour, the Marathon of Emerging Franchises, and Gastrofranquicia, providing a cross-sectional view of the Spanish franchising ecosystem.

Conclusion

Investing in a fitness franchise in Spain is, in 2025, a commitment to well-being, innovation and social transformation. In a context of growing demand, diversification of business models and digitalization, the sector offers fertile ground for both entrepreneurs and professional investors.

Attending FIS2025 is a key opportunity to explore these possibilities, connect with industry leaders and strategically position yourself in one of the markets with the greatest growth potential of the European franchise ecosystem.