More than one out of five Americans belonged to a health club or studio in 2021, totaling 66.5 million consumers ages six years and older, according to the IHRSA. The latest data shows a 3.8 percent growth over the past two years, with growth surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Visits were down sharply.

“It is a clear indication of the importance of the brick-and-mortar component of the fitness industry that growth returned despite the lockdown of clubs, the severe governmental restrictions imposed and the surge in digital offerings,” said Liz Clark, IHRSA president and CEO. “It is a strong testament to the value of clubs and studios, the importance of community, the quality of in-person instruction, and the expansive offerings of the on-site experience.”

IHRSA said a comparison of a year ago is not relevant, given the number of health clubs mandated to close and the need for consumers to confine themselves at home. An increasing overall percentage used at least one health club or studio, reaching 27 percent of consumers, the highest total on record.

Although average attendance was down, this could have been a function of a facility’s limited access, mandated temporary governmental closures, the lack of return to the workplace, COVID vaccine availability, usage capacity restrictions, and full club offerings, according to the IHRSA.

IHRSA said, “Despite the COVID-related challenges, the recent data indicates that the overall industry participation rates reached 21.8 percent, the highest in its history. The trend in the number of total visits during this period decreased dramatically from 6.7 billion in 2019 to 4.5 billion in 2021. Likewise, the average annual visits to clubs per individual decreased from 109 to 72. Any conclusion may be premature, as this may directly correlate to factors highlighted previously. Next year, a proper conclusion will provide more clarity.”

IHRSA conducted this study as part of the Physical Activity Council. It determined that the total number of overall consumers, members and non-members, increased by 2.1 percent during COVID; however, the number of overall visits fell by almost one-third over the last two years.

A more complete IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report will be published in the fall, and IHRSA will release its 2022 Global Report this summer.