GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Fitness Industry Statistics

The fitness industry lacks diversity, with minority groups being underrepresented both as consumers and professionals in the industry.

Highlights: Diversity In The Fitness Industry Statistics

  • One study found that 81.3% of health club members in America are white.
  • Less than 20% of personal training certificates are held by black or Hispanic trainers.
  • Less than 50% of fitness clubs worldwide have gender-balanced staff.
  • As of 2019, only 20% of health club members worldwide are over the age of 55.
  • Minority fitness operators feel less comfortable than majority operators in seeking financial support, with only 48% feeling confident, compared to 86% of majority operator.
  • In 2019, People of color represented only 27% of gym members.
  • 21% of trans and non-binary people state they avoid the gym due to fear of discrimination.
  • The wage gap in the fitness industry is higher than the national average, with women trainers earning only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
  • The UK sees 5% more female participation in fitness classes than males.
  • The US has the largest market for health and wellness businesses, but only as 14% of these are minority-owned.
  • 30% of minorities stated a lack of culturally appropriate offerings as a reason for not joining a gym.
  • The number of disabled people using gyms has doubled in the last decade, yet they still only make up 2.5% of all users.
  • About 81% of fitness professionals feel the industry is not doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion.
  • 40% of LGBTQ+ respondents report experiencing homophobic behavior in sports.

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The Latest Diversity In The Fitness Industry Statistics Explained

One study found that 81.3% of health club members in America are white.

The statistic that 81.3% of health club members in America are white indicates the demographic composition of the health club membership in the United States. This figure suggests that a large majority of individuals who belong to health clubs in America identify as white. It is important to note that this statistic does not represent the overall racial composition of the entire population in the United States, but rather specifically reflects the makeup of health club members. Understanding the racial demographics within health clubs can provide insights into potential disparities in access to and participation in wellness and fitness activities among different racial groups, as well as possibly reflecting broader societal trends related to health and fitness preferences.

Less than 20% of personal training certificates are held by black or Hispanic trainers.

This statistic indicates that a disproportionately small percentage of personal training certificates are held by individuals who identify as black or Hispanic. Specifically, fewer than one-fifth, or less than 20%, of all certified personal trainers belong to these racial or ethnic groups. This suggests a lack of diversity within the personal training industry, with potential implications for representation, access to opportunities, and the ability to cater to a more diverse clientele. Increasing the representation of black and Hispanic trainers within the field may help address inequities and better serve diverse communities in the realm of fitness and wellness.

Less than 50% of fitness clubs worldwide have gender-balanced staff.

This statistic indicates that a majority of fitness clubs globally do not have an equal distribution of male and female staff members. With less than half of the fitness clubs having a gender-balanced staff, there appears to be a noticeable disparity in the representation of genders within the industry. This may suggest potential issues related to gender equality and inclusivity within these establishments, highlighting the importance of promoting diversity and equal opportunities in the fitness sector. Efforts to address and improve gender balance in fitness club staffing may contribute to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for both employees and clients.

As of 2019, only 20% of health club members worldwide are over the age of 55.

The statistic stating that only 20% of health club members worldwide are over the age of 55 indicates a relatively low representation of older individuals in the health club demographic. This may suggest a potential discrepancy in terms of age distribution among health club members, with a majority of members falling under the age of 55. Possible factors contributing to this trend could include preferences for different types of fitness activities, barriers to access for older individuals, or targeted marketing strategies that may appeal more to younger age groups. Understanding and addressing the age distribution within health clubs can help inform strategies to better cater to the needs and interests of diverse age groups within the population.

Minority fitness operators feel less comfortable than majority operators in seeking financial support, with only 48% feeling confident, compared to 86% of majority operator.

The statistic provided indicates a significant disparity in the comfort level of minority fitness operators compared to majority operators when it comes to seeking financial support. Specifically, the data shows that only 48% of minority fitness operators feel confident in seeking financial support, while a much higher percentage of 86% among majority operators express the same level of confidence. This stark contrast suggests that there may be systemic barriers or inequalities that create a sense of unease or lack of security among minority fitness operators in accessing financial resources within the industry. The statistic underscores the importance of addressing these disparities and providing equitable opportunities for all operators to thrive in the fitness industry.

In 2019, People of color represented only 27% of gym members.

The statistic reveals that in 2019, people of color made up only 27% of the total gym membership. This suggests that there is a significant disparity in gym membership between people of color and those belonging to other racial or ethnic groups. This could indicate potential barriers such as cost, accessibility, cultural preferences, or perceptions of inclusivity within the fitness industry that may be preventing people of color from participating in gym memberships at the same rates as their counterparts. Understanding and addressing these disparities can be important for promoting equity and access to fitness and wellness opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

21% of trans and non-binary people state they avoid the gym due to fear of discrimination.

The statistic that 21% of trans and non-binary individuals avoid the gym due to fear of discrimination highlights a significant issue within the fitness and wellness industry. This statistic indicates that a sizable portion of the trans and non-binary community feel excluded or unwelcome in traditional gym settings, which can have negative consequences on their physical and mental well-being. Discrimination and lack of inclusivity in fitness spaces can deter individuals from engaging in physical activity, impacting their access to important health benefits. This statistic underscores the importance of creating more inclusive and welcoming environments within the fitness industry to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender identity, feel safe and supported in pursuing their health and wellness goals.

The wage gap in the fitness industry is higher than the national average, with women trainers earning only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.

The statistic that women trainers in the fitness industry earn only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men highlights a significant wage gap within this particular sector. This indicates unequal pay practices and disparities in earnings based on gender, with women being disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts. The fact that this wage gap is reported to be higher than the national average suggests a systemic issue within the fitness industry that may be perpetuating gender-based inequalities. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing and rectifying pay inequities to ensure fair compensation and equal opportunities for all individuals working in the fitness industry.

The UK sees 5% more female participation in fitness classes than males.

This statistic indicates that within fitness classes in the UK, there is a 5% higher proportion of female participants compared to male participants. In other words, for every 100 participants in fitness classes, there are 5 more females than males. This difference in participation rates suggests that fitness classes may be more popular among women compared to men in the UK, potentially reflecting underlying societal preferences, attitudes towards fitness, or marketing strategies targeting female audiences. Understanding these gender disparities can be important for fitness industry stakeholders to tailor their offerings and promotions effectively and cater to the differing needs and interests of male and female participants.

The US has the largest market for health and wellness businesses, but only as 14% of these are minority-owned.

This statistic highlights the predominant presence of the United States in the health and wellness industry, as it boasts the largest market for businesses in this sector. However, the data also sheds light on a significant disparity, revealing that only 14% of these health and wellness businesses are minority-owned. This suggests a lack of diversity and representation within the industry, which may have implications for access to healthcare services, employment opportunities, and overall economic empowerment for minority populations. Addressing this gap in ownership and promoting diversity within the health and wellness sector could lead to more inclusive, equitable outcomes for all individuals involved.

30% of minorities stated a lack of culturally appropriate offerings as a reason for not joining a gym.

The statistic “30% of minorities stated a lack of culturally appropriate offerings as a reason for not joining a gym” indicates that a significant portion of individuals from minority groups did not feel motivated to join a gym due to a perceived absence of fitness programs, equipment, or services that cater to their cultural backgrounds or preferences. This statistic highlights a potential barrier to gym membership and underscores the importance of fitness facilities offering inclusive and diverse options to attract a more diverse clientele. By addressing the needs and preferences of minority populations, gyms can create a more welcoming environment that encourages greater participation in physical activity and promotes overall health and well-being among all members of the community.

The number of disabled people using gyms has doubled in the last decade, yet they still only make up 2.5% of all users.

This statistic indicates that there has been a significant increase in the number of disabled individuals utilizing gym facilities over the past decade, with the number doubling during this time period. Despite this growth, disabled gym-goers still represent a relatively small proportion of the total gym user population, accounting for only 2.5%. This suggests that while there has been progress in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in fitness spaces, there may still be barriers or challenges that prevent a larger percentage of disabled individuals from actively engaging in gym activities. Continued efforts to enhance accessibility, provide tailored programming, and create a welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities could help increase participation and representation within the gym community.

About 81% of fitness professionals feel the industry is not doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion.

The statistic that about 81% of fitness professionals feel the industry is not doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion suggests a pervasive sentiment of dissatisfaction and concern within the fitness industry regarding issues of representation and equality. This high percentage indicates that a significant majority of professionals working in fitness believe that there is a lack of effort or progress in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. This statistic highlights the growing awareness and importance of diversity and inclusion in the fitness industry, indicating a need for changes and improvements to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, feel welcomed and supported in fitness spaces. Addressing these concerns can lead to a more inclusive and positive environment for both fitness professionals and clients alike.

40% of LGBTQ+ respondents report experiencing homophobic behavior in sports.

The statistic “40% of LGBTQ+ respondents report experiencing homophobic behavior in sports” indicates that a significant proportion of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community have encountered discriminatory or derogatory actions while participating in sports. This suggests that there is a prevalent issue of homophobia within sports environments, which can lead to feelings of isolation, exclusion, and harm for LGBTQ+ individuals. Addressing and combating such behavior is crucial to creating inclusive and safe spaces for all individuals to participate in sports without fear of discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

References

0. – https://www.www.blackenterprise.com

1. – https://www.www.wellandgood.com

2. – https://www.fitsmallbusiness.com

3. – https://www.www.sportengland.org

4. – https://www.www.ideafit.com

5. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

6. – https://www.www.lepfitness.co.uk

7. – https://www.www.outonthefields.com

8. – https://www.www.ihrsa.org

9. – https://www.www.thenationshealth.org

10. – https://www.www.missionfit.ca

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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