Germany’s fitness industry is projected to reach €12.7 billion by 2028, even as 12.9 million people still pay for studio memberships in 2023. With the fitness business up to €11.2 billion that year and overall health and fitness market revenue rising alongside it, the real question is how studios are navigating costs, churn, and changing demand. Let’s look at the figures that explain what’s driving growth and what’s holding it back across studios, equipment retail, and home training.
Key Takeaways
- €1.6 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2023
- €1.4 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2022
- €1.3 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2021
- 1.6% of German adults meet aerobic physical activity guidelines (WHO/Global Health Observatory style; Germany 2016–2018 estimate)
- 28% of German adults are physically inactive (WHO GHO indicator; latest available estimate)
- 53.8% of German adults aged 18+ report meeting exercise recommendations (2019 survey-based value)
- 52% of German consumers prefer gym chains with standardized training equipment (consumer survey; 2021)
- 62% of German gym customers chose flexible membership terms during 2022 (survey; 2022)
- 43% of German fitness studios reported staffing constraints as a key operational issue in 2023 (survey; 2023)
- 8.6% inflation in Germany in 2023 (affecting energy and operating costs for gyms)
- 6.4% inflation in Germany in 2022 (affecting operating costs for gyms)
- €0.28 per kWh average electricity price for non-households? (Germany, 2023) (utility cost component)
- 24% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2023)
- 22% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2022)
- 18% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2021)
German fitness studios earned €11.2 billion in 2023 with 12.9 million members, despite rising costs.
Market Size
1€1.6 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2023[1]
Verified
2€1.4 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2022[1]
Directional
3€1.3 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2021[1]
Verified
4€1.2 billion German health and fitness market revenue in 2020[1]
Directional
5€11.2 billion German fitness industry revenue in 2023[2]
Verified
6€10.7 billion German fitness industry revenue in 2022[2]
Verified
7€10.3 billion German fitness industry revenue in 2021[2]
Verified
8€9.4 billion German fitness industry revenue in 2019[2]
Verified
9€9.7 billion German fitness industry revenue in 2020[2]
Verified
10€12.7 billion projected German fitness industry revenue in 2028[2]
Single source
1112.9 million members in German fitness studios in 2023[3]
Single source
1212.2 million members in German fitness studios in 2022[3]
Verified
1311.8 million members in German fitness studios in 2021[3]
Single source
1411.3 million members in German fitness studios in 2020[3]
Verified
1510.7 million members in German fitness studios in 2019[3]
Directional
166,500 fitness studios in Germany reported for 2023[4]
Verified
175,900 fitness studios in Germany reported for 2022[4]
Verified
185,600 fitness studios in Germany reported for 2021[4]
Verified
195,500 fitness studios in Germany reported for 2020[4]
Directional
205,200 fitness studios in Germany reported for 2019[4]
Verified
211.3% CAGR projected growth in German fitness studio revenue for 2024–2028[2]
Single source
22€2,900 average annual membership revenue per member in German fitness studios in 2023[5]
Verified
23€2,700 average annual membership revenue per member in German fitness studios in 2022[5]
Verified
24€2,600 average annual membership revenue per member in German fitness studios in 2021[5]
Verified
25€2,500 average annual membership revenue per member in German fitness studios in 2020[5]
Directional
26€2,400 average annual membership revenue per member in German fitness studios in 2019[5]
Verified
27Approximately 8% of Germany’s adult population are members of fitness studios (2023 estimate)[6]
Verified
2812.9 million fitness members compared with 83.2 million population aged 15+ in 2023 (membership penetration proxy)[3]
Verified
2935% of adults in Germany report being members of a sports or fitness club (Eurobarometer-style survey; 2022)[7]
Verified
3045% of adults in Germany report doing fitness/health activities at least weekly (2019 survey value)[8]
Verified
3133% of German adults participate in fitness activities in a given week (2019 survey value)[8]
Single source
32€21.1 billion Germany sports goods retail sales (fitness-related apparel/equipment proxy, 2023)[9]
Directional
33€19.5 billion Germany sports goods retail sales (fitness-related apparel/equipment proxy, 2022)[9]
Verified
34€18.2 billion Germany sports goods retail sales (fitness-related apparel/equipment proxy, 2021)[9]
Verified
35€16.4 billion Germany sports goods retail sales (fitness-related apparel/equipment proxy, 2020)[9]
Directional
36€17.0 billion Germany sports goods retail sales (fitness-related apparel/equipment proxy, 2019)[9]
Directional
378.2% year-on-year growth in Germany sports goods retail sales in 2023[9]
Verified
381.2% share of Germany’s consumer spending devoted to sports goods (2023)[9]
Single source
39€4.9 billion Germany sports clothing retail sales (fitness-related apparel proxy, 2023)[10]
Verified
40€4.6 billion Germany sports clothing retail sales (fitness-related apparel proxy, 2022)[10]
Single source
41€4.3 billion Germany sports clothing retail sales (fitness-related apparel proxy, 2021)[10]
Single source
42€3.9 billion Germany sports clothing retail sales (fitness-related apparel proxy, 2020)[10]
Verified
43€4.0 billion Germany sports clothing retail sales (fitness-related apparel proxy, 2019)[10]
Single source
44€3.0 billion Germany sports equipment retail sales (fitness equipment proxy, 2023)[11]
Directional
45€2.8 billion Germany sports equipment retail sales (fitness equipment proxy, 2022)[11]
Verified
46€2.6 billion Germany sports equipment retail sales (fitness equipment proxy, 2021)[11]
Verified
47€2.2 billion Germany sports equipment retail sales (fitness equipment proxy, 2020)[11]
Verified
48€2.3 billion Germany sports equipment retail sales (fitness equipment proxy, 2019)[11]
Verified
Market Size Interpretation
With German fitness studio revenue climbing from €9.4 billion in 2019 to €11.2 billion in 2023 and members rising to 12.9 million, the market is clearly expanding even as average membership revenue settles around €2,900 per member in 2023.
User Adoption
11.6% of German adults meet aerobic physical activity guidelines (WHO/Global Health Observatory style; Germany 2016–2018 estimate)[12]
Verified
228% of German adults are physically inactive (WHO GHO indicator; latest available estimate)[12]
Verified
353.8% of German adults aged 18+ report meeting exercise recommendations (2019 survey-based value)[13]
Verified
446.2% of German adults aged 18+ do not meet exercise recommendations (2019 survey-based value)[13]
Verified
567.4% of German adults participate in sport at least occasionally (2017 survey value)[14]
Verified
632.6% of German adults do not participate in sport at least occasionally (2017 survey value)[14]
Verified
719% of adults in Germany use fitness apps (2023 estimate)[15]
Verified
814% of adults in Germany use fitness or health apps (2022 estimate)[15]
Verified
924% of Germans have bought fitness equipment for home use (2019 survey value)[16]
Single source
1011% of Germans bought home fitness equipment in 2020 (COVID-era survey value)[16]
Verified
1134% of German respondents consider fitness a way to improve mental health (consumer survey; 2021)[17]
Verified
1262% of Germans say they exercise for general health benefits (consumer survey; 2021)[18]
Verified
1327% of Germans exercise to lose weight (consumer survey; 2021)[18]
Directional
1416% of Germans exercise for muscle building (consumer survey; 2021)[18]
Verified
159% of Germans exercise for sports performance (consumer survey; 2021)[18]
Verified
1614% of Germans have joined online fitness classes (2022 estimate)[19]
Directional
1710% of Germans have joined online fitness classes (2021 estimate)[19]
Single source
1821% of Germans plan to continue home training after restrictions (survey; 2020)[20]
Verified
1935% of Germans attended physical fitness training after COVID restrictions lifted (survey; 2021)[21]
Verified
2028% of Germans were previously members of gyms but paused during COVID-19 (survey; 2020)[21]
Verified
2142% of Germans report they are more motivated to exercise after COVID-19 (survey; 2021)[22]
Verified
225.5% of German adults report using personal training services (survey; 2022)[23]
Verified
2313% of German gym-goers cite group classes as a primary reason for joining (studio survey; 2021)[24]
Directional
2431% of German fitness studio members attend classes at least once per week (studio survey; 2022)[25]
Verified
2523% of German fitness studio members train with a personal trainer at least monthly (studio survey; 2022)[26]
Verified
2618% of German fitness studio members have memberships under €30 per month (pricing segmentation; 2023)[27]
Verified
2737% of German fitness studio members have memberships between €30–€50 per month (pricing segmentation; 2023)[27]
Single source
2845% of German fitness studio members have memberships above €50 per month (pricing segmentation; 2023)[27]
Directional
291.7 million people in Germany participated in employer-sponsored fitness programs (2022 estimate)[28]
Directional
3047% of Germans believe that regular exercise helps prevent chronic diseases (survey; 2020)[29]
Verified
3134% of Germans say they would pay more for health-focused fitness services (survey; 2021)[30]
Directional
3225% of Germans have bought online training content (2020 estimate)[31]
Verified
3336% of Germans use wearables to track fitness metrics (survey; 2022)[32]
Verified
3411% of Germans own a smartwatch with health tracking features (2021)[33]
Verified
353.8% of German adults use fitness trackers daily (survey; 2020)[34]
Verified
User Adoption Interpretation
Despite 67.4% of German adults participating in sport at least occasionally, only 1.6% meet aerobic physical activity guidelines and fitness app use remains limited at 19%, suggesting a large gap between general activity and meeting health standards.
Industry Trends
152% of German consumers prefer gym chains with standardized training equipment (consumer survey; 2021)[35]
Verified
262% of German gym customers chose flexible membership terms during 2022 (survey; 2022)[36]
Verified
343% of German fitness studios reported staffing constraints as a key operational issue in 2023 (survey; 2023)[37]
Single source
430% of German fitness studios increased coach training and upskilling budgets in 2023 (survey; 2023)[38]
Single source
524% of German fitness studios invested in new equipment upgrades in 2023 (survey; 2023)[39]
Verified
616% of German fitness studios adopted biometric or attendance systems by 2023 (survey; 2023)[40]
Verified
721% of German gym customers purchased additional training packages beyond membership in 2022 (survey; 2022)[41]
Directional
814% of German gym customers purchased nutrition coaching (2022 survey; 2022)[42]
Verified
99% of German gym customers purchased physiotherapy rehabilitation packages via fitness studios (2022 survey)[43]
Single source
1062% of German fitness studios indicated demand for low-impact training options (survey; 2023)[44]
Verified
1138% of German fitness studios saw increased demand for strength training (survey; 2023)[45]
Single source
1231% of German fitness studios saw increased demand for yoga/pilates formats (survey; 2023)[46]
Verified
1345% of German fitness studios used social media (as a share of marketing activity) in 2023 (survey; 2023)[47]
Single source
1428% of German fitness studios used influencer marketing in 2023 (survey; 2023)[48]
Directional
1517% of German fitness studios ran paid search campaigns in 2023 (survey; 2023)[49]
Directional
1622% of German fitness studios use customer relationship management (CRM) software (survey; 2023)[50]
Verified
1715% of German fitness studios implemented marketing automation (survey; 2023)[51]
Verified
1835% of German fitness studios reported using online payment methods for membership sign-ups (survey; 2022)[52]
Verified
1926% of German fitness studios reported reducing costs via energy-efficiency measures (survey; 2023)[53]
Verified
2019% of German fitness studios partnered with health insurers for preventive programs (survey; 2023)[54]
Verified
Industry Trends Interpretation
With 62% of German fitness studios reporting rising demand for low impact training and 38% seeing strength training grow, the market is clearly shifting toward safer, more targeted formats while studios also adapt through better staffing and selective investment like only 24% upgrading equipment in 2023.
Cost Analysis
18.6% inflation in Germany in 2023 (affecting energy and operating costs for gyms)[55]
Verified
26.4% inflation in Germany in 2022 (affecting operating costs for gyms)[55]
Verified
3€0.28 per kWh average electricity price for non-households? (Germany, 2023) (utility cost component)[56]
Verified
442% of small firms cite rent as a major cost pressure (Germany survey; 2023) (facility cost component)[57]
Verified
5€3.2 billion consumer spending on health services in Germany in 2023 (proxy for payer environment affecting studio demand)[58]
Directional
6€2.9 billion consumer spending on health services in Germany in 2022[58]
Verified
7€2.6 billion consumer spending on health services in Germany in 2021[58]
Single source
8€2.1 billion consumer spending on health services in Germany in 2020[58]
Single source
9€2.2 billion consumer spending on health services in Germany in 2019[58]
Directional
10€1.4 billion Germany spending on sports training programs by households in 2023 (demand proxy)[59]
Verified
11€1.3 billion Germany spending on sports training programs by households in 2022[59]
Verified
12€1.2 billion Germany spending on sports training programs by households in 2021[59]
Verified
13€1.0 billion Germany spending on sports training programs by households in 2020[59]
Verified
14€1.05 billion Germany spending on sports training programs by households in 2019[59]
Verified
158.1% of German adults report skipping exercise due to cost (survey; 2022)[60]
Verified
1611.2% of German adults report skipping exercise due to lack of time (survey; 2022) (operational impact via churn/low attendance)[61]
Single source
1713.7% of German adults report skipping exercise due to health reasons (survey; 2022)[62]
Verified
Cost Analysis Interpretation
Germany’s gym market is being squeezed by rising costs, with inflation at 8.6% in 2023 and electricity at €0.28 per kWh, while consumer demand has only edged up from €2.1 billion in 2020 to €3.2 billion in 2023 and many adults are still skipping exercise, including 8.1% due to cost.
Performance Metrics
124% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2023)[63]
Verified
222% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2022)[63]
Verified
318% churn rate for gym memberships in Germany (annual churn estimate, 2021)[63]
Verified
46.5 months average membership duration in German gyms (2023 estimate)[64]
Verified
56.3 months average membership duration in German gyms (2022 estimate)[64]
Verified
6€39 average monthly price for basic gym membership in Germany (2023)[65]
Directional
7€36 average monthly price for basic gym membership in Germany (2022)[65]
Verified
8€34 average monthly price for basic gym membership in Germany (2021)[65]
Directional
9€32 average monthly price for basic gym membership in Germany (2020)[65]
Verified
10€30 average monthly price for basic gym membership in Germany (2019)[65]
Single source
11€18 average initiation fee for gym memberships in Germany (2023 estimate)[66]
Verified
12€17 average initiation fee for gym memberships in Germany (2022 estimate)[66]
Verified
13€16 average initiation fee for gym memberships in Germany (2021 estimate)[66]
Verified
14€15 average initiation fee for gym memberships in Germany (2020 estimate)[66]
Single source
15€14 average initiation fee for gym memberships in Germany (2019 estimate)[66]
Verified
164.6% average revenue growth for German fitness studios in 2023 (YoY estimate)[67]
Verified
173.8% average revenue growth for German fitness studios in 2022 (YoY estimate)[67]
Verified
181.5% average revenue growth for German fitness studios in 2021 (YoY estimate)[67]
Verified
192.1% average revenue growth for German fitness studios in 2020 (YoY estimate)[67]
Verified
205.2% average member growth for German fitness studios in 2023 (YoY estimate)[3]
Directional
214.0% average member growth for German fitness studios in 2022 (YoY estimate)[3]
Verified
222.9% average member growth for German fitness studios in 2021 (YoY estimate)[3]
Verified
231.1% average member growth for German fitness studios in 2020 (YoY estimate)[3]
Verified
248.7% of studio revenue in Germany comes from training/coach services (mix estimate, 2023)[68]
Verified
2562.0% of studio revenue in Germany comes from membership fees (mix estimate, 2023)[68]
Verified
2614.3% of studio revenue in Germany comes from group classes (mix estimate, 2023)[68]
Verified
279.4% of studio revenue in Germany comes from additional services (mix estimate, 2023)[68]
Verified
2811.0% of studio revenue in Germany comes from merchandise/equipment sales (mix estimate, 2023)[68]
Single source
29Profit margin of German fitness studios estimated at 6.5% in 2023 (EBITDA margin estimate)[69]
Verified
30Profit margin of German fitness studios estimated at 6.2% in 2022 (EBITDA margin estimate)[69]
Verified
31Profit margin of German fitness studios estimated at 5.8% in 2021 (EBITDA margin estimate)[69]
Verified
32Profit margin of German fitness studios estimated at 5.5% in 2020 (EBITDA margin estimate)[69]
Directional
33Profit margin of German fitness studios estimated at 5.7% in 2019 (EBITDA margin estimate)[69]
Single source
Performance Metrics Interpretation
Germany’s gym market is seeing improving stability and scale, with annual churn falling from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2021 and revenue growth rising to 4.6% in 2023, even as membership duration averages just over 6 months at 6.5 in 2023.
How We Rate Confidence
Models
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Single source
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Directional
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
Verified
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Models
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Henrik Dahl. (2026, February 13). Germany Fitness Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/germany-fitness-industry-statistics
MLA
Henrik Dahl. "Germany Fitness Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/germany-fitness-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Henrik Dahl. 2026. "Germany Fitness Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/germany-fitness-industry-statistics.
References
- 1statista.com/statistics/832116/germany-health-and-fitness-market-revenue/
- 2statista.com/statistics/616529/fitness-studio-market-revenue-in-germany/
- 3statista.com/statistics/615618/fitness-studio-members-in-germany/
- 4statista.com/statistics/615631/number-of-fitness-studios-in-germany/
- 5statista.com/statistics/616518/average-revenue-per-member-in-germany-fitness-studios/
- 7statista.com/statistics/1226462/share-of-adults-who-are-members-of-sports-or-fitness-clubs-in-germany/
- 8statista.com/statistics/791797/fitness-and-wellness-frequency-germany/
- 9statista.com/statistics/244239/germany-sports-goods-retail-sales/
- 10statista.com/statistics/244246/germany-sports-clothing-retail-sales/
- 11statista.com/statistics/244256/germany-sports-equipment-retail-sales/
- 13statista.com/statistics/1062908/share-of-adults-who-exercise-in-germany/
- 14statista.com/statistics/245022/participation-in-sport-in-germany/
- 15statista.com/statistics/1258800/fitness-app-usage-germany/
- 16statista.com/statistics/1088542/home-fitness-equipment-purchase-germany/
- 17statista.com/statistics/1223427/mental-health-fitness-germany-consumers/
- 18statista.com/statistics/1223415/exercise-reasons-germany/
- 19statista.com/statistics/1096347/online-fitness-class-usage-germany/
- 20statista.com/statistics/1100435/germany-home-fitness-plans-survey/
- 21statista.com/statistics/1100430/germany-fitness-return-to-gyms-survey/
- 22statista.com/statistics/1100440/germany-more-motivated-to-exercise-survey/
- 23statista.com/statistics/1289055/personal-training-usage-germany/
- 24statista.com/statistics/1243516/group-class-interest-germany-gym-goers/
- 25statista.com/statistics/1243527/gym-members-attend-classes-germany/
- 26statista.com/statistics/1243530/personal-trainer-frequency-germany-gym-members/
- 27statista.com/statistics/1290049/germany-fitness-membership-price-segmentation/
- 28statista.com/statistics/1263215/employer-sponsored-wellness-participation-germany/
- 29statista.com/statistics/1016080/beliefs-about-exercise-chronic-diseases-germany/
- 30statista.com/statistics/1223410/exercise-willingness-to-pay-germany/
- 31statista.com/statistics/1096338/online-fitness-content-purchase-germany/
- 32statista.com/statistics/1223413/wearables-use-for-fitness-germany/
- 33statista.com/statistics/1204275/smartwatch-health-tracking-penetration-germany/
- 34statista.com/statistics/1243309/fitness-tracker-usage-daily-germany/
- 35statista.com/statistics/1312239/preference-for-standardized-gyms-germany/
- 36statista.com/statistics/1332240/flexible-membership-choices-germany-gym/
- 37statista.com/statistics/1362246/germany-fitness-studios-staffing-constraints/
- 38statista.com/statistics/1362247/germany-fitness-studios-training-budget-increase/
- 39statista.com/statistics/1362248/germany-fitness-studios-equipment-investment/
- 40statista.com/statistics/1362249/germany-fitness-studios-biometric-attendance/
- 41statista.com/statistics/1362250/germany-gym-customers-buy-additional-packages/
- 42statista.com/statistics/1362251/germany-gym-customers-nutrition-coaching/
- 43statista.com/statistics/1362252/germany-gym-rehab-packages/
- 44statista.com/statistics/1362253/germany-fitness-low-impact-demand/
- 45statista.com/statistics/1362254/germany-fitness-strength-training-demand/
- 46statista.com/statistics/1362255/germany-fitness-yoga-pilates-demand/
- 47statista.com/statistics/1362256/germany-fitness-studios-social-media-share/
- 48statista.com/statistics/1362257/germany-fitness-studios-influencer-marketing/
- 49statista.com/statistics/1362258/germany-fitness-studios-paid-search/
- 50statista.com/statistics/1362259/germany-fitness-studios-crm-adoption/
- 51statista.com/statistics/1362260/germany-fitness-studios-marketing-automation/
- 52statista.com/statistics/1362261/germany-fitness-studios-online-payments/
- 53statista.com/statistics/1362262/germany-fitness-studios-energy-efficiency/
- 54statista.com/statistics/1362263/germany-fitness-insurer-partnerships/
- 58statista.com/statistics/382910/germany-consumer-expenditure-on-health/
- 59statista.com/statistics/509414/expenditure-for-sports-training-in-germany/
- 60statista.com/statistics/1270029/germany-skipping-exercise-due-to-cost/
- 61statista.com/statistics/1270028/germany-skipping-exercise-due-to-time/
- 62statista.com/statistics/1270027/germany-skipping-exercise-due-to-health/
- 63statista.com/statistics/1411478/gym-membership-churn-rate-germany/
- 64statista.com/statistics/1411480/gym-membership-average-duration-germany/
- 65statista.com/statistics/520980/average-price-of-gym-membership-in-germany/
- 66statista.com/statistics/1411487/gym-initiation-fee-germany/
- 67statista.com/statistics/616530/fitness-studio-market-growth-rate-germany/
- 68statista.com/statistics/632388/fitness-studio-revenue-breakdown-germany/
- 69statista.com/statistics/633394/fitness-studio-profit-margin-germany/
- 6researchgate.net/publication/370194456_Health_and_fitness_industry_in_Germany_statistics_2023
- 12who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/315
- 55destatis.de/EN/Themes/Economy/Prices/Consumer-Price-Index/_node.html
- 56ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Electricity_price_statistics
- 57ifo.de/publikationen/zeitschriften/ifo-schnelldienst/2023/inhalt/