Baby Boot Camp's Appeal Starting to Show

"Many fitness experts say they're scared to death of pregnant women," she says, emphasizing the importance of strength training combined with cardio during and after pregnancy. Baby Boot Camp provides fitness programming to pregnant and postpartum women in a group environment, safely adjusting the workout to women at different stages of pregnancy.

Horler says more women realize it's safe and beneficial to exercise during pregnancy, leading to an upswing in membership.

"In 2001 I thought we were just filling a local need, but I found that women everywhere are desperate for this," she says. In about four years, Baby Boot Camp franchises expanded to 26 states, Canada, Bermuda and the U.K.

Forget Maternity Leave

Not surprisingly, 96% of Baby Boot Camp franchisees are women and 85% of those are mothers or pregnant.

Most Baby Boot Camp franchisees are recreational or professional athletes who made full-time career switches to the health and fitness field. Considering most franchises in that field average about $28,500 in startup costs, according to FRANdata, Baby Boot Camp, at $2,800 to $6,800, is a bargain.

Like many franchises, Baby Boot Camp doesn't provide earnings claims, but Horler says most owners see a profit in their first year. Unlike typical gyms, Baby Boot Camp classes take place at various locales such as parks and malls, so costly rent is eliminated.