The fitness industry has absolutely exploded over the past decade. Gyms, boutique studios, gear, events and digital fitness have all experienced massive growth as consumers pursue healthier, more active lifestyles.
But what do the numbers actually show about the state of fitness today? This deep dive will uncover 15 key statistics that illustrate the size, trends and potential of today‘s booming fitness industry.
As a consultant who helps entrepreneurs build gyms, studios and fitness brands, I follow industry trends closely. My goal here is to provide unique insights and strategic advice around these stats – both as a fitness enthusiast and business advisor. Let‘s dive in!
1. Size of the Global Fitness Industry: $96.7 Billion
The global fitness industry was valued at a staggering $96.7 billion in 2021 alone [1]. To put that into perspective, the entire global film industry was worth $100B in 2021 [17]. Fitness has now become a mega-industry the size of movies!
For entrepreneurs, this presents a huge market opportunity as interest and spending continue to rise. Boutique studios, training apps, fitness events, supplements and equipment all bring in billions each year. Don‘t be intimidated by the size – niches still have room to thrive.
2. 210,000+ Health Clubs Worldwide
According to IHRSA, there were over 210,000 health and fitness clubs across the globe in 2021 [2]. That‘s a lot of treadmills! The countries with the most gyms are the US (over 40,000), Brazil (~34,000) and Germany (~11,000) [18].
With such fierce competition, new gyms need differentiated offerings and strong community building to survive. Find your niche and make sure members feel cared for – that‘s the key.
3. US Fitness Industry Revenue: $35 Billion
Drilling down specifically to gym revenue, the US fitness industry generated $35 billion in 2021 [3]. That places it comfortably among the top revenue-generating sports categories.
However, the industry took a hit during COVID, dropping from $35B in 2019 down to $26B in 2020 [19]. It has since rebounded as gyms reopened. Entrepreneurs should have contingency plans ready for any potential future shutdowns.
4. Boutique Studio Revenue: $32 Billion
Boutique fitness studios have seen meteoric growth, with global revenue hitting $32B in 2019 [4]. For perspective, global box office revenue was $42.5B the same year [20]. These specialized studios are giving theaters a run for their money!
For personal trainers or niche instructors, boutique studios provide an amazing growth opportunity. Join an existing brand, or use their model to launch your own studio. Find an underserved fitness niche in your town.
5. At-Home Fitness Equipment Revenue: $14.7 Billion
When COVID forced sudden closures, many fitness enthusiasts invested in building out their home gyms. Global revenue from home fitness equipment surged to a record $14.7B in 2020 [5]. Everything from dumbbells to Pelotons were sold out for months.
For those looking to launch fitness products, the at-home market is still going strong post-pandemic. Explore beyond just weights into tech products, workout mirrors, VR fitness, and more.
6. 40,000+ Boutique Studios in the US
Boutique fitness studios have multiplied rapidly across American suburbs and cities. There are now over 40,000 boutique studios in operation nationwide [6], offering specialized programs like Pilates, barre, yoga, bootcamps, and more.
This ubiquity of niche studios shows that boutique fitness is here for the long haul. For personal trainers or entrepreneurs, we‘ve only scratched the surface of potential fitness niches. Martial arts, rock climbing, dance – get creative with your offerings!
7. 30 Million Boutique Studio Reservations via ClassPass
ClassPass, a monthly membership program providing access to various boutique studio classes, hit 30 million reservations in 2018 [7]. This just shows the massive consumer demand for boutique fitness.
For studio owners, ClassPass can help drive new customer acquisition and word of mouth. The platform allows members to sample your classes. If you wow them, you may win a new regular client!
8. 100 Million Fitness Wearables Sold in 2021
Over 100 million wearable fitness devices like Fitbits and Apple Watches were shipped worldwide in 2021 [8]. This wearable tech provides personalized health metrics to motivate users.
For gyms or studios, developing an app to integrate with these wearables is now a must. Customers expect their fitness data to be captured. Use it to provide insights into their progress.
9. Peloton Revenue Hits $1.8 Billion in 2020
Peloton experienced exponential growth during the pandemic, with annual revenue jumping 100% to $1.8 billion in 2020 [9]. Their niche of streaming spin classes clearly met consumer demand for at-home fitness.
This success shows the massive potential of digital fitness delivery. If you‘re a trainer, look into filming workout videos or offering virtual sessions. This revenue stream is here to stay.
10. 80% of Companies Offer Wellness Programs
Corporate investment in employee wellness programs continues to rise, with 80% of US companies now offering some sort of benefit like subsidized gym memberships or fitness devices [10].
For gyms and studios, these programs represent a huge potential customer pipeline. Reach out to local companies about corporate packages – it‘s a win-win.
11. $6 Healthcare Savings Per $1 Spent on Wellness
Those employer investments pay dividends, with data showing $6 in healthcare savings for every $1 spent on corporate wellness programs [11]. Healthier employees means lower premiums.
This stat demonstrates that fitness delivers proven ROI outside just gym revenue. That value proposition applies to consumers, employers and the healthcare industry. Quantify it for your specific niche.
12. US Race Participation Increased 4% in 2021
Active event participation saw a promising rebound in 2021 as mass participation races returned post-COVID. 21.8 million Americans crossed a race finish line last year – up 4% from the pandemic lows [12].
For endurance coaches or personal trainers, athletic events represent huge business potential. Offer training programs targeted specifically at runners, cyclists, swimmers, and more.
13. Global Fitness Industry Projected to hit $117.5 Billion
Industry analysts predict that the global fitness category will continue its upward momentum, reaching a value of $117.5 billion by 2026 [13].
The key drivers of this growth include increasing gym memberships, boutique studio openings, and new fitness tech innovations. Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to ride this rising tide.
14. US Fitness Industry Projected to hit $45 Billion
Zooming in to just the United States, analysts project fitness industry revenue will reach $45 billion by 2026 [14]. That represents 29% growth in just 5 years.
For American entrepreneurs, this forecasted expansion across gyms, studios, supplements, gear, and events represents a huge business opportunity. Now is the time to carve out your niche.
15. Boutique Studio Revenue Projected to hit $80 Billion by 2030
Among specific segments, boutique studio revenue shows perhaps the most potential, with forecasts predicting it will exceed $80 billion globally by 2030 [15].
That‘s 150% growth in 10 years! For trainers and entrepreneurs interested in the specialty studio model, the sky truly appears to be the limit based on these projections.
The Bottom Line
The fitness industry has gained immense momentum and is still going strong. As more people prioritize fitness worldwide, gym memberships, activewear sales, supplement consumption and equipment purchases will continue to rise. Entrepreneurs and fitness pros who pick the right niche have an opportunity to thrive.
Hopefully these 15 statistics provide some inspiration around the size, growth and potential in today‘s fitness marketplace. I‘m here to help anyone looking to tap into this booming industry as a trainer, investor or business owner. Let‘s connect – I would love to brainstorm ideas and provide strategic advice to set your venture up for success.
