We’ve compiled up-to-date fitness industry statistics for 2024 that are ideal for business and marketing planning. Learn how fast the market is growing, how much revenue it’s generating, and which areas have the most positive outlook. If you want to launch a new product, expand your range, or target a different segment, then this market data can help inform your strategy.
In this article – we’ve collated the latest fitness industry stats from across the world into one handy resource (scroll to the end for our full research report).
It includes the latest data on growth, current trends (including boutique studios), global markets, and equipment industry stats to make your research quick and easy…
- Industry Overview 2024
- Gyms & Health Clubs
- Boutique Fitness Statistics
- Current Industry Trends
- Online Training Market
- Growth Markets
- Analysis & Summary
- 2024 Industry Report
We’ve spent 15+ years working in the fitness industry, from leading gym chains to global equipment manufacturers, so know the market inside-out. We proactively study the ever-changing landscape, highlight new trends, and analyze the big players. For the last 5 years, we’ve shared this expertise with the wider industry through our trends articles and Research Reports which are available to purchase.
2024 Fitness Industry Market Report NEWLatest Fitness Industry Statistics
Here are top-line stats that provide a quick fitness industry overview…
- Fitness Industry Market Size – The global fitness industry is estimated to be worth $244bn.
- Growth Trends – The fitness industry is growing at a rate of 5.6% per year.
- Key Segments – The biggest segments within the fitness industry are; gyms, studios, and health clubs; trackers and wearables; apps; online training; and equipment.
- Largest Segment – The gym and health club market is the largest, accounting for 39% of the fitness industry.
- Bigger Picture – Fitness is just one segment of the broader exercise industry which is worth $1.14 trillion and encompasses all markets related to physical activity and movement.
Gym & Fitness Club Industry Trends
The gym and health club market is the largest segment within the fitness industry…
- How big is the gym and fitness industry? Total industry revenue is estimated to be $95.1bn in 2024.
- Is the gym industry growing? Yes, the fitness club industry is growing at around 7.5% per year but hasn’t quite recovered to its previous 2019 peak.
- Will this trend continue? The industry has already rebounded dramatically from recent global events and although the next few years may be challenging, there are positive macro signals that it will continue to grow over the long term.
- How many people use gyms in America? There are over 72 million gym members in the USA, which is around 21.6% of the population.
- How much do fitness clubs charge? The average US gym membership costs $59 per month.
Learn more… Read about the latest gym industry statistics in more detail, including the recent market data, growth statistics, and in-depth research.
The industry decreased to approximately 200,000 clubs globally following Covid-related closures and now serves around 184 million members. However this data is restricted to health clubs only, so doesn’t account for boutique studios, community recreation facilities, or gyms located in other venues such as hotels. It’s also not representative of the wider workout industry, which continues to grow at a fast pace and encompasses equipment, apps, clothing, and wearables.
Boutique Fitness Industry Statistics
The rise of boutique studios looks set to continue throughout 2024 and beyond, albeit at a slower rate than previously seen. Here are some key statistics about the boutique fitness market…
- Boutique fitness industry size – The boutique fitness industry is estimated to be worth $51.6bn.
- Growth rate – The boutique fitness market is growing at around 7.6% per year.
- Will this trend continue? Growth in the boutique sector has slowed (compared to its rapid expansion rates of 400% a decade ago), but it’s still experiencing strong growth due to market demand.
- How much money do boutique fitness studios make? The average fitness studio earns $774 per member.
- How does this compare to traditional gyms? Boutique fitness studios charge 2-4 times more than traditional health clubs.
Now more than ever, people are looking for the sense of community that boutique clubs typically provide. They’re perfectly positioned to service Millennial members, offering personalised training and unique fitness experiences.
Although they charge 2-4 times more than traditional health clubs, they have lower member attrition rates. Their higher-margin operating model is proving popular with fitness entrepreneurs and investors alike, especially in developing markets like China.
A calendar of fitness conferences, events & expos for this year. Get access for free when you join our email list…
⇒ Wondering what this means for the mid-market club segment? Or looking for more detailed boutique fitness statistics? Then check out these industry resources…
- Fitness Studio Operating & Financial Benchmarking Report
- UK Boutique Fitness Studio Report
- Health Club Industry Mid-market Report
- Boutique Boom Report
Current Fitness Industry Trends
There are several fitness trends that have been consistent over recent years. Programs for older adults, exercise for weight loss, and a shift towards holistic wellness all look set to stay for the foreseeable future.
While 2021-2022 saw a wave of digital trends entering the fitness market (online and virtual training both made the top 10), 2023 and 2024 trends have reflected a return to previously popular activities. Wearable tech reclaimed the #1 spot, with strength, fitness apps, and personal training all maintaining their popularity.
On-demand fitness services such as Peloton, Aaptiv, and Les Mills’ new offering are taking advantage of improved internet connectivity and streaming capabilities. But they’re also tapping into Millennials’ desires for personalisation, freedom, and experiences over material things.
A Nielsen survey found that 81% of Millennials exercise or would like to, vs only 61% of Boomers. For this reason, Millennials have caught the attention of boutique studios, wearable developers, and equipment manufacturers.
– Goldman Sachs –
Millennials use fitness apps more than other age groups, with women using them twice as much as men. 46% want as much quantifiable data about their health as possible, and 54% are likely to buy a body-analyzing device.
But Generation Z are rapidly becoming a viable (and relatively untapped) market for fitness businesses. According to a recent Les Mills report, 86% of Gen Z either exercise regularly or would like to start – 5% more than fitness-hungry Millennials. And 72% of those regular Gen Z exercisers train both in and out of the gym, representing opportunities for fitness facilities and online trainers, along with supplement and clothing companies.
⇒ Want to learn more about Gen Z, Millennials, or a different segment entirely? Then check out these additional resources…
- Fitness App Market Statistics 2023-2024
- Gen Z Fitness: Cracking The Code By Les Mills
- Health Club Industry Active Ageing Report
- The Millennials Equation By Les Mills
Virtual & Online Fitness Stats
Let’s start by clarifying the terms. Although sometimes used interchangeably, online, digital, and virtual refer to different (but related) fitness sectors.
- Online – where consumers follow online workout guidance in the form of videos, blog articles, or programs.
- Digital – fitness products and activities that involve digital technology, such as wearables, apps, and interactive heart rate training.
- Virtual – workouts that incorporate virtual reality.
While all three areas had been increasing prior to 2020, it’s online fitness that’s seen the greatest increase since then. Here are some key online fitness industry statistics that demonstrate the growth potential in this segment…
- Prior to the pandemic, the online fitness market was valued at $6bn.
- It’s predicted to grow at 33.1% CAGR.
- This means it would be worth $59bn by 2027.
- Online exercise classes were the #9 fitness trend for 2022 but dropped out of the top 10 in 2023.
- According to the ACSM 2024 survey, online personal training was the #19 fitness trend.
However, our research shows that the situation is more nuanced than these numbers initially suggest. Our report also reveals that the online workout industry faces similar challenges to bricks and mortar gyms, particularly in terms of retention.
You might also like… our Fitness Industry SWOT Analysis or article on Yoga Industry Insights, Growth Areas & Trends.
Fitness Industry Growth Markets
So, which markets hold the greatest potential for the fitness industry? Well, despite its rapid expansion and an influx of investment, Asia still has huge potential for growth.
The industry in India is seeing more premium players enter the market but generally struggles to generate revenue outside of memberships.
Despite 3800 clubs and nearly a million members, penetration is only 0.12%. As average incomes increase and the rise of the middle class becomes a reality, penetration rates should rise in line.
Whilst the industry in China has experienced high-level growth across the board, boutique studios are now stealing the march on big-box establishments.
Expansion is happening at lightning-quick speeds, so brands should act quickly to seize opportunities before they disappear. With 2700+ traditional health clubs and increasing studio-style establishments, the biggest growth opportunities are now in tier 3 and 4 cities (or satellites) rather than already saturated hubs.
In Europe, IHRSA have previously highlighted Poland and Turkey as having the biggest potential for growth. It also identified the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America as being regions with development opportunities.
⇒ Detailed global reports featuring useful industry stats can be found here…
A calendar of fitness conferences, events & expos for this year. Get access for free when you join our email list…
Fitness Industry Analysis
There’s no question that recent years were tough, but based on current stats the future of the fitness industry looks positive.
As cardiovascular disease and the obesity epidemic continue to rise, the industry will play an increasingly important role in the health of global populations. Fitness businesses that adapt to meet this challenge should find security over the long term.
The statistics shared in this article also provide glimpses as to where the future may take us. As Millennials and Gen Z increasingly drive consumer spending, providing services that appeal to their values will be crucial.
But that doesn’t mean that other generations should be neglected at their expense… The active-aging segment is another growth area that gains immense health benefits from regular fitness activity, so there are huge opportunities in this area too.
You might also like… Nutrition Industry Stats, Growth & Trends 2023.
2024 Fitness Industry Report
This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date fitness industry research report available. Unlike others, you get extended access to the 2024 edition, including any updates that are made as new market data becomes available. Ideal for business planning and strategic marketing, the 90-page report includes;
- Fitness industry revenue & growth by market segment
- Comprehensive fitness market SWOT analysis
- Gym market size, growth & membership statistics
- Online & virtual fitness market developments
- Financial information for the largest club operators globally
- Biggest & fastest growing fitness franchises
- Insights into the boutique fitness studio & personal training segments
- Latest industry trends & how to capitalise on them
- Growth markets, segments & audiences including Millennials
- Data on fitness tracker, app & equipment segments
- Outlook & evidence-based predictions for the future of the industry
- 14-day money-back guarantee, no questions or hassle.
Note: Data is correct at the time of publishing, but it’s important to do your own local research when making business decisions.
