Opening a [solidcore] franchise means entering one of the most talked-about boutique fitness brands in the country. With its signature blue-light studios, slow-burn Pilates-inspired workouts on Megaformer machines, and a fiercely loyal customer base, [solidcore] has built a premium fitness identity that commands serious investor interest. But the investment required to launch a [solidcore] location is substantial, and most aspiring franchisees need financing to make it happen. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about [solidcore] franchise costs, financing options, qualification requirements, and how Crestmont Capital can help you get funded fast.
[solidcore] is a boutique fitness franchise built around one thing: the Megaformer. The brand’s studios feature custom-built slow-burn Pilates-inspired workouts that target muscle fatigue through controlled, low-impact movement. Classes are conducted under blue lighting on the brand’s signature Megaformer machines, creating an immersive, high-intensity experience that has attracted a cult following among fitness enthusiasts across the United States.
Founded by Paola Mathé in 2013, [solidcore] began franchising in 2015 and has expanded to more than 100 locations across the country. The brand has been endorsed by celebrities and public figures, and its studios have maintained exceptional member retention rates that rival the strongest performers in the boutique fitness sector. Unlike some fitness concepts that struggle with seasonal churn, [solidcore]’s member base tends to be deeply committed, driven by the results-oriented nature of the workout format.
The boutique fitness industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. According to data cited by CNBC, boutique fitness studio memberships have grown at a rate of 121% over a recent five-year period, outpacing traditional gyms by a wide margin. [solidcore]’s premium positioning within this growing sector — with membership pricing typically ranging from $40 to $60 per class or monthly memberships of $200 to $350 — creates strong per-location economics for franchise operators.
What sets [solidcore] apart from competitors is the proprietary Megaformer technology, which the brand controls, and its structured class format that delivers consistent results. The Megaformer creates a meaningful barrier to at-home replication, ensuring that members must visit the studio to access the experience. This drives higher visit frequency and stronger monthly recurring revenue compared to fitness concepts that compete with YouTube and app-based alternatives.
For franchise investors, [solidcore] represents a differentiated opportunity in a crowded boutique fitness market. The brand’s strong demographic appeal — primarily affluent women aged 25 to 45 in urban and high-income suburban markets — and its high-ticket membership pricing support the premium investment required to open a location. That said, the total investment requirement means that virtually all franchisees need access to business financing to execute their growth plans.
Understanding the full cost structure of a [solidcore] franchise is the essential first step before approaching any lender. Lenders will ask detailed questions about your use of funds, and having precise numbers demonstrates preparation and seriousness of purpose.
The initial franchise fee for a [solidcore] location is approximately $60,000. This fee grants you the right to operate under the [solidcore] brand within your designated territory and provides access to training, operational systems, and franchisor support. Multi-unit development agreements may offer reduced per-unit fees for franchisees committing to open multiple locations.
According to [solidcore]’s Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated total initial investment ranges from approximately $350,000 to $650,000. This wide range reflects significant variability in real estate costs, leasehold improvement requirements, and equipment costs depending on your specific market. Major metropolitan areas with high commercial real estate prices will typically push costs toward the upper end of this range.
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Megaformer Machines and Fitness Equipment | $80,000 | $150,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| Lighting, AV, and Technology Systems | $25,000 | $55,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Working Capital and Operating Reserve | $40,000 | $70,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing and Grand Opening | $15,000 | $35,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $350,000 | $650,000 |
Beyond the initial investment, [solidcore] franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of approximately 7% of gross revenue, plus contributions to the brand marketing fund. These recurring fees are standard in the boutique fitness franchise sector and must be factored into your cash flow projections when determining your ability to service debt. Lenders will want to see that your projected revenue comfortably covers royalties, rent, labor, loan payments, and other operating costs before approving your application.
[solidcore] requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate minimum liquid capital of approximately $125,000 to $200,000 and a minimum net worth of $500,000 to $700,000. These thresholds signal to both the franchisor and lenders that you have the financial stability to navigate the critical early months of operations before reaching breakeven.
With a total investment ranging from $350,000 to $650,000, very few prospective [solidcore] franchise owners have sufficient liquid capital to self-fund their entire startup. Even those who could theoretically write a check for the full amount often find that preserving working capital and personal financial reserves while leveraging debt financing is a smarter strategy for long-term business health.
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that franchise businesses have historically demonstrated stronger performance and lower default rates than independent startups, which is a key reason why franchise financing has grown into a specialized category within business lending. Lenders who understand the franchise model recognize that the combination of brand infrastructure, operational training, and proven business systems reduces the risk profile of franchise investments compared to starting a business from scratch.
For [solidcore] specifically, the primary capital needs break into three categories: the franchise fee and pre-opening costs (one-time), equipment and build-out (one-time but substantial), and working capital (ongoing). Each of these categories can be financed differently, and understanding which financing product suits each need is the key to building an optimal capital structure for your studio.
Multiple financing pathways are available to prospective [solidcore] franchise owners. The right combination depends on your credit profile, liquid assets, existing business history, and timeline. Here is a comprehensive look at the options available through Crestmont Capital and the broader lending market.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most widely used financing tool for franchise investments in the United States. Backed by the Small Business Administration, these loans offer repayment terms of up to 10 years for working capital and equipment and up to 25 years when commercial real estate is included. For a [solidcore] franchise, borrowers can typically access $150,000 to $600,000 through the 7(a) program. Learn more about SBA loan options for franchise owners through Crestmont Capital.
Conventional term loans from banks and alternative lenders provide lump-sum financing with fixed repayment schedules. These loans process faster than SBA programs and offer more flexibility in underwriting, making them ideal when speed to funding matters. Crestmont Capital’s small business loan programs include term loans tailored for franchise startups, with approval decisions often within 24 to 48 hours.
The Megaformer machines that define [solidcore]’s workout experience represent the largest single equipment cost in your startup investment. Equipment financing allows you to purchase these machines using the equipment itself as collateral, preserving working capital for operations. Terms typically range from 24 to 72 months, and interest rates are often lower than unsecured business loans due to the collateral backing. Crestmont Capital offers equipment financing programs for fitness businesses that cover Megaformers, studio technology, locker room equipment, and other capital assets.
A revolving business line of credit provides flexible, on-demand access to capital for ongoing operational needs. Unlike a term loan, you only pay interest on what you draw. A business line of credit works well alongside your primary franchise loan as a financial safety net during membership ramp-up, or as working capital to fund pre-opening marketing campaigns, instructor recruitment, and initial supply purchases.
If you’re working against a tight timeline — perhaps you need to execute a lease or secure a territory before a competitor does — fast-track financing options can provide funding in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Crestmont Capital’s fast business loan programs are designed for exactly these situations, offering expedited underwriting without sacrificing loan quality.
If your personal credit score is below traditional lender thresholds, alternative financing programs remain available. Crestmont Capital’s bad credit business loan programs evaluate applications with a broader lens, weighing projected business revenue, the strength of the franchise brand, and available assets alongside credit history. These programs can provide a path to funding for motivated entrepreneurs who don’t fit conventional lender boxes.
If you have a 401(k), IRA, or other qualified retirement account, a Rollover for Business Startups arrangement allows you to invest those funds into your franchise without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This strategy reduces the amount you need to borrow and can improve your overall loan terms by increasing your equity contribution. ROBS requires careful legal structuring through a qualified professional and should be evaluated alongside other options before committing.
SBA loans deserve special focus because they are the backbone of franchise financing in the United States. Understanding the program details helps you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations for the approval process.
The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and the most commonly used for [solidcore] franchise financing. It allows funds to be applied to franchise fees, equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital. The SBA 504 program, by contrast, focuses on real estate and large fixed-asset acquisitions, offering lower rates but with more restrictive use-of-funds requirements. For studios that are leasing rather than buying their space — the norm for boutique fitness — the 7(a) program is almost always the better fit.
According to the SBA’s official guidelines, typical requirements for 7(a) franchise financing include:
Traditional SBA loans processed through major banks can take 60 to 90 days from application to funding. Crestmont Capital works with SBA Preferred Lenders and can significantly accelerate this timeline. In many cases, we can provide initial loan decisions within 24 to 48 hours and complete full underwriting within 5 to 10 business days — a critical advantage when you’re competing to secure a [solidcore] territory or need to act quickly on a lease opportunity.
Qualifying for a [solidcore] franchise loan requires preparation across several dimensions. Here is what lenders evaluate and how to strengthen your application in each area.
Most conventional and SBA lenders require a minimum credit score of 650, with 680 or higher significantly improving your terms and interest rate. Your credit history should demonstrate responsible debt management: low credit card utilization, no recent late payments, and a manageable debt-to-income ratio. If your score needs improvement, dedicate 3 to 6 months to credit repair before submitting your application.
Document your liquid assets thoroughly with recent bank statements, investment account statements, and any other financial accounts showing available capital. [solidcore]’s minimum liquid capital requirement of $125,000 to $200,000 aligns closely with what lenders need to see before extending franchise financing. Be prepared to explain the source and stability of all liquid assets.
A well-constructed business plan is essential for [solidcore] franchise financing. Your plan should include a market analysis of your target territory, demographic data supporting [solidcore]’s target customer profile, 36-month revenue and expense projections based on FDD Item 19 data, a break-even analysis, management team bios with relevant experience, and a detailed use of funds breakdown. Lenders evaluate business plans not just for the numbers but for the quality of your thinking about the business.
Providing your lender with a copy of [solidcore]’s Franchise Disclosure Document — particularly the Item 19 financial performance representations and Item 21 audited financial statements of the franchisor — helps underwriters evaluate the risk profile of your investment. Lenders familiar with the franchise sector will use this data to benchmark your projections against historical brand performance.
If you have identified a specific location, submitting a letter of intent or executed lease agreement significantly strengthens your application. [solidcore] studios typically occupy 1,800 to 2,500 square feet in upscale retail or mixed-use environments. Your site selection should demonstrate strong demographics: high median household income, significant foot traffic, and limited boutique fitness competition in the immediate trade area.
Most franchise loans require personal guarantees from all owners with 20% or more equity stake in the business. This guarantee makes you personally responsible for loan repayment if the business cannot service its debt. Understanding and accepting this obligation before signing any loan documents is essential to making a fully informed financing decision.
Crestmont Capital is a national business lender rated #1 in the country for small business financing. Our team has extensive experience working with boutique fitness franchise owners across multiple brands, and we understand the unique financial dynamics of the studio fitness model: the ramp-up period, membership growth trajectory, Megaformer investment, and the revenue profile of premium urban and suburban markets.
Traditional lenders take months to process franchise loans. Crestmont Capital provides initial loan decisions within 24 to 48 hours and can complete full funding in 5 to 10 business days. When you’re working against a territory exclusivity deadline or lease signing window, this speed difference is the difference between securing your location and losing it to another investor.
Rather than piecing together your capital structure across multiple lenders, Crestmont Capital can handle your entire [solidcore] franchise financing stack. We structure equipment financing for Megaformer machines separately from working capital needs, coordinate SBA programs when appropriate, and set up credit facilities for ongoing operational flexibility — all through a single relationship with one lender who understands your business.
Not all lenders understand boutique fitness. Our team is familiar with the Megaformer-based workout model, [solidcore]’s studio economics, typical ramp-up timelines to breakeven, and the membership growth patterns typical in this sector. This expertise allows us to structure loan terms that reflect realistic business trajectories rather than applying generic underwriting criteria that don’t fit your business model.
Crestmont Capital provides full transparency on every loan offer: interest rates, origination fees, prepayment terms, and total cost of borrowing. We encourage you to compare our terms against other lenders. Our combination of speed, flexibility, franchise expertise, and competitive pricing consistently stands out in the market.
Understanding how other boutique fitness franchisees have structured their financing helps you identify which approach best fits your situation.
Background: A healthcare professional with $175,000 in liquid assets, a 715 credit score, and strong household income but no prior business ownership. Target: A high-income urban neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
Financing: $450,000 SBA 7(a) loan covering franchise fee, leasehold improvements, Megaformer machines, and working capital. 10-year repayment term at 7.75% interest. Equity injection: $90,000 (20%). Monthly payment: approximately $5,400. Studio reached break-even at month 9 and generated over $650,000 in annual revenue by year 2.
Background: An existing boutique fitness operator with one successful yoga studio. Strong business credit, $200,000 liquid capital, 740 personal credit score, and knowledge of the boutique fitness market. Goal: Add a complementary [solidcore] location in an adjacent neighborhood.
Financing: $280,000 conventional term loan (5-year, 8.5%) combined with $120,000 equipment financing for Megaformers (48-month term). Total monthly payments: approximately $7,200. Existing business relationships and neighborhood reputation helped achieve break-even by month 5.
Background: A commercial real estate investor seeking to diversify into operating businesses. Net worth of $1.5M, 690 credit score, no boutique fitness experience but strong management track record. Goal: Open 2 [solidcore] locations under a development agreement.
Financing: Two separate SBA 7(a) loans totaling $900,000 ($450,000 each), using commercial real estate as additional collateral. 10-year terms at 7.25% reflecting collateral quality. Hired experienced studio managers for both locations. First location opened with 200 founding members, second followed 8 months later.
Background: A former corporate executive with a 625 credit score due to deferred medical debt. Strong income ($220,000/year), substantial home equity ($400,000), and $130,000 liquid savings. Goal: [solidcore] franchise in a growing suburban market.
Financing: Alternative business loan through Crestmont Capital’s credit-flexible programs. $380,000 at 14% interest over 60 months, combined with personal equity injection of $100,000. Committed to credit repair strategy while building studio revenue. Refinanced to improved terms 14 months post-opening at 9.5% interest, reducing monthly payments by over $800.
Sources: [solidcore] FDD estimates, SBA.gov, Crestmont Capital lending data
Getting pre-qualified for [solidcore] franchise financing takes less than 10 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your borrowing power before you commit to a franchise agreement or sign a lease.
Apply Now — Free, No Obligation[solidcore] represents a differentiated and compelling boutique fitness franchise opportunity for investors who believe in the power of science-backed, results-driven exercise. With total investment requirements of $350,000 to $650,000 and premium membership pricing that supports strong unit economics in the right markets, [solidcore] attracts serious franchise investors who are prepared to commit both capital and operational focus.
The financing journey from aspiring franchisee to studio owner is achievable for well-qualified borrowers — and for those who don’t fit conventional lender criteria, alternative programs provide additional pathways. Whether you pursue an SBA 7(a) loan, a conventional term loan, equipment financing for your Megaformers, or a blended approach combining multiple products, Crestmont Capital has the expertise, speed, and lending programs to structure the right solution for your situation.
The boutique fitness industry isn’t slowing down, and [solidcore]’s proprietary Megaformer platform creates a meaningful competitive moat that protects member loyalty over time. For the right operator in the right market, a [solidcore] franchise can generate strong financial returns while building a health-focused community of dedicated members.
Don’t let uncertainty about financing hold you back from exploring this opportunity. Apply today and receive a decision in as little as 24 hours. Crestmont Capital is ready to help you build a stronger business, one studio at a time.
Apply now at offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now — no obligation, no hard credit pull to get started.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.