GITNUXREPORT 2026

Lifting Industry Statistics

The global lifting industry shows strong economic growth driven by widespread participation.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

70% of U.S. gym members prefer free weights over machines in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

45% of Europeans train strength 2-3 times weekly in 2022.

Statistic 3

Online fitness class participation surged 300% post-COVID, 40% stick to hybrid in 2023.

Statistic 4

52% of gym goers use apps for tracking lifts in 2023.

Statistic 5

Home workouts preferred by 35% of U.S. adults over gym in 2023.

Statistic 6

28% of members drop gym after 6 months due to lack of motivation in 2022.

Statistic 7

Cross-training (weights + cardio) done by 60% of regular lifters.

Statistic 8

75% of powerlifters follow structured programs in competitions.

Statistic 9

Women lifters focus 40% more on lower body exercises per 2023 study.

Statistic 10

65% of gym users listen to music/podcasts during lifts.

Statistic 11

Peak gym hours 5-7 PM, 80% capacity on weekdays.

Statistic 12

55% prefer morning workouts for strength gains.

Statistic 13

Group classes attract 30% more retention than solo lifting.

Statistic 14

48% of app users log progressive overload weekly.

Statistic 15

Vegan lifters 15% higher protein supplement use.

Statistic 16

70% recover with foam rolling post-lift.

Statistic 17

HIIT combined with weights preferred by 42% young adults.

Statistic 18

25% experiment with Olympic lifts annually.

Statistic 19

Night owls lift 20% heavier late evening per study.

Statistic 20

60% track macros for muscle gain goals.

Statistic 21

Social media motivates 35% to hit PRs.

Statistic 22

50% rotate routines every 8-12 weeks.

Statistic 23

25.5% of U.S. men aged 18-44 participated in weightlifting in 2021.

Statistic 24

Women aged 18-34 represent 28% of gym memberships in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 25

Millennials (25-40) make up 45% of fitness center members globally in 2022.

Statistic 26

35% of U.S. gym goers are aged 18-24, per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 27

Gen Z (under 25) accounts for 22% of new fitness app downloads in 2023.

Statistic 28

42% of U.S. fitness participants are female as of 2022.

Statistic 29

Urban dwellers represent 65% of gym memberships in Europe 2023.

Statistic 30

Income bracket $75k+ holds 55% of premium gym memberships in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 31

18% of U.S. adults over 65 engage in strength training weekly in 2022.

Statistic 32

Hispanic Americans participation in weightlifting at 19.2% in 2021.

Statistic 33

African American women strength training rate 22% in U.S. 2022.

Statistic 34

30% of Australian gym members are aged 35-44 in 2023.

Statistic 35

In India, 60% of fitness center users are male under 30 in 2023.

Statistic 36

UK female gym membership rose to 52% of total in 2023.

Statistic 37

Brazilian fitness participants 70% urban middle class in 2022.

Statistic 38

Chinese fitness app users 55% aged 18-35 in 2023.

Statistic 39

28% of Canadian gym goers have college education in 2022.

Statistic 40

South African strength training participants 15% female in 2023.

Statistic 41

Mexican gym members average age 28 years in 2022.

Statistic 42

40% of global CrossFit participants are women aged 25-34 in 2023.

Statistic 43

U.S. male gym members over 50 at 12% in 2023.

Statistic 44

Japanese fitness center users 45% in 20-39 age group 2022.

Statistic 45

French gym goers 38% with higher education in 2023.

Statistic 46

German strength trainers 25% aged 45+ in 2022.

Statistic 47

Italian fitness participants urban 75% in 2023.

Statistic 48

Spanish gym membership demographics show 30% Gen Z in 2023.

Statistic 49

55% of U.S. home gym owners are parents aged 30-49 in 2023.

Statistic 50

62% of global fitness influencers followers are 18-34 years old in 2023.

Statistic 51

Average U.S. gym member visits 106 times per year in 2022.

Statistic 52

U.S. fitness industry employs 3.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 53

Gyms contribute $102 billion to U.S. GDP annually.

Statistic 54

Personal trainers number 400,000 in U.S., average salary $65k.

Statistic 55

Global fitness equipment manufacturing $15B revenue 2023.

Statistic 56

Health clubs paid $28B in wages U.S. 2022.

Statistic 57

Equipment retail sales $5.6B U.S. 2023.

Statistic 58

Supplements tied to lifting $20B market globally.

Statistic 59

Gym construction investments $2B yearly worldwide.

Statistic 60

Apparel for lifters $10B segment 2023.

Statistic 61

Insurance premiums for gyms average $15k/year per club.

Statistic 62

Tax revenue from fitness industry $12B U.S.

Statistic 63

Exports of U.S. gym equipment $1.1B in 2022.

Statistic 64

Small gym owners 70% of market, revenue $500k avg.

Statistic 65

Corporate wellness programs $8B spend on fitness.

Statistic 66

Online coaching platforms $2.5B revenue 2023.

Statistic 67

Franchise gyms like Anytime Fitness 5,000 units, $1B systemwide.

Statistic 68

Maintenance costs for equipment 10% of gym revenue.

Statistic 69

Marketing spend 5-7% of gym budgets annually.

Statistic 70

Utility costs average $2 per sq ft for gyms.

Statistic 71

ROI on strength equipment 18-24 months.

Statistic 72

Job growth in fitness trainers 15% projected 2022-2032.

Statistic 73

Barbell sales increased 25% in home setups post-2020.

Statistic 74

Adjustable dumbbells market grew 40% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 75

Smart barbells with sensors launched, 15% adoption in pro gyms 2023.

Statistic 76

Powerlifting platforms demand up 30% in 2022.

Statistic 77

Wearable tech for form correction used by 20% lifters.

Statistic 78

Olympic weight plates rubber-coated sales $200M globally 2023.

Statistic 79

Cable crossover machines installed in 60% new gyms.

Statistic 80

Kettlebells competition-grade sales doubled since 2019.

Statistic 81

Bench press racks with safety pins standard in 85% facilities.

Statistic 82

VR strength training systems piloted in 5% elite centers 2023.

Statistic 83

Resistance machines selectorized up 12% in commercial sales.

Statistic 84

Home squat racks shipments 1.2M units in 2022 U.S.

Statistic 85

Bluetooth plates for tracking loads emerging, 10% market share.

Statistic 86

Functional trainers multifunctional sales $500M 2023.

Statistic 87

Deadlift platforms eco-friendly bamboo up 18%.

Statistic 88

AI coaches on apps integrated with 30% smart racks.

Statistic 89

Bumper plates drop-test certified 95% of competitive use.

Statistic 90

Pull-up bars multi-grip sales rose 22%.

Statistic 91

Landmine attachments added to 40% barbells.

Statistic 92

Hex barbells for traps 25% preference in strongman.

Statistic 93

Chalk blocks vs liquid 60-40 split in pros.

Statistic 94

Lifting belts IPF approved sales $100M annually.

Statistic 95

Wrist wraps neoprene popular 70% usage.

Statistic 96

Knee sleeves 5mm thickness standard 80% lifters.

Statistic 97

Strength training reduces all-cause mortality by 17% per meta-analysis.

Statistic 98

Lifting 2+ times/week lowers heart disease risk 40-70%.

Statistic 99

Muscle mass gain from resistance training improves insulin sensitivity 25%.

Statistic 100

Older adults lifting prevents sarcopenia, maintains bone density +2% yearly.

Statistic 101

Weight training cuts depression symptoms 30% in clinical trials.

Statistic 102

Proper form reduces back injury risk 50% in lifters.

Statistic 103

Shoulder injuries account for 28.5% of gym mishaps.

Statistic 104

Lower back strains 36% from deadlifts improper technique.

Statistic 105

Knee injuries in squats <1% with depth control.

Statistic 106

Warm-up routines cut injury rates 33% per review.

Statistic 107

Progressive overload safe increases strength 20-30% without harm.

Statistic 108

Women lifters lower osteoporosis risk 20% post-menopause.

Statistic 109

HIIT+lifting boosts VO2 max 15% faster than cardio alone.

Statistic 110

Sleep 7+ hours reduces overtraining syndrome 40%.

Statistic 111

Hydration prevents cramps 25% in long sessions.

Statistic 112

Deload weeks every 4-6 lower overuse injuries 50%.

Statistic 113

Spotter use halves bench press accidents.

Statistic 114

Core strengthening drops lumbar pain 35%.

Statistic 115

Mobility work pre-lift improves ROM 15% safely.

Statistic 116

NSAID use post-lift delays recovery 20%.

Statistic 117

Female ACL tears 2x male but lifting mitigates 30%.

Statistic 118

Blood pressure drops 5-8 mmHg systolic from RT.

Statistic 119

Cancer survivors gain 10% QoL from weights.

Statistic 120

Youth lifting with supervision zero growth plate fractures.

Statistic 121

Ergonomic grips reduce forearm strain 40%.

Statistic 122

The global fitness equipment market size was valued at USD 14.27 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 123

In 2023, the U.S. gym, health, and fitness clubs industry generated $38.4 billion in revenue.

Statistic 124

The worldwide weight training equipment market reached $2.8 billion in 2022, projected to hit $4.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%.

Statistic 125

North American strength training equipment market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2021, expected to grow to $2.1 billion by 2028.

Statistic 126

Global home fitness equipment market size stood at $11.8 billion in 2022, forecasted to reach $20.3 billion by 2030.

Statistic 127

The U.S. fitness club membership reached 64.2 million in 2019, dropping to 58.7 million in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Statistic 128

European fitness market revenue was €28.4 billion in 2019, recovering to €25.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 129

Asia-Pacific fitness equipment market valued at $4.5 billion in 2023, with CAGR of 7.8% through 2030.

Statistic 130

U.S. commercial gym equipment market size was $1.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 131

Global smart fitness equipment market expected to grow from $2.9 billion in 2023 to $12.6 billion by 2030 at 23.5% CAGR.

Statistic 132

Strength training participation among U.S. adults aged 18+ was 21.9% in 2021.

Statistic 133

Global gym equipment market projected to reach $12.5 billion by 2027 from $9.8 billion in 2020.

Statistic 134

U.S. fitness app market revenue hit $1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 135

Latin America fitness market grew to $3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 136

Indian fitness industry valued at $1.6 billion in 2023, expected 15% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 137

Australian health and fitness industry revenue reached AUD 2.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 138

China fitness equipment market size was CNY 45 billion in 2022.

Statistic 139

UK fitness sector membership at 10.3 million in 2023, generating £3.5 billion revenue.

Statistic 140

Middle East fitness market projected to $2.1 billion by 2025 from $1.4 billion in 2020.

Statistic 141

Canadian fitness industry revenue $4.2 billion CAD in 2022.

Statistic 142

South Korea gym market valued at $1.9 billion in 2023.

Statistic 143

Brazil fitness sector had 30,000 clubs serving 5.5 million members in 2022.

Statistic 144

Global barbell market size $450 million in 2022, growing at 5.1% CAGR.

Statistic 145

Dumbbell market worldwide reached $1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 146

Resistance band market valued at $1.5 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 147

Power rack market size $350 million in 2023, projected $580 million by 2030.

Statistic 148

Weight bench market global value $800 million in 2022.

Statistic 149

Kettlebell market reached $250 million worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 150

Plate-loaded machine market $1.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 151

Cable machine fitness equipment market $900 million in 2023.

1/151

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From skyrocketing global gym revenues and a barbell market set to crush $4.5 billion to the over 70% of lifters who prefer free weights, the numbers reveal a powerful truth: the world is lifting more than ever, and this is your definitive guide to the massive industry behind every rep.

Key Takeaways

The global fitness equipment market size was valued at USD 14.27 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030.
In 2023, the U.S. gym, health, and fitness clubs industry generated $38.4 billion in revenue.
The worldwide weight training equipment market reached $2.8 billion in 2022, projected to hit $4.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%.
25.5% of U.S. men aged 18-44 participated in weightlifting in 2021.
Women aged 18-34 represent 28% of gym memberships in the U.S. in 2023.
Millennials (25-40) make up 45% of fitness center members globally in 2022.
70% of U.S. gym members prefer free weights over machines in 2023 surveys.
45% of Europeans train strength 2-3 times weekly in 2022.
Online fitness class participation surged 300% post-COVID, 40% stick to hybrid in 2023.
Barbell sales increased 25% in home setups post-2020.
Adjustable dumbbells market grew 40% YoY in 2023.
Smart barbells with sensors launched, 15% adoption in pro gyms 2023.
Strength training reduces all-cause mortality by 17% per meta-analysis.
Lifting 2+ times/week lowers heart disease risk 40-70%.
Muscle mass gain from resistance training improves insulin sensitivity 25%.

The global lifting industry shows strong economic growth driven by widespread participation.

Consumer Behavior

70% of U.S. gym members prefer free weights over machines in 2023 surveys.
45% of Europeans train strength 2-3 times weekly in 2022.
Online fitness class participation surged 300% post-COVID, 40% stick to hybrid in 2023.
52% of gym goers use apps for tracking lifts in 2023.
Home workouts preferred by 35% of U.S. adults over gym in 2023.
28% of members drop gym after 6 months due to lack of motivation in 2022.
Cross-training (weights + cardio) done by 60% of regular lifters.
75% of powerlifters follow structured programs in competitions.
Women lifters focus 40% more on lower body exercises per 2023 study.
65% of gym users listen to music/podcasts during lifts.
Peak gym hours 5-7 PM, 80% capacity on weekdays.
55% prefer morning workouts for strength gains.
Group classes attract 30% more retention than solo lifting.
48% of app users log progressive overload weekly.
Vegan lifters 15% higher protein supplement use.
70% recover with foam rolling post-lift.
HIIT combined with weights preferred by 42% young adults.
25% experiment with Olympic lifts annually.
Night owls lift 20% heavier late evening per study.
60% track macros for muscle gain goals.
Social media motivates 35% to hit PRs.
50% rotate routines every 8-12 weeks.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

Gym culture is now a complex beast where stubbornly independent lifters clutching their dumbbells and apps, who are equally likely to be found in a basement at midnight or a packed 5 PM class, must constantly fight the siren song of the couch while debating protein sources and the optimal time to squat, all just to outsmart a 28% chance they'll quit by July.

Consumer Demographics

25.5% of U.S. men aged 18-44 participated in weightlifting in 2021.
Women aged 18-34 represent 28% of gym memberships in the U.S. in 2023.
Millennials (25-40) make up 45% of fitness center members globally in 2022.
35% of U.S. gym goers are aged 18-24, per 2023 surveys.
Gen Z (under 25) accounts for 22% of new fitness app downloads in 2023.
42% of U.S. fitness participants are female as of 2022.
Urban dwellers represent 65% of gym memberships in Europe 2023.
Income bracket $75k+ holds 55% of premium gym memberships in U.S. 2023.
18% of U.S. adults over 65 engage in strength training weekly in 2022.
Hispanic Americans participation in weightlifting at 19.2% in 2021.
African American women strength training rate 22% in U.S. 2022.
30% of Australian gym members are aged 35-44 in 2023.
In India, 60% of fitness center users are male under 30 in 2023.
UK female gym membership rose to 52% of total in 2023.
Brazilian fitness participants 70% urban middle class in 2022.
Chinese fitness app users 55% aged 18-35 in 2023.
28% of Canadian gym goers have college education in 2022.
South African strength training participants 15% female in 2023.
Mexican gym members average age 28 years in 2022.
40% of global CrossFit participants are women aged 25-34 in 2023.
U.S. male gym members over 50 at 12% in 2023.
Japanese fitness center users 45% in 20-39 age group 2022.
French gym goers 38% with higher education in 2023.
German strength trainers 25% aged 45+ in 2022.
Italian fitness participants urban 75% in 2023.
Spanish gym membership demographics show 30% Gen Z in 2023.
55% of U.S. home gym owners are parents aged 30-49 in 2023.
62% of global fitness influencers followers are 18-34 years old in 2023.
Average U.S. gym member visits 106 times per year in 2022.

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

While the lifting industry is globally dominated by the young, urban, and increasingly female, its foundation is revealed as one of stark demographic stratification, where access and participation are clearly mapped by age, geography, gender, and income.

Economic Impact

U.S. fitness industry employs 3.2 million in 2023.
Gyms contribute $102 billion to U.S. GDP annually.
Personal trainers number 400,000 in U.S., average salary $65k.
Global fitness equipment manufacturing $15B revenue 2023.
Health clubs paid $28B in wages U.S. 2022.
Equipment retail sales $5.6B U.S. 2023.
Supplements tied to lifting $20B market globally.
Gym construction investments $2B yearly worldwide.
Apparel for lifters $10B segment 2023.
Insurance premiums for gyms average $15k/year per club.
Tax revenue from fitness industry $12B U.S.
Exports of U.S. gym equipment $1.1B in 2022.
Small gym owners 70% of market, revenue $500k avg.
Corporate wellness programs $8B spend on fitness.
Online coaching platforms $2.5B revenue 2023.
Franchise gyms like Anytime Fitness 5,000 units, $1B systemwide.
Maintenance costs for equipment 10% of gym revenue.
Marketing spend 5-7% of gym budgets annually.
Utility costs average $2 per sq ft for gyms.
ROI on strength equipment 18-24 months.
Job growth in fitness trainers 15% projected 2022-2032.

Economic Impact Interpretation

The American fitness industry, in flexing its $102 billion economic muscle, quietly serves as a formidable employment and entrepreneurial engine, proving that building bodies and building bank accounts are not mutually exclusive pursuits.

Equipment and Technology

Barbell sales increased 25% in home setups post-2020.
Adjustable dumbbells market grew 40% YoY in 2023.
Smart barbells with sensors launched, 15% adoption in pro gyms 2023.
Powerlifting platforms demand up 30% in 2022.
Wearable tech for form correction used by 20% lifters.
Olympic weight plates rubber-coated sales $200M globally 2023.
Cable crossover machines installed in 60% new gyms.
Kettlebells competition-grade sales doubled since 2019.
Bench press racks with safety pins standard in 85% facilities.
VR strength training systems piloted in 5% elite centers 2023.
Resistance machines selectorized up 12% in commercial sales.
Home squat racks shipments 1.2M units in 2022 U.S.
Bluetooth plates for tracking loads emerging, 10% market share.
Functional trainers multifunctional sales $500M 2023.
Deadlift platforms eco-friendly bamboo up 18%.
AI coaches on apps integrated with 30% smart racks.
Bumper plates drop-test certified 95% of competitive use.
Pull-up bars multi-grip sales rose 22%.
Landmine attachments added to 40% barbells.
Hex barbells for traps 25% preference in strongman.
Chalk blocks vs liquid 60-40 split in pros.
Lifting belts IPF approved sales $100M annually.
Wrist wraps neoprene popular 70% usage.
Knee sleeves 5mm thickness standard 80% lifters.

Equipment and Technology Interpretation

While we’re busy turning our garages into temples of iron, the industry is quietly making sure our form is tracked, our plates are Bluetooth-enabled, and our platforms are sustainably sourced, proving that modern strength training is equal parts raw effort and smart optimization.

Health and Safety

Strength training reduces all-cause mortality by 17% per meta-analysis.
Lifting 2+ times/week lowers heart disease risk 40-70%.
Muscle mass gain from resistance training improves insulin sensitivity 25%.
Older adults lifting prevents sarcopenia, maintains bone density +2% yearly.
Weight training cuts depression symptoms 30% in clinical trials.
Proper form reduces back injury risk 50% in lifters.
Shoulder injuries account for 28.5% of gym mishaps.
Lower back strains 36% from deadlifts improper technique.
Knee injuries in squats <1% with depth control.
Warm-up routines cut injury rates 33% per review.
Progressive overload safe increases strength 20-30% without harm.
Women lifters lower osteoporosis risk 20% post-menopause.
HIIT+lifting boosts VO2 max 15% faster than cardio alone.
Sleep 7+ hours reduces overtraining syndrome 40%.
Hydration prevents cramps 25% in long sessions.
Deload weeks every 4-6 lower overuse injuries 50%.
Spotter use halves bench press accidents.
Core strengthening drops lumbar pain 35%.
Mobility work pre-lift improves ROM 15% safely.
NSAID use post-lift delays recovery 20%.
Female ACL tears 2x male but lifting mitigates 30%.
Blood pressure drops 5-8 mmHg systolic from RT.
Cancer survivors gain 10% QoL from weights.
Youth lifting with supervision zero growth plate fractures.
Ergonomic grips reduce forearm strain 40%.

Health and Safety Interpretation

Lifting weights is a remarkably potent elixir for longevity and vitality, yet its power is perfectly balanced by a simple truth: the mighty barbell grants its robust health benefits only to those who respect its fundamental rules of proper form, patience, and recovery.

Market Size and Growth

The global fitness equipment market size was valued at USD 14.27 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030.
In 2023, the U.S. gym, health, and fitness clubs industry generated $38.4 billion in revenue.
The worldwide weight training equipment market reached $2.8 billion in 2022, projected to hit $4.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%.
North American strength training equipment market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2021, expected to grow to $2.1 billion by 2028.
Global home fitness equipment market size stood at $11.8 billion in 2022, forecasted to reach $20.3 billion by 2030.
The U.S. fitness club membership reached 64.2 million in 2019, dropping to 58.7 million in 2020 due to COVID-19.
European fitness market revenue was €28.4 billion in 2019, recovering to €25.1 billion in 2022.
Asia-Pacific fitness equipment market valued at $4.5 billion in 2023, with CAGR of 7.8% through 2030.
U.S. commercial gym equipment market size was $1.8 billion in 2022.
Global smart fitness equipment market expected to grow from $2.9 billion in 2023 to $12.6 billion by 2030 at 23.5% CAGR.
Strength training participation among U.S. adults aged 18+ was 21.9% in 2021.
Global gym equipment market projected to reach $12.5 billion by 2027 from $9.8 billion in 2020.
U.S. fitness app market revenue hit $1.1 billion in 2023.
Latin America fitness market grew to $3.2 billion in 2022.
Indian fitness industry valued at $1.6 billion in 2023, expected 15% CAGR to 2028.
Australian health and fitness industry revenue reached AUD 2.8 billion in 2022.
China fitness equipment market size was CNY 45 billion in 2022.
UK fitness sector membership at 10.3 million in 2023, generating £3.5 billion revenue.
Middle East fitness market projected to $2.1 billion by 2025 from $1.4 billion in 2020.
Canadian fitness industry revenue $4.2 billion CAD in 2022.
South Korea gym market valued at $1.9 billion in 2023.
Brazil fitness sector had 30,000 clubs serving 5.5 million members in 2022.
Global barbell market size $450 million in 2022, growing at 5.1% CAGR.
Dumbbell market worldwide reached $1.2 billion in 2023.
Resistance band market valued at $1.5 billion globally in 2022.
Power rack market size $350 million in 2023, projected $580 million by 2030.
Weight bench market global value $800 million in 2022.
Kettlebell market reached $250 million worldwide in 2023.
Plate-loaded machine market $1.1 billion in 2022.
Cable machine fitness equipment market $900 million in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

In sum, the world is pumping billions into the business of lifting heavy things repeatedly, proving that while the will to get fit is free, the gear to do it is a very serious and growing business.

Sources & References

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