Curves vs Fernwood Fitness
Figures as at July 2026 (Curves) and July 2026 (Fernwood Fitness). Confirm both against the disclosure document.
Side by side
| Curves | Fernwood Fitness | |
|---|---|---|
| Total investment (all-in) | $72,000–$101,000 | $450,000–$500,000 |
| Initial franchise fee | Not published | $55,000 |
| Fit-out & equipment | — | $250,000–$350,000 |
| Working capital | — | $50,000 |
| Royalty | — | 7.0% |
| Marketing levy | — | 2.0% |
| Term | — | 5 years |
| Australian outlets | 49 | 40 |
| Category | Fitness & Wellbeing | Fitness & Wellbeing |
Establishment ranges include working capital. Every figure is dated to its source, see each brand’s profile for the full breakdown and provenance.
Which is cheaper to get into?
Curves is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $72,000 against $450,000 for the other. Remember the all-in figure includes working capital; the gap can narrow or widen once you cost fit-out for a specific site.
Both in context
Curves and Fernwood Fitness are both fitness & wellbeing systems. The category median all-in investment is $200,000–$900,000 with a 6.0% median royalty (Fee Index, n=63). See where each sits against the field in the Fitness & Wellbeing Fee Index.
Common questions
Is Curves or Fernwood Fitness cheaper to buy?
Curves has the lower entry cost. Curves costs $72,000–$101,000 all-in versus $450,000–$500,000 for Fernwood Fitness. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.
Which has more locations, Curves or Fernwood Fitness?
Curves is the larger network, with 49 Australian outlets versus 40 for Fernwood Fitness.
What royalty do Curves and Fernwood Fitness charge?
Curves charges an undisclosed royalty. Fernwood Fitness charges 7.0% royalty and a 2.0% marketing levy. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.
Should I choose Curves or Fernwood Fitness?
It depends on your budget, which territories each has available near you, and the format you want to run. This comparison uses each franchisor's published figures; before deciding, request both disclosure documents, check territory availability, and have an accountant review the numbers.