Top 10 Most Successful Gym Owners in 2025
This list of the most successful gym owners includes Mark Mastrov, Chris Rondeau, David Long, and many others who are owners of billion dollar gym brands like 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and more.
The fitness industry has seen a surge of successful gym owners who have transcended the traditional model to create holistic fitness spaces, innovative training methods, and community-driven environments. These entrepreneurs have shaped the way we approach fitness, turning their passion into successful empires with the most successful gyms in the world.
If you want to learn how to open a gym, what it costs to open a gym, or maybe you want to learn how to start a fitness business or how to start a personal training business, or you just want a big list of fitness business ideas, read on to get an inside look. They, like many other fitness professionals, have found that using cutting edge technology including platforms like Exercise.com can greatly enhance the way they run their business, providing an all-in-one solution for everything from their own custom branded fitness app to hosting exercise videos and selling workout plans online.
With the best software for fitness influencers to the best software for personal trainers and the best software for gyms, the very best gym entrepreneurs who are running the most successful gyms in the world and want to make money with fitness have a business management platform to run their entire fitness business in one place.
List of the Top 10 Most Successful Gym Owners
| Name | Gym/Brand | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Mastrov | 24 Hour Fitness | 24 Hour Fitness |
| Chris Rondeau | Planet Fitness | Planet Fitness |
| David Long | Orangetheory Fitness | Orangetheory |
| Anthony Geisler | LA Fitness | LA Fitness |
| Rick Berks | Youfit Health Clubs | Youfit |
| Bert and John Jacobs | Life Time Fitness | Life Time |
| Joe Cirulli | Gainesville Health & Fitness | GHF |
| Randy Hetrick | TRX Training | TRX |
| Bedros Keuilian | Fit Body Boot Camp | FBBC |
| Gary and Diane Heavin | Curves International | Curves |
#1 – Mark Mastrov
Gym/Brand: 24 Hour Fitness
Mark Mastrov, the founder of 24 Hour Fitness, revolutionized the fitness industry by providing round-the-clock fitness facilities. His vision of accessible and continuous fitness made 24 Hour Fitness a household name. Mark Mastrov Net Worth: Founder of 24 Hour Fitness, Mark Mastrov has an estimated net worth of $400 million.
Website: 24 Hour Fitness
#2 – Chris Rondeau
Gym/Brand: Planet Fitness
Chris Rondeau’s Planet Fitness is known for its judgment-free zones and affordable memberships. The brand emphasizes inclusivity, attracting a wide range of fitness enthusiasts. Chris Rondeau Net Worth: As CEO of Planet Fitness, Chris Rondeau’s net worth is approximately $168 million.
Website: Planet Fitness
#3 – David Long
Gym/Brand: Orangetheory Fitness
David Long’s Orangetheory Fitness stands out with its heart rate-based interval training. The unique blend of strength and cardio workouts ensures effective and efficient sessions. David Long Net Worth: Co-founder and CEO of Orangetheory Fitness, David Long has an estimated net worth of $1 billion.
Website: Orangetheory
#4 – Anthony Geisler
Gym/Brand: LA Fitness
Anthony Geisler’s LA Fitness focuses on holistic well-being, offering a range of fitness solutions from weight training to group classes. The brand has expanded extensively, becoming a go-to fitness hub for many. Anthony Geisler Net Worth: CEO of Xponential Fitness, Anthony Geisler’s net worth is estimated to be at least $142 million.
Website: LA Fitness
#5 – Rick Berks
Gym/Brand: Youfit Health Clubs
Rick Berks introduced Youfit Health Clubs with a mission to create a simpler and more efficient gym environment. The brand prioritizes environmental responsibility alongside fitness. Rick Berks Net Worth: Founder of Youfit Health Clubs and original owner of the Planet Fitness name, Rick Berks has made significant contributions to the fitness industry. Specific net worth details are not publicly available.
Website: Youfit
#6 – Bert and John Jacobs
Gym/Brand: Life Time Fitness
Bert and John Jacobs’s Life Time Fitness is more than just a gym; it’s a comprehensive wellness destination. From spas to nutrition coaching, Life Time offers a 360-degree approach to health. Bert and John Jacobs Net Worth: Founders of the lifestyle brand Life is Good, Bert and John Jacobs have built a successful company. While their brand is well-known, specific net worth details are not publicly disclosed.
Website: Life Time
#7 – Joe Cirulli
Gym/Brand: Gainesville Health & Fitness
Joe Cirulli’s Gainesville Health & Fitness has been consistently ranked among the best health clubs in the world. The focus on community and comprehensive fitness solutions sets it apart. Joe Cirulli Net Worth: Owner of Gainesville Health & Fitness, Joe Cirulli has established a reputable fitness center. Specific net worth information is not publicly available.
Website: GHF
#8 – Randy Hetrick
Gym/Brand: TRX Training
Randy Hetrick’s TRX Training introduced suspension training to the masses. The innovative approach to bodyweight exercises offers scalability and effectiveness. Randy Hetrick Net Worth: Founder of TRX Training, Randy Hetrick has introduced innovative fitness solutions. However, specific net worth details are not publicly disclosed.
Website: TRX
#9 – Bedros Keuilian
Gym/Brand: Fit Body Boot Camp
Bedros Keuilian’s Fit Body Boot Camp offers high-energy group workouts. The brand’s mission is to inspire fitness and change lives every day. Bedros Keuilian Net Worth: Founder of Fit Body Boot Camp, Bedros Keuilian has significantly impacted the fitness franchise industry. Specific net worth information is not publicly available.
Website: FBBC
#10 – Gary and Diane Heavin
Gym/Brand: Curves International
Gary and Diane Heavin’s Curves International revolutionized women’s fitness by offering a 30-minute circuit workout tailored for women. The brand has expanded globally, empowering women worldwide. Gary and Diane Heavin Net Worth: Founders of Curves International, Gary and Diane Heavin have pioneered women-focused fitness centers. While they have achieved notable success, specific net worth details are not publicly disclosed.
Website: Curves
Read More: What makes a successful gym?
The richest gym owners have achieved remarkable success by combining innovative fitness concepts with strategic business acumen. These famous gym owners have transformed their passion for health into thriving enterprises, setting industry standards and inspiring upcoming entrepreneurs. Understanding the journey of each gym founder provides valuable insights into the dynamics of gym ownership and the potential financial rewards.
Operating a successful fitness business requires more than just a passion for health; it demands efficient management and scalable solutions. Professional gym management software, like Exercise.com, plays a crucial role in streamlining operations, enhancing member engagement, and facilitating expansion to multiple locations. By integrating membership management, scheduling, payment processing, and marketing tools into a single platform, Exercise.com empowers fitness owners to focus on delivering exceptional services. This comprehensive approach not only improves operational efficiency but also positions the business for sustainable growth in the competitive fitness industry.
For those aspiring to join the ranks of the most successful gym owners, it’s essential to recognize that strategic planning, continuous innovation, and the adoption of advanced management tools are key components of a successful fitness business. Investing in professional software solutions like Exercise.com can provide a competitive edge, enabling seamless operations and a superior member experience. As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, leveraging such tools will be instrumental in achieving and maintaining success in the industry.
For gym owners, both seasoned and aspiring, looking to elevate their business and offer unparalleled services to their clients, Exercise.com is the ideal platform. Combining business management tools with client engagement features, Exercise.com is the comprehensive solution for all fitness professionals. Book a demo today to discover the potential of Exercise.com!
Want to get your own custom branded fitness app?
What are some ideas to make money with fitness?
- Offering personal training sessions.
- Launching online fitness courses or subscription services.
- Selling fitness merchandise or equipment.
- Hosting fitness retreats or workshops.
- Affiliate marketing for fitness products.
- Licensing fitness programs or franchising.
Read More: How to Make Money From Fitness
Who makes the most money in the fitness industry?
Owners of large fitness franchises, creators of widely-used fitness equipment or apps, and top-tier celebrity trainers are among the highest earners.
Read More: Highest Paying Fitness Jobs
Where do gyms make the most money?
Gyms often make the most money from membership fees, personal training sessions, group classes, and selling merchandise or supplements.
Read More: Gym Multiple Revenue Streams
How much do gym owners actually make?
Earnings vary based on the gym’s size, location, and offerings. While small gyms might earn $30,000 to $70,000 annually, larger establishments or franchises can earn significantly more.
Read More: Gym Owner Average Salary Chart
How can Exercise.com help me make money with a fitness business?
Exercise.com provides an integrated software solution tailored for those in the fitness industry. It offers tools for workout planning, client management, scheduling, and billing. With its customizable features, you can monetize your brand, streamline operations, and offer clients a seamless fitness experience. Whether you’re selling workout programs, hosting online classes, or managing a fitness facility, Exercise.com equips you with the tools to grow and monetize your fitness business effectively.
For those in the fitness industry aiming to establish a brand, grow their business, and potentially join the ranks of these successful individuals, Exercise.com offers a comprehensive platform tailored to the unique needs of the fitness community. Explore the platform’s features and capabilities by booking a demo with Exercise.com today!
