Tough Mudder Bootcamp Flexes Franchising Strength in First Year of Growth Strategy

Leading Global Sports, Active Lifestyle and Media Brand Takes Functional Fitness Training Nationwide with Bootcamp-Style Gym Concept

NEW YORK – In business and in fitness, there’s no obstacle that Tough Mudder can’t tackle with teamwork.

Tough Mudder, the internationally acclaimed brand best known for its iconic obstacle course race events that have inspired a global movement and active lifestyle mantra, announced today that its Tough Mudder Bootcamp gym concept has accelerated its franchise plans. After marking the milestone of its first franchise opening in spring of this year, the concept’s accelerated growth strategy builds on the momentum of its exceptionally prosperous first year in franchising, in which it sold over 30 units, including a 10-unit deal.

As Tough Mudder Bootcamp continues piquing the interest of prospective franchisees as well as those who are already in its development pipeline, the concept projects inking up to 100 agreements in markets across the country by the end of the year. With several new openings already on the horizon, including a Las Vegas location set to open in September and a Houston location in October, Tough Mudder Bootcamp is on track to open new studios on a monthly basis by 2019. 

“There is so much equity in the Tough Mudder brand that we knew we had to create a gym concept equal to the passion consumers have for the concept’s namesake,” said Dan Henry, director of franchise sales for Tough Mudder Bootcamp Franchising. “Tough Mudder Bootcamp is in a category unto itself offering drop-in ready, team-based workouts with coaches that motivate and inspire with a specific combination of unique workout routines.” 

The first Tough Mudder Bootcamp opened to massive fanfare in suburban Boston – Burlington, Massachusetts this past early-June. Memberships filled with new and longtime devoted Tough Mudder brand advocates, individuals who have immersed themselves in the Tough Mudder lifestyle and those experiencing the concept for the first time. Locations opening in every market will be able to instantly tap into that enthusiastic customer base, which includes more than 3.5 million participants who have competed in obstacle course races. New franchisees will be able to access a motivated tribe even as they build their fan base with new devotees. 

In addition to the agreements in place to open new locations this year and next, Tough Mudder Bootcamp has prioritized several key U.S. markets for further expansion. Initially, these include Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte and Phoenix, with more than 2,000 franchise territories available across the United States.

Built upon the same core values of teamwork, camaraderie and personal accomplishment as the Tough Mudder endurance events, the beloved brand’s new HIIT boot camp concept aims to create an approachable environment for individuals to reach personal accomplishments by tackling the Tough Mudder-favorite teamwork obstacles. Using Tough Mudder Bootcamp’s proprietary technology platform, the 45-minute workouts change daily and are done in tandem with other members – in partner teams, groups or as a full class.

“The bootcamp concept creates an opportunity to welcome millions from the Mudder Nation, and millions more seeking a team-based group fitness class, into the Tough Mudder experience 365 days a year,” added Henry. “From individuals just getting started on their fitness journey simply seeking to drop into a class to longtime fitness and Tough Mudder race enthusiasts, our concept is accessible to individuals across all physical abilities and skill levels. Everyone can challenge themselves in attaining their personal goals with the encouragement and accountability of a team.”

Founded in 2010 by Harvard Business School student Will Dean, the Tough Mudder race concept came to fruition after Dean’s negative experience as a triathlete competing in races where participants hindered instead of helping each other. He wanted to create an experience that wasn’t as ruthless as many triathlons and much more open and was welcoming to the public.

Gaining global acclaim for its challenging obstacle course races, the brand began developing its Tough Mudder Bootcamp franchise model in 2016. Two years in the planning, the 45-minute class delivers a teamwork-oriented, full-body workout with six unique HIIT class types designed around the fitness pillars of Strength, Power, Agility and Endurance.

As the fitness boot camp concept continues to rapidly expand into key markets across the United States and abroad, Tough Mudder Bootcamp is actively seeking qualified franchisees passionate about fitness and entrepreneurship to join its system to bring the Tough Mudder Bootcamp’s tribe-building mentality to their local communities. Ideal franchisees include thought leaders and investors with a strong understanding of the Tough Mudder brand power and those eager to become early adopters of an emerging franchise concept that’s backed by a 100 million dollar brand name. 

In order to be eligible to open a Tough Mudder Bootcamp franchise, candidates must have at least $120,000 in liquid capital and net worth of $400,000. The overall investment to open a Tough Mudder Bootcamp franchise location ranges from $297,000 to $521,350, which is fairly low in the fitness sector of franchising and offers excellent ROI on the initial investment. A small footprint (2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft.), each bootcamp class acts as a “community center” to motivate members to achieve his or her fitness goals through realistic benchmarks.

In addition to having the full range of perks as an emerging franchise, including access to leadership, franchisees are granted unprecedented brand awareness and unparalleled support from the starting line, including planning, opening, ongoing marketing and employee training. Tough Mudder Bootcamp currently has thousands of franchise territory opportunities available in major key across all 50 states as well as territories internationally. 

About Tough Mudder Bootcamp

Tough Mudder Bootcamp is the new brand expansion into the fitness studio sector by Tough Mudder, Inc., the leading sports, active lifestyle and media brand. Established in 2016, Tough Mudder Bootcamp is a 45-minute HIIT class that delivers a teamwork-oriented, full-body workout that is fun, customizable – to challenge all fitness levels – and highly motivating and social. Based on the Tough Mudder Mission that centers on teamwork, camaraderie, courage, personal accomplishment and fun, Tough Mudder Bootcamp focuses on team training and community. To inquire about franchising opportunities with Tough Mudder Bootcamp, please visit https://bootcamp.toughmudder.com/own-a-tmb.