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The Exercise Coach

The Exercise Coach is the nation's largest personal training franchise, delivering a smarter, more personalized approach to fitness for adults, particularly the 50+ population. With 200+ studios open nationwide and more than 500 territories still available, TEC has established a strong national footprint with significant room for continued growth. At the center of our model is Strength+, an integrated approach that combines one-on-one personal training, assisted stretching, and brain and balance training. Powered by our proprietary Exerbotics technology, each client's workout is customized, measured, and tracked to deliver a highly personalized experience with measurable progress. Clients typically train twice a week for just 20 minutes per session, making strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance more accessible. Studios generally range from 1,000–1,500 square feet and operate in convenient retail and professional office locations, without the overhead and complexity of a traditional gym or group fitness concept. No prior fitness industry experience is required, and owners benefit from comprehensive training, marketing, lead generation, and operational support. The Exercise Coach offers franchise owners the opportunity to build a business around a differentiated, technology-driven fitness model, recurring client relationships, and a growing market focused on helping people stay stronger, healthier, and more independent as they age.

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Beauty

Brand highlights

  • CEOBrian R. Cygan
  • Headquarters531 Telser Rd., Lake Zurich, IL, 60084
  • Year founded2000
  • Year started franchising2011
  • IndustryBeauty
  • Locations open221 (+51 last three years)

Statistics & metrics

  • Investment range$262,735 - $481,369
  • Franchise fee$49,500
  • Royalty6%
  • Brand fund1%
  • Required Liquid Capital$100,000
  • Required Net Worth$250,000
  • Strength Plus Studios$391,361

Brand superpowers

  • LOW COST, SIMPLE and SCALABLE.
  • Only 3-4 Employees. No fitness experience required.
  • Startup around $250,000 including working capital
  • 210+ locations open. Additional 100+ in development
  • Exclusive Use of Exerbotics Fitness Technology - Only Found
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Check territory availability

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The minimum financial requirements for The Exercise Coach is $250,000 Net Worth and $100,000 Liquid Capital. Do you meet these requirements?

Why are you considering a franchise?

Ideal candidate profile

  • Passion to Help People
  • No Industry Experience Required
  • Leadership Skills
  • Passion for health/wellness
  • Outgoing
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FDD insights

The information shown below is derived from publicly available franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), including the version issued as of the issuance date listed below, and other third-party sources. This information may not reflect the most current FDD. It is provided for general informational purposes only and is not part of any franchise offering or sales process. Franchise Sidekick is not providing or furnishing an FDD in accordance with FTC requirements. You should obtain and review the most current official FDD directly from the franchisor before making any investment decision.

FDD Version Referenced - Issuance Date: 2026-04-20

The Franchisor & Executives
Learn about The Exercise Coach, its parent company, and the executive leadership team responsible for operating and supporting the franchise system.
Initial Franchise Fee
Learn about the initial franchise fee required to join the The Exercise Coach franchise system and what that fee covers.
Other Fees
Understand the ongoing and additional fees associated with owning a The Exercise Coach franchise, including royalties, marketing contributions, and other required payments.
Estimated Initial Investment
Review the estimated total initial investment required to open a The Exercise Coach franchise, including startup costs and working capital estimates.
Territory
Understand how franchise territories are defined, whether they are exclusive, and under what circumstances they may be modified by The Exercise Coach.
Financial Performance Representations
Review any financial performance information The Exercise Coach provides, including revenue or earnings data, if disclosed.

Location data

Total locations221
Franchise locations217
Corporate locations4
System growth over time

FAQs

Find answers to your questions about The Exercise Coach.

Franchisee reviews

See feedback from owners about their experience with The Exercise Coach.

5.0

Based on 5 reviews

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CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 1

Nov 4, 2026

The Exercise Coach has been what I had hoped for when getting into business. The value it brings to our community and clients via improved health and enjoyment of life, better solutions to getting into shape, and proven, objective great results have been very rewarding. The franchise is very much at the forefront of business developments, science application, and delivery to the franchisees. Their is a strong alignment in values amongst everyone in the franchise.

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CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 4

Nov 4, 2026

After nearly 30 years in franchising with four different brands, I wanted three things in my next business: something in my investment range, a strong return, and work where I’d actually be making a difference. TEC checked all three. If you’re thinking about signing, know that this is a people business. Your success depends on hiring good coaches and following the sales process, and you need enough capital to get through the first year while you build members. Do that and the system works. Two of my studios are high performers, and I just opened my third. Most rewarding business I’ve owned.

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CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 8

Oct 27, 2026

Being part of The Exercise Coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. This is a truly special franchise system with an incredible mission, an innovative approach to strength training, and a proven ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. What sets The Exercise Coach apart is much more than its technology and highly effective, time-efficient workouts. It's the people, the leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement. The leadership team genuinely cares about the success of its franchisees, consistently invests in innovation, and provides the guidance, resources, and support needed to build a successful business. As a multi-location franchisee, I've experienced firsthand the strength of the concept, the dedication of the corporate team, and the tremendous opportunity to build a business that is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. I feel incredibly blessed to make a living helping transform the way people age, alongside people I genuinely trust, respect, admire, and continue to learn from. It's rare to find a business where you can make a difference, make a profit, and build people up along the way. The Exercise Coach gives us that opportunity every single day. I'm grateful for the journey, proud to be part of this organization, and excited about what lies ahead. Thank you to the entire Exercise Coach team for building something truly special!

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CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 1

Oct 26, 2026

My experience as a franchise owner with The Exercise Coach has been both incredibly rewarding and professionally fulfilling. Having owned another franchise business previously, I came into this opportunity with an appreciation for what a strong franchise system can provide, as well as an understanding that success ultimately requires hard work, strong leadership, and consistent execution. One of the things I love most about The Exercise Coach is the business model itself. The combination of innovative technology, a science-based approach to exercise, and a highly personalized client experience allows us to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. There is something truly special about building a successful business while helping people improve their health, confidence, and quality of life. Equally impressive, however, is the leadership and support provided by the franchisor. The corporate team is genuinely invested in the success of its franchisees. They listen, they care, and they consistently demonstrate a commitment to helping owners succeed. Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, they are continually innovating, refining systems, and looking for ways to strengthen the business model. That willingness to listen, evolve, and improve is something I deeply appreciate and believe sets The Exercise Coach apart. That's not to say franchise ownership is without challenges. Recruiting and developing a strong team, maintaining operational excellence, managing finances, and navigating the inevitable growing pains of business ownership all require significant effort. A great franchise system provides the foundation, resources, and support, but it doesn't replace the need for engaged, capable leadership at the local level. Ultimately, my experience has been positive enough that I've made the decision to expand to a second location. To me, that's the strongest endorsement I can give. I believe wholeheartedly in the business model, the people behind it, and the future of the brand. My advice to prospective franchise owners is to do your homework, talk to existing franchisees, and go into the opportunity with realistic expectations about what business ownership requires. If you're willing to invest in your people, embrace the systems, and take ownership of your results, The Exercise Coach offers an exceptional opportunity to build a meaningful business with a franchisor that genuinely wants you to succeed.

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CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 3

Mar 25, 2026

The mission and values of the brand are super rewarding and aligned with what we want in a business. It’s not a super complicated business to run, but you have to be really good at working with people.

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