Fitness Industry Statistics: 12,000 Gyms Data (2024)
When it comes to understanding the fitness industry, most reports online present broad, generalized statistics. But in this post, we’re doing something different. We’ve gathered real, verified data from over 12,000 gyms across the US, providing a detailed look into key metrics like profitability, average revenue, and other crucial performance indicators.
This isn’t just another list of industry averages—it’s an in-depth analysis of actual results from gyms nationwide. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or gym owner, this post offers actionable insights drawn from real-world data to help guide your decisions.
We’ll dive into the following sub topics:
- Key Industry Stats
- Industry Size & Growth
- Fitness Companies: Data from 12,000+ gyms
- Customers
- Latest Industry Trends
Key Fitness Industry Stats
- The global fitness industry is projected to reach $115.6 billion by 2026
- The US fitness industry is valued at $40.6 billion in 2024
- There were 31,000 fitness clubs in the US in 2022
- The average fitness club in the US made $395,000 in yearly revenue
- The average fitness club in the US required a startup capital of $610,000
- The average fitness club in the US made 22.7% in operating profit (EBITDA margin)
- US Health Club Memberships reached over 62.5 million in 2023
- Americans spend an average of $286 per month on health and fitness
Fitness Industry Size
The global fitness industry is projected to reach $115.6 billion by 2026, growing at +7.3% CAGR annually
The fitness industry’s market size is expected to continue its growth trajectory, reaching $115.6 billion by 2026. This growth is being driven by digital transformation, increased consumer awareness of health, and the expansion of virtual and hybrid fitness options. (Source: ExpertBeacon)
The US fitness industry is valued at $40.6 billion in 2024
As of 2024, the US fitness, gym, and health club industry is valued at $40.6 billion, marking consistent growth as fitness becomes a more central part of American lifestyles. This growth reflects increasing consumer interest in health and wellness, alongside technological innovations within fitness. (Source: IBIS)
The US health club industry generated $30.6 billion in revenue in 2022
In 2022, US health and fitness clubs generated a revenue of $30.6 billion, representing about 3/4 of the overall fitness industry in the US. This shows a rebound from the pandemic-related losses and highlights the industry’s resilience. (Source: Statista)
Fitness Companies
There were about 31,000 fitness clubs in total across the US in 2022
The number of fitness facilities in the United States has fallen sharply in recent years as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In 2022, there were around 31 thousand health clubs in the United States down from 41,000 in 2019. (Source: Statista)
The average US gym made $395,000 in yearly revenue in 2023
Health clubs, from gyms to fitness studios to personal training clubs, made a median revenue of $395,000 in 2023. This data is from the largest 60+ franchises in the US that represent more than 12,000+ independent gym businesses so about 1/3 of the overall market.
Sub Industry | Revenue (AUV) |
---|---|
Personal Training | $202,000 |
Kickboxing | $325,000 |
Gyms | $1,173,000 |
Fitness Studios | $401,000 |
The average startup capital required to start a gym was $610,000 in 2023
Startup costs range from buildout costs, equipment, furniture, marketing and working capital. The amount ranges from one type of gym to another.
For example, it costs about $352,000 on average to start a personal training studio, whilst a standard membership gym can go up to $1,520,000 on average.
Sub Industry | Investment (Average) | Investment (Low – High) |
---|---|---|
Personal Training | $352,000 | $41,000 – $2,210,000 |
Kickboxing | $579,000 | $115,000 – $4,998,000 |
Gyms | $1,520,000 | $200,000 – $6,671,000 |
Fitness Studios | $443,000 | $2,000 – $2,273,000 |
The average US gym made 22.7% in operating profit (EBITDA) in 2023
Using the same source as before (the largest fitness franchises in the US), the average gym in the US had a 22.7% EBITDA margin.
EBITDA represents the earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization.
Again here, the data varies across the types of gyms (see below):
Sub Industry | Gross Profit | EBITDA |
---|---|---|
Personal Training | 75.0% | 14.8% |
Kickboxing | 86.4% | 24.0% |
Gyms | 96.8% | 23.8% |
Fitness Studios | 94.7% | 22.7% |
Customers
Global Health and Fitness Club Memberships are projected to reach 230 million by 2023
The global number of memberships at health and fitness clubs is expected to reach 230 million by 2023, indicating strong growth in fitness participation worldwide. (Source: Wexer)
US Health Club Memberships reached over 62.5 million in 2023
In 2023, more than 62.5 million people in the United States were members of health clubs, reflecting the broad adoption of fitness routines among Americans. (Source: IHRSA)
Americans made over 6 billion visits to gyms and health clubs in 2023
In 2023, Americans made over 6 billion visits to gyms, health clubs, and studios, with each member averaging 94 visits annually, highlighting the strong engagement in fitness activities. (Source: Wellness Creatives)
More than 5 million customers actively participate in boutique fitness studios in the US
Boutique fitness studios in the US have over 5 million active participants, showing their popularity and the growing trend towards specialized, community-based fitness experiences. (Source: IHRSA)
The average monthly cost of a gym membership in the US is $58
This is a general figure for standard gym memberships in the United States, though prices can vary widely depending on the type of gym or fitness center. (Source: Exercise.com)
The average monthly membership at boutique fitness studios in the US is $125
Boutique fitness studios, which specialize in niche workouts like Pilates and HIIT, tend to charge more due to their smaller class sizes and personalized experience. (Source: BarBend)
Americans spend an average of $286 per month on health and fitness
This includes gym memberships, fitness classes, supplements, and personal training sessions, reflecting the broad range of fitness-related expenses in the US. (Source: BarBend)
Latest Industry Trends
Hybrid Fitness Models
- Combination of In-person and Online Classes: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid fitness models. Now, 75% of gym users also utilize online fitness classes, appreciating the flexibility of blending home workouts with gym visits (Source: Mindbody).
- Subscription Services for Virtual Access: Many gyms are offering subscription-based virtual classes as a regular part of their membership packages, with approximately 50% of members opting for some form of digital workout solution in addition to traditional gym access (Source: ClassPass).
Focus on Health and Wellness Beyond Fitness
- Holistic Health Services: Gyms are increasingly integrating services such as nutrition counseling, wellness workshops, and mental health seminars. About 40% of gym-goers express interest in holistic health services provided by their fitness centers (Source: Wellness Creative Co.).
- Recovery Facilities: Recovery facilities including cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and specialized massage services are becoming more common in gyms, with 30% of high-end gyms now offering these services to help members improve recovery times and overall wellness (Source: Global Wellness Institute).
Personalization and Advanced Fitness Technology
- Wearable Fitness Technology: Integration of wearable technology to track performance, heart rate, and other health metrics is becoming standard, with over 60% of gym members using some form of fitness tracker during their workouts (Source: Pew Research Center).
- AI and Machine Learning for Custom Workouts: Advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning are being used to offer personalized workout plans based on individual health data, preferences, and progress, with 25% of gyms now incorporating these technologies into their offerings (Source: Fitness Tech Summit).
Sustainability Initiatives
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainability is becoming a significant factor in gym operations. Approximately 20% of gyms have invested in sustainable practices such as energy-efficient equipment, solar panels, and water-saving fixtures to reduce their environmental impact (Source: Green Business Bureau).
- Sustainable Materials and Equipment: The use of recycled materials for gym equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products is on the rise, with consumers showing a preference for environmentally conscious fitness centers (Source: Eco Gym).