2019
16
$45,000
$25,000
$254,000
No
Aira Fitness is revolutionizing the fitness industry by offering an affordable and flexible franchise model tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Ingleside, Illinois, Aira Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness experience that includes 24/7 gym access, personal training, and dynamic bootcamp classes. With a focus on community, accessibility, and personalized service, Aira Fitness aims to empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals in a supportive environment.
Affordable Entry Point: Aira Fitness offers a low-cost entry into the fitness industry, with total investment ranging from $40,623 to $254,190, making it accessible for entrepreneurs with limited capital.
Flexible Facility Size: Franchisees can operate gyms ranging from 600 to 15,000 square feet, allowing for scalability and adaptability to various market sizes.
Comprehensive Support: Aira Fitness provides extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with securing financing, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped for success.
Proven Business Model: The franchise's emphasis on 24/7 access and personalized training services meets the growing consumer demand for flexible fitness solutions.
Established Year: 2019
Franchise Units: As of 2025, Aira Fitness operates 16 locations across the United States, with 10 franchised units and 6 corporate-owned.
Founders: Jim DeMichele, the founder, opened the first Aira Fitness location in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in August 2025, marking a significant milestone in the brand's expansion.
Ownership: Privately owned and operated, Aira Fitness maintains a hands-on approach to franchise development and support.
Market Presence: The brand is actively expanding, with new locations planned in Ventura, California; San Diego, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; New Jersey; Melissa, Texas; and South Bend, Indiana.
Industry Category: Health & Fitness
Before opening your Aira Fitness franchise, the company ensures that you are fully prepared for a successful launch. This includes:
Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance to choose the most profitable and accessible location based on demographics, foot traffic, and local competition.
Lease Negotiation Support: Help negotiating favorable lease terms with landlords to minimize overhead costs.
Facility Design & Layout: Assistance in planning the gym layout, equipment placement, and member flow to optimize operations and client experience.
Local Permits & Licensing: Guidance on acquiring all necessary permits and licenses required to operate a fitness center legally.
Once your franchise location is ready, Aira Fitness provides hands-on operational training to ensure smooth day-to-day operations:
Management Training: Learn how to manage staff efficiently, schedule classes, and maintain high levels of customer service.
Fitness Programs Training: Instruction on running personal training, bootcamp classes, and group sessions to maintain quality and consistency.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Step-by-step manuals covering member onboarding, billing systems, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols.
Staff Training Programs: Guidance on hiring, training, and retaining qualified fitness professionals for your franchise.
Aira Fitness helps franchisees attract and retain members through professional marketing strategies:
Grand Opening Marketing: Assistance in planning a launch campaign, including advertising, PR, and local community engagement.
Ongoing Marketing Assistance: Templates, campaigns, and guidance for email marketing, social media, and local promotions.
Branding Guidance: Support in maintaining consistent brand identity across signage, merchandise, and digital platforms.
Lead Generation Strategies: Tips and systems to attract new members and increase retention rates.
Even after your franchise opens, Aira Fitness provides continuous support to ensure growth and profitability:
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: Access to experts who can answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance on operational challenges.
Regular Updates: Periodic updates on best practices, industry trends, and new fitness programs.
Technology Support: Assistance with membership management software, billing systems, and other operational technology.
Performance Monitoring & Feedback: Tools to track financial performance, member satisfaction, and operational efficiency to identify areas for improvement.
Aira Fitness seeks individuals who genuinely care about wellness and enjoy promoting healthy lifestyles. A personal interest in fitness—whether through personal training, group workouts, or general health awareness—is a major asset, as it helps build authentic relationships with members and inspires a loyal community.
The ideal franchisee should have either prior experience in business management or a strong entrepreneurial spirit. This includes:
Understanding basic financial principles (profit, loss, cash flow).
Ability to manage staff and daily operations effectively.
Experience in sales, marketing, or customer service is highly advantageous.
Must have access to a minimum of $45,000 in liquid capital or a strong credit history (typically a 700+ credit score) to secure financing.
Able to handle ongoing operating costs, royalty fees, and marketing fees while building membership and growing revenue.
Aira Fitness franchisees should be approachable and motivated to build strong relationships within their community. Success often depends on creating a welcoming environment, retaining members, and driving local word-of-mouth marketing.
Ideally located in suburban or urban areas with high demand for convenient, flexible fitness solutions.
Ability to identify target demographics and tailor fitness programs to the community’s needs.
Running a fitness franchise requires ongoing attention to operations, marketing, and member satisfaction. The ideal franchisee:
Is committed to maintaining high-quality standards.
Seeks long-term growth rather than short-term profits.
Willing to follow Aira Fitness’s proven system while contributing ideas for local innovation.
| Financial Item | Estimated Range / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $41,000 – $254,000 (depends on location, size, and build-out) |
| Minimum Investment | $45,000 in liquid capital required or credit score of 700+ |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | $799 per month + 1% of monthly gross revenue |
| Marketing Fees | $200 per month |
| Leasehold Improvements | Varies depending on location and facility size |
| Fitness Equipment Package | $8,331 – $83,000 |
| Technology System | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | Up to $12,000 |
| Insurance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Training Costs | $100 – $400 per person |
| Working Capital | Varies based on location; recommended to cover initial operating months |
| Expected ROI | Varies based on market conditions and operational efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Membership fees, personal training sessions, bootcamp classes, retail sales |
