Getting Started With Health and Wellness Franchises: What New Owners Need to Know
Interest in health and wellness franchises has skyrocketed as more consumers prioritize preventive health, self-care, and holistic services. Over the past few years, people have increasingly chosen to spend their money on wellness experiences rather than material goods, driving rapid growth across multiple wellness categories.
This shift is evident in the rising demand for services related to weight loss, hair restoration, recovery, beauty, fitness, and stress reduction. Whether someone wants to feel better, look better, or improve their long-term health, there’s now a wellness program, treatment, or specialized service designed to meet that need.
In fact, the health and wellness industry is now a 6.8 trillion dollar industry (and growing), according to the
Global Wellness Institute (GWI). This can be further broken down into sub-industries:
- Personal care, beauty, and anti-aging: $1.350 trillion
- Healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss: $1.148 trillion
- Wellness tourism: $894 billion
- Mental wellness: $268 billion
- Preventive and personalized medicine and public health: $676 billion
- Traditional and complementary medicine: $606 billion
- Wellness real estate: $548 billion
- Spa economy: $157 billion
- Thermal/mineral springs: $72 billion
- Workplace wellness: $53 billion

The health and wellness industry is clearly experiencing rapid expansion. The crucial consideration is how to strategically position oneself within this growth. While franchising offers an accessible entry point into this booming space, the sheer diversity of market niches, franchise models, and service offerings necessitates a careful evaluation of the market.
The study also shows that younger generations are especially driving this change. In 2025, nearly 30% of Gen Z and millennial consumers say they are prioritizing wellness much more than they did just a year ago, compared with about 23% of older adults.
You can see this shift in the growing demand for fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and preventive health services. Wellness is no longer something people think about only when something goes wrong. It has become part of daily life. That is why franchising works so well in this space. The growth is not coming from short-lived trends. It reflects a real, long-term change in how people care for themselves and their futures.
How to Get Started With a Health and Wellness Franchise
First, determine what your interests are. With so many facets of the health and wellness industry, there’s most likely a particular sector that speaks to you or fits with your existing interests and lifestyle. For example, if you love fitness, recovery therapies, or stress-reducing services, franchises like cryotherapy studios, IV therapy centers, yoga concepts, or boutique gyms may align with your lifestyle. If you’re drawn to beauty-adjacent wellness, med spas, lash studios, or skin care services, which are also some of the best wellness franchises for beginners, may be a better fit.
Next, take a look at some of the practical considerations. Will this franchise be your main source of income? How involved do you want to be in the business? Where are you located? How much can you afford to invest? Answering these questions will help you eliminate franchises that are wrong for you right away.
You’ll also want to evaluate a brand’s total investment range, required certifications, staffing needs, and the potential for semi-absentee ownership. Some wellness center franchises support semi-absentee models, allowing you to continue your full-time job while operating an additional income stream.
Finally, factor in your long-term plans and goals. Do you want to pass on your business eventually? Or maybe you know that you’d like to sell. Many wellness franchises offer strong resale value thanks to recurring memberships and predictable revenue, which are features that could appeal to future buyers. If you anticipate growth, consider franchises that support multi-unit expansion.
While the future isn’t set in stone, it can help to know that the franchise system you pick will help enable and support your future plans.
Top Categories Within Today’s Health and Wellness Franchise Market
The health and wellness space is much bigger than most people realize, and it continues to branch into new directions every year. Some areas are gaining traction faster than others, driven by changing lifestyles, new technology, and a growing demand for personalized care.
Several categories are standing out for their strong momentum and long-term potential, including:
- Recovery and regenerative services like cryotherapy, compression therapy, and IV hydration
- Boutique fitness and strength training studios
- Mental wellness and stress reduction services, such as float studios and meditation concepts
- Weight loss and nutrition programs
- Beauty-focused wellness services, including lashes, skincare, and hair restoration
- Longevity services and diagnostic testing
Each of these segments brings something different to the table. Some offer recurring revenue through memberships, while others appeal to clients looking for high-impact, specialized treatments. With so many options available, it becomes easier to narrow in on franchise opportunities that match your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be with your business.
A Couple of Industry Challenges to Keep in Mind
While the industry is booming, every investment comes with considerations. Depending on the model, you may encounter:
- Regulatory requirements for medical-adjacent services
- Staffing needs, especially for licensed professionals
- Market competition in dense metro areas
- Equipment or build-out expenses for spa and recovery models
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes ongoing staffing shortages in healthcare-support occupations, which may impact certain wellness brands as well. Understanding these realities can help you select a model that aligns with your risk tolerance, management style, and long-term goals.
A Critical Step for Health and Wellness Franchise Entry
Lastly, secure the expertise of a franchise consultant. They can walk you through everything in-depth and will be there with you every step of the way to answer any questions you might have. For instance, did you know many franchises, including health and wellness concepts, can qualify for SBA-backed financing if the brand is listed in the SBA Franchise Directory and meets SBA’s eligibility rules?

With an SBA loan, qualified buyers may be able to secure funding with as little as a 10% down payment. A franchise expert can help you navigate this process and ensure that you’re not missing any details.
Are you ready to consult with an expert today? Easily set up a friendly and professional appointment with Hundred Acre Consulting (at no charge to you) or check out these helpful articles to learn more about franchising and becoming a franchise owner.
