The fitness sector is rebounding impressively after the COVID-19 crisis, and gym-goers are returning in droves. Whether you own a gym, are a personal trainer, or have a passion for fitness, we’re sharing over 100 of the most intriguing statistics, insights, and trends in the gym industry to deepen your understanding.
This comprehensive collection of fitness industry statistics includes essential details about memberships, demographics, revenue, trends, and more. We provide the latest information with reliable sources to ensure you stay informed and make well-educated business or personal decisions.
Join us as we delve into the top Gym and fitness statistics and trends for 2024:
Global Gym Count
A gym is a prevalent location for physical activity, whether private or public. The word “Gym” is derived from the Latin term “Gymnasium,” which in turn comes from the Greek word “Gymnasium,” referring to a public venue for exercise. The earliest gym was founded in ancient Persia over 3,000 years ago and was vastly different from today’s modern facilities.
As of the end of 2023, over 220,000 gyms exist globally, boasting more than 200 million members worldwide. The United States hosts 41,190 gyms, the highest number of any nation. The fitness industry has steadily climbed but faced setbacks due to the pandemic.
Nevertheless, global lockdowns heightened health awareness, driving people to fitness centers and triggering a wellness wave where individuals eagerly invest in their health. The figures presented below support this observation.
Pre- and Post-Pandemic Fitness Industry Transformation
The fitness sector experienced substantial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before this upheaval, the global health and fitness industry saw record figures, totaling US$96.7 billion in revenue for 2019, a 2.7% growth from 2018, continuing an upward trend since 2008.
However, with lockdowns enforced globally in 2020, gym attendance plummeted. According to an IHRSA report, the U.S. gym and health club industry suffered a colossal $13.9 billion loss from mid-March to August 31, 2020, due to the pandemic. Approximately 25% of members who canceled their memberships stated they wouldn’t return once gyms reopened.
This abrupt shift fostered innovation, leading to the rise of at-home workouts, virtual fitness training, and digital fitness influencers. Per a McKinsey report, over 70% of Americans contemplated purchasing home fitness equipment or digital fitness subscriptions during the pandemic.
Mindbody’s research found that over 85% of gym-goers participated in virtual workouts, with 7 in 10 trying virtual classes offered by their regular gyms. As the world reopened, the industry bounced back, with the global digital fitness market projected to reach $59.231 billion by 2027, expecting a CAGR of 33.15 during this period.
Demographics of Gym-Goers: By Country, Age, Race, and More
Let’s review the demographic statistics of gym-goers:
- Individuals aged 20-64 constitute the largest group of gym members, representing about 60% of all gym memberships per an IHRSA report.
- Seniors 55 and older have shown increasing interest in gyms, with their participation surging by 231% over the past two decades.
- Both genders are nearly equally represented at gyms, with 52% female and 48% male membership.
- Millennials made up 36% of active gym-goers in 2019, growing to 42% by the end of 2023.
- In the U.S., White individuals represent 66.3% of gym-goers, followed by Hispanics at 12.8% and Black individuals at 12.3%.
- 43% of gym attendees have an annual household income above $75,000.
- Individuals with higher education are more inclined to join gyms, with 46% of gym-goers holding a college degree.
- Professionals and managers constitute the largest group of gym members, representing 36% in the U.S.
- Single individuals account for 35% of gym memberships, followed by couples and families at 39% and 25%, respectively.
- Urban dwellers make up 81% of gym memberships, while rural residents account for just 19%.
Demographics of Gym Goers by Age Group:
- 16% are Gen Z (under 22 years old)
- 35% are Millennials (23-42 years old)
- 22% are Gen X (43-57 years old).
- 21% are Boomers (58-77 years old)
Fascinating Facts About American Gym-Goers:
The United States stands as the largest marketplace for the fitness sector due to having the most gym enthusiasts. In 2019, over 64 million Americans held gym memberships, and by the close of 2023, this figure has surpassed 75 million. Presented below are fascinating gym statistics and trends concerning Americans:
- Over 22% of the U.S. population aged 6 and above holds a gym membership.
- The typical American gym-goer frequents the gym at least twice weekly.
- Planet Fitness ranks as the most favored gym chain in the U.S. with a membership exceeding 15 million.
- Approximately 79% of the U.S. population lacks a gym membership, highlighting a significant untapped market for new fitness ventures.
- In 2020, 60% of Americans disclosed enjoying home workouts to the extent that they were reluctant to return to physical gyms.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of Americans engaged with at least one fitness app.
- Post-pandemic, 56% of Americans have adapted to online workouts, while 16% increased their exercise frequency compared to pre-quarantine times.
- In the United States, the average monthly gym membership costs $28.58, whereas in Canada it is $15.9.
- In New York, the average expenditure on a gym membership is $134.50 per month.
- Affordable gyms like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness typically offer memberships starting around $20-$30 per month, whereas luxury fitness chains such as Equinox and Lifetime Fitness charge around $80 to $100, offering additional services like personal training, spa, and boxing.
- California has the highest concentration of health clubs in the United States, followed by Texas, with Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania securing the third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively.
- Conversely, Wyoming possesses the fewest health and fitness gyms in the U.S.
- Annually, Americans spend over 1.5 million dollars on unused gym memberships.
Gym-Goers Usage Stats & Insights:
Let’s delve into intriguing statistics, insights, and facts about gym-goers to better understand the industry trends:
- Approximately 2.5% of the global population visits the gym.
- On average, a person attends the gym around 104 times per year.
- According to Statistic Brain, 44% of gym members go to the gym at least twice a week.
- 49% of gym members visit the gym over 100 times annually.
- 21% of gym goers spend half an hour to an hour at the gym, while 35% devote between one and two hours to their workout.
- Most gym-goers prefer to exercise in the morning (5 AM to 9 AM) and evening (5 PM to 8 PM).
- On average, individuals spend about an hour per gym visit.
- Nearly 25% of gym attendees visit during lunch hours (12 PM to 2 PM).
- 38% of gym-goers utilize training equipment and machines, while 31% use convenience amenities.
- 24% of gym users take advantage of the pool, and an equal percentage utilize wellness services.
- 50% of new gym members quit within the first six months, citing lack of motivation as the primary reason.
- 67% of gym members discontinue visits within a few days after starting.
- Treadmills are the most favored gym equipment, followed by free weights and elliptical machines.
- 30% of gym members employ personal trainers for exercise and dieting.
- Approximately 73% of people go to the gym alone, while the remaining 27% exercise with a friend or group.
- 44% of gym attendees participate in group fitness classes, with a higher female participation rate.
- 50% of gym-goers prioritize cardio exercises, while 33% focus primarily on strength training.
- About 85% of gym-goers also work out at home, with 63% using online fitness videos and apps.
- After the pandemic, fitness studios specializing in specific workouts such as yoga, Pilates, or martial arts have gained popularity.
Top Reasons People Join & Quit the Gym:
Here are the main reasons why individuals decide to join and leave gyms:
Reasons for Joining & Remaining with a Gym:
- The primary motivation for gym membership is self-determination to get fit and maintain fitness, followed by the influence of friends and fitness influencers.
- 44% of members join a gym to improve their physical shape, while 42% do so to lead an active lifestyle.
- 34% of gym-goers consistently attend to build muscle.
- 28% visit the gym to alleviate stress and enhance mental health.
- 33% of gym members aim to lose weight, 32% seek better appearance, and 31% join for enjoyment.
- 50% of gym-goers renew their membership due to the convenient location of the gym.
- 45% stay because of positive interactions with the gym staff.
- 38% renew their membership due to the appealing equipment and atmosphere.
- Yoga, Pilates, and Barre top the list of reasons for females to join a gym.
- Strength training is the primary motivation for males to join.
Reasons to Leave or Modify Your Gym:
- Poor commitment, lack of drive, and apathy are the top reasons for discontinuing gym memberships.
- Financial difficulties are the second leading cause, followed by life events like moving, injury, or job schedule changes, which come in third place.
- 21% of individuals switch gyms if they find the equipment lacking.
- 11% terminate their membership due to unengaging staff.
- 18% leave if the trainers and classes are unsatisfactory.
- 17% prefer switching if they don’t feel a sense of community.
- 20% might cancel or change gyms if the wellness services are inadequate.
Gym Memberships Statistics and Revenue Overview:
Next, let’s explore some data and insights regarding gym memberships and revenue, which can help gym owners or trainers enhance their business:
- Statista reports that the global fitness and gym sector is valued at $96.7 billion in 2023.
- It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%, reaching $125.23 billion by 2030.
- The industry aims to serve over 230 million members by 2030.
- By the end of 2023, the fitness sector is expected to generate $216 billion.
- The U.S. gym and fitness club revenue for 2023 amounts to $30.8 billion, showing a minor increase from last year.
- The industry’s highest annual revenue was $45.4 billion in 2019.
- Region-wise, North America tops the revenue chart, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific in second and third places, respectively.
- The U.S. has the highest number of health and fitness club members, trailed by Germany, with the U.K. in third place.
- More than 60% of gym-goers have yearly memberships, while the rest opt for monthly or shorter-term contracts.
- Regular gym attendees (those visiting over 100 times per year) represent 49% of all memberships.
- The global average monthly cost of a gym membership ranges between $51 and $58, with the U.S. average at $28.58.
- The average gym membership cancellation rate hovers around 30%.
- 14% of female gym members quit after one year, while only 8% of male members do the same.
- A Small Business Administration (SBA) study found that 80% of gyms survive the first year, 70% make it through the second year, and only 50% continue operations beyond five years.
- According to Club Industry, a profitable gym typically has 1000 or more members.
- The average annual profit for a gym ranges from $80,000 to $180,000, as per the same study.
- The Association of Fitness Studios’ research indicates that the average yearly salary for a small gym owner is around $68,500.
- 12% of all new gym memberships are signed in January, driven by New Year’s resolutions, making it the busiest month, while summer sees the lowest participation.
- 87% of members stay active six months after a positive onboarding experience.
- 85% of fitness club members visit twice a week for group classes, while 43% attend four times a week for the same purpose.
Optimal Strategies for Gym Owners & Trainers:
The average annual value of a gym member is $517 for an owner. However, considering that the average retention rate is 71.4%, there’s much more to offer. This rate can fluctuate based on factors like business location, available services, and demographics.
A Fitness Business Association (FBA) study shows that a 5% increase in customer retention can elevate company revenue by 25 to 95%. Fitness business owners can significantly improve retention rates by adopting several strategies, thereby exponentially increasing revenue.
The process to retain gym members begins during their onboarding. A positive onboarding experience ensures customers stay. Additional crucial factors include having certified and courteous staff, offering top-notch wellness services, and encouraging group activities to foster a sense of community.
Maintaining a digital presence and a stellar reputation are also vital for customer retention, combined with the responsibility of delivering exceptional services. Successfully managing both will lead to a thriving fitness enterprise that promises growth each year.
Conclusion:
The fitness industry has seen significant transformations, especially due to the global coronavirus pandemic. People have become more aware of the benefits of prioritizing fitness, contributing to industry growth. However, traditional fitness clubs are no longer the sole option.
More individuals are adopting digital and virtual fitness solutions like online courses, virtual training, and fitness apps. Consumer behaviors are evolving quickly, emphasizing health and wellness, with many willing to invest considerably to stay active and fit.
Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this fitness revolution, setting the trend that subsequent generations are likely to follow.
This opens up a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to capture a portion of the fitness sector’s lucrative earnings, but success hinges on implementing a sound plan.
That’s a wrap for this entry. Should you have any uncertainties or questions about the content presented here, do not hesitate to reach out to us through the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are the most common inquiries about gym and fitness statistics:
What percentage of gym members actually go?:
Globally, 53% of individuals with gym memberships regularly attend. Of these, 38% frequent the gym several times a week, while 15% visit just once a week. Research by the FBA shows that 18% of gym members completely neglect their memberships.
How much does a gym membership cost?:
The global average monthly fee for a gym membership ranges from $51 to $58, dependent on location and other factors. In the U.S., the average monthly cost is $28.58, but over half of U.S. gym users pay below $25 per month.
How many people go to the gym in the U.S.?:
Around 52.6 million individuals in the United States actively use their gym memberships, even though over 65 million people hold active memberships. This calculation excludes the 18% of members who never use their memberships.
What is the most common exercise in the gym?:
A Strengthlog survey identifies Bench Press as the leading gym exercise for both genders in 2024, followed by Squats and Deadlifts. Other popular routines include Lat Pulldown, Overhead Press, Barbell Row, Dumbbell Lateral Raise, and Leg Extension.
Are gym owners successful?:
Generally, gym owners are successful, though it demands substantial investment, effective customer acquisition and retention strategies, and superior service. Industry data indicates the average annual income for a gym owner is between $300,000 and $500,000, with small gym owners earning around $68,500 annually.
Do 90% of people quit the gym after 3 months?:
Research on the fitness industry highlights that about 90% of new gym members lose interest and quit within three months. Additionally, 50% of new members may quit within six months. However, gym owners can mitigate these rates by enhancing customer retention through effective strategies.