Jazzercise franchise

Jazzercise is more than a throwback to neon leggings and 1980s aerobics. It’s one of the longest-running and most affordable fitness franchises in the world and a brand that has quietly reinvented itself for over five decades. Today, Jazzercise blends dance, cardio, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and strength training into classes that can burn up to 800 calories in an hour.

For aspiring business owners who want a low-cost entry point into the booming health and wellness sector, a Jazzercise franchise offers a unique path. With over 7,000 locations in 16 countries, the company has built a community-focused model that empowers instructors, inspires clients, and keeps startup costs far lower than traditional gyms.

But what does it really take to open a Jazzercise franchise? Let’s look at the details, costs, requirements, profitability, and whether this model is the right fit for you.

Jazzercise business details

Jazzercise was founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, a dancer who wanted to make fitness fun and accessible. By combining jazz dance with structured workouts, she created a program that attracted millions of followers around the world.

The company began franchising in 1982, and today it operates as Jazzercise, Inc., headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike most fitness brands, Jazzercise remains privately held and is still led by its founder.

Jazzercise at a glance:

DetailFigure
Founded1969
Franchising since1982
HeadquartersCarlsbad, California
Founder/LeaderJudi Sheppard Missett, CEO & Executive Chair
Global reach7,000+ franchises in 16 countries
Instructors worldwide7,400+
Franchise term5 years (renewable)
Initial investment$2,170 – $40,745
Royalty fee20% of gross customer enrollment
Minimum monthly royalty$250 (class owner) / $500 (business owner)

Can I start a Jazzercise franchise?

Yes, but Jazzercise is built for active owner-operators, not passive investors. Every instructor is considered a franchisee, whether they teach part-time as an associate or own and operate a full studio. Absentee ownership isn’t allowed, though you can run your business part-time if that fits your schedule.

There are three main ways to participate:

  • Associate Instructor: Teach classes under another owner; low cost, low responsibility.
  • Class Owner (Instructor-Owner): Teach and manage your own business.
  • Business Owner (Non-instructor): Run a studio and hire certified instructors (note: no renewal rights under this model).

Jazzercise franchisees don’t need prior fitness industry experience. Training is provided, routines are centrally choreographed, and marketing materials are pre-packaged. What you do need is energy, commitment, and the ability to engage a community of clients consistently.

How much does a Jazzercise franchise cost?

One of Jazzercise’s biggest draws is its low barrier to entry. You can start with as little as $2,170 if you’re an associate instructor, or up to $40,745 if you’re a class/business owner with a studio build-out.

Estimated initial investment ranges:

Franchise TypeLowHigh
Associate Instructor$2,170$2,780
Class/Business Owner$3,935$40,745

Sample cost breakdown (Class/Business Owner):

  • Initial franchise fee: $1,250
  • Equipment: $1,710 to $4,800
  • Marketing and advertising: $555 to $6,495
  • Insurance: $245 to $345 annually
  • Security deposits: up to $10,000
  • Additional funds (3 months): up to $17,570

Ongoing fees:

  • Royalty: 20% of gross customer enrollment (or 10% for limited programs)
  • Monthly minimums: $250 (class owner) or $500 (business owner)
  • Annual instructor fee: $130
  • Recertification: $625 when required
  • Miscellaneous late fees, technology fees, and advertising contributions

Compared to big-box gyms or boutique studios (which often cost $150K or more just to open), Jazzercise is one of the cheapest ways to enter the fitness industry.

Are Jazzercise franchises profitable?

Jazzercise does not publish formal earnings averages in its FDD the way some franchises do. Profitability depends heavily on class size, enrollment consistency, and how many sessions you run each week.

That said, here are the economic levers you’ll want to consider:

  • Royalties are steep (20% of enrollment) — so margins hinge on keeping classes full.
  • Monthly minimum fees mean that even if attendance dips, you’re still paying $250 to $500 to the franchisor.
  • Variable costs are low — no large equipment leases, no heavy staffing overhead.
  • Flexibility helps control expenses — many owners rent shared studio space instead of committing to long leases.

Jazzercise franchises can be profitable, but they’re not designed for absentee investors chasing passive income. It’s best suited for instructors who want to teach, inspire, and build a loyal customer base, and who can fill enough classes to outpace royalties.

What is the failure rate for a Jazzercise franchise?

Jazzercise doesn’t disclose a formal failure rate. However, its 55-year history and thousands of locations worldwide suggest a model that has stood the test of time. The biggest risks for owners are:

  • Lack of exclusive territories (competition nearby is possible)
  • Difficulty maintaining consistent enrollments
  • Limited renewal rights if you choose the “business owner only” path

Why should you start a Jazzercise franchise?

Here’s why many franchisees choose Jazzercise over other fitness brands:

  • Low startup cost: One of the cheapest fitness franchises in the market.
  • Flexibility: Can be part-time; fits into a busy life.
  • Community focus: Franchisees often become local fitness leaders.
  • Strong brand: Despite its 1980s reputation, Jazzercise continues to evolve with fresh routines.
  • Empowerment culture: Women-led, with an emphasis on inclusivity and confidence-building.
  • Support system: Constantly updated choreography, ongoing training, and ready-to-use marketing.

For someone passionate about dance and fitness, Jazzercise is less about owning a faceless business and more about building a personal brand within a global community.

What are the franchise territory policies for Jazzercise?

Unlike many franchises, Jazzercise offers no exclusive territories. Franchisees receive a non-exclusive right to hold classes at specific approved facilities, dates, and times.

This means:

  • Other franchisees may operate in the same region if demand allows.
  • The franchisor must approve new, relocated, or closed class sites.
  • Competition can exist between owners, though scheduling and local marketing help differentiate classes.

For some investors, this lack of territorial protection is a drawback. For others, the low cost of entry offsets the risk.

What franchise resources does Jazzercise offer?

Franchisees don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Jazzercise provides a wide set of resources:

  • Training: 4-week instructor program (virtual) plus audition certification
  • Fresh choreography: 150 plus routines delivered yearly
  • Marketing tools: Social media guides, ad templates, promotional images, local and national campaigns
  • Technology: Proprietary software, online franchisee intranet, digital library of routines
  • Support network: Training specialists, exercise physiologists, field operations, and a Business Support team
  • Recognition: Training is accredited for continuing education credits (ACE, NASM, AFAA)

This combination of centralized creativity and local customization is why the Jazzercise brand has stayed relevant for over five decades.

What is the process for starting a Jazzercise franchise?

Becoming a franchisee is straightforward and can be completed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks for instructors:

  1. Apply online and submit a movement screening video.
  2. Training specialist assigned → 4 weeks of virtual mentoring calls.
  3. Practice with an instructor mentor and prepare for the audition.
  4. Submit audition video → if passed, you’re certified.
  5. Launch classes in an approved venue and begin enrolling customers.

For class or business owners, the process also includes securing a space, insurance, and marketing setup.

Secure franchise funding with Swoop

Even with low startup costs, launching a Jazzercise franchise requires careful planning. From the $1,250 franchise fee to studio deposits and marketing, you’ll want funding that keeps cash flow healthy while your enrollment grows.

That’s where Swoop can help. We simplify the process of finding and securing the right loan — whether that’s a small business loan, an SBA-backed facility, or flexible financing options tailored for startups.

Instead of navigating multiple applications and waiting on approvals, Swoop connects you directly with the best lenders for your situation.

Check available business loans today and see how Swoop can help you take the first step toward owning your Jazzercise franchise.

Ready to start your franchise?

Testimonials

Written by

Ashlyn Brooks

Ashlyn is a personal finance writer with experience in business and consumer taxes, retirement, and financial services to name a few. She has been published in USA Today, Kiplinger and Investopedia.

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