Rank no. 393 – The Little Gym – US

Products & Services: Children’s development/fitness program

Number of Locations: 270

Total Investment: $157.5K – 294K

Founded: 1976

Began Franchising: 1992

About The Little Gym

After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children’s intellectual and social development as well.
Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development. Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent’s Survival Nights.

Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $157,500 – $294,000
Franchise Fee: $49,500 – $69,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 8%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Net Worth: $300,000
Liquid Cash Available: $75,000
OPERATIONS
23.5% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 – 7. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks. At franchisee’s location: 5 days. Existing franchise location : 1 week.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives, Lease Negotiation
Marketing Support: Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: National & local PR support, online marketing

Franchise Ranking History

Franchise 500®: #393 (2013), #326 (2012), #283 (2011), #141 (2010), #126 (2009),
America’s Top Global: #113 (2010), #98 (2009),

With more than 300 locations across the globe, The Little Gym is the worldʼs premier experiential learning and child physical development center for kids ages four months through 12 years. Each week, progressively structured classes and a positive learning environment create opportunities for your child to try new things and build self-confidence, all with a grin that stretches from ear to ear.
At The Little Gym, our environment is fun, but our purpose is serious. For more than 35 years, our trained instructors have nurtured happy, confident kids through a range of programs including parent/child classes, gymnastics, karate, dance and sports skills development, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents’ Survival Nights and Awesome Birthday Bashes. In all of our programs, physical activity is a conduit for Three-Dimensional Learning. In every dimension, self-confidence and a proud smile are evident outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Learning:
Get MovingGet Moving! Physical activities to burn that boundless energy, plus build flexibility and strength, develop balance and coordination, and encourage agility, rhythm and overall fitness to launch a lifetime of healthy habits.
Brain BoostBrain Boost! Designed to expand the mind and develop a love of learning, these exercises foster sustained concentration and decision making, prepare for or reinforce school lessons, and nurture problem-solving ability and creative expression.
Citizen KidCitizen Kid! These activities teach life skills like sharing, working in a group, listening and leadership—all skills that translate to a well-adjusted, well-rounded superkid.
As each success builds off the last, you will see noticeable improvements in your childʼs physical abilities and self-confidence. Your child will simply see The Little Gym as a place to play, laugh and make new friends. And quite frankly, thatʼs fine by us.