FITNESS SECTOR SURGE

The first UK Health and Fitness Market Report shows that the sector is growing on all fronts, from private low-cost gyms to publicly-operated leisure centres

The UK’s physical activity sector is growing at a rapid speed, with market penetration rate hitting 16.9% and annual revenues increasing by 8.8% to more than £5.7bn. The figures come from the first UK Health and Fitness Market Report, published by ukactive in collaboration with 4GLOBAL and Sport England with analysis from Deloitte. The report brings together data from every part of the UK’s physical activity and fitness market, covering the public, private and independent sectors.

Data collection

The data powering the report is described as “unrivalled sector coverage”. Sport England’s Active Places Power platform forms the base of site-based analysis, alongside ukactive’s Private Sector Benchmarking project (private operator metrics). The report also takes in data collected from three leading Leisure Management Systems (independent operator metrics); and 4GLOBAL’s Moving Communities data (public operator metrics).

The result is a sample size of 75%, 77% and 74% across the private, independent, and public operator sectors respectively, providing a high level of market coverage from which data could be extrapolated. Operator data was supplemented by ukactive’sConsumer Engagement survey data, providing insights into consumer behaviours and trends.

Driven by access to unprecedented operator and consumer insights data, analysis suggests a resilient market with robust growth metrics and diversified offers which capitalise on emerging consumer trends.

Key fi ndings

The report shows that around 11.5 million people over the age of 16 are currently members of a health and fi tness club across the UK and records the latest number of clubs as 5,607 (based on health and fi tness clubs open to the public, with resistance and/or cardiovascular equipment). Membership revenue across the sector has also risen from £4.05bn in 2022 to £5.19bn in 2024, resulting in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%.

This has been thanks to membership numbers showing growth – from 9.9 million in 2022, to 11.5 million in 2024 – despite the backdrop of cost-of-living pressures. According to ukactive, this shows that consumers continue to value gym and fitness memberships as a priority for their discretionary spend. In 2024, the sector saw a 10% year-on-year increase in membership income. This growth is fuelled by a rise in members across all market segments, but distinct drivers are behind revenue growth across the different operator types.

UK physical activity sector revenue hit £5.7bn, up 8.8% year-on-year, with 11.5 million members nationwide

Private operators

For private operators, year-on-year membership income growth (11%) is in large part a result of the continued expansion of flexible (non-contract) low-cost operators, who are capitalising on growing demand from price sensitive consumers.

At the other end of the market, premium operators have sought to improve and expand their membership offerings, tapping into demand for a wider range of amenities that cater to a holistic approach to wellbeing, such as luxurious spa facilities, social spaces and convenient work-from-gym options.

Mid-market operators have also sought to improve their value proposition, looking to capitalise on a shift in the relative value consumers are placing on fitness.

Independent operators

Independent operators have managed to follow suit, also growing membership income by 11% year-on-year. Independent operators were found to generate the lowest revenue per member, largely driven by price reductions within the sector as they compete with low-cost gyms in their areas, signalling that a similar price-sensitive dynamic is at play across both commercial operator types

Public operators

For public operators, revenue growth of 8% has been achieved despite a slight decline in the number of clubs year-on-year. Unlike private operators, whose clubs operate at high levels of utilisation, the public sector has been able to grow members and membership income via improving efficiencies and better utilising the capacity of their existing sites. This is in part down to investment in the refurbishing of existing sites, but also a result of consolidation in the market, with larger national operators increasingly taking over small local authority (LA) or trust-run facilities.

According to the report, this positive trajectory reinforces the vital role these facilities play in

What does the analysis show?

Growing membership and revenue Membership grew by 6.1% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 11.5m members. Total income also increased by 8.8% reaching £5.7bn.

Increased penetration rate 16.9% of the UK population now have a membership, rivalling the highest performing European markets.

Expansion of Low-cost operators Low-cost operators have capitalised on growing demand from price sensitive consumers.

Mid-market progress

Mid- and premium-market operators have sought to improve their value proposition, looking to capitalise on a shift in the relative value consumers are placing on fi tness.

Public operators

Public sector operators are seeing continued market consolidation and are focused on improving effi ciencies and increasing utilisation rates.

Technology enabled

Technology is seamlessly integrated into the fi tness journey, offering personalised experiences and data- driven insights.

Investment landscape Signifi cant M&A activity in 2024 highlights investor confi dence in the sector’s long-term growth potential, with both UK and international players seeking expansion opportunities.

Ongoing cost pressures There remain underlying cost pressures due to infl ation, rising operating costs, and policy changes.

The rise of the experience economy Fitness facilities are transforming into vibrant social hubs, fostering community and offering diverse experiences.

Generational shift Younger generations are demonstrating higher levels of physical activity and gym membership, indicating a shift in societal priorities towards health and wellbeing and suggesting that for younger people, gym membership is essential.

Social Value contribution The industry continues to play a crucial role in delivering health and wellbeing outcomes promoting active lifestyles and contributing to preventative healthcare strategies.

POLICY

UK physical activity sector revenue hit £5.7bn, up 8.8% year-on-year, with 11.5 million members nationwide

Some of the other headline data in the report includes:

NUMBER OF UK GYM OR LEISURE FACILITY MEMBERS

11,486,680 –

up 6.1% from 2023 (10,821,402)

NUMBER OF CLUBS

5,607

up 0.9% from 2023 (5,555)

TOTAL FACILITY VISITS

616 million

up 8.2% from 2023 (569 million)

TOTAL PENETRATION RATE

16.9%

up 0.9% from 2023 (16.0%)

TOTAL INCOME

£5.686bn

up 8.8% from 2023 (£5.224bn)

promoting health and fitness at the local level, making them a key asset for local authorities committed to improving community health and well-being. At a quarterly level, gym and leisure facilities continue to post the highest membership numbers at the beginning of the year. In 2024, operators managed to maintain a large proportion (c.80%) of that growth through to year-end through both retention and new sign-ups offsetting any large membership losses.

“The report demonstrates the demand for health and fitness services, despite challenging economic conditions for the sector due to the energy crisis, rising cost of living and increasing operating costs,” ukactive said.

Levels of physical activity

When it comes to the insights from ukactive’s Consumer Survey, it shows that four fifths (81%) of survey participants engaged in some form of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week. Approximately one quarter (23%) of survey participants stated that they exercise for more than 150 minutes per week and 19% reported not doing any physical activity at all.

Survey respondents in London were found to be the most active, with 87% reporting doing some form of physical activity (at least up to 30 minutes) per week, whereas the physical activity rates across Scotland (77%) were the lowest across the UK.

Into the future

Through consultations with industry leaders, the report paints a picture of both the opportunities and challenges that are shaping the future of the industry. From shifting consumer behaviours and digital transformation, to evolving business models and public health priorities, the landscape is undergoing significant change.

One of these is a deeper integration with health systems. According to the report, the fitness industry can play an increasingly important role in healthcare pathways. Collaborations with healthcare providers, particularly in areas like weight management, rehabilitation and mental health programmes, will become more prevalent. This shift aligns with the growing strain on the NHS and the broader emphasis on preventative care strategies.

In its conclusion, ukactive says that the report is “testament to sector-wide collaboration” to drive forward and raise the sector’s reporting and understanding.

“The utilisation of consistent, regular, credible data sets that cover public, private and independent operators, combined with consumer polling and market performance data give our sector the foundation it requires, and deserves, to grow and succeed,” it says.

To download and read the full report, visit: [www.ukactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UK-Health-and-Fitness-Market-Report-2025.pdf](https://www.ukactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UK-Health-and-Fitness-Market-Report-2025.pdf)