By Amber Burke, Burn Boot Camp

Looking back on 2025, three words define our year: evolution, energy, and empowerment.

Together, our franchise partners, trainers, and members have strengthened the culture of community and impact that drives everything we do.

This year has been full of significant milestones and meaningful growth. What started in the parking lot of a gymnastics studio has evolved into a revolutionary movement that continues to change lives — both inside and outside of the gym. As we reflect on the past year, our efforts have been guided by a relentless focus on franchisee success, innovative solutions, and a purpose-driven culture.

Driving Growth and Success with Purpose

Our franchise partners are the heart of Burn Boot Camp. Each new opening and milestone achieved begins with the owners who share our mission to inspire, transform, and lead. In 2025, we expanded our footprint to 44 states and proudly celebrated 27 grand openings nationwide, with more new locations still to come before the year ends.

Prioritizing a franchise partner-first model, we offer multiple revenue streams through our retail and Burn Nutrition lines. Furthering this commitment, we’ve also continued to invest in systems that support our owners’ success. From evolving our onboarding process to introducing new operational resources, we want to give each franchise partner the foundation and tools they need to thrive. Behind every new unit, we’re building a brand where people come first, and where transformation is both physical and personal.

Our network continues to grow stronger — not just in numbers, but in connection. Across the country, franchise partners are creating spaces where members lift each other up and celebrate growth together. That same spirit of collaboration thrives among our owners, 80 percent of whom are women. The Burn Boot Camp network is built on mentorship, shared best practices, and a genuine sense of community that fuels sustainable growth.

Inspiring Innovation Through Technology and Training

Innovation has been one of the top drivers of our progress this year — both in technology and in our approach to fitness and community. We introduced several initiatives designed with our franchise partners and members in mind.

Our proprietary Burn Intelligence platform was built to empower franchise partners through a unified, trusted data system. This platform provides critical insights that guide decision-making and enhance operations. Instead of building a dashboard that primarily served corporate’s needs, we flipped the script on the traditional corporate reporting model and focused on what franchise partners need to successfully run their gyms. By integrating technology with our people-first philosophy, we’re helping owners make smarter, faster, and more meaningful business decisions.

After launching our Burn on Demand app two years ago, we amplified our brand’s reach and visibility beyond the four walls of our locations. The app enables users to experience transformative workouts, shop retail and nutrition, track their goals, book camps, and more. We have a technology roadmap in place with plans to further improve the user experience and expand functionality.

We also expanded training and educational opportunities to ensure every trainer and franchise partner has access to the latest tools and techniques, helping them succeed while enhancing the overall camp experience. Our focus remains on helping all Burn Boot Camp members feel seen, supported, and strong. From refining programming to introducing recovery and wellness tools, we’re fostering engagement in communities across the country – showing what happens when innovation meets passion.

Creating a Culture of Community and Recognition

Success is not only measured by growth, but by the impact we can make on people’s lives. We were proud to be named to the Inc. 5000 list for the sixth consecutive year, further reflecting the dedication and drive of our entire franchise network. Burn Boot Camp was also named to the Franchise Times Top 400, rising 43 spots in the rankings, and recognized by Franchise Business Review as a Top Franchise for Veterans.

Our focus on innovation and impact has also been acknowledged by industry leaders as we were honored with the International Franchise Association’s Most Innovative Use of Technology award, a testament of our commitment to shaping the future of franchising through creativity and forward-thinking.

Internally, we established our “Mark of Excellence” award to celebrate franchise partners who are achieving exceptional growth and engagement. A significant honor at Burn Boot Camp, this recognition indicates the location has best in class culture, successfully maintains 600 or more members for a full year, and has a positive impact within its community. The “Mark of Excellence” award reflects the dedication of our franchise partners who go above and beyond to create a meaningful experience for our members. This program is reinforcing our culture and mission across the system by honoring owners who are true leaders.

Every member of our Burn Boot Camp community — franchise partners, trainers, team members, and members alike — deserves credit for this momentum. Amidst these recognitions, the true reward is seeing our teams, members, and communities thrive.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we close out 2025 and build momentum into the new year, our mission for 2026 remains clear — to empower, innovate, and elevate. Burn Boot Camp’s priorities are focused on deepening the member experience, empowering our franchise network with next-level tools and training, and continuing to expand our footprint across the nation. The foundation we’ve built this year positions us to accelerate our impact and growth in 2026 and beyond.

Every camp, trainer, and member contributes to something bigger than fitness. They are part of a movement that is building confidence through our message of strength and transformation. Through it all, our success is powered by our community. 2025 has proven that fostering meaningful connections drives lasting growth, and as we look ahead, we’re ready to continue that momentum — together.

Amber Burke is the chief operating officer of Burn Boot Camp. For more information about IFA franchisor member Burn Boot Camp, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/burn-boot-camp/.