# Orangetheory Fitness Closes 135 U.S. Studios by 2026

> Orangetheory Fitness loses 135 U.S. studios in three years as high rents and competition squeeze franchisees.
- Title: Orangetheory Fitness Closes 135 U.S. Studios by 2026 · Inc
- Summary: Orangetheory Fitness loses 135 U.S. studios in three years as high rents and competition squeeze franchisees. Orangetheory Fitness closed 135 U.S. studios…
- Keywords: orangetheory fitness, franchisees, us studios, closing, high rents, royalties, competition, big gyms, Orangetheory, Fitness, Closes, 135
- Source: Inc — https://inc.com/amaya-nichole/orangetheory-fitness-closing-studios-updates-list-doomed-locations-2026/91417426
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: orangetheory fitness, franchisees, us studios, closing, high rents, royalties, competition, big gyms
## Orangetheory Fitness Closes 135 U.S. Studios
Orangetheory Fitness lost roughly 135 U.S. studios in less than three years, dropping from 1,333 to 1,198 studios by June 2026.
## Franchisees Face Rising Costs
Rising rents, labor, and common-area charges squeeze franchisees as franchisors demand remodels and equipment upgrades.
## Royalties Impact Profitability
Royalties are charged on gross sales, meaning franchisors get paid even if studios are unprofitable.
## Lease Obligations Create Risk
Most franchisees signed 10-year leases that require paying rent even after studios close.
## Boutique Model Not Broken
Beverly Bradshaw, counsel at Next Era Legal, says the 10 percent drop does not mean the boutique fitness model is broken.
## Weakest Locations Close First
Studios that opened during aggressive franchise sales and cheap capital are the first to go when growth slows.
## Closures Signal Shift in Strategy
The decline shows the 'open as many as possible' phase is over, and studios now must make money on their own.
## Boutique Fitness Model Still Strong
Experts say the boutique fitness model isn't broken despite the closures, as the trend continues to grow.
## Key takeaway

Orangetheory Fitness closed 135 U.S. studios between late 2023 and June 2026 due to high rents, steep royalties, and competition from big gyms.