Fitness Centers NAICS 713940

Dec 27, 2025 - Faster Growth Projected

• The US fitness centers industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% between 2025 and 2029, according to a forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. The expected growth rate is faster than the overall economy‘s anticipated growth. The report noted that improving consumer sentiment in the forecast period bodes well for the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries. Factors that continue to limit consumer spending are lower consumer sentiment levels, higher interest levels, and elevated price levels. The report said further increases in tariffs and decreases in immigration labor supplies could drive price levels higher and delay inflation improvement.
• Consumer sentiment in December 2025 reflected a cautious consumer environment with implications for the US fitness centers industry. The University of Michigan Index rose 3.7% month over month to 52.9, though still 30% below December 2024, and 63% of consumers expect rising unemployment. Inflation expectations eased to 4.2% (1 year) and 3.2% (long run), but confidence remains subdued. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined to 89.1, with the Present Situation Index down 9.5 points and expectations holding at a recession associated 70.7. Consumers continue shifting spending toward essential, lower cost categories. For fitness centers, these trends suggest pressure on discretionary memberships, greater demand for value priced gyms, and slower uptake of premium wellness services as consumers prioritize affordability and delay nonessential commitments.

• Membership at US fitness centers reached a record 77 million in 2024, underscoring the industry’s continued expansion, according to the 2025 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report: Expanded Insights. The report highlights how members are reshaping facility use. Traditional equipment like treadmills and free weights remains central, but participation in activities promoting balance and longevity is rising. For example, yoga participation grew to nearly 22%, Pilates surpassed 8%, and pickleball doubled to 8% since 2021. Professional coaching remains influential, with 23% of members using personal trainers and 32% joining small group training, though session frequency has declined. Women drove a 16% increase in personal training, while teens and Gen X boosted small group formats. Multi membership is also expanding, with over 25% of members belonging to more than one facility. The shifts signal a diversified, longevity focused fitness culture, requiring operators to balance traditional offerings with evolving consumer preferences.
• The Health & Fitness Association’s 2025 Benchmarking Report, the first comprehensive benchmarking study released since 2019, shows the sector maintaining profitable growth post-pandemic. Based on data from 175 companies and over 17,000 facilities, the industry posted 9.9% median revenue growth in 2024 and a robust 23.6% median EBITDA margin. Facilities saw 5.5% net membership growth and retained two-thirds of members, signaling strong consumer engagement. For fitness club operators, the report offers a detailed look at performance metrics, from revenue mix and retention to reinvestment and amenities, allowing businesses to compare performance against peers and identify growth opportunities.