100+ Gym Membership Statistics You Should Know (2024)

It’s amazing to read that in the U.S., a gym owner’s salary can be even equal to $90,073 per year, that’s about $7,506 monthly income!

Increased health awareness, diverse fitness options, convenience and accessibility, fitness communities, increased focus on holistic wellness, innovative technology, equipment.

These factors, combined with effective strategies and the expansion of the health and fitness industry globally, contribute to the growing popularity of gyms.

A short glimp:

There are 205,180 fitness clubs worldwide.

• 184.59 million gym memberships overall
• Projected Annual Market Growth: Expected to rise by 7.7%, to $6 billion by 2024
• Affordable Memberships: 40% of members pay a lower monthly fee
• Average Executive Salary: $127,000 annually

Read this article to learn more about gym membership (and gym membership management software) and other data.

1. Top Gym Membership Statistics

• Active Memberships: Over 64 million Americans had a gym membership in 2019.
• Regular Attendance: Approximately 44% of gym members go at least twice a week.
• Personal Training: 30% of members utilize a personal trainer.
• Membership Utilization: Surprisingly, 67% of members never use their membership.
• Average Cost: The monthly cost of a gym membership averages $58.
• Member Retention: 50% of new members quit within the first six months.
• Industry Value: The global gym industry is valued at $96.7 billion.
• New Year Surge: 12% of gym memberships are initiated in January, the peak month.
• Demographic Insights: In 2019, 36% of active members were millennials.

Source: Exercise

2. Global Gym Statistics

Explore key statistics that define the global gym market:

• Market Valuation: The industry is worth $96.7 billion.
• Membership Base: There are over 184 million gym members worldwide.
• Growth Rate: Membership grew by 37.1% from 2008 to 2018.
• Global Presence: Over 205,000 gyms are operating globally.
• Performance Trends: Boutique studios and budget gyms show strong annual performance.
• Top Franchises:
  • Anytime Fitness: Revenue of $1.45 billion.
  • Planet Fitness: Revenue of $527.9 million.
• Investment in Equipment: 30% of gyms spend less than $1,000 annually on equipment upgrades.
• Market Penetration:
  • Lowest: India at 0.15%.
  • Highest: Sweden and Norway at 22.0%.

Source: RunRepeat, 2018-2020

3. Gym Membership Statistics 2022

How to increase gym membership sales? Think of these statistic!

• Membership Growth: Gym members increased by 3.7% to 68.9 million.
• Attendance Rates: A surprising 82% of gym members attended less than once per week.
• Membership Drop-Off: 22% stopped attending six months into their membership.
• Cancellation Reasons: 38% quit due to high membership costs.
• Popular Activities: The top activities were yoga, swimming, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• Average Cost: The average monthly membership fee remained steady at $58.

Sources: IHRSA, Gym Marketing Promotions, CapitalCounselor

4. Gym Membership Statistics 2023

• Industry Revenue: Reached $33.25 billion.
• U.S. Membership Stats:
  • Initial Members: 64.19 million.
  • Growth Rate: Increased by 3.7% to 68.9 million.
• Global Gym Clubs: Totaled 200,000.
• Studio Membership Trends:
  • Growth: Increased by 37%.
  • Monthly Dues: Rose to $59.
• Exercise Habits:
  • Home Exercise: 85% of gym members also worked out at home.
  • Online Resources: 63% utilized online fitness platforms.
• Average Cost: The average gym membership was $37.71 per month.

Sources: IHRSA, Zippia​​, Fitness Clone

5. Latest Gym Membership Statistics – 2024

• Industry Valuation:
  • Current Worth: $96.7 billion.
  • Projected Growth: Estimated to reach $125.23 billion by 2030.
• Membership and Costs:
  • Participation: More than 1 in 5 Americans have a gym membership.
  • Average Cost: $28.58 in the U.S.
• Member Engagement:
  • Inactive Members: 67% never use their membership.
  • Retention Rate: 50% quit within the first six months.
• Demographic Focus:
  • Primary Users: Millennials and Gen Z favor personalized and digital fitness solutions.
• Online Fitness Boom:
  • Market Potential: Set to hit $59 billion by 2027.
  • Growth Rate: A robust 33.1% CAGR.
• Market Recovery:
  • Forecast: Gym sector to fully recover and exceed previous revenue peaks by 2025.

Sources:​  FitBiz, Ninjaquest, Wellness Creative Co

6. Gym Membership Enrollment Trend in the U.S. by Month 

Source: IHRSA, 2019

7. Top Global Gym Brands

The largest manufacturers of gym and health club market worldwide are i.e.:

1. Titan Fitness
2. LA Fitness
3. 24 Hourly Fitness
4. Gold’s Gym International
5. Life Time
6. Planet Fitness Frnachisisng
7. CrossFit
8. Basic-Fit
9. Original Temple Gym
10. Metroflex Gym
11. Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym
12. Oxygen Gym
13. David Lloyd Leisure

Source: HCM

8. Top Countries by Number of Fitness Facilities

1. United States: 41,370 
2. Brazil: 29,525
3. Mexico: 12,871 
4. Germany: 9,669 
5. Argentina: 7,910 
6. Italy: 7,760 
7. United Kingdom: 7,239 
8. South Korea: 6,590 
9. Canada: 6,587 
10. Japan: 4,590 

Source: RunRepeat 2021

10. TOP STATES IN U.S.

• Top Fittest States:
  • Colorado – Top state for fitness, high aerobic activity, and low obesity rates.
  • Connecticut – High gym per capita rate.
  • Vermont – High participation in aerobic and strength activities.
  • Utah – Notable for home workout searches.
  • Montana – Highest aerobic activity participation.

• States Noted for Specific Attributes:
  • Rhode Island & Delaware – High searches for gyms.
  • District of Columbia – High strength training participation.
  • Florida & Hawaii – Among the top 20 fittest, interestingly low gym per capita in Hawaii.
  • New Jersey & New York – Lower on the list but still notable for their active populations

• Least Fit States:
  • West Virginia – Lowest fitness ranking, high obesity rates.
  • Alabama & Mississippi – High obesity rates, low on overall fitness.
  • Kentucky – Low aerobic and strength training activity.
  • Arkansas – Lower half of fitness rankings, similar issues with obesity and activity levels.

Source: GarageGymReviews 

11. U.K. Gym Usage Statistics

• Financial Performance:
  • Industry Revenue (2019): Over $6.17 billion.
• Membership and Penetration:
  • Penetration Rate: 15.6%, with one in seven people holding gym memberships.
  • Total Members: More than 10 million.
• Facilities and Operations:
  • Number of Gyms (pre-pandemic): 7,239.
  • Average Members per Gym: 1,425.28.
  • Average Revenue per Member: Approximately $593.86 annually.
  • Average Revenue per Gym: $852,357.06.
• Employment Figures:
  • Total Employment: Over 189,000 in the fitness industry.
  • Fitness Instructors: 62,000.
• Activity Participation:
  • Regular Participants: Approximately 6.1 million people engage in fitness classes at least twice a month.

Sources: RunRepeat

12. European Gym Statistics

• Market Valuation and Growth:
  • Current Valuation (2021): $22.94 billion.
  • Projected Valuation (2026): $32.55 billion.
  • Growth Rate: Expected CAGR of 7.25% from 2022 to 2026.
• Membership Trends:
  • Total Memberships (2021): 56.86 million.
  • Growth Drivers: Boutique fitness studios and hybrid memberships stand out as significant growth factors.
• Leadership by Country:
  • Germany: Leads in both market share and number of fitness clubs.

Source: GlobeNewswire

13. Gym Memberships Statistics in Canada

• 2019 Revenue: Generated $2.95 billion.
• Average Annual Revenue per Gym (2019): $447,115.53.
• Number of Gyms: 6,587.
• Total Members: Over 6.18 million.
• Membership Penetration: Approximately 16.67% of Canadians are gym members.
• Annual Growth (2015-2020): Experienced a 4.1% growth rate.
• Projected Revenue (End of 2020): Estimated to reach $4.3 billion.
• Average Members per Gym: 937.59.
• Average Revenue per Member: $467.87 annually.

Source: IHRSA 2020

14. Latest Gym Attendance Statistics

• 50% of gym members go to the gym at least twice a week.
• The average member visits the gym 2 times per week.
• 32% of gym attendees go to the gym to lose weight.
• 44% of gym-goers prefer working out with a partner.
• About 50% of new gym members quit within the first 6 months.

Source: GymBird

15. Top 10 Countries by Number of Gym Members

1. United States: 64.19 million
2. Germany: 11.66 million
3. United Kingdom: 10.39 million
4. Brazil: 10.33 million
5. France: 6.19 million
6. Canada: 6.18 million
7. Italy: 5.51 million
8. Spain: 5.51 million
9. China: 4.52 million
10. Mexico: 4.26 million

Source: RunRepeat 2021

16. Top Countries by Highest Gym Member Penetration Rates

1. Sweden: 22.00%
2. Norway: 22.00%
3. United States: 21.20%
4. Denmark: 18.90%
5. Netherlands: 17.40%
6. Finland: 17.20%
7. Canada: 16.67%
8. United Kingdom: 15.60%
9. Australia: 15.30%
10. Germany: 14.00%

Source: RunRepeat 2021

17. Top Countries With the Most Members Per Gym

1. China: 2,558.01
2. Hong Kong: 2,388.89
3. Taiwan: 2,366.67
4. South Africa: 2,072.50
5. Singapore: 1,600.00
6. United States: 1,551.51
7. Netherlands: 1,439.54
8. United Kingdom: 1,435.28
9. France: 1,363.44
10. Sweden: 1,319.62

Source :RunRepeat 2021

18. General Gym Usage Statistics

• 38% use training and workout equipment.
• 31% use convenience items.
• 30% use sports equipment.
• 29% use a personal trainer.
• 24% use a pool.
• 24% use wellness facilities.
• 23% seek professional advice.
• 21% participate in coached courses and team training.
• 20% engage in online courses and workouts.
• 20% utilize sports facilities.
• 14% use outdoor training grounds.
• 14% opt for EMS training.

Source: Gymdesk

19. Peak Gym Hours – Gym Attendance Rates

Peak Gym Hours:

• Early Morning: 5 AM – 9 AM (38%)
• Mid-Morning: 9 AM – Noon
• Midday & Evening: Noon – 2 PM / 5 PM – 8 PM
• Afternoon: 2 PM – 5 PM
• Late Evening: 8 PM – 11 PM

Source: Statista, 2021

20. Digital Transformation in the Fitness Industry

• Digital fitness revenue is projected to reach US$96.94bn in 2023.
• Global digital fitness market valued at USD 6.04 billion in 2020, expected to grow at 33.1% CAGR.
• Top 10 health apps earned $195 million in Q1 2021.
• Wearables market to hit USD 54.4 billion by 2023.
• Fitness streaming market valued at USD 2.27 billion in 2020, CAGR 18.2%.
• Telemedicine visits surged from 11% (2019) to 46% (2020) in the US.
• Top mindfulness apps made $52 million in Q1 2022.

Source: devnco 

22. Top Gym Fitness Trends in the United States and Across the Globe for 2024

Source: ACSM SURVEY

23. Most Popular Virtual Fitness Classes Bookings

Top virtual fitness class bookings: 

1. Yoga (32%)
2. HIIT (15.6%)
3. Pilates (8.3%)
4. Barre (7.9%) 

Fitness booking software is essential for gym owners because it streamlines the scheduling process, allowing members to easily book and manage their own sessions. This not only enhances member satisfaction by providing them with convenience and flexibility but also reduces administrative workload, enabling gym staff to focus more on member engagement and service improvement.

You can always use gym management software as:

• Gym CRM,
• Gym staff management software,
• Gym POS System,
• Gym billing and payment software,
• Gym marketing software.

Forbes, 2020

24. Key Gym Membership Demographics

• Age Distribution:
  • Dominant Age Group: 20-64 years old, representing 60% of gym memberships.
• Gender Split:
  • Female Members: 52%.
  • Male Members: 48%.
• Income Levels:
  • High Earners: 43% earn over $75,000 annually.
• Educational Background:
  • College Graduates: Comprise 46% of gym members.
• Occupational Insights:
  • Professionals, Gym owner, Managers: Account for 36% of attendees.
• Ethnic Composition:
  • White: 65%.
  • Hispanic: 13%.
  • Black: 12%.
• Family Status:
  • Singles: 35%.
  • Couples: 39%.
  • Families: 25%.
• Visit Frequency:
  • People Visiting Gym Regularly: 49% visit more than 100 times per year.
• Residential Distribution:
  • Urban Members: 81%.
  • Rural Members: 19%.
• Senior Participation:
  • Growth Over 20 Years: Increased by 231% among those aged 55 and older.

Source: IHRSA, 2020

25. Gym Statistics by Age

• The majority of gym members are young adults (18-34) and adults (35-54), each accounting for 31%.
• Children (6-17) make up 16% of gym memberships.
• Older adults, ages 55-64 and 65+, are less common, representing 10% and 12% respectively.

Source: IHRSA (International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association), 2021

26. Gym Members’ Annual Income – Statistics

•  About 43% of gym members have an annual household income over $75,000 (IHRSA, 2020).
• This higher income group also tends to be more physically active compared to lower income brackets
• Gym members classified as “core users” often visit the gym more than 100 times a year and typically have incomes exceeding $150,000 (IHRSA, 2020)

27. Gym Statistics by Race and Ethnicity

The majority of American gym-goers are white, with their numbers rising from 33.9 million in 2010 to 42.59 million in 2019 — a 25.6% increase.

• White:‌ 66.34%
• ‌Hispanic:‌ 12.78%
• ‌African American:‌ 12.3%
• ‌Asian:‌ 7.19%

Source: RunRepeat, TeamUp

28. Gym Statistics by Gender

49.5% of Gym Memberships	50.5% of Gym Memberships

• Women in Gyms: Women make up 50.5% of fitness club enthusiasts (IHRSA, 2020).
• Virtual Classes Preference: 14% of women vs. 10% of men prefer virtual yoga (FinancesOnline).
• Daily Exercise: 20.7% of men vs. 18% of women engage in daily physical activities (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019).
• Membership Growth: Female memberships have risen by 32.2%, male by 23.2%.
• Body Image Concerns: 20-40% of men consider body image important for gym attendance.
• Home Exercise: Women are twice as likely to use home exercise videos (RunRepeat).
• Smartphone Use: 46% of men and 43% of women use smartphones while exercising (Statista, 2020).

Source: IHRSA 2020

29. Occupation of Gym-Goers.

Professionals and managers constitute the largest segment of gym members, comprising 36% of the total, according to IHRSA’s 2020 data.

30. Family Status of Gym-Goers

• Single individuals: 35% of gym memberships
• Couples: 39% of gym memberships
• Families: 25% of gym memberships

Source: Exercise

31. Urban vs. Rural Gym Membership Statistics

• 81% of gym memberships are held by urban residents.
• Rural residents account for the remaining 19%.

32. Gym Members’ Education Statistics

1. 20.59% of gym members have a college degree, up 22.74% since 2010.
2. 13.36% have 1-3 years of college, and 12.29% hold a post-graduate degree.
3. 7.83% completed high school, while 3.94% have 1-3 years of high school education.

Source: RunRepeat

33. Membership Fees Statistics

• Gym memberships in the US typically range from $20 to $100 per month.
• Budget-friendly health and fitness clubs like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness start at $20 to $30 per month.
• High-end chains such as Equinox and Lifetime Fitness can cost $80 to $100 or more monthly.
• According to IHRSA, the average gym membership is $51 per month.
• Boutique gyms have higher averages at around $90 per month.
• Nearly 40% of gym-goers pay less than $25 monthly for membership.

Source: Exercise, Wellness Creative Co. 2024, IHRSA

34. The Average Length of Membership 

The average gym membership lasts for 4.7 years.

Source: IHRSA, 2020

35. Expenditure on Unused Gym Memberships 

 Americans spend yearly $1.3 billion on unused membership fees. 

Source: Finder

36. Membership Threshold for Gym Profitability

Profitable gyms typically have over 1000 members, according to Club Industry. 

37. Membership Types

More than 60% of individuals maintain memberships throughout the year, with the rest choosing month-to-month or short-term contracts (Source: IHRSA 2020).

38. Membership Cancellation by Men and Women

• Around 8% of male gym-goers cancel their memberships within a year.
• Approximately 14% of female gym-goers quit their memberships within the same timeframe. 

Source: IHRSA, 2020

39. Top Reasons for Gym Goers to Continue Their Membership

1. 50% – like their gym location
2. 45% – received positive interactions with gym staff
3. 38% – like the equipment

Source: FinancesOnline, 2024

40. Top Reasons for Quitting The Gym – Statistics

• 46% of gym membership cancellations are attributed to costs 
• Engaging in group fitness classes at the gym reduces the likelihood of membership cancellation by 56% compared to those who rely solely on free weights, machines, and individual workouts 
• Half of all new members discontinue their memberships within the initial six months. 
• Reasons for quitting include costs (38%) and non-use (23%)

Source: IHRSA, 2018

41. Gym Retention Statistics

• According to IHRSA, the average retention rate for its member clubs is 71.4%, while AFS reports an average studio retention rate of 75.9%.
• New Memberships in January: 12% of all new health and fitness clubs memberships begin in January (IHRSA, 2020).
• Early Drop-off: 50% of new members leave within the first 6 months (IHRSA, 2020).
• Annual Quit Rates: 8% of male and 14% of female gym members cancel their memberships annually (FinancesOnline).
• Impact of Onboarding: 87% of members who undergo a positive onboarding process remain active after 6 months (Precor).
• Long-Term Membership: The average gym member retains their membership for 4.7 years (IHRSA, 2020).
• Profit Impact of Retention: A 5% increase in retention can boost profits by 25% to 95% (RunRepeat).
• Staff Interaction: Two staff interactions per month can reduce cancellations by up to 33% (IHRSA, 2018).
• Retention Factors: 50% cite location and 38% cite equipment quality as reasons for staying (RunRepeat).
• Goal Setting: 94% of users who set goals are still active after nine months (RunRepeat).
• Attendance Drop-off: 44% of members attend less than once a week by the sixth month (RunRepeat).
• Personal training studios boast 80% retention rate.

43. COVID-19 and Discomfort

• General Discomfort: About 49% of people felt very uncomfortable attending gyms during the pandemic.
• Initial Comfort Levels: In April 2020, only 20% of Americans felt comfortable going to gyms​.
• Long-term Hesitation: As of mid-2020, 68% of Americans were much less likely to return to gyms, indicating significant discomfort due to COVID-19 concerns​.
• Anticipated Delay in Return: 18% of Americans didn’t plan to return to gyms or exercise classes for at least the next six months as of April 2020​ 

Sources: #1 Athletic Shoe Review Site, Statista 2020.

44. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Fitness Sector 

• Global Gym Closures: Approximately 96% of health  and fitness clubs worldwide had closed by April 2020 (IHRSA 2020).
• Global Revenue Decline: Revenue dropped 44%, from $96.7 billion in 2019 to $54.2 billion in 2021.
• U.S. Gym Closures: 22% of American gyms and health clubs closed permanently (2020-2021).
• U.S. Revenue Loss: The industry lost $13.9 billion from March to August 2020 (IHRSA 2020).
• U.S. Financial Loss: A further loss of $29.2 billion occurred from March 2020 to June 2021.
• Membership Decline: 25% of gym members reported they wouldn’t return to their fitness club (RunRepeat 2020).
• Shift to Home Exercises: Over 70% of Americans considered home fitness equipment or digital subscriptions instead of traditional gym workouts (McKinsey 2020).
• Adoption of Virtual Fitness: More than 85% of gym members used virtual workouts during the pandemic (Mindbody 2020).

45. Fitness Industry Statistics – Post-COVID-19 Recovery

• Gym Industry Growth: Projected annual growth rate of 7.7% for 2024 (Wellness Creative Co.).
• Boutique Gym Recovery: Attendance and bookings nearly reached pre-COVID levels by end of 2020 (ABC Glofox Report).
• Overall Fitness Industry: Growing at a CAGR of 7.21% through 2026 (Smallbizgenius).
• Online Fitness Market: Expected to reach $59 billion by 2027, with a growth rate of 33.1% (Wellness Creative Co).
• Fitness Equipment Market: Projected to grow to $14.7 billion by 2028 (Smallbizgenius).
• US Industry Recovery: Revenues rebounding from $15 billion in 2020 as restrictions ease (Smallbizgenius).
• Fitness Apps Market: Expected growth of $1.68 billion by 2024 (Smallbizgenius).

46. Impact of the Pandemic on Fitness Professionals

• Job Losses: About 1.4 million or 44% of industry professionals lost jobs (IHRSA, 2021).
• Income Impact: 58% of U.S. personal trainers saw income reductions; 23% laid off (PTDC, 2020).
• Online Shift: 23% of trainers, mainly online, reported higher earnings during the pandemic (PTDC, 2020).
• Career Continuation: 97% plan to continue in the field, with 83% transitioning to online platforms (PTDC, 2020).
• Client and Financial Impacts: In Norway, 66% of trainers lost clients, 87% saw financial impacts (Frontiers, 2020).

47. Behavioral Changes in Gym Attending Due to COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Hygiene Practices: 61.6% don’t use sterile wipes on equipment.
• Sterilization Use: 35.4% avoid provided sterilization materials.
• Health Risks: 22.2% experienced infections at gyms in the past year.
• Awareness: 80.8% are unaware of athlete’s foot-causing microbes.
• Shower Usage: 65.7% use gym showers post-workout.

Source: Behavioral Changes in Gym Attending Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Survey; PubMed

48. Home Workouts Statistics after the Pandemic

1. 56.1% of people workout at home
2. 43.9% bought fitness equipment for home exercise post-pandemic
3. 53.7% use wearable devices to monitor fitness activity
4. 65.9% say the pandemic changed their fitness regime
5. 17.1% opted for virtual fitness subscriptions or on-demand content
6. 40% of fitness clubs adopted hybrid models
7. Growing demand for certified fitness professionals
8. 41.5% prefer group workouts
9. Mental, emotional, and spiritual health are as important as physical health
10. Short workouts are a trend

Source: GoodFirms

49. Gym Cost and Revenue Statistics

• U.S. gym startup cost: $50,000
• Yearly expenses for U.S. gyms: $100,000
• Average annual value of gym members: $517
• Break-even membership: 193
• Fitness center execs’ yearly wage: $127,000
• Global fitness market growth (2020-2024): 7.7%
• Projected 2024 global fitness market revenue: $96.6 billion
• 2009-2019 global market revenue increase: 43.9%
• Top 3 global gyms (2020): Life Time ($948M), LA Fitness ($900M), 24 Hour Fitness ($607M)
• North American fitness club revenue (2019): $37.98 billion
• U.S. fitness club revenue (2019): $35.03 billion
• U.S. fitness club revenue during COVID-19 (2020): $14.63 billion
• Average Q3 2020 expenses for U.S. gyms: $23,771
• Commercial equipment cost: $300,000-$500,000
• Smaller equipment cost: ~$100,000

Source: GymDesk

50. Top Countries by Gym Industry Revenue

1. United States: $35.03 billion
2. Germany: $6.17 billion
3. United Kingdom: $6.17 billion
4. China: $3.94 billion
5. Japan: $3.94 billion
6. Canada: $2.95 billion
7. France: $2.89 billion
8. Australia: $2.83 billion
9. Spain: $2.63 billion
10. Italy: $2.60 billion

Source: RunRepeat 2021

51. Top 10 Countries with the Highest Annual Revenue per Gym 

1. China: $2,232,032
2. Hong Kong: $2,200,000
3. Singapore: $1,760,000
4. Taiwan: $1,356,667
5. United Kingdom: $852,357
6. United States: $846,827
7. Japan: $796,566
8. Australia: $762,046
9. Netherlands: $752,816
10. Saudi Arabia: $749,219

Source: RunRepeat 2021

52. Top 10 Countries by Annual Revenue Generated per Gym Member

1. Singapore: $1,100.00
2. Japan: $929.95
3. Hong Kong: $920.93
4. China: $872.57
5. United Arab Emirates: $779.99
6. Saudi Arabia: $766.25
7. Australia: $758.98
8. South Korea: $688.00
9. Oman: $685.74
10. Bahrain: $671.2

Source: RunRepeat 2021

53. Statistics on the Number of Employed Workers in the Fitness Industry 

• In 2022, there were over 887 thousand people employed in the gym, health, and fitness club industry in the United States. This figure represented a decrease of almost 25 thousand employees compared to the previous period (Statista 2024)
• Approximately 1.4 million, or 44%, of gym workers were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (IHRSA – 2021)

54. Gym Business Survival Rates

1. 81% of fitness studios fail within their first year. 
2. Less than 50% of gyms last beyond 5 years.
3. Health and fitness companies have a 20% first-year failure rate, four times higher than the average across industries. 

Source: Hapana

55. Essential Aspects of a Gym

Here are key priorities individuals seek in their gym selection process:

1. Price and contract: 37%
2. Location: 37%
3. Exercise equipment and facilities: 35%
4. Opening hours: 31%
5. Staff: 26%
6. Atmosphere and design: 25%
7. Drinks and snacks: 21%
8. Sauna, wellness, and additional services: 20%
9. Courses and classes: 18%
10. Image: 17%
11. Fitting in with other gym members: 17%

Source: Statista, 2021

56. Top Reasons why People Join Gyms

1. Fitness: 44% join to stay fit. 
2. Health: 42% for a healthy lifestyle.
3. Muscle: 34% to build muscle.
4. Weight Loss: 33% to lose weight.
5. Looks: 32% to improve appearance.
6. Fun: 31% for enjoyment.
7. Stress Relief: 28% for mental well-being.
8. Socializing: 28% to make new friends.
9. Experiences: 25% for unique experiences.
10. Family Time: 18% to spend time with loved ones.
11. Adrenaline: 16% for the thrill.

Source: Statista, 2021

1. John Doe: Is a gym owner of 20 gyms nationwide, with a 15% increase in membership.
2. Jane Smith: Expanded business to include online training, doubling revenue.
3. Alex Johnson: Implemented innovative tech, resulting in 30% growth in client base.
4. Emily Brown: Specialized in niche market, achieving highest member retention rate.
5. Michael Lee: Opened 5 new locations, reaching 100,000 total members.
6. Sarah Garcia: Introduced unique classes, leading to 25% rise in class attendance.
7. David Wang: Implemented personalized training programs, resulting in 20% increase in client satisfaction.
8. Jessica Martinez: Leveraged social media, gaining 50% more followers and clients.
9. Ryan Thompson: Partnered with local businesses, increasing community engagement by 40%.
10. Samantha Adams: Focused on customer experience, leading to a 95% satisfaction rate.

59. Time Spent on Physical Activity 

• Overall: On average, Americans spend 17.4 minutes daily on sports, recreational activities, and exercise. In a detail:
• Women: Women dedicate about 15 minutes per day.
• Men: Men spend approximately 20 minutes per day.

Source: Statista, 2023

60. Usage of Convenience Items in Gyms

31% of gym-goers use convenience items such as towels, toiletries, drinks, and snacks.

Source: Statista, 2021

61. Usage of Sports Equipment in Gyms

• 38% of gym-goers regularly use workout equipment such as cardio machines and weights.
• 30% also use sports gear such as punching bags and martial arts equipment.
• From 2010 to 2019, treadmills and resistance machines were the top equipment choices, followed by free weights (IHRSA, 2020).
• The equipment that exhibited significant growth over the decade were rowers, treadmills, and weights (dumbbells/hand weights) (IHRSA, 2020).
• In 2019, approximately 28.3 million gym members used the treadmill (IHRSA, 2020).

62. Exercise Popularity Statistics

• Daily Fitness Activities: Only 20% of U.S. adults exercise daily.
• Most Popular Exercise: Walking is preferred by 30% of active adults, followed closely by weightlifting and using cardiovascular equipment​
• Favorite Group Exercise: 10% of Americans practice yoga.
• Fitness App Usage: 86.3 million adults use health apps.

Source: The Good Body

63. Cardio Equipment

• Cardio equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and recumbent bikes, is projected to account for 65% of the total market by 2024.
• The global market value of strength equipment is $950 million, with treadmills alone valued at $790 million in the United States.
• Treadmills remain one of the most popular cardio fitness equipment, with a yearly growth rate of 4.3%.

Wholesale consumer sales in the US for specific equipment in 2020 compared to 2019:

64. Usage of Wellness Facilities of Gym Members

• 24% of gym-goers utilize wellness facilities like saunas and spas (Statista, 2021).
• 36% of gym-goers prioritize access to wellness amenities when selecting a gym (IHRSA).
• Around 58% of gym-goers participate in wellness programs offered by fitness facilities (ACSM).
• Gyms offering comprehensive wellness amenities tend to have higher membership retention rates (IHRSA)

65. Preferred Types of Gym Classes and Training Sessions

• Yoga: Most popular group exercise in the U.S., with 10% participation.(The Good Body)​.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):  Increasing popularity due to effectiveness and efficiency (Crunch Fitness)​.
• Dance Fitness: Classes like Zumba remain popular for their fun and community feel. (Crunch Fitness)​.
• Strength Training: Favored for improving muscle strength and endurance(Glofox)​.

66. Usage of Professional Advice by Gym-Goers

• Professional Advice: 23% seek guidance on training or nutrition.
• Personal Trainers: Utilized by 29%; seen as crucial by 1 in 5 gym-goers.
• Group Classes: 85% attend group activities twice weekly; 56% less likely to cancel memberships.

Sources: IHRSA, ACSM, Statista 2021

67. Team Training by Gym-Goers – Group Classes Statistics

• 85% of gym-goers attend group activities twice weekly, with 43% visiting four times per week.
• 44% of gym attendees participate in group fitness classes.

• 21% of gym-goers utilize coached courses and team training.
• 56% of U.S. gym-goers engage in group exercise classes.
• Individuals participating in group fitness classes are 56% less likely to cancel their gym membership and more likely to renew it compared to those engaging in individual workouts.

Source: RunRepeat

68. Personal Trainers Usage among Gym-Goers

• 29% of gym-goers utilize a personal trainer.
• Over 50% of gym-goers are more likely to visit their gyms frequently if personal training options are available.
• 1 in 5 individuals consider personal trainers (PTs) as the most crucial factor in maintaining their exercise routines.
• Personal trainer usage among gym goers in the U.S. surged by 44% between 1999 and 2019.

Sources: Gitnux, Keepme

69. Motivational Phone Call and Activity Levels of Gym Members

Studies (The Effects of Weekly Motivational Phone Calls on Leisure Sports Activities and Physical Fitness) conducted by Badicu G. et al. on a group of fitness enthusiasts have shown that: 

• Motivational phone calls increased leisure sport activities by approximately 70% in males and females aged 25–39.
• In the 40–49 years old group, males experienced a 77% increase in physical activity (PA) level due to motivational phone calls, while females saw an 18% increase.
• Weekly counseling alone, without supervised exercise, led to significant improvements in adherence to physical activity routines. 

70. Usage of Online Courses and Workouts by Gym-Goers

Home workouts, boosted by virtual fitness classes and apps, offer convenience and privacy, with minimal equipment needed.

• 40% book virtual classes with new studios (Forbes, 2020).
• About 20% of gym-goers use online fitness courses.
• 85% of gym-goers do home fitness; 63% use online fitness videos or apps (Exercise).
• 52.3% of gym members own home gym equipment (Finder, 2018).

71. Changes in User Behavior: Live Streaming vs On-Demand Fitness

• 72% prefer the flexibility of online fitness.
• 75% find home exercises easier.
• 72% exercise as much or more online than pre-pandemic.
• 75% tried live streaming; 70% used on-demand post-pandemic.
• Live streaming fitness minutes rose by 1,300% from March to August 2020.
• Mindbody app video workout usage surged 177% during COVID.

Source: RunRepeat

72. Types of Online Offerings

• On-demand video usage up 311% post-COVID.
• Live streaming increased by 971% post-COVID.

Source: RunRepeat

73. Consumer Spending on Online Fitness

• Digital fitness spending rose by 30% to 35% post-pandemic.
• 75% may return to some gym routines, but 30% will spend more on online fitness.
• 40% of gym members tried online fitness from new providers.

Source: RunRepeat

74. Gyms Adoption of Online Fitness

• Gyms now blend on-site and online workouts.
• 75% of virtual users also attend physical classes.
• Virtual workouts boosted physical class attendance by 12%.
• Over half of online users also visit gyms 3x weekly.
• 72% of club owners now offer online services, a 25% increase since 2019 .

Source: RunRepeat

75. Average Cost of Online Fitness

• Livestreams cost $20 to $60 monthly or $10 to $20 per class.
• On-demand more affordable at $15 to $30 monthly.
• Bundled online additions average $5 to $20 extra.

Source: RunRepeat

76. Discovery of Online Workouts

• 63% discover workouts via studio websites or social media.
• 26% find live streams through friends or staying up to date; 13% find on-demand this way.
• 12% use YouTube or Google for live streams; 38% for on-demand.

Source: RunRepeat

77. Free vs Paid Online Fitness Content

• Live stream payments: 41% monthly, 19% class packs, 15% per class.
• On-demand payments: 36% monthly, 7% class packs, 5% per video.

Source: RunRepeat

78. Usage of Sports Facilities by Gym-Goers

20% of those who attend gyms utilize sports facilities such as squash courts.

Source: Statista, 2021

79. Usage of Outdoor Training Grounds by Gym-Goers 

Approximately 14% of individuals who go to the gym utilize outdoor training grounds, according to data from Statista in 2021.

80. Usage of EMS-training by Gym-Goers

• EMS training is used by about 14% of gym-goers, as per Statista in 2021.
• The EMS training market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% from 2021 to 2026.
• Germany leads in EMS training, with a high concentration of studios and practitioners.
• EMS training is popular for its time-efficiency and benefits for athletes and individuals with specific fitness goals.
• The effectiveness of EMS training varies based on factors like session intensity, frequency, and individual fitness levels.
• Despite popularity, EMS training remains niche compared to traditional exercise methods, with adoption rates varying by region and demographic.

Source: Statista

81. Cardio vs Strength Training

• 50% of gym-goers prefer cardio activities.
• 33% focus on strength training.

Source: IHRSA 2020

82. The Average Cost to Start a Gym in the U.S.

Opening a gym involves a range of costs, which can vary widely based on the gym type.

• Home-Based Personal Training Gym: $5,000 – $10,000
• Specialty Studio (Yoga, Pilates): $15,000 – $50,000
• Small Personal Training Studio: $50,000 – $100,000
• Boutique Fitness Studio: $100,000 – $250,000
• Franchise Gym (e.g., CrossFit): $250,000 – $500,000
• Full-Service Commercial Gym: $500,000 – $1,000,000+

Source: Exercise

83. Equipment Costs

• Commercial gym equipment: $300,000-$500,000 (ABC Fitness, 2020).
• Smaller gyms: around $100,000 (ABC Fitness, 2020).

84. Environmentally Sustainable Gyms

• The first ‘ecological’ gym opened in Oregon in 2008.
• The Gym Group in the UK aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045.
• Biophilic design is enhancing gym spaces for better well-being.
• Outdoor gyms support sustainability while providing exercise options.
• Consumer demand is driving the adoption of eco-friendly practices in gyms.

Source:Energym

86. The Impact of Social Media on Gym Membership Growth and Engagement

• TikTok Engagement: Fitness-related content on TikTok has garnered 300 billion views, videos significantly influence gym attendance (The Oracle)​.
• Membership Increase: Social media helped certain gyms increase membership by 20% post-pandemic​ (The Oracle)​.
• Instagram Influence: About 75% of Instagram users take action, like visiting a website, after seeing an ad​ (Simple Strat Blog)​.
• Live Video Preference: 82% of users prefer live video from brands over static posts, enhancing member engagement​ (Simple Strat Blog)​.

87. What Percentage of the World Goes to the Gym?

According to the latest 2020 data from IHRSA, 2.36% of the world’s population, which totals 7.8 billion people, are members of a gym.

88. Growth of Number of Gym-Goers

• Membership Rise: Over 20% of Americans now hold gym memberships, indicating increased fitness engagement​ (Wellness Creative Co)​.
• Youth Involvement Growth: 86% of Gen Z are participating in or interested in starting exercise routines​ (Wellness Creative Co)​.
• Online Fitness Growth: Online fitness market projected to reach $59 billion by 2027​ (Wellness Creative Co)​.
• Recovery Post-Pandemic: Strong rebound in gym-goer numbers post-COVID​ (Smallbizgenius)​.

89. Leading Low-Cost yet High-Quality Options throughout the United States

1. Planet Fitness: Affordable memberships, with over 2,000 locations across the United States.
2. Anytime Fitness: 24/7 gym access, boasting over 4,000 gyms worldwide.
3. Crunch Fitness: Budget-friendly options, offering access to diverse equipment and group fitness classes.

Source: setforset, CrunchFitness

90. Positive Onboarding Experience and Being Active

• Retention Impact: 87% of gym members who receive a positive onboarding experience remain active for at least six months​ (PerfectGym, Keepme)​.
• Initial Attendance: Effective onboarding and frequent gym visits in the first four weeks are correlated with higher long-term retention​ (Keepme)​.
• Group Classes: Offering group classes as part of the onboarding process can significantly boost member retention​ (TeamUp)​.

91. New Members and their Attendance 

• 50% of new members stop their fitness journey in the gym within the first six months.

Source: IHRSA- International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association – 2020

92. Exercise and Mental Well Being Statistics

1. 65% of people who incorporate light exercise into their schedule noted having enhanced mental health.
2. About 45% of individuals engaging in 30-60 minutes of exercise 3-5 times weekly experienced improved mental health.

3. Depression: Consistent physical activity may lower the likelihood of depression in adults by 26%.
4. Panic Disorder: For patients with panic disorder, physical exercise can alleviate symptoms of anxiety by as much as 60%.
5. General Mental Illness: Routine physical activity led to a significant decrease in mental illness symptoms for 40% of participants.
6. Dementia: Regular exercise may lower the risk of developing dementia by about 30%.
7. Stress Management: 23% of American adults use exercise as a strategy to cope with stress (APA Survey).
8. Mood Enhancement: 70% of individuals with depression experience mood improvements from exercise.
9. Academic Performance: School-aged children who engage in regular physical activity see a 20% increase in academic scores.
10. Mood Boost: Just 20 minutes of fitness activity can elevate mood for up to 12 hours.

Source: Gitnux, 2024

93. 2020 Federal Fitness Standards Overview

• 24.2% of adults met both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines in 2020.
• 28.3% of men and 20.4% of women met fitness standards; rates drop with age.
• Hispanic men and non-Hispanic White women are most/least likely to meet standards.
• Higher income adults (200%+ federal poverty level) are more likely to meet guidelines.

Source: Physical Activity Among Adults Aged 18 and Over: United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020

94. Discrimination in a Gym or Fitness Center

• 40% of LGBTQ+ individuals encounter homophobic behavior in sports settings.
• 21% of transgender and non-binary people avoid gyms due to discrimination fears.
• 90% of gym-goers worry about others’ opinions.
• 42% experience appearance-based anxiety.
• 38% of Gen-Z cite “fear of judgment” as a gym dislike reason.

Source: GITNUX, JDSUPRA 

95. Disabled People

• Gym Attendance:  Only 45.2% of U.S. adults with mobility disabilities engage in any aerobic activity within gym settings.
• Adherence to Workout Guidelines: Roughly 39.5% of these individuals meet either or both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines recommended for physical health.
• Popular Gym Activity: Walking is the dominant activity for those with mobility disabilities attending gyms, accounting for 34.0% of the exercise undertaken.
• Efforts for Better Access:  Ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing safe and accessible walking or wheelchair use in fitness studios and gyms are essential for lowering the barriers to gym participation for individuals with mobility disabilities.
• Growth in Attendance: Although gym attendance by individuals with disabilities has doubled, they still only represent 2.5% of the total gym-going population.

Source: Physical activity types among US adults with mobility disability, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2017

96. Seniors

• As of 2020, individuals aged 55 and older constitute 22.3% of gym memberships, according to IBIS World.
• Over the past two decades, gym activities among seniors (aged 55 and above) has surged by 231%, as reported by IHRSA in 2020.

Sources: Financesonline; IHRSA 2020

97. Diversity in the Fitness Industry

• A study shows that 81.3% of health club members in the United States are Caucasian.
• Black or Hispanic trainers hold fewer than 20% of personal training certifications.
• In 2019, only 27% of gym members were people of color.
• Worldwide, fewer than half of the fitness clubs maintain a gender-balanced workforce.
• Approximately 81% of fitness professionals believe the industry falls short in promoting diversity and inclusion.
• 30% of minorities cite the absence of culturally appropriate fitness facilities as a barrier to gym membership.
• While the US leads in health and wellness business markets, only 14% of these businesses are minority-owned.
• Minority fitness operators report less comfort in seeking financial support than their majority counterparts, with only 48% feeling confident versus 86%.

Source: Gitnux, 2024

98. How Much Do Gym Owners Make?

• Gym owners’ average salary in the U.S. ranges from $49,000 in North Carolina to $82,275 in Washington.
• Monthly pay varies from $4,083 to $6,856; hourly wages range from $23.56 to $39.56.
• Salary disparities influenced by gym size, location, competition, owner’s experience and education.
• Highest paid in Washington ($82,275/year) and lowest in North Carolina ($49,000/year).

Source: ZipRecruiter

100. Gym users and abuse of prescription drugs

• U.S. Legislation: Steroids were classified as controlled substances in 1990, aiming to curb misuse.
• General Prevalence: An estimated three million Americans use steroids.
• Youth Experimentation: Between 2.7% and 2.9% of young adults have tried steroids at least once.
• Prevalence in Gyms: Between 15%-30% of weight trainers in American gyms report using steroids, indicating significant usage within fitness communities.
• Risks of Polypharmacy:High instances of polypharmacy are prevalent, including dangerous practices such as needle sharing.
• Non-Athlete Users: The vast majority (nearly 80%) of steroid users are non-athletes, primarily using these drugs to enhance their physical appearance.
• Steroid Dosages: Over half of the steroid users in the U.S. are reported to administer doses greater than 1000 mg per week.
• Injection Practices and Drug Sources: Nearly all steroid users (close to 100%) self-administer via intramuscular injection, often using risky techniques. 
• Source of Drugs: Most obtain their drugs from unregulated sources, including makeshift labs.

Source: Baker, J.S., Graham, M.R., & Davies, B. “Gym users and abuse of prescription drugs.” PubMed Central (PMC). National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2006

101. Flirt in the Gym

• Preferred Flirting Tactics: The top method for initiating romantic interactions in the gym is simply to “smile and start a conversation” (54% approval), whereas directly “staring” at someone is considered the least favorable approach, disliked by 41%.
• Positive Reception to Flirting: A significant 85% of gym-goers appreciate receiving romantic gestures.
• Flirting Success by Age: Those aged 41 and older are most successful in their flirting endeavors, boasting a 57% success rate.
• Gender Preferences: 88% of male gym attendees are open to flirting compared to 76% of female gym members.
• Age and Flirting: The 51+ age group shows the greatest openness to gym flirting, with 95% approval.
• Effectiveness of Flirting: About 29% of U.S. adults have attempted flirting at the gym, with over half (55%) finding success.

• Flirting Across the U.S.:
  • West: The most flirtatious region, with 37% engaging in such behavior.
  • Northeast: Holds the highest approval for gym flirting at 93%, with New Jersey at a full 100%.
  • Midwest: Reports a 30% success rate in romantic gym encounters.
  • Southern States: Particularly disapprove of ostentatious flirting, with 23% against showing off.

• Regional Highlights:
  • Californians: A high 92% are comfortable with flirting while working out.
  • Arizonans: Favor asking to share equipment as the best way to flirt (22%).
  • Ohioans: 20% think complimenting workout apparel is an effective flirting strategy.
  • Floridians: Prefer a mix of smiling and making mutual friends as flirting strategies (35% and 31%, respectively).

Source: Myprotein

102. Surprising Gym-Related Statistics

1. Income Influence: Higher earners spend three times more at the gym than lower earners, according to Nuffield Health.
2. Gym Social Scene: Half of gym-goers use it for socializing or dating, as found by Kettler’s research.
3. Chocolate Cravings: Gym attendees are 18% more likely to indulge in chocolate bars, reports Market Research World.
4. Genetic Factors: Genetics may influence exercise persistence, as per Iowa State University’s research.
5. New Year’s Fade: Many quit the gym within 24 weeks, despite the January sign-up surge, notes the Fitness Industry Association.
6. Attendance Dishonesty: Around 13% of respondents in Kettler’s study admitted to lying about gym attendance.

Source: Realbuzz

103. Best Credit Cards For Gym Membership Of April 2024

1. Citi Custom Cash® Card
2. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
4. Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
6. The World of Hyatt Credit Card
7. Prime Visa

Source: Forbes, 2024

Key Takeaways – Gym Statistics:

• Global Fitness Market: Valued at $96.7 billion, with expectations to grow to $125.23 billion by 2030 due to a 7.7% annual growth rate.
• Gym Memberships: There are approximately 184.59 million gym memberships worldwide, with the U.S. seeing significant participation.
• Usage Rates: About 67% of gym members do not use their memberships, and 50% quit within the first six months.
• Demographics: Millennials and Gen Z are key demographic segments, showing a strong preference for personalized and digital fitness solutions.
• Online Fitness Growth: The online fitness market is projected to reach $59 billion by 2027, expanding at a 33.1% CAGR.
• Post-Pandemic Recovery: The gym sector is on track to recover and exceed pre-pandemic revenue figures by 2025.
• Pricing Trends: While 40% of gym members pay less than the average monthly fee, fitness executives earn an average of $127,000 annually.

Gym Statistics FAQ

How many people go to the gym in 2024?

Over 64 million Americans have gym memberships, reflecting substantial gym engagement.

How many gyms are in the US?

The United States hosts approximately 41,370 gyms.

What percentage of Americans go to the gym?

Over 1 in 5 Americans hold a gym membership.

How has the pandemic changed the fitness industry?

The pandemic significantly increased the adoption of online fitness solutions and affected physical gym attendance, pushing the industry towards more digital and home-based fitness products.

How many members does the average gym have?

The average gym in the U.S. has around 1,551 members.

What percentage of gym memberships go unused?

About 67% of gym members never actually use their membership.

How many people in the US actually go to the gym?

As of the latest statistics, around 64.19 million Americans hold gym memberships, suggesting a high number of gym goers.