Have you ever wondered how many people go to the gym? Who likes lifting iron more – millennials or Gen Z-ers? Are all those January, New Year’s resolution myths true? How much do we spend on our memberships (and all the expenses that go with them)?
Our gym membership statistics article can help you get answers to these questions. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a regular gym, a powerlifting dungeon, a CrossFit box, or a boutique fitness center/health club. As long as you are into fitness, you will find the information below useful.
The Top Ten Gym Membership Statistics to Keep in Mind
- The US Gym and Fitness Clubs industry revenue reached $32.5 billion in 2020.
- American adults spent an average of $286 per month on fitness and health in 2020.
- People are willing to spend $10-$50 more to get into a gym closer to their homes.
- A million people started going to the gym in 2020.
- Being fit became a priority for 70% of Americans during the pandemic.
- Lockdowns led to a 23% increase in sports equipment purchases.
- More than 50% of all people exercising will drop out after the first six months.
- The average duration of health club memberships is 4.9 years.
- Members who go with monthly instead of yearly gym contracts have a 17% greater attendance rate.
- There are predictions that the fitness industry will have 230 million members by 2030.
Economics of Gym Memberships
Now that we’ve looked at these Top Ten stats, let’s take a closer look at the numbers behind them and find out how much money people worldwide spend within this industry.
1. The US Gym and Fitness Clubs industry revenue reached $32.5 billion in 2020.
(IBIS World)
This number sounds impressive, but the recent data and gym industry statistics show the industry has gone through a -0.5% decline every year since 2015.
As you can suppose, the entire industry suffered a major -13.2% market decrease blow during 2020.
2. People are willing to spend $10-$50 more to get into a gym closer to their homes.
(SmallBussines.com)
One of the most important things when it comes to getting results at the gym is consistency. Statistics of gym users and their spending habits show that most of them spend money to optimize the travel route. This choice has a direct influence on the consistency of their visits to the gym.
3. American adults spent an average of $286 per month on fitness and health in 2020.
(CNBC)
A survey by the Bank of America showed that 64% of people changed their spending habits since 2019.
Survey results and the gym goers statistics show that people spent 5.93% more in 2020 on fitness and health than the $270 they spent in 2019.
4. Home-fitness equipment market will be growing by 2.86% a year in the next four years.
(PR Newswire)
Recent statistics show that 2021 will be the year in which Americans will get their home gyms. Lockdowns, stress, and prevention impact the popularity of exercising at home since physical activity has a range of health benefits.
5. Households with income levels of $75,000+ make up the majority of gym memberships.
(IHRSA)
The statistics of gym-goers still show that households with an annual income of $75,000 present most US fitness clubs and gym memberships.
This shows that small-budget gyms thrive while expensive all-inclusive clubs are going down.
6. Gym core users most often have a household income higher than $150,000.
(IHRSA)
An essential part of a gym or health club is its core users – people who use their facilities over 100 times a year. They provide regular income through memberships and spend more money on other services in the gym.
It might be interesting to note that, according to the statistics of gym-goers, most of the core users have an income higher than $150,000.
Fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020, many people took to working out in their homes to relieve stress and anxiety caused by the pandemics. This significantly influenced fitness, ranging from the spiking numbers of home gyms to changes in people’s everyday habits.
7. Being fit became a priority for 70% of Americans during the pandemic.
(NY Post)
Home gym statistics changed more than even in 2020 — so much that a 2000-people pilot survey showed that three out of five Americans believe that gyms will be forgotten once COVID-19 is over. Also, they worked out 25% more than before the lockdowns.
There are, however, some positive sides. 63% of people said they use their free time to get fit. 64% of them report being more interested in working out at home.
8. More than 71% of American adults over the age of 20 are overweight.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
71.6% of adults in America are overweight, while 39.8% are obese. This could be due to their lifestyle — studies show that people who sleep more than 8 hours are up to 38% more likely to become obese.
Still, all the positive gym membership statistics indicate that this might change in the future. More and more people are starting to put their health as a number one priority. If you are among them and you want to speed up the weight loss process, fat burners might prove to be your greatest ally.
9. Planet Fitness has over 15.2 million members, and the number is growing.
(Planet Fitness)
With one in five Americans being a gym member, these numbers are not surprising. This chain has over 1800 gyms, which points to a more positive change in fitness membership trends and US society.
10. 68% of Americans are much less likely to go to the gym due to coronavirus.
(Statista)
In 2020, coronavirus gave a devastating blow to the fitness industry and caused a dramatic gym membership decline.
Giants like Planet Fitness manage to stay afloat, but smaller gyms suffer. This is because 77% of people reported being less likely to visit a gym because of prevention measures and fear of the virus.
11. Lockdowns led to a 23% increase in sports equipment purchases.
(Gym and Fitness Impact Report)
With the coronavirus raging around the world, people seem inspired to work out more than ever before.
Gym Membership Demographics
We all feel as gyms are for young sports professionals, but the truth seems to be a bit different. Behind that door, you are most likely to find people in their 50s or Millennials like yourself. If you’re still having second thoughts, pay attention to these stats:
12. Older adults and the under-18 people fuel fitness industry growth.
(IHRSA)
Data gathered in 2017 show strong growth in this field from an unlikely source. The baby boomer generation is becoming more and more concerned with health-related issues. Trying to improve their health and focusing on obesity, the aging population caused an increase in gym memberships.
13. Women prefer group exercise programs, while men enjoy equipment-oriented work.
(How Stuff Works)
According to gym gender statistics, women prefer fitness classes (pilates, dance, step, and choreographed exercises). Essentially, they prefer group programs. Men prefer equipment-based exercises (lifting weights, using resistance machines, rowers, stationary cycles, etc.).
14. Millennials represent 33% of all health club members.
(IHRSA 2019)
The statistics of gym users show different numbers when it comes to age. While it may make sense that the silent generation is only at 7% (born before 1945), you might be surprised that baby boomers (born 1945 to 1964) go to the gym more often than Gen Z (born after 2000).
Apart from Millennials, frequent gym visitors are Gen X (born between 1965 and 1979) with 24%, boomers with 22%, and Gen Z with 14%.
15. Baby boomers are the most active gym members.
(IHRSA 2019)
Baby boomers are the most active gym members, having roughly 131 visits annually, even though millennials make up more active members. Relevant gym membership statistics for 2019 show that Gen Z members visit the gym somewhere between 65 and 78 times, a significant decrease.
16. Baby boomers, unlike Gen Z and millennials, prefer fitness-only facilities.
(IHRSA 2019)
Gym goers of different ages don’t only differ in activity and attendance. Different generations prefer different facilities. Gym industry statistics show that Generation Z prefers nonprofits or some YMCA-like organizations.
Millennials like both fitness-only clubs and nonprofits. Boomers are most likely to take part in fitness-only clubs.
17. Exercise preferences vary between generations significantly.
(IHRSA 2019)
Besides generally different preferences in facilities, generations also have preferences when it comes to exercises. Boomers between the ages of 55 and 64 prefer walking, cycling, and some dumbbell work.
Further gym statistics in the US show that the silent generation and boomers older than 65 prefer aquatic exercises within their chosen facilities.
Millennials enjoy yoga, HIIT, and running. Generation X enjoys free weights, as well as running and elliptical machine work.
18. Around 47% of all official USA Weightlifting athletes are women.
(USA Weightlifting)
The gym statistics are pretty positive — the States’ official weightlifting federation has an almost equal distribution among genders in its ranks. 47% of its members are women.
Global Stats about Gym Membership
Gyms around the world have millions of users. However, this still doesn’t mean people exercise enough…
19. A million people started going to the gym in 2020.
(Wellness Creatives)
With this increase, the market reached over 184 million members, making the global health club market worth around $97.6 billion.
20. Canadians don’t get as much exercise as they should.
(National Post)
Less than 2 out of 10 Canadian adults follow the proposed guidelines for physical activity. The fitness and gym statistics for Canada show that people fail to meet the proposed two and a half hours per week of moderate exercise.
21. There are roughly 9.7 million gym members in the UK.
(Statista)
There are roughly 6,700 gyms on the island. Gym membership statistics in the UK show that almost 50% are fitness centers that generate £1.9 billion and employ 62,000 fitness instructors.
22. In Ireland, half a million people are health and fitness club members.
(Deloitte)
According to the Irish gym membership statistics from 2017, there are around 710 health and fitness clubs. These facilities serve 500,000 people (10.5% of the population).
Memberships and Attendance Numbers
Did you ever pay a yearly subscription for a local gym only to realize that you never even saw the place or that you always have better things to do? Worry not; you’re not alone — look at the following stats. It could even motivate you to attend the gym more!
23. More than 50% of all people exercising will drop out after six months.
(Ideafit)
Current gym membership attendance statistics and data show that more than half of all people who begin an exercising program will drop out after six months. Furthermore, 80% of gym-goers will drop out after the first eight months.
24. Members who go with monthly instead of yearly gym contracts have a 17% greater attendance rate.
(Berkeley)
A more exciting gym attendance statistics is that people who go with monthly contracts tend to stick to their exercise routine. A Berkeley paper explains that people with yearly contracts are overconfident about their future efficiency and self-control.
25. Roughly 47% of gym and fitness club members are core users.
(IHRSA)
As we’ve mentioned, core users use their fitness clubs and facilities more than 100 times per year. Gym membership stats show that almost half of all fitness facility members are core users.
This depends significantly on the type of facility — boutique clubs have the lowest number of core users, between 28% and 38%, while fitness-only clubs are 53%.
26. The average retention rate for the gym industry is at 72.4%.
(Wellness)
There is a stereotype that the gym industry has low retention when it comes to its members – i.e., customers. However, the gym membership retention statistics point to the opposite. This is important when you consider that membership fees make up roughly 80% of overall revenue for a gym.
27. There are predictions that the fitness industry will have 230 million members by 2030.
(IHRSA 2019)
There are some positive global gym membership trends. According to The International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association, health clubs are on the rise. They will reach 230 million members in ten years. With the global revenue of $94 billion, it just goes to show how valuable fitness can be.
28. Roughly 20% of fitness facility members go to more than one facility.
(IHRSA 2019)
Another one of the more interesting fitness gym statistics is that a fifth of all fitness facility members go to more than one facility.
However, the actual type of facility dictates how “loyal” its user will be. Fitness-only facilities have the largest commitment, at 75%. Boutique fitness studies, however, have a 35% “loyalty” rate.
29. There was a record high growth in the fitness industry globally in 2018, at 183 million users.
(IHRSA 2019)
Statistics on gym memberships show a record high growth on a global level. It reached 183 million users, with a revenue of $94 billion and 210,000 facilities.
30. The US has the highest number of health clubs, being at 38,477.
(Wellness)
There are roughly 210,000 health clubs all around the world. Of this number, relevant gym statistics show that America is in the lead, with 38,477 clubs. Next in line is Brazil, with 34,509 clubs.
Furthermore, gym operators in the US and Japan dominate the top 19 spots. The most substantial fitness operator is Konami Sports and Fitness, with annual revenue of $2.43 billion.
31. The average duration of health club memberships is 4.9 years.
(IHRSA)
According to gym industry statistics from 2018, health club memberships last for around 4.9 years. Furthermore, the individuals who are 65 years and older stay members for an average of 7.3 years. In contrast, the 18 to 24 group were members for 2.8 years.
FAQ
Why is fitness important?
(MANA)
Fitness, just as any kind of physical activity, has a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Physical fitness increases life expectancy and resilience, decreasing the risk of accidental injuries — especially in old age.
Regular exercise has a positive effect on chronic diseases, different mental problems, bone density and overall body stability and strength.
Is the fitness industry dying?
(IBIS)
Early estimates reveal that the fitness industry’s 2020 revenue declined for some 10.1%. Due to preventive measures and lockdowns, numerous gyms and fitness centers reported crippling revenue declines and a fitness giant Gold’s Gym International Inc. officially filed for bankruptcy.
How does fitness help mental health?
(NCBI)
Physical activity is proven to reduce anxiety and depression levels through giving people a feeling of self-esteem, confidence and improving cognitive functions.
How to choose a gym?
(Planet Fitness)
If you want to achieve your fitness goal, don’t go for the best-rated gym. Choose the best one for yourself instead. Consider your everyday habits and free time you can dedicate to working out. Based on this, you will know how far or close you need the gym to be, as well as the working hours that would fit your schedule.
What percentage of gym memberships go unused?
According to a survey that included 5,313 gym members, 63% of memberships go entirely unused. Around 82% of gym members go to the gym fewer than once a week. A further 22% stop goes after about six months.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the gym membership statistics will shed some light on the gym industry and the people who love spending time in gyms. Fitness fanatics, health freaks, and the average Joe and Jane are all working on their bodies and health. Whichever category you fall into, we trust you will find some use from this article.
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