US Fitness Market Expands Reach and Engagement, HFA Report Finds
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The Health & Fitness Association has released its 2026 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report, showing continued growth in both participation and engagement across fitness facilities.
In 2025, 81 million Americans held a gym, studio, or fitness facility membership, a 5.2% increase year over year and a new industry high. When including non-members who accessed facilities through day passes or guest privileges, total participation exceeded 100 million people.
Membership growth was broad-based, with penetration rising across all demographics. Gen Z adults aged 18 to 24 posted the highest participation rate at 35.5%, while adults aged 65 and older were the fastest-growing segment, up 8.6% year over year.
Facility usage also reached new highs, with nearly 7 billion visits recorded in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, the share of inactive members fell to 4.6%, an all-time low, pointing to a more engaged membership base.
Programming trends continue to shift. Free weight usage has grown faster than any other equipment category since 2021, while pickleball participation increased 21.3% to 7.6 million members. Yoga remains the most widely practiced activity at 17.7 million participants, with Pilates and tai chi also seeing steady growth. Traditional high-intensity and standalone cardio formats continue to soften.
The report also highlights the link between facility usage and physical activity. Nearly half of members, 49.4%, meet or exceed federal activity guidelines, compared to 24.5% of non-users. Members are also seven times less likely to report no physical activity in a typical week.
Overall, membership penetration reached 26.1% of the US population aged six and older, placing the market among the highest globally.
The report is based on HFA’s national tracking study of approximately 18,000 Americans, conducted in partnership with Sports Marketing Surveys USA and the Physical Activity Council.
