Bunda

Bunda, formally stylized as Bünda, was founded in 2018 by Katie Lunger, its Founder and CEO, with corporate headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California. The concept focuses entirely on glute training, based on the premise that the glutes are the largest muscle group in the human body and that no major group fitness brand had built an entire studio around them. Its patented format combines Stairmaster machines in a group fitness setting, which Bunda claims is an industry first, with proprietary strength training on the Bunda Station. The company describes the workouts as low impact with high efficacy. Bunda currently has 4 franchised U.S. locations, all owned by franchisees, and 0 company owned units. It began offering franchise licenses in 2021. The U.S. fitness industry exceeds $32.3 billion, with boutique fitness identified as its fastest expanding segment. Bunda may appeal to buyers seeking an early position in a growing category, although its limited operating history requires careful review.

The global fitness and recreational sports centers market was valued at approximately $123.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $180.44 billion by 2033, representing a 4.06% compound annual growth rate. Other forecasts place the 2024 market at $254.20 billion, growing to $367.07 billion by 2032 at a 4.70% CAGR. A third analysis estimates the 2025 market at $148.03 billion, rising to $324.05 billion by 2035 at an 8.15% CAGR. These forecasts differ in size and timing, but each points to market growth. Boutique fitness is expanding at 12% annually, about four times the growth rate of traditional gym memberships, and is projected to reach $26.2 billion in the U.S. by 2025, representing 16.97% growth from 2022. Globally, the segment was valued at $49.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $66.2 billion by 2026 at a 6.1% CAGR. More than 40% of U.S. gym memberships now belong to boutique studios. Health and wellness awareness, household spending on preventive health, and demand for group experiences that combine physical results with social accountability support this shift. Women account for 80% of group fitness participants, and the women's segment represented 54.1% of total fitness market revenue in 2024. North America holds 37.5% of the global fitness market. People aged 35 and younger represented approximately 48.6% of global market demand in 2025, matching Bunda's intended audience.

The Bunda franchise fee is $50,000. Boutique fitness franchise fees typically range from $25,000 to $55,000. Published total investment figures vary. One Bunda FDD Item 7 version reports $464,250 to $760,750, while the corporate site reports $467,000 to $775,000. Franchise aggregator sources cite $564,345 to $1,051,320. The database underlying this profile records $110,000 to $423,000, which may relate to a lower capital studio format or another development path. Buyers should request and review the current Franchise Disclosure Document because Item 7 figures are updated annually. Bunda guidance indicates accessible cash of $150,000 to $250,000, while third party sources cite a minimum of approximately $135,000. Investment differences can result from local real estate costs, tenant improvement allowances, build out requirements, equipment procurement for the patented Station and Stairmaster fleet, and pre opening expenses. Bunda represents a mid tier boutique fitness investment, below concepts that can exceed $1.5 million per location and above lighter format wellness franchises. Boutique fitness royalties commonly range from 5% to 7% of gross revenue, with marketing fund contributions of 1% to 3%. Bunda provides support with real estate, construction, and finance execution.

A Bunda studio delivers instructor led group fitness centered on glute training. The format combines a Stairmaster group component with strength work on the patented Bunda Station. This single training focus can simplify programming while making the equipment central to the concept's differentiation. Certified instructors must deliver the Bunda method consistently, and instructor quality and energy can affect retention and referrals. The development process includes an Introductory Call, Qualification Process, Meet the Founders session, FDD Review, Market and Territory Review, and Franchise Agreement execution. Corporate support includes executive guidance, real estate and construction assistance, and an exclusive retail component intended to add revenue beyond studio services. Fitness studio retail can carry margins of 40% to 60%, compared with service margins. The Market and Territory Review addresses territory rights and demographic analysis.

Buyers should test these projections with existing location operators and available corporate benchmarks. The broader fitness and recreational sports market supports 62.4 million U.S. gym members, while boutique fitness is growing at 12% annually. Strength training is the industry's largest program focus segment, and cardiovascular fitness is the fastest growing. Bunda's Stairmaster based format addresses both areas.

Bunda has 4 total franchised units, 0 company owned units, and has franchised since 2021. That makes the system early stage, with greater uncertainty and possible growth opportunity than a mature franchise. Its expansion model relies on franchisee capital and operator commitment rather than company owned real estate and operations. New franchisees may face less brand recognition in new markets and have less system wide operating data for testing assumptions. Bunda's stated points of differentiation include first mover positioning for Stairmaster based group fitness, the patented Bunda Station, and a singular focus on glute training. The model also includes branded merchandise and recovery products sold inside the studio, creating a secondary revenue source. In comparison, Burn Boot Camp signed 51 new franchise agreements and opened 36 new locations in 2025. Bunda's equipment based method, protected intellectual property, demographic focus, retail offering, and presale process provide operating infrastructure for a system with its current unit count.

A suitable Bunda franchise candidate should be comfortable building a local community, operating a premium consumer experience, and funding a meaningful studio build out through the membership growth period. Bunda reports that 80% of participants are female and positions studios in urban to suburban markets. Experience in women's wellness, premium fitness, or hospitality related consumer businesses may help with founding memberships and referrals. The formal Market and Territory Review indicates that geographic selection is part of the approval process, so availability may be limited in particular markets. Locations with health conscious women aged 25 to 45, strong disposable income, and existing boutique fitness demand may fit the model. People aged 35 and younger represented approximately 48.6% of global fitness market demand in 2025, making urban cores, affluent suburbs, and college adjacent communities relevant areas to evaluate. The franchise process follows six steps from introductory call to signed agreement, with territory protection included in the review. Multi unit operators in fitness or wellness may also fit because they can apply existing support systems, instructor recruiting, and local marketing resources.

The Bunda investment case rests on patented equipment, first mover positioning in Stairmaster anchored group fitness, and an 80% female participant base within the $32.3 billion U.S. fitness market, which is growing at 12% annually. The U.S. boutique fitness market is projected to reach $26.2 billion by 2025. The system's 4 units provide limited historical performance data, increasing the need for due diligence while leaving room for growth if the concept scales effectively. Independent analysis assigns Bunda a Loan Activity Score of 59, classified as Moderate, reflecting both opportunity and early stage risk. PeerSense provides franchise research that includes SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score analysis, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and comparison tools. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders; it is not a lender. Buyers can use the Bunda profile to compare investment ranges, unit economics, and growth information with other boutique fitness concepts.