The industry in record shape

This year’s State of the Industry Report shows that the UK fitness sector has hit a landmark figure of 12 million members

The number of gym memberships in the UK has surpassed 12 million for the first time – resulting in the estimated market value of the fitness sector exceeding £7bn. The figures come from the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2026, published by Evolve (formerly Leisure DB). Now in its 20th edition, the report reveals a sector that has moved well beyond post-pandemic recovery and established new benchmarks for participation, growth and consumer engagement.

The research shows there are now 7,463 gyms operating across the UK, serving 12.1 million members and generating a combined market value of £7.29 billion. Fitness penetration has reached 17.6% of the UK population, the highest level ever recorded.

The report highlights a sector that is becoming increasingly integrated into the wider health and wellbeing landscape, with operators expanding their offer to meet growing consumer demand for holistic wellbeing solutions.

Among the key trends identified are the continued growth of high-utilisation operating models, increasing focus on measurable health outcomes, greater integration with preventative healthcare initiatives, and rising consumer interest in services such as recovery spaces, reformer Pilates and padel.

David Minton, Founder of Evolve, said: “The 2026 report demonstrates a sector that is larger, stronger and more influential than at any point in its history. Participation continues to rise, but perhaps more significantly, the role fitness plays within health, wellbeing and preventative care continues to expand.”

“The organisations that will thrive over the next decade will be those that understand changing demographics, evolving consumer expectations and the increasing convergence between fitness, health and wellbeing. Insight has never been more important.”

Jamie Buck, Head of Research at Evolve, added: “What we are seeing now is no longer a recovery story. The sector has surpassed previous benchmarks and established entirely new levels of participation and market value.”

“The most successful operators are increasingly positioning themselves as part of broader health and wellbeing ecosystems. This evolution presents significant opportunities for operators, suppliers, investors and policymakers who understand where the market is heading.”

KEY FINDINGS ● UK gym membership has reached 12.1 million, the highest level on record ● Total market value has grown to £7.29 billion ● Fitness penetration has increased to 17.6% of the UK population ● Market value has grown by more than 50% over the past five years ● Membership has increased by more than 22% over the same period ● Operators continue to diversify beyond traditional fitness into wellness, recovery, health referral services and preventative health provision

COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS The State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2026 provides detailed analysis of market size, public and private sector performance and openings, membership and penetration trends and site closures. There is also demographic and regional analysis and insights on infrastructure and technology trends, as well as the strategic implications that the data has for operators, suppliers, investors and policymakers.

The report is based on Evolve’s annual market audit and ongoing intelligence programme covering more than 7,000 UK fitness facilities and drawing upon more than three decades of industry research and analysis. The full State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2026 is available at [www.weareevolve.io](http://www.weareevolve.io/)