If you are looking for information on the Curves franchise business opportunity, Curve franchises or Curves franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Gary Heavin and his wife Diane opened the first Curves in the United States in 1992. This new concept of 30-minute fitness, strength training, weight loss guidance and a comfortable environment designed for women, was immediately successful. Gary recognized a need and an opportunity to help prevent deteriorating health and potential illness by caring for people through proper fitness. Diane had a passion for exercise and the experience of an advertising executive. They realized that women across the world would benefit from the Curves program. Together they began to franchise this wonderful concept and opened the first franchise in 1995.
At the end of the first year, there were 50 franchise locations. Curves reached 1,000 locations within 36 months and nearly 10,000 locations in just 10 years. Curves is listed in Guinness World Records as "The World's Largest Fitness Center Franchise." Entrepreneur Magazine named Curves "The Number 1 Best New Franchise" two years in a row and "The Number 1 Fitness Franchise" for the past six years. Curves is now located in 60 countries on 6 continents.
Reach your full potential.Curves is now selling franchises in many countries around the world. If you want to buy a franchise or if you want to find out if a Curves franchise is available in your area Contact Us now.
Buying a Curves franchise may be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Our proven business model is very efficient and is designed to maximize return on investment. In fact, Entrepreneur Magazine has named Curves "The Number 1 Low Cost Franchise" for the past four years. The cost of buying and operating a Curves franchise varies with the economics of your area.
A Curves franchise can operate in a space as small as 1,000 square feet which keeps rent and other operating costs as low as possible. Payroll expenses are minimal when a franchise owner-operator hires a young person or student to work Monday through Friday evenings. Other costs include insurance, utilities, and small miscellaneous expenses.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
