IHRSA Releases 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report

    The data from 2022 suggests a positive outlook for health clubs and studios as memberships, average dues, and average attendance all increased compared to 2021.

    BOSTON, MA—December 20, 2023—The number of Americans who were members of a fitness facility in 2022 increased by 3.7% to 68.9 million consumers ages six and older, a record number for the industry, and overall facility users (members plus non-member users) climbed 8.1% to 82.7 million people, according to the 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, released today by IHRSA, the Health & Fitness Association, a global community of health and fitness industry leaders.

    The member number is higher than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic when the U.S. industry had 64.2 million members.

    The 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report shares data about active U.S. consumers ages six and older, focusing mostly on their use of fitness facilities. During the past few years, consumers have engaged in new health and wellness behaviors. Insights from the report can help fitness business operators better understand those behaviors and adapt operations.

    “A growing number of Americans are joining gyms because they know that science confirms exercise's key role in improving physical and mental health. The data in this report helps operators identify key trends in consumer behavior so they can remain in tune with consumers and better evaluate opportunities that exist today to better serve their communities and be successful.”

    Liz Clark, President & CEO

    IHRSA - Boston, MA

    Report highlights include:

    • studio membership growth of 37%,

    • more members than ever belong to more than one facility type,

    • a drop in the age of the average member from 39 to 37 years old,

    • an increase in average membership dues from $58 per month to $59,

    • growth in average attendance from 72 days to 75 days,

    • higher visit rates among older members than younger adults,

    • Hispanic membership growth highest of any ethnicity,

    • Hispanic member dues highest of any ethnicity,

    • treadmills, free weights (dumbbells/hand weights), and resistance machines remained the three most popular types of fitness equipment in 2022, and

    • the top three fitness activities were yoga, swimming, and high-intensity interval training.

    The report is divided into chapters focused on membership trends, member usage and activity, and member demographics.

    Data for the report, which focuses on people who used a fitness facility within the past 12 months, came from a rolling online survey of 18,000 people ages six and older conducted throughout 2022 by Sports Marketing Surveys USA.

    Global strategy consulting firm L.E.K. Consulting analyzed the data and wrote the report.

    The 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report is now available to purchase for $199.95. IHRSA members receive a discount.

    Contact IHRSA public relations with media inquiries.

    About IHRSA

    IHRSA—the Health & Fitness Association, a global community of industry leaders—is a not-for-profit trade association representing the global fitness industry of over 200,000 health and fitness facilities and their suppliers. Founded in 1981, IHRSA maintains a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical for peak health and to fight the battle against obesity and chronic lifestyle diseases.

    As the world's leading authority on the commercial health and fitness club industry, IHRSA’s mission is to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry, while providing its members with benefits and resources. IHRSA is the publisher of Club Business International, the leading monthly magazine for the global fitness industry. IHRSA's Convention & Trade Show will be hosted March 6-8, 2024, in Los Angeles.

    Visit IHRSA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

    Author avatar

    Pamela Kufahl

    Pamela Kufahl is HFA's senior director of communication. She is responsible for driving social media content, producing member and industry-facing resources, such as the Global Report and U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, and creating tools to help promote the industry domestically and to international media, NGOs, and policy organizations. When Pamela isn't in the office, she enjoys exercising, visiting museums, going to the theater and movies, and fostering puppies.