Top 7 Gym Franchises in South Africa — And How They Started
South Africa’s fitness industry has grown rapidly over the past two decades. From high-end wellness clubs to affordable functional gyms and smart boutique studios, the local market features a mix of national chains and specialised offerings.
In this article, we explore the top 7 gym franchises in South Africa, how they started, and what makes them successful in such a competitive industry.
1. Virgin Active
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: South Africa and UK
Virgin Active launched in South Africa after acquiring the assets of the defunct Health and Racquet Club. With strong international backing, it introduced a new standard of premium fitness, blending modern equipment, spa-style features, and a lifestyle-oriented brand.
Today: With more than 130 clubs nationwide, Virgin Active is the largest fitness franchise in South Africa and remains the dominant force in the premium gym segment.
2. Planet Fitness
Founded: 1995
Planet Fitness entered the market to bring a more accessible, lifestyle-focused fitness offering to everyday South Africans. Its expansion later included JustGym, a value-tier brand aimed at students and price-conscious users.
Today: With over 50 clubs across the country, Planet Fitness serves both mainstream and budget markets.
3. Body20
Founded: 2013
Body20 brought Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to South Africa and positioned itself as a fast, efficient workout solution for busy professionals. Built on franchising, the brand scaled rapidly by delivering measurable results through cutting-edge fitness tech.
Today: With over 70 studios in South Africa and beyond, Body20 leads the EMS training category in the region.
4. Zone Fitness
Founded: 2002
Zone Fitness was created to offer affordable, high-quality fitness access in urban and suburban areas. With a presence in malls, city centres, and student zones, it made health and fitness more accessible to the public.
Today: Zone Fitness operates more than 20 clubs and has become a leading brand for affordable gym access in the Western Cape and beyond.
5. The Gym Company
Founded: Circa 2012
The Gym Company combines full-service gym offerings — including group classes, pools, weight zones, cardio areas, and child-minding — at a mid-tier price point. Its flexible contracts and family-focused services helped it grow in key metro areas.
Today: The Gym Company continues to expand its reach in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal with large-format gyms and flexible memberships.
6. Sweat 1000
Founded: 2010
Sweat 1000 stands for “Specialised Weight Endurance Athletic Training,” promising high-calorie burn workouts that combine treadmills, resistance, and functional training. It became known for its high-energy boutique classes and loyal membership base.
Today: The brand holds a strong presence in South Africa’s boutique fitness market, recognised for premium group sessions and consistent results.
7. Moove Motion Fitness Club
Founded: Around 2017
Moove Motion Fitness Club was launched to modernise the gym experience with sleek design, high-end equipment, and flexible class offerings — all at a more accessible price point than traditional luxury clubs.
Today: Moove is rapidly expanding in Gauteng and is positioned as a forward-thinking gym brand blending service, design, and value.
What Sets These Brands Apart?
Each of these franchises brings something unique to the table:
Virgin Active: wellness-driven, full-service clubs
Planet Fitness: inclusive fitness with budget and premium options
Body20: tech-powered EMS studios
Zone Fitness: high-access, affordable fitness
The Gym Company: full-service, family-friendly gyms
Sweat 1000: boutique, high-intensity training
Moove: design-forward gyms with value pricing
How Itensity Supports South African Gyms
While each of these gyms has its own identity, one thing they share is the need for efficiency, automation, and member-centric service. That’s where Itensity gym management software comes in.
Itensity empowers gym owners with the tools to:
Simplify bookings and payments
Manage access control
Automate communications
Track member data and contracts
Offer custom-branded mobile apps
