The latest data published in the 2024 U.S. Health and Fitness Consumer Report by the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), compiled by John Dunham and Associates, shows that the 55,294 health clubs and studios operating in the U.S. have a $22.4 billion impact on the economy.

“When I was hired by the Board almost three years ago, one of my goals was to be able to share real numbers about the value our industry creates in this country,” said Health & Fitness Association President and CEO Liz Clark. “This data makes that goal a reality.”

The report data shows that U.S. health clubs and studios:

  • Contribute 432,942 U.S. jobs 
  • Pay $10.7 billion in direct wages
  • Pay $5.29 billion in federal taxes
  • Pay $5.35 billion in state and local taxes
  • Suppliers contribute 60,625 U.S. jobs and $4 billion in wages
  •  The U.S. has over 72 million health club and studio members, with a higher percentage of active fitness facility members than any country other than Sweden. 
  • Americans pay an average of $59 per month for membership, and 41 percent of facility users pay $25 or less per month for membership.

“The data from this economic impact study and from our next Consumer Report show just how important the health and fitness industry is to the economy of the country as well as to the physical and mental health of Americans,” Health & Fitness Association Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Goscinski said. “This data is an essential part of our campaign to educate representatives, senators and their staff about the mental and physical health benefits of exercise–and about the size and scope of the businesses where consumers exercise.”

In the coming weeks, the economic impact data, broken down by state, will be available on the Health & Fitness Association website. The Association also shared the data in meetings with members of Congress as part of the HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, May 7-8 in Washington, DC, where over 115 people representing health clubs, studios and suppliers participated in the Fly-In.

The Health & Fitness Association, founded in 1981, is a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a voice for the operators of health and fitness facilities, offering professional guidance on physical activity, and providing the tools and equipment to the millions of fitness facility members. Through advocacy, education, and research, the Association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry forward.