Forbes calls franchises “a color-by-number opportunity” for “those who want to be entrepreneurs but don’t have a big idea.” And for the last three years, Forbes has compiled an annual list of the best – and worst – franchise investments.

This year, Planet Fitness ranked fourth on their list of best franchises to buy.

Franchises were divided into groups according to price of admission; economy franchise opportunities have entry costs of up to $150,000, coach franchise opportunities have entry costs between $150,001 and $500,000, and first class is $500,000 and up. Planet Fitness is considered first class for entry costs.

Franchises were ranked from best to worst according to information gathered by industry research firm FRANdata. FRANdata took into account growth rate over five years, five-year continuity rates and a variety of other factors. For a more in-depth explanation of how the rankings were determined, click here.

The article mentions that franchises have been on the rise since the recession; a forecast by IHS Economics predicts that in 2016 the total number of franchises will reach 795,932 while employing 9.1 million people and contributing $552 billion to GDP.

Click here to read the original article from Forbes by Amy Feldman.