Some fitness chains seek large boxes; others, smaller inline space

Fitness chains continue to expand looking for retail space at open-air community centers, mostly grocery-anchored, where space availability is low.

While larger chains like Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, EōS Fitness and LA Fitness are signing leases for the few large spaces that become available for lease in 2026, 2027 and 2028 at community centers, boutique fitness tenants such as Club Pilates, SoulCycle Inc., F45 Training, YogaSix, Orangetheory Fitness and others have smaller square footage requirements, and thus more leeway to snatch up good space in today’s high occupancy environment.

The large chains usually monitor large impending vacancies from retailers like Kroger, Party City, Joann Fabrics, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Bed Bath & Beyond, Big Lots, Conn’s, Tuesday Morning and others that through bankruptcy or mass closures are abandoning good space at properties that have ample parking.

Fitness tenants typically pay below-average retail rents because they use large spaces and require significant build-out. However, landlords accept the lower rent because gyms drive repeat daily traffic and commit to long lease terms (10–20 years).

Read more: Fitness chains beef up at retail centers (Chain Store Age)