9Round Fitness Franchise Review (2024)
The 9Round fitness franchise is a specialized fitness center dedicated to serving clients who want a unique, fun, and proven workout that guarantees results. 9Round offers a kickboxing-themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The 30-minute programs consist of a proprietary system of nine challenging workout stations developed by a professional fighter.
9Round Fitness Franchise Background
The business has a very interesting model where the corporate creates the workouts so that every day the workouts are different. There are 9 stations, with each station lasting for 3 minutes. Each station can take at least 2 people at a time. The gym is modeled in a way that people can arrive at any time and just begin at a station in the circuit.
This model gives nice flexibility to its members, but at the same time provides a structured workout to individuals who prefer structure in their exercise regimen.
Management Team
Founded in 2007, 9Round Fitness is managed by a very experienced franchise team, led by Shannon Hudson. Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson, founder, and CEO of 9Round Franchising, LLC, is the current IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World. He won his title on October 1, 2011, with a 6th round TKO victory. He trained under legendary boxing trainer Xavier Biggs, brother of 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Tyrell Biggs. Shannon began martial arts at the age of seven and has continued training ever since then. He has a 5th degree Black Belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate and a 4th Degree Black Belt under Joe Lewis’s Fighting System JLFS.
After over 70 bouts inside the ring, competing in Canada and Europe, Shannon could not find a place where the average person could be exposed to the “Top Secret” training of some of the best fighters in the world. That is where his vision for 9Round Fitness began. He knew that if he could take the grueling workouts he did in the ring, and create a non-intimidating, convenient circuit workout format, then the average person could enjoy the benefits of boxing and kickboxing without getting hit.
Shannon is fully involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and constantly works to bring the best support to 9Round franchisees and the best workout experience to 9Round members.
Franchise Health and Fitness Industry Analysis
Franchise Strengths
Well-defined and proven concept with strong brand recognition within the boutique fitness space.
Appeals to a wide range of the population, from people who want to get in shape to others who are already in top physical condition.
Relatively low investment level with a concept that is flexible to many locations.
Does not need to rely on well-qualified trainers as basically anyone can run the workout routines.
Franchise Weaknesses
A boutique gym that does not offer all of the resources and amenities of a full-service gym.
The concept is more focused on fitness and losing weight than overall boxing.
The fitness market is very competitive with low barriers to entry.
With the emphasis on getting members in and out, the concept can seem quite “commercialized”.
Franchise Opportunities
As a boutique concept, able to charge higher pricing than traditional fitness concepts.
Growing niche within the fitness market – 74% membership growth in boutique fitness concepts over the past 3 years(1).
Very large and growing market – $30bn industry with continued growth.
Brand awareness will continue to grow as the concept expands.
Franchise Threats
Operating in a very large, competitive market that is rapidly changing.
Profits can be negatively impacted due to the proximity of a similar competitor.
Potential for change in consumers’ preferred fitness regimen.
How Much is a 9Round Franchise?
9Round Franchise cost ranges from $81,175 to $150,275 according to the 2020 FDD.
| Item | Estimated Amount (in USD) | When Due | To Whom Payment is to Be Made | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Method of Payment | |||
| Initial Franchise Fee | 5,000 | 30,000 | Lump signing | Signing of FDD | Franchisor |
| Opening Field Visit Fee | 2,500 | 2,500 | Signing of FDD | Franchisor | |
| Computer, Technology, Sound, and Security Systems | 2,500 | 3,000 | As agreed to before | Before Opening as Incurred | Vendors |
| Lease Deposits, Utilities, and Insurance | 2,000 | 5,500 | As agreed to before | Before Opening | Landlord, Utility Suppliers, and Insurer |
| Leasehold Improvements (optional) | 0 | 15,000 | Lump sum | Before Opening | Contractors |
| Leasehold Finishes and Fixtures | 6,000 | 7,000 | Lump sum | Before Opening | Contractors |
| Sound Proofing (optional) | 0 | 10,000 | As agreed to before | Before Opening | Contractors |
| Grand Opening Marketing | 5,000 | 5,000 | As agreed to before before | Before Opening | Approved Vendors |
| Opening Equipment and Inventory Package | 35,000 | 37,000 | As to beforeo | Before Opening as Incurred | Approved Vendors |
| Exterior Signage | 2,000 | 6,000 | As agreed to | Before Opening | Vendors |
| Heart Rate Zone System (optional) | 775 | 775 | Lump sum | Before Opening | Approved Vendors |
| Shipping and Handling (for both Grand Opening Marketing Materials and Opening Equipment and Inventory Package) | 4,000 | 5,500 | As agreed to | As Arranged | Vendors |
| Travel, Lodging, and Meals for Initial Training Program | 1,000 | 2,000 | As agreed to | As Incurred | – |
| Business Licenses and Other Professional Fees | 400 | 1,000 | As agreed to before | Before Opening | Appropriate Licensing Authorities and Third Parties |
| Additional Funds- 3 months | 15,000 | 20,000 | As agreed to | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| TOTAL | $81,175 | $150,275 |
How Much does a 9Round Franchise make?
| Average Number of Members as of December 31, 2019 | Centers that Attained or Surpassed the Average Member Number | Median Number of Members as of December 31, 2019 | Centers that Attained or Surpassed the Median Member Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centers with top 10% membership counts (52 centers) | 333 | 19 or 37% | 303 | 26 or 50% |
| Centers with middle 80% membership count (417 centers) | 177 | 196 or 47% | 172 | 209 or 50% |
| Centers with bottom 10% membership counts (52 centers) | 83 | 33 or 63% | 89 | 26 or 50% |
| Average Number of Members as of December 31, 2019 | Centers that Attained or Surpassed the Average Member Number | Median Number of Members as of December 31, 2019 | Centers that Attained or Surpassed the Median Member Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centers with top 10% membership counts (1 center) | 300 | 1 or 100% | 300 | 1 or 100% |
| Centers with middle 80% membership count (5 centers) | 206 | 2 or 33% | 204 | 3 or 60% |
| Centers with bottom 10% memebrship counts (1 center) | 88 | 1 or 100% | 88 | 1 or 100% |
