The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) reports that the global fitness industry reached new milestones in 2023 as more people embrace health and fitness across key regions.

According to the data collected by the HFA (fka IHRSA) and published in its 2024 HFA Global Report, several established markets reported record membership levels and fitness participation, while many emerging markets reported strong potential for future development.

In the U.S., a record 23.7 percent of the population were members at a fitness facility in 2023, the highest rate among 17 surveyed markets. The UK followed with an all-time high of 15.9 percent, while Switzerland (14.9 percent), New Zealand (13.6 percent) and Germany (13.4 percent) rounded out the top five.

As fitness club memberships surged in 2023, HFA consumers in many regions benefited from access to an expanded number of fitness facilities.

“Among operators, Rizap Group led the global expansion, increasing its footprint from 240 clubs in Japan in 2022 to 1,225 in 2023. Hotworx ranked second with a 43 percent growth open rate in 2023, adding 176 new locations globally. BestFit Group in Germany (41 percent), Hilefit in China (40 percent) and FitActive in Italy (39.5 percent) also reported strong growth,” the trade association said in its report summary.

“As demand for fitness services reaches record levels across key regions, our industry is playing an indispensable role in advancing global health and well-being,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “The 2024 HFA Global Report demonstrates how the industry continues to evolve and thrive, reaffirming that fitness is more essential than ever in both established and emerging markets.”

The 2024 HFA Global Report offers its in-depth health and fitness industry analysis from HFA members, industry federations, partners, and financial experts. It includes a detailed look at revenue, unit growth and membership trends from some of the world’s largest fitness brands, along with data-driven insights on year-over-year performance.

Methodology
The HFA gathered data in its 2024 Global Report from 132 HFA member clubs, gyms, and studios between April and July 2024. The data was cleaned and analyzed to compile company profiles and rankings of leading fitness brands. Additionally, internal audits and research provided supplemental data for selected countries.

Image courtesy Planet Fitness