In the ever-evolving landscape of the fitness industry, one question remains paramount for gym owners and entrepreneurs: How many members does a gym need to be successful?
As we navigate the dynamic terrain of 2024, this question takes on new dimensions, influenced by technological advances such as the implementation of gym membership apps, changing consumer behaviors, and the lasting impact of global health trends.
This comprehensive guide delves into the heart of gym membership dynamics, exploring not just the numbers, but the strategies that drive sustainable success in the modern fitness world. We’ll examine the multifaceted factors influencing membership numbers, from location and pricing strategies to the quality of equipment and the diversity of classes offered.
How many members does the average gym have?
The average gym has about 1,500 people who go there. But this can be different for gyms that work in different ways, have different ideas, or are in different places.
Whether you’re a seasoned gym owner looking to optimize your membership base or an entrepreneur planning to enter the fitness market, this guide offers invaluable insights into achieving and sustaining success in the dynamic world of fitness in 2024. Join us as we unravel the complexities of gym membership and equip you with the knowledge to thrive in this exciting industry.
Key Takeaways
- Membership Threshold: Successful gyms typically need 200-300 members per 1,000 sq ft, but this varies based on location, pricing, and operating costs.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on number of member and engagement rather than just acquisition.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: Supplement membership fees with personal training, classes, and merchandise sales.
- Digital Integration: Implement fitness apps for member engagement, workout tracking, and streamlined operations.
- Personalization: Use data analytics to offer tailored fitness experiences and targeted marketing.
- Flexible Memberships: Offer various membership tiers and options to cater to different needs and budgets.
- Hybrid Model: Combine in-person services with virtual offerings to expand reach and convenience.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly update equipment, classes, and amenities to stay competitive.
Understand your membership needs and metrics
The success of a gym is no longer measured solely by the number of people passing through its doors. Today’s fitness centers must navigate a complex ecosystem where digital engagement, personalized experiences, and community building play crucial roles alongside traditional metrics.
With the online fitness market projected to reach $59 billion by 2027, gyms must adapt to these changes to attract and retain members effectively.
Gym membership demographics and preferences
The fitness industry has seen a notable shift in member demographics and preferences in recent years. While the 18-34 age group remains a core target, the 35-54 age segment has gained significant traction, now accounting for nearly 45% of total memberships.
Younger members, aged 18-34, tend to prioritize group fitness classes, high-intensity training, and access to the latest workout equipment and technology. They often favor flexible, month-to-month membership options that accommodate their dynamic lifestyles.
In contrast, the 35-54 age group increasingly seeks a more holistic approach to wellness, valuing not just physical exercise but also mindfulness, nutrition, and recovery. This demographic gravitates towards specialized fitness programs, personalized training, and premium amenities like saunas and recovery lounges.
Interestingly, the rise of hybrid memberships that combine in-gym and online fitness options has appeal across all age groups. These flexible plans allow members to maintain their gym routine while also accessing on-demand classes, virtual coaching, and digital workout content – a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a 2023 industry survey found that nearly 60% of gym members prefer a hybrid model, citing convenience and the ability to customize their fitness regimen.
As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, successful gyms will need to cater to these diverse member preferences, offering a range of membership options and tailored experiences to attract and retain a broad demographic.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The average age of gym members is 40 years old, with 63% of members being women. Millennials and Generation X account for 57% of total memberships, while Generation Z represents 14%.
Member engagement and retention
Did you know that even 67% of members never use their memberships, highlighting a substantial gap in engagement and retention? This statistic underscores the need for effective strategies to re-engage inactive members and ensure they derive value from their membership.
REMEMBER!
The average gym membership retention rate is 72.4%, indicating that the dropout rate is around 27.6%. Improving retention by just 5% can increase profits by 25-95%.
Engagement strategies are crucial for retaining members. By providing meaningful experiences, such as workshops, meetings, and volunteer opportunities, organizations can foster emotional and social engagement.
Regular communication, including personalized gym text messages, fitness newsletter and surveys, helps to understand member needs and preferences, thereby enhancing cognitive engagement. Automated sequences and two-way communication can also encourage behavioral engagement by making interactions seamless and relevant.
How many memberships does a gym need to sell to be successful?
Calculating overhead costs is essential for gyms to set accurate membership pricing, enhance profitability, gain a competitive advantage, and make better business decisions. This process ensures that the gym operates efficiently and effectively, ultimately benefiting both the business and its members.
Calculating overhead is key for gyms to determine the true cost of membership. What’s most important?
- Accurate pricing – Overhead calculations allow gyms to determine the true cost of membership, ensuring that prices reflect actual expenses incurred.
- Determining optimal membership fees balances profitability with affordability for members, thus avoiding under- or overpricing.
- Understand overhead costs, which include indirect expenses such as insurance, administrative fees and office supplies, which significantly affect a gym’s overall profitability.
- Competitive advantage – Gyms that accurately calculate and manage their overhead costs can offer competitive pricing strategies.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The average gym has approximately 1,500 members. However, successful gyms typically aim for at least 500 to 1,000 members to ensure sufficient revenue to cover costs
The average number of members at small gyms and large chains
How many members does a typical Planet Fitness have? How many should have a small gym? The average number of members varies significantly between different types of gyms, reflecting the scale, business model, and target demographics of each facility.
The disparity in membership numbers highlights the difference in business approaches – while large chains prioritize accessibility and affordability, smaller gyms focus on tailored experiences and close-knit communities.
How many members do large gyms have?
Gym Chain | Number of Members | Number of Locations | Headquarters |
Planet Fitness | 18+ million | 2,400+ | Hampton, New Hampshire |
LA Fitness | 4+ million | 700+ | Irvine, California |
24 Hour Fitness | 3+ million | 280+ | Carlsbad, California |
Crunch Fitness | 2+ million | 400+ | New York, New York |
Anytime Fitness | 2+ million | 4,700+ (Worldwide) | Woodbury, Minnesota |
Gold’s Gym | 2+ million | 600+ (Worldwide) | Dallas, Texas |
Equinox | 1+ million | 100+ | New York, New York |
Life Time Fitness | 1.7 million | 160+ | Chanhassen, Minnesota |
Orangetheory Fitness | 1+ million | 1,500+ (Worldwide) | Boca Raton, Florida |
Variations in membership numbers (small gyms vs. large chains)
Large gym chains like Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and Anytime Fitness boast millions of members, with each location serving thousands of individuals. These large-scale operations benefit from nationwide or even global reach, extensive marketing, and a wide array of amenities that attract a broad customer base.
Find more thanks to a table that illustrates how many gym goers are needed to cover basic operating costs and how many are required for profitability. These numbers will vary depending on the gym’s expenses, membership fees, and target revenue, but this provides a rough guide based on common scenarios.
| Gym size / type | Monthly operating costs | Average gym membership cost | Minimum members to cover costs | Target members to gain profit |
| Small Boutique Gym | $10,000 | $50 / month | 200 members | 300 members |
| Medium Gym | $25,000 | $60 / month | 417 members | 500 members |
| Large Gym / Fitness Center | $50,000 | $75 / month | 667 members | 800 members |
| Personal Training Studio | $7,500 | $100 / month | 75 members | 120 members |
| High-End Gym / Health Club | $75,000 | $100 / month | 750 members | 1000 members |
5 factors influencing membership numbers
The fitness or gym industry is a dynamic landscape, with numerous factors influencing the size and growth of a gym’s membership base. We prepare 5. crucial elements that can significantly impact membership numbers.
1. Gym size and capacity
The physical size of a gym, and its ability to accommodate a large number of members, is a primary consideration. Larger facilities with ample workout space, equipment, and amenities can attract and serve a greater member population.
2. Location and demographics
A gym’s location and the surrounding demographics play a pivotal role. Gyms situated in densely populated areas or near high-traffic commercial centers tend to have a broader appeal and larger potential member base.
Proximity to the gym is a top priority for many members. Conveniently located gyms with easy access tend to have higher membership rates.
3. Pricing structure
Members consider the membership fee and the perceived value of amenities, classes, and services. Lower fees and a good selection of classes can attract more members.
The gym’s pricing strategy, including membership fees, initiation costs, and any add-on charges, can greatly influence membership numbers. Offering flexible, tiered pricing options caters to a wider range of budgets and preferences.
4. Equipment and facilities
The quality and modernity of common gym equipment significantly impact membership numbers. Modern facilities and well-maintained equipment attract more members and enhance their overall experience.
5. Classes and additional services
Offering a diverse range of classes and additional services, such as personal training, nutrition counseling, and wellness programs, can significantly boost membership numbers. You can also invest in custom branded fitness app or gym CRM to gain more gym goers. Members are more likely to join gyms that provide comprehensive fitness solutions tailored to their interests and goals.
3 future trends affecting fitness membership in 2024 and beyond
As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, savvy gym owners are keeping a keen eye on the latest trends set to reshape the industry in 2024 and beyond. Three key areas are poised to have a profound impact on fitness membership and the overall member experience.
1. Hybrid fitness models (in-person and virtual offerings)
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual fitness, but this shift is far from temporary. In 2024, the most successful gyms will seamlessly integrate their physical offerings with robust digital experiences, such as through gym management software or gym membership app.
Members will expect a cohesive journey that allows them to complement their in-gym workouts with on-demand classes, personalized coaching, and community-driven challenges – all accessible from their smartphones. Gyms that master this hybrid model will appeal to a wider demographic, from time-strapped professionals to those who prefer the flexibility of working out at home.
2. Personalized fitness experiences through technology
Advances in fitness technology are enabling gyms to deliver truly personalized experiences like never before. Smart mirrors, wearable trackers, and AI-powered exercise platforms are empowering members to optimize their routines, monitor progress, and receive tailored recommendations.
Gyms that invest in these innovative solutions like group training software will attract a new generation of tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts seeking a more immersive, data-driven approach to reaching their goals. By seamlessly integrating these technologies, gyms can foster deeper member engagement and maximize retention.
3. Emphasis on wellness and holistic health approaches
As consumers become increasingly conscious of the interconnected nature of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, gyms must evolve beyond just physical fitness. In 2024, the most successful facilities will shift their focus toward comprehensive wellness, offering amenities and programming that address sleep, nutrition, stress management, and recovery.
This might include on-site meditation studios, healthy cafes, and access to registered dietitians or mental health professionals. By catering to the whole-person needs of their members, gyms can differentiate themselves and cultivate a loyal community of health-conscious individuals.
15 effective marketing strategies how to get more gym members
Understanding the fitness membership landscape is only half the battle. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 actionable tips on how to get more gym members, providing you with a toolkit for growth in this competitive industry. How to increase the number of members? These strategies range from leveraging social media and community partnerships to implementing cutting-edge retention techniques.
1. Use gym membership management software to get better offer
Leveraging gym management software like WodGuru can help you streamline operations and offer better value to members. That platform automates tasks like attendance tracking, billing, and member communication, freeing up time to focus on growth strategies. You can also use it as gym billing & payment software to increase average members.
By integrating technology into your membership model, you can provide a seamless experience that attracts new sign-ups and retains existing members.
WodGuru stands out as the premier gym membership software for attracting and retaining members in today’s competitive fitness landscape. Its intuitive interface streamlines member management, allowing gym owners to focus on growth rather than administrative tasks.
WodGuru’s robust features include automated billing, class scheduling, and attendance tracking, ensuring a seamless experience for both staff and members. The software’s integrated marketing tools enable targeted campaigns and personalized communication, significantly boosting member acquisition and retention rates.
2. Invest in gym membership app (member app)
Investing in a gym member app is a powerful way to enhance communication and engagement. Custom branded fitness apps like WodGuru offer features like workout tracking, virtual classes, and member profiles that keep people motivated and connected to your gym.
By providing a convenient, personalized platform for members to access your services, you can increase retention and attract new sign-ups who value the added convenience and community.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW?
The integration of custom branded fitness apps is becoming essential for member engagement and retention. These apps can enhance the member experience by offering workout tracking, virtual classes, and personalized fitness plans.
3. Leverage digital marketing
Leveraging digital channels is essential for reaching potential members in today’s landscape. Optimizing your website for SEO, running targeted social media ads, and building an email list can help you attract new sign-ups and stay top-of-mind with your audience. Tools like WodGuru – best gym marketing software, make it easy to integrate your website with your gym management software, ensuring a seamless experience for new members.
4. Implement referral programs
Providing a range of membership options caters to diverse preferences and budgets, making your gym more accessible to a wider audience. Consider offering short-term, family, and corporate memberships in addition to standard options. WodGuru gym membership management software features make it easy to set up and manage various plans.
5. Offer flexible gym memberships options
Providing a range of membership options caters to diverse preferences and budgets, making your gym more accessible to a wider audience. Consider offering short-term, family, and corporate memberships in addition to standard options. Gym management software like WodGuru makes it easy to set up and manage various plans, ensuring a seamless experience for new members.
6. Host community events and challenges
Creating a sense of community is key to member retention. Hosting events like fitness challenges, charity drives, and social gatherings helps members feel connected to your gym and each other. Leverage your gym management software to promote these events, track participation, and foster a supportive environment that keeps people coming back.
7. Partner with local businesses and organizations
Collaborating with complementary businesses and organizations can help you reach new audiences and provide added value to members. Consider partnering with local health food stores, physical therapists, or sports teams to offer discounts, host events, or provide specialized services. Use gym CRM that integration capabilities make it easy to connect member data across various platforms.
8. Find your niche services and personalization
Offering unique, specialized classes and services can help your gym stand out in a crowded market. Consider targeting specific demographics like seniors, families, or athletes with tailored programs. Gym and fitness booking software help with scheduling and attendance tracking features make it easy to manage specialized offerings and provide a personalized experience for members.
9. Think of marketing and seasonal promotions strategies
Offering seasonal promotions, such as discounted memberships or free trials, can attract new members during peak seasons. Referral incentives, where existing members receive rewards for bringing in new sign-ups, are also an effective way to grow your member base. Gym or Bjj software can help you track and manage these promotions seamlessly.
10. Add virtual training and online class offerings
Adding virtual training and online class offerings to your gym’s services can enhance member engagement and retention. Providing on-demand or live-streamed workouts allows members to stay active even when they can’t make it to the gym. Gym and yoga studio software offers a video workout platform that integrates with your existing offerings, making it easy to implement virtual training.
11. Invest in personal training options
Investing in personal training options can be a powerful way to attract and retain members. One-on-one coaching helps members achieve their goals more effectively and creates a strong bond between the trainer and client. Personal training software can help you manage schedules, track client progress, and streamline billing.
12. Create a welcoming gym atmosphere
A friendly, inviting gym atmosphere encourages members to stay and recommend your gym to others. By using a gym member app, you can create a community feel by sharing member achievements, hosting events, and making communication easier between members and staff.
13. Provide excellent customer service
Excellent customer service is key to member retention. Quick response times, personalized attention, and resolving issues efficiently can all be managed through gym management software, which allows your team to track and respond to member queries in real-time, ensuring high satisfaction.
14. Regularly update equipment and facilities
Keeping your gym’s equipment and facilities up-to-date shows members that you are invested in their experience. Regularly updating machines, adding new amenities, and maintaining a clean, modern environment can attract new members and keep existing ones engaged. Always track your common gym equipment maintenance and plan for upgrades.
15. Offer diverse and trending fitness programs
Offering diverse fitness programs, such as HIIT, Pilates, or functional training, helps cater to a wide audience. A gym app can display the latest class schedules and allow members to book classes instantly, increasing participation in trending fitness programs and keeping your gym relevant to current fitness trends.
FAQ
Yes, opening a gym can be a good investment if properly planned. The success of a gym depends on factors such as location, target audience, membership pricing, and the services offered. On average, gym memberships range from $30 to $100 per month, which can provide a steady stream of revenue.
However, a well-structured business plan that includes diverse membership options, additional services (like personal trainers), and effective marketing is crucial for profitability. Using gym management software can also optimize member engagement, streamline operations, and increase retention rates, making the business more sustainable.
- lack of motivation,
- unfulfilled expectations,
- financial constraints,
- disconnect with the gym’s offerings.
Members may also leave due to poor customer service, overcrowded facilities, or outdated equipment. To minimize churn, gym owners can use CRM systems to track member satisfaction, offer personalized fitness programs, and create engaging experiences through community-building events and flexible options like online training.
Gym owners can manage fluctuating membership numbers by leveraging gym management software to monitor trends and predict busy seasons. Offering flexible membership options, loyalty programs, and seasonal promotions can help maintain a stable member base. Additionally, providing virtual fitness classes and optimizing facility usage during off-peak hours ensures that gym operations remain efficient, even with varying membership levels.
