Fitness Centers NAICS 713940

May 19, 2026 - Post GLP-1 Exercise Guidelines May Benefit Fitness Centers

• A new Journal of the American Medical Association perspective suggests GLP-1 weight-loss medications could create both opportunities and challenges for the US fitness center industry as exercise remains critical for long-term weight management and muscle preservation, according to a News Medical report. The report notes that while GLP-1 therapies can reduce caloric intake by up to 39%, exercise continues to play an essential role in maintaining muscle mass, improving insulin sensitivity, and limiting weight regain after medication discontinuation. With up to 60% of patients stopping GLP-1 treatments within a year, fitness centers may see growing demand for structured exercise programs focused on strength training, weight maintenance, and overall wellness support. However, the study also highlights ongoing barriers to consistent exercise participation, including time constraints, physical limitations, and limited facility access. For fitness operators, the trend may create opportunities to position gyms as long-term health and behavior support partners alongside medical weight-loss treatments.
• According to the 2026 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report, the US fitness center industry reached record participation levels in 2025, with memberships surpassing 81 million Americans and total facility users exceeding 100 million for the first time. Consumers generated a record 7 billion gym and studio visits during the year, while membership penetration climbed to an all-time high of 26.1%. The growth was driven by broader participation across nearly all demographic groups, particularly Gen Z adults, older consumers, and higher-income households, as well as rising interest in strength training, pickleball, Pilates, and coach-led fitness programs. The report also showed stronger customer engagement, with industry churn falling to its lowest level in a decade and membership tenure reaching a five-year high. For fitness operators, the trends point to more stable recurring revenue and expanding opportunities for premium services and specialized programming.

• HFA’s 2026 Compensation and Benefits Report, based on 88 companies and 1,400 facilities, underscores a widening talent gap across the US fitness industry. While executive compensation remains competitive (median CEO pay of $150,000; average $244,852), turnover tells a different story: just 2.8% at the executive level versus a steep 26.9% for hourly club staff. Recruiting also remains challenging, with senior roles taking 57 days to fill and 53% of hiring driven by online job boards. Wage pressure persists (trainers average $36.74/hour), while benefits are uneven and healthcare costs rose 9.7% in 2025. For operators, the takeaway is clear: stabilizing the frontline workforce is critical. Priorities could include enhancing hourly pay and benefits, building clearer career pathways, and leveraging both digital recruiting and employee referrals to improve retention and hiring efficiency.
• US consumer spending is holding up, but the picture is increasingly uneven, a development that fitness operators should monitor closely, according to the latest Consumer Checkpoint from the Bank of America Institute. Card spending rose 4.3% year over year (3.6% excluding gas), with discretionary services like dining and leisure contributing to growth. However, rising gas prices (+16.5% month over month) are putting pressure on lower-income consumers, whose spending grew just 2.2%, compared to 3.9% for higher-income households. Wage growth shows a similar divide (5.6% vs. 1.0%), reinforcing a “K-shaped” consumer environment. For the fitness industry, this likely means demand remains steady at the high end, while more price-sensitive members may pull back. Operators may need to lean into flexible pricing, promotions, and value-driven offerings to maintain engagement across income segments.