GYM TRAFFIC CLIMBS IN EARLY 2025, HFA DATA SHOWS
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
After a year of solid recovery in 2024, the US commercial fitness industry continued to build momentum in the first half of 2025. New data from the Health and Fitness Association shows that Americans are not just returning to gyms and studios. They are showing up more often. Average visits per location rose 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year, with high-volume low-price and mid-priced gyms leading the way.
The report also found that visit frequency increased by 1.4 percent year over year, pointing to a growing trend of consistent engagement in structured fitness environments.
“The increase in both overall visits and visit frequency once again highlights the critical role that fitness facilities play in helping people stay active and engaged in their health,” said Liz Clark, president and chief executive officer of the Health and Fitness Association. “As more consumers make structured exercise a consistent part of their lifestyle, this data gives our industry valuable insight into how, where, and how often people are showing up.”
The findings come from the Fitness Industry Traffic Tracker, a new data resource launched by the Health and Fitness Association in collaboration with Sports Marketing Surveys USA and powered by Placer.ai. The tool analyzes anonymized foot traffic data from thousands of gyms, studios, and fitness clubs across the country.
Segmented by business model and region, the Tracker includes breakdowns for high-volume low-price, mid-priced, luxury, and boutique facilities. It also provides insights into regional patterns and selected demographics.
“Many of our members and partners have asked for more real-time, data-driven insights for fitness facilities across the country,” said Clark. “As a global community of fitness industry leaders, we are excited to launch the FIT Tracker as a reliable and accessible resource that helps guide business decisions, investment strategies, and advocacy priorities.”
The inaugural report covers the first six months of 2025 and is intended to establish a baseline for future updates. Upcoming editions are expected to provide further visibility into seasonal usage shifts, evolving consumer habits, and broader trends shaping the commercial fitness sector.
