Ilovekickboxing

For prospective investors, iLoveKickboxing offers a fitness franchise model with an established brand, a focused operating system, and a recent acquisition by 9Round Kickboxing Fitness. This overview considers the brand, its costs, operating approach, reported performance, growth, and buyer considerations.

The global fitness and recreational sports centers market is projected to grow from USD 123.77 billion in 2024 to USD 180.44 billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.06% from 2025 to 2033. Other forecasts value the market at USD 254.20 billion in 2024 and USD 367.07 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.70%, while another projects an increase of USD 107.16 billion at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2030. About 96 million US adults plan to prioritize health and fitness in 2025, and 88% view fitness facilities as essential. North America held 37.5% of market share in 2024 and is estimated to contribute 39.5% of global market growth. Asia Pacific is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.36% from 2025 to 2032. Gymnasiums, including kickboxing studios, held 38.5% of market revenue in 2024, while women accounted for 54.1%. Demand is also shaped by wearable technology, virtual classes, and customized, convenient boutique fitness experiences.

The initial franchise fee ranges from $14,900 to $100,000. Some markets cite $49,999 to $100,000, others cite $5,000 to $19,900, and an older 2013 source reported $25,000. The veteran fee is $21,165. Total initial investment ranges from $100,149 to $559,494. A Standard I LOVE KICKBOXING™ Unit requires $101,149 to $383,700, while a Lightweight I LOVE KICKBOXING™ Unit for an existing fitness space requires $8,900 to $57,000. Other reported total investment ranges are $214,944 to $559,494, an average cost of $9,000 to $384,000, and $100,149 to $370,700. The most recent 2024 information places the range at $218,904 to $499,499. Required liquid capital ranges from $60,000 to $150,000, with a specific figure of $100,000. The net worth requirement is $350,000, with other sources reporting $500,000. The royalty is 6% of gross sales, while a 2013 source reported a minimum royalty of 5%. Advertising contributions are generally 1% of gross sales, with some sources citing 2.0% and a 2013 source citing a maximum of 1.00%.

The iLoveKickboxing model uses instructor led group classes combining cardio kickboxing with high intensity interval training. Each class lasts 45 minutes and includes a warm up, bag work, core exercises, and a cool down. Its proprietary Coaching Screen System provides new 45 minute class plans daily on studio screens, demonstrates each movement, counts down to class, and manages transitions with a timer. Instructors can focus on member support rather than memorizing instruction. Franchisees are expected to be hands on owner operators who manage daily operations and local marketing. The brand offers a full studio model and a Lightweight Model for classes in existing fitness spaces such as martial arts centers or gyms. Training includes 14 hours of on the job training, 5.5 hours of classroom instruction, online modules, and a kickstart visit from a training team member. Home Office support includes educational webinars, vendor partnerships, branded apparel and gear, group calls, regional training events, marketing resources, and systems for marketing, operations, and sales. Each new full studio location receives its own fitness studio with protected territory.

Actual costs for rent, utilities, marketing, and labor vary by location and operating efficiency. Franchisees Chris and Kristina reported breaking even within the first three weeks in 2015 and forecast seven figures in revenue for 2016. Customer reviews commonly describe positive reactions to the workout and environment.

iLoveKickboxing began franchising in 2012 and reached 260 franchise enterprises by 2018, including 243 locations in the United States and 16 across Canada and Peru. On March 6, 2024, 9Round Kickboxing Fitness acquired iLoveKickboxing and became the sole proprietor of its franchise units. At the time, iLoveKickboxing had 56 franchise units across the United States and Canada, while another source reported 52 US franchises. Shannon Hudson, CEO of 9Round Kickboxing, announced plans to grow the brand from 56 to over 100 locations. The brand operates in the USA and Canada and lists franchise opportunities in Bahrain, France, Germany, India, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, UAE, and the United Kingdom. Its operating advantages include brand recognition, the Coaching Screen System, corporate support, the FitFam community, and both full studio and Lightweight Model options.

An iLoveKickboxing candidate generally has a strong interest in fitness and community building. Prior industry experience can help, but training and the turn key business model place greater emphasis on management ability, hands on operations, and local marketing. Franchisees are expected to build and maintain membership in their studio. Current USA and Canada locations offer protected territories for full studio units, with territory maps available to assess market potential and exclusivity rights. The brand is also pursuing opportunities in Bahrain, France, Germany, India, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, UAE, and the United Kingdom. A specific signing to opening timeline is not provided, although the kickstart visit is intended to support the launch process. The franchise agreement term is unavailable, so renewal terms and transfer or resale provisions require due diligence.

The iLoveKickboxing opportunity merits due diligence, particularly after its acquisition by 9Round Kickboxing Fitness. Founded by Michael Parrella in 2009, the brand has a stated plan to grow from 56 to over 100 units under Shannon Hudson. Its investment choices range from a Lightweight Unit beginning at $8,900 to a Standard Unit with investments reaching $559,494. PeerSense provides due diligence information that includes SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score, 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, and it is not a lender.