Fitness center franchises

Fitness center franchises include everything from simple gyms to full-service fitness facilities that offer spas, tanning beds and physical therapy.

I recommend: Among the top-rated fitness center franchises are Gold's Gym, Snap Fitness, Anytime Fitness and 1-2-3 Fit.

Fitness franchises for women or men

A growing number of fitness center franchises are targeting women or men with custom weight loss and exercise programs.

I recommend: Successful fitness franchises for women include Curves, Contours Express, Fit Zone for Women and Shape Up Sisters, not to mention L.A. Weight Loss, which focuses on healthy eating and nutrition counseling. If you're more interested in men's health, Express Train Fitness for Men and Nitro Fitness for Men are fitness franchises that cater to the male demographic.

Buy a health and fitness franchise for children

An increasing number of sports and fitness franchises are catering to kids-and their parents-offering everything from parent-child exercise classes to kid-friendly gyms.

I recommend: Popular children's fitness franchises include Baby Boot Camp, which specializes in pre- and postnatal fitness; Gymboree, which offers parent-child fitness programs; The Little Gym, which provides development fitness programs for young children; and Kinderdance, which teaches dance and movement.

Training-themed sports franchises

Among the many sports franchises for sale these days are several that specialize in teaching and training. Many offer instructor-led classes while others offer facilities for self-guided training.

I recommend: If you're interested in sports franchises that offer indoor baseball and softball training, consider Extra Innings and Frozen Ropes Training Centers. Personal Best Karate provides self-defense training. i9 Sports organizes amateur sports leagues and tournaments.

Recreation-oriented sports and fitness franchises

Many sports and fitness franchises offer active recreational activities for adults, families and thrill-seekers.

I recommend: Some sports franchises for sale are more about fun than fitness. Consider, for example, Monster Mini Golf, which offers put-put golf for families; Wheel Fun Rentals, which provides recreational bike and boat rentals; and Outdoor Connection, which organizes fishing and hunting trips for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sports franchises that sell equipment and apparel

Among the most lucrative sports franchises for sale are those that offer retail opportunities, selling everything from professional exercise equipment to sports gear.

I recommend: Among the top sports and fitness franchises offering retail opportunities are The Athlete's Foot, which sells athletic footwear and accessories; Play It Again Sports, which specializes in new and used sporting equipment; Golf USA, which sells golf supplies; and Pro Image, which sells licensed sports apparel.