In cities where people focus on disease control through wellness and sports, it seems to be the perfect place to open a fitness center and give access to it. However, there are states and cities in America that, according to statistical studies, are more and less fit.
Get to know their list and decide where it is worth opening your gym. Also read about the pros and cons of opening a gym in these places.
Or maybe you will decide to set up several locations of your brand and you will easily manage them thanks to gym management software? We invite you to today’s article.
Key Takeaways
- According to data from WalletHub's 2023 rankings, the fittest american cities include Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Austin, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Portland, and San Diego.
- The cities are known for their active populations and robust fitness cultures.
- According to the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) 2023 American Fitness Index, the fittest states in America include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington, Minnesota, Utah, Vermont, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
- The states are recognized for their high levels of physical activity, health outcomes, and access to fitness resources.
- If you want to open a gym in one of the fittest locations in America, you'll benefit from a health-conscious population, strong demand for fitness services, diverse clientele, and the potential for business growth through multiple locations to be arranged thanks to a gym software, all while being part of a vibrant wellness culture that can help your gym gain visibility and attract loyal members.
- If you want to open a gym in one of the fittest locations in America, you'll face challenges such as intense competition from established gyms, high overhead costs, elevated customer expectations for premium services assured by best gyms, and the risk of market saturation, making it crucial to differentiate your gym and stay adaptable to evolving fitness trends.
Fittest Cities in America
Here is a list of some of the fittest cities in the U.S. based on 2 metrics.
- Minneapolis, MN
- Fitness Index (Physical Activity Rate): 78.2%
- Percentage of adults who are physically active: 76.3%
- Washington, D.C.
- Fitness Index: 79.3%
- Percentage of adults who are physically active: 78.5%
- San Francisco, CA
- Fitness Index: 81.0%
- Percentage of adults who are physically active: 77.5%
- Seattle, WA
- Fitness Index: 78.6%
- Percentage of adults who are physically active: 75.9%
Fitness Index - Most Sporty & Healthiest States
Here’s a list of the fittest states in the U.S., based on the number of gyms and fitness centers per capita. The more fitness facilities there are, the easier it is for residents to stay active, and the higher the state’s overall fitness ranking tends to be.
These rankings are based on the number of fitness centers relative to the population, but also reflect a general trend of active lifestyles in these healthiest states.
States like California, Texas, and Florida stand out in their fitness index not only because of their large populations but also due to the high demand for fitness services across urban and suburban areas.
1. California
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 3,000 people
- California has the largest number of fitness centers in the U.S., driven by its health-conscious culture and large population.
2. Texas
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 3,500 people
- Texas boasts a growing number of gyms, especially in larger metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
3. Florida
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,000 people
- Florida’s large retiree population and fitness culture, combined with its warm weather, encourage people to stay active and care for their personal health.
4. New York
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,200 people
- New York has a high density of gyms, particularly in New York City, where fitness centers are a major part of urban life.
5. Illinois
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,500 people
- Chicago’s thriving fitness scene contributes to the state’s high gym-to-population ratio.
6. Nevada
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,600 people
- Nevada’s fitness industry is heavily concentrated in Las Vegas, where fitness culture is embraced, especially in hotels and resorts.
7. Colorado
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,000 people
- Colorado is known for its outdoor fitness culture and team sports, but it also has a large number of gyms and fitness centers, particularly in cities like Denver and Boulder.
8. Georgia
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,200 people
- Atlanta, Georgia’s largest city, has a wide range of fitness options, from traditional gyms to boutique fitness studios.
9. Michigan
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,400 people
- Michigan has a growing number of gyms and fitness facilities, particularly in Detroit and its surrounding areas.
10. Ohio
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,500 people
- Ohio’s fitness and mental health industry is booming, particularly in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Fitness Index - Cities with the Most Gyms
Here’s a list of some of the cities in America we can call the fittest. We based on census population data: the number of gyms and fitness centers per capita. These rankings consider the availability of fitness resources, active lifestyle culture, team sports groups and the number of gyms and fitness centers in these urban areas.
These cities are among the fittest in the U.S. not only because of the number of gyms available but also due to the strong emphasis on healthy living, active lifestyles, team sports and the accessibility of fitness resources.
In these urban areas, you’ll find a wide range of gyms and fitness centers catering to people of all fitness levels, from general health clubs to specialized workout studios.
1. Los Angeles, CA
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 2,800 people
- Los Angeles is known for its active lifestyle, and the city’s fitness scene is booming, with gyms, yoga studios, personal health specialists and boutique fitness centers everywhere.
2. New York City, NY
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 3,000 people
- New York City has a large concentration of gyms, from high-end fitness clubs and luxury gyms to small boutique gyms, making fitness easily accessible.
3. Chicago, IL
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 3,500 people
- Chicago has a large variety of fitness centers, from massive health clubs to specialized fitness classes, catering to the city’s diverse population.
4. Miami, FL
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,000 people
- With its year-round warm weather, Miami has a fitness culture that thrives, particularly in areas like South Beach, where fitness and wellness are a significant part of the lifestyle.
5. Austin, TX
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,200 people
- Austin, known for its vibrant tech scene, is also a hub for fitness enthusiasts. The city has a growing number of gyms and wellness centers, along with a strong outdoor culture.
6. San Francisco, CA
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,500 people
- San Francisco’s residents prioritize fitness, and the city offers many gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor spaces for exercise, including hiking trails and parks.
7. Denver, CO
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 4,800 people
- Denver’s residents are known for their outdoor activity and commitment to fitness. The city is packed with gyms, yoga studios, and fitness events, and its proximity to the mountains makes it a hub for outdoor sports.
8. Seattle, WA
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,000 people
- Seattle is home to a strong fitness culture, with a variety of gyms, personal training studios, and outdoor fitness options. The city’s residents enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor workouts.
9. Portland, OR
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,200 people
- Portland has a very health-conscious population, and the city is filled with yoga studios, cycling gyms, and outdoor spaces that make it easy for residents to stay active.
10. San Diego, CA
- Number of gyms per capita: 1 gym for every 5,400 people
- San Diego is known for its great weather, beaches, and active lifestyle. The city offers a variety of gyms, surf schools, and outdoor fitness opportunities like hiking and biking.
Opening a Gym in the Fittest States & Cities
Opening a gym in some of the fittest cities and healthiest states in the U.S. can be both an exciting opportunity and a challenging endeavor. While these areas tend to have a population that values health and fitness, there are several factors to weigh when considering whether to open a gym in these highly active locations.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of opening a new gym in the healthiest states or cities.
Pros
- High Demand for Fitness Services:
Cities like Los Angeles, Denver, and Austin have health-conscious populations, increasing the likelihood of strong demand for fitness options. People in these areas prioritize preventing chronic diseases through wellness, making them more likely to sign up for memberships and attend fitness classes. - Active and Diverse Clientele:
With a broad mix of fitness enthusiasts, from young professionals to retirees, cities like San Francisco and Miami provide an opportunity to cater to diverse demographics and offer tailored fitness programs. - Business Partnerships:
These areas often have a well-established fitness ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaborations with health professionals, local community leaders or corporate wellness programs. Partnerships can open additional revenue streams. - Brand Visibility:
Fitness-forward cities are hubs for trends, and new gyms can gain media exposure and attract local influencers. Cities like New York and San Francisco are ideal for building a strong brand presence. - Potential for Expansion:
If you want to focus on the healthiest state, opening multiple gym locations can be a viable growth strategy. As the demand for fitness services is strong and people are health-focused, opening new branches in different neighborhoods or nearby cities is often more feasible. This allows for wider market reach, brand recognition, and increased revenue potential. - Ease of Management with Software:
Managing multiple locations becomes easier with gym management software.
Platforms like WodGuru allow gym owners to streamline operations across multiple locations thanks to:
- tracking memberships
- billing system
- gym booking system
- scheduling classes module
- gym staff management software.
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With these tools, you can monitor performance, ensure consistency across locations, and keep everything running smoothly from a centralized dashboard, saving time and reducing administrative burdens.
Cons
- Intense Competition:
Highly fit cities like Los Angeles and Chicago are saturated with gyms, making it harder to stand out. Price competition can also be tough, driving down membership rates. - High Overhead Costs:
Real estate in urban areas like San Francisco or New York City can be expensive. Rent, utilities, and staffing costs may eat into profits, requiring careful financial planning. - Customer Expectations:
Fitness consumers in these cities expect high-end services and amenities. Offering premium experiences can require significant investment, and trends shift quickly, making it essential to stay ahead of the curve. - Target Market Saturation:
Fittest cities often have customers who are already loyal to established gyms or boutique studios. Attracting new members requires differentiation, whether through specialized classes or unique offerings.
FAQ
According to WalletHub, the fittest city in the USA is Columbia, MD, thanks to its focus on personal health, strong health outcomes, supportive city leaders, and a high percentage of residents maintaining a healthy weight.
The Elevance Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health, a leading health insurance company (formerly known as Anthem). The foundation focuses on improving health and well-being across communities by supporting initiatives that promote health equity, mental health, healthy living, and access to quality healthcare.
Washington, D.C. ranks highly in terms of health scores and overall well-being, with a high percentage of residents engaging in physical activity. While it’s one of the fittest cities in the U.S., it isn’t necessarily ranked the fittest city overall, as other cities like Columbia, MD often take the top spot.
