LA Fitness is privately owned by Fitness International, LLC, and all of its locations are corporate-owned—not franchised. The current CEO and key decision-maker is Louis Welch, who is also a co-founder of the company. If you’re curious about the leadership, business structure, or potential franchise opportunities with LA Fitness, here’s everything you need to know—fully up to date for 2025.
Understanding who owns LA Fitness is important for potential investors, gym-goers, and anyone interested in the business of fitness. The ownership model directly affects how each club operates, customer service standards, and expansion plans. In this guide, we’ll clarify the ownership, CEO, and franchise status, plus highlight the key differences compared to other fitness chains.
For the most accurate, current information, always check the official LA Fitness FAQ and corporate site.
Who Owns LA Fitness?
LA Fitness is owned and operated by Fitness International, LLC, a privately held company based in Irvine, California. The company was founded in 1984 by Chinyol Yi, Louis Welch, and Paul Norris. Unlike some gym chains, LA Fitness is not a franchise; all clubs are corporate-owned and managed under one unified structure.
- Corporate Owner: Fitness International, LLC
- Headquarters: Irvine, CA
- Founded: 1984
- Co-Founders: Louis Welch, Chinyol Yi, Paul Norris
- Number of Clubs: Over 700 locations in the U.S. and Canada (Statista, 2024)
Who Is the CEO of LA Fitness?
The current CEO of LA Fitness is Louis Welch, who has led the company since its inception. He is widely credited for the chain’s aggressive growth and market dominance in North America.
- Role: Co-founder, President, and CEO
- Industry Experience: Over 40 years in fitness management and health club operations
- Public Presence: While LA Fitness is private and doesn’t publish annual reports, Welch is known for prioritizing customer experience and rapid expansion (Forbes, 2024)
If you’d like to contact the executive office, refer to the corporate contact page.
Is LA Fitness a Franchise? (Corporate vs Franchise Explained)
LA Fitness is NOT a franchise—every club is corporately owned and operated. This means you cannot buy or open your own LA Fitness location as an independent owner. All decision-making, branding, and operations are controlled by Fitness International, LLC.
Why Doesn’t LA Fitness Franchise?
- Quality Control: Centralized management ensures consistent standards, pricing, and customer experience.
- Brand Integrity: The company can manage renovations, equipment upgrades, and new service rollouts uniformly.
- Expansion Strategy: LA Fitness prefers direct investment and management, rather than relying on franchise partners.
How Does This Compare to Other Gyms?
- Franchise Models: Gyms like Planet Fitness, Snap Fitness, and Crunch Fitness operate on franchise models, allowing individual owners to purchase and manage clubs.
- Corporate Models: Like LA Fitness, Equinox and 24 Hour Fitness are also corporate-owned and do not offer franchises.
Current Ownership Structure and Recent Updates
- LA Fitness merged with City Sports Clubs and acquired Bally Total Fitness clubs in the past decade.
- In recent years, Fitness International, LLC has launched sister brands like Esporta Fitness (also corporate-owned).
- As of 2025, there are no public plans to change the corporate-only structure or introduce franchising (Sharpsheets, 2024).
For more details on mergers and club locations, visit the LA Fitness news page.
What If I Want to Own a Gym Like LA Fitness?
If you’re interested in fitness entrepreneurship but LA Fitness isn’t an option, consider these popular gym franchises instead:
- Planet Fitness: Franchise fee $20,000–$30,000, total investment $1.3M–$4.1M (Planet Fitness Franchising)
- Crunch Fitness: Franchise fee $25,000–$60,000, total investment $304,500–$2.1M (Crunch Franchise FAQ)
- Snap Fitness: Franchise fee $29,500, total investment $154,000–$536,000 (Snap Fitness Franchise)
All of these offer brand support, marketing, and training for new owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LA Fitness Sell Franchises?
No, LA Fitness does not offer any franchise opportunities. All clubs are managed by the corporate office.
Who Can I Contact for Corporate Information?
Use the official LA Fitness Contact page for business or partnership inquiries.
Has LA Fitness Changed Ownership Recently?
No, Fitness International, LLC has continuously owned LA Fitness since its founding. There have been mergers and acquisitions, but the primary ownership remains unchanged.
Conclusion
In summary, LA Fitness is privately owned by Fitness International, LLC, with CEO Louis Welch leading the company and all clubs operating under a corporate model. There are no franchise options, but LA Fitness continues to expand through direct corporate ownership and new brand launches. If you want to invest in or open a fitness club, look at franchise-friendly brands like Planet Fitness or Crunch Fitness.
Ready to explore other gym franchises or learn more about health club business models? Check out our other guides or visit the official LA Fitness FAQ for more details!