Gyms hit historic membership milestones in 2023, reflecting the nation’s growing focus on health and wellness, and fitness centers are seeing significant increases in both membership and attendance.
U.S. fitness facility membership will reach an all-time high in 2023, with 72.9 million Americans, or 23.7% of the population age 6 and older, having memberships, according to the latest data from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA). are. The findings, published in the 2024 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, reveal that membership increased 5.8% year-over-year, marking the fastest increase since 2017.
The report, which tracks trends in consumer engagement with fitness facilities, also notes that total facility and studio occupancy increased by 9.7% to 90.7 million people, including members and non-members. Consistent growth was seen across different types of fitness facilities, including dedicated fitness gyms, multipurpose centers, and boutique studios.
“Our strong growth over the past year confirms the growing demand for fitness services nationwide,” said Liz Clark, HFA President and CEO. “As more Americans realize the benefits of fitness for both physical and mental health, our industry continues to play a critical role in promoting healthier lifestyles across the country. Masu.”
Attendance at fitness facilities also increased for the third year in a row. The average number of member facility visits in 2023 was 81, up from 78 in 2022 and 72 in 2021. Attendance has steadily increased, but remains below the pre-pandemic average of 119 visits in 2019.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. fitness consumers, with data on facility type, demographics, attendance patterns, equipment usage, and participation in activities such as individual and small group training. It also provides data on membership growth. The findings are based on a 2023 study conducted by Sports Marketing Surveys USA in collaboration with the Physical Activity Council (PAC) and included 18,000 interviews with a representative sample of individuals ages 6 and older. It is.
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The 2024 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report is available for download and is available for free access to premium HFA members and at a discount to other membership tiers. Non-members can purchase this report for $399.
Earlier this month, HFA released its 2024 Global Report, in which it shared that the UK, Japan and Spain have achieved record membership and penetration rates over the past year, highlighting optimism in the global health and fitness industry. emphasized the point of view.
