Fitness Centers NAICS 713940

Mar 19, 2026 - Fitness Centers Gain Ground in Retail Leasing Shift

• New data shows the US fitness industry is gaining influence in retail real estate as service-based tenants take a larger share of leasing activity, according to a report in ClubSolutions using data from the Wall Street Journal and CoStar. Service tenants accounted for just over 50% of retail leasing in 2025, up from 40% 15 years ago, with fitness centers representing nearly 30% of service leases in 2024 (up from 20% in 2016). As e-commerce grew to 16.4% of retail sales from about 8% in 2016, landlords have increasingly turned to gyms to backfill vacant space and drive foot traffic. The industry is also supported by a $2.1 trillion US wellness market and demand tied to social media trends and GLP-1 use. With retail vacancy at 4.4% and continued expansion from chains like Planet Fitness, fitness operators are seeing improved positioning in lease negotiations and site selection.
• The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.2 points to 91.2 in February, indicating a modest uptick in consumer sentiment that may provide some support for discretionary spending in the US fitness industry, though confidence remains well below the November 2024 peak. While expectations improved (+4.8 points to 72.0) and employment perceptions strengthened (+7.4% percentage point gap), consumers remain cautious, with elevated inflation expectations and weaker views of current conditions. Importantly, planned spending on services softened, with consumers shifting toward “cheap thrills and necessary services” and away from highly discretionary categories. This trend suggests continued pressure on higher-cost fitness offerings such as boutique studios and premium memberships, while lower-cost and essential wellness services may prove more resilient. Overall, the data points to stable but increasingly price-sensitive demand across the U.S. fitness industry.

• US fitness clubs are shifting from equipment-packed layouts to experience-driven design, reshaping member expectations and retention strategies, according to a report in Club Solutions. For example, leaders at VASA Fitness and Crunch Fitness emphasize open concepts, clear zoning, and visible amenities to boost engagement. VASA’s “mall of fitness” model and expanded turf zones encourage connection and ownership, while Crunch’s 3.0 model prioritizes flow, sightlines and shared warm-up areas to drive confidence and usage. Strength training now anchors larger, highly visible floors as members become more longevity-focused and results driven. Boutique-style studios offer specialized experiences at scale, improving accessibility and retention. Member lounges, recovery spaces near entrances, and flexible floor plans support community and adaptability. Sustainability investments such as LED lighting, Energy Star equipment, recycled flooring, and EV charging reflect rising consumer expectations. Collectively, these design shifts position experience, flexibility, and belonging as key competitive drivers in the evolving US fitness industry.
• Strong consumer commitment to health and wellness is supporting a favorable outlook for the US fitness center industry heading into 2026, according to a nationwide survey from the Health & Fitness Association. The survey showed that 82 million Americans plan to prioritize health, fitness, and exercise goals, contributing to an estimated $60 billion in planned spending next year. Access to fitness facilities is critical, with 86% of Americans saying gyms, studios, or fitness centers will be important to achieving their goals, including 61% who say access will be very important. Fitness spending also appears resilient amid economic pressure: only 23% of consumers said they would cut fitness or exercise expenses if needed, compared with 44% for dining out and 36% for travel. Average planned spending among fitness-focused consumers is $733 per year, underscoring stable demand for memberships, classes, and related services.