As more Americans prioritize their health and wellness, U.S. fitness facilities reported reaching a record 72.9 million members in 2023, representing 23.7 percent of the U.S. population ages six and older, according to new data from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), fka IRHSA.
HFA’s findings are detailed in its 2024 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report that outlines trends in membership growth, participation and emerging opportunities for the health and fitness industry.
The report details that the number of fitness facility members increased 5.8 percent year over year, marking the highest annual growth rate since 2017. Growth is also strong across all facility types, with fitness-only gyms, multipurpose centers, and boutique studios gaining market share. Additionally, the total number of facility and studio users, including members and non-members, rose by 9.7 percent year over year, reaching 90.7 million members.
“Last year’s robust growth underscores the increasing demand for fitness services nationwide,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “As more Americans recognize the benefits of fitness for both physical and mental health, our industry continues to play a vital role in promoting healthier lifestyles across the country.”
Beyond membership growth, HFA reported that fitness facility attendance increased for a third consecutive year. The average member visited a fitness facility 81 times in 2023, up from 78 visits in 2022 and 72 visits in 2021. Although visits has risen steadily, they remains below 2019 levels, when they were 119 on average.
Image courtesy Gold’s Gym
