GITNUXREPORT 2026

Malaysia Fitness Industry Statistics

Malaysia's fitness industry is booming with strong growth across every segment.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

28% of Malaysians aged 18-34 hold active gym memberships as of 2023.

Statistic 2

Women represent 52% of fitness app users in Malaysia in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 3

65% of Malaysian gym-goers prefer 24/7 access facilities in urban areas.

Statistic 4

Average gym visit frequency is 4.2 times per week among Malaysian members.

Statistic 5

42% of Malaysians cite weight loss as primary fitness motivation in 2023.

Statistic 6

Home workouts preferred by 38% of Malaysians post-2023 surveys.

Statistic 7

55% of fitness consumers in Malaysia use wearables daily in 2023.

Statistic 8

Group classes attendance rose to 70% preference among young adults 2023.

Statistic 9

31% of Malaysians willing to pay premium for personalized training.

Statistic 10

Vegan protein supplements used by 25% of gym enthusiasts in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 11

Mental health improvement ranked second motivation at 35% in 2023 polls.

Statistic 12

48% prefer functional training over traditional cardio in Malaysia gyms.

Statistic 13

Subscription cancellations dropped to 12% annually due to loyalty programs.

Statistic 14

62% of urban Malaysians integrate fitness into daily commutes via apps.

Statistic 15

CrossFit popularity at 18% among 25-35 age group in 2023.

Statistic 16

27% trial virtual reality fitness classes in pilot programs 2023.

Statistic 17

Sleep tracking influences 40% workout schedules in Malaysia.

Statistic 18

51% choose gyms based on cleanliness post-COVID standards.

Statistic 19

Outdoor fitness events attended by 33% annually in 2023.

Statistic 20

Fitness industry employs 45,000 direct workers in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 21

Personal trainers numbered 12,500 certified in Malaysia end-2023.

Statistic 22

Average trainer salary RM 4,200 monthly in urban gyms 2023.

Statistic 23

8,200 group instructors employed across 2,800 facilities 2023.

Statistic 24

Front desk and admin roles fill 9,000 positions in industry.

Statistic 25

22% growth in fitness management jobs, adding 2,500 roles 2023.

Statistic 26

Women comprise 38% of fitness workforce in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 27

Nutritionists in gyms reached 3,400 certified professionals.

Statistic 28

Part-time youth employment in fitness hit 15,000 in 2023.

Statistic 29

Turnover rate for trainers at 18% annually in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 30

1,200 physios specialized in sports fitness employed.

Statistic 31

Digital fitness coaches grew to 2,800 online-only in 2023.

Statistic 32

Sales staff in equipment retail: 4,500 nationwide 2023.

Statistic 33

Maintenance technicians for gym equipment: 1,800 roles.

Statistic 34

Marketing specialists in fitness: 2,200 professionals 2023.

Statistic 35

Cleaning and hygiene staff: 6,500 in gyms post-COVID.

Statistic 36

Fitness market CAGR projected at 12.5% to 2028 reaching RM 4.1 billion.

Statistic 37

Digital fitness to capture 30% market share by 2027 in Malaysia.

Statistic 38

Gym penetration to rise from 8% to 15% by 2030.

Statistic 39

Wearable integration expected in 75% facilities by 2026.

Statistic 40

Sustainable gyms to double to 1,000 by 2027.

Statistic 41

AI personal training adoption at 40% by 2028.

Statistic 42

Women's only gyms to grow 25% annually to 2027.

Statistic 43

VR/AR fitness revenue to RM 100 million by 2026.

Statistic 44

Obesity rates drop target 20% with fitness push by 2030.

Statistic 45

Corporate wellness spend to RM 500 million by 2027.

Statistic 46

Home gym equipment sales CAGR 15% to 2028.

Statistic 47

East Malaysia facilities to triple to 500 by 2027.

Statistic 48

E-sports fitness hybrids to RM 200 million market 2028.

Statistic 49

Senior fitness CAGR 18% to RM 200 million by 2027.

Statistic 50

Boutique studios to 40% of market by 2026.

Statistic 51

Metaverse fitness events 1 million users by 2028 Malaysia.

Statistic 52

Recovery tech like cryotherapy in 50% gyms by 2027.

Statistic 53

Plant-based supp sales double to RM 150m by 2026.

Statistic 54

Fitness tourism to contribute 5% GDP wellness by 2030.

Statistic 55

Trainer certification to reach 25,000 by 2028.

Statistic 56

Total gyms in Malaysia numbered 2,800 in 2023, up 16% from 2022.

Statistic 57

Kuala Lumpur hosts 45% of all fitness centers in Malaysia as of 2023.

Statistic 58

Average gym size in urban Malaysia is 1,200 sqm with 50+ equipment sets.

Statistic 59

1,200 fitness studios specialized in yoga/pilates operational in 2023.

Statistic 60

Selangor has 650 commercial gyms, leading non-KL state in 2023.

Statistic 61

220 luxury fitness clubs with pools/spas in Malaysia end-2023.

Statistic 62

Penang fitness facilities grew 20% to 350 centers in 2023.

Statistic 63

15% of gyms offer childcare facilities, totaling 420 nationwide 2023.

Statistic 64

Sabah and Sarawak combined have 180 rural fitness outreach centers.

Statistic 65

Smart gym tech installed in 35% of facilities, about 980 gyms 2023.

Statistic 66

Johor Bahru gym density at 1 per 15,000 residents in 2023.

Statistic 67

500+ outdoor fitness parks developed in public spaces by 2023.

Statistic 68

Hotel gym renovations reached 300 properties investing RM 50m total.

Statistic 69

Corporate gym tie-ups in 450 office buildings across Klang Valley.

Statistic 70

Perak state added 80 new gyms, total 250 in 2023.

Statistic 71

Negeri Sembilan facilities at 120, with 25% boutique studios.

Statistic 72

The Malaysia fitness market size reached RM 1.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 10.2% from 2019-2023.

Statistic 73

Fitness industry revenue in Malaysia grew by 14.5% in 2022 post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 74

By 2027, Malaysia's fitness market is projected to hit RM 3.2 billion with 11% annual growth.

Statistic 75

Gym and fitness clubs contributed RM 1.2 billion to Malaysia's service sector in 2023.

Statistic 76

Online fitness segment in Malaysia expanded to RM 250 million in 2023, up 25% YoY.

Statistic 77

Total fitness expenditure per capita in Malaysia rose to RM 55 in 2023 from RM 48 in 2022.

Statistic 78

Malaysia's fitness equipment market valued at RM 450 million in 2023, growing 9% annually.

Statistic 79

Boutique fitness studios in Malaysia generated RM 300 million revenue in 2023.

Statistic 80

Corporate wellness programs boosted fitness industry by RM 150 million in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 81

Home fitness market in Malaysia surged to RM 180 million in 2023 amid hybrid trends.

Statistic 82

Fitness app downloads in Malaysia hit 5.2 million in 2023, driving digital growth.

Statistic 83

Wellness tourism fitness segment contributed RM 120 million to Malaysia in 2023.

Statistic 84

Strength training equipment sales grew 18% to RM 90 million in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 85

Yoga and pilates studios revenue reached RM 220 million in Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 86

HIIT class revenues increased by 22% to RM 110 million across Malaysia in 2023.

Statistic 87

Malaysia fitness franchising market expanded to RM 400 million in 2023.

Statistic 88

E-sports fitness crossover generated RM 50 million new revenue in 2023 Malaysia.

Statistic 89

Pet fitness services niche hit RM 30 million in urban Malaysia 2023.

Statistic 90

Adaptive fitness for disabled grew to RM 40 million market in 2023.

Statistic 91

Senior fitness programs valued at RM 75 million in Malaysia 2023.

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From a booming market hitting RM 1.8 billion to a nation where over a quarter of young adults are active members, Malaysia's fitness industry is flexing some serious muscle and reshaping the nation's health landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • The Malaysia fitness market size reached RM 1.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 10.2% from 2019-2023.
  • Fitness industry revenue in Malaysia grew by 14.5% in 2022 post-pandemic recovery.
  • By 2027, Malaysia's fitness market is projected to hit RM 3.2 billion with 11% annual growth.
  • 28% of Malaysians aged 18-34 hold active gym memberships as of 2023.
  • Women represent 52% of fitness app users in Malaysia in 2023 surveys.
  • 65% of Malaysian gym-goers prefer 24/7 access facilities in urban areas.
  • Total gyms in Malaysia numbered 2,800 in 2023, up 16% from 2022.
  • Kuala Lumpur hosts 45% of all fitness centers in Malaysia as of 2023.
  • Average gym size in urban Malaysia is 1,200 sqm with 50+ equipment sets.
  • Fitness industry employs 45,000 direct workers in Malaysia 2023.
  • Personal trainers numbered 12,500 certified in Malaysia end-2023.
  • Average trainer salary RM 4,200 monthly in urban gyms 2023.
  • Fitness market CAGR projected at 12.5% to 2028 reaching RM 4.1 billion.
  • Digital fitness to capture 30% market share by 2027 in Malaysia.
  • Gym penetration to rise from 8% to 15% by 2030.

Malaysia's fitness industry is booming with strong growth across every segment.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

  • 28% of Malaysians aged 18-34 hold active gym memberships as of 2023.
  • Women represent 52% of fitness app users in Malaysia in 2023 surveys.
  • 65% of Malaysian gym-goers prefer 24/7 access facilities in urban areas.
  • Average gym visit frequency is 4.2 times per week among Malaysian members.
  • 42% of Malaysians cite weight loss as primary fitness motivation in 2023.
  • Home workouts preferred by 38% of Malaysians post-2023 surveys.
  • 55% of fitness consumers in Malaysia use wearables daily in 2023.
  • Group classes attendance rose to 70% preference among young adults 2023.
  • 31% of Malaysians willing to pay premium for personalized training.
  • Vegan protein supplements used by 25% of gym enthusiasts in Malaysia 2023.
  • Mental health improvement ranked second motivation at 35% in 2023 polls.
  • 48% prefer functional training over traditional cardio in Malaysia gyms.
  • Subscription cancellations dropped to 12% annually due to loyalty programs.
  • 62% of urban Malaysians integrate fitness into daily commutes via apps.
  • CrossFit popularity at 18% among 25-35 age group in 2023.
  • 27% trial virtual reality fitness classes in pilot programs 2023.
  • Sleep tracking influences 40% workout schedules in Malaysia.
  • 51% choose gyms based on cleanliness post-COVID standards.
  • Outdoor fitness events attended by 33% annually in 2023.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

Nearly a third of young Malaysians are formally flexing, yet the story is really one of integrated wellness, where round-the-clock access, mental health motives, and post-pandemic cleanliness drive a culture that’s as likely to track sleep with a wearable as to cancel a subscription.

Employment and Workforce

  • Fitness industry employs 45,000 direct workers in Malaysia 2023.
  • Personal trainers numbered 12,500 certified in Malaysia end-2023.
  • Average trainer salary RM 4,200 monthly in urban gyms 2023.
  • 8,200 group instructors employed across 2,800 facilities 2023.
  • Front desk and admin roles fill 9,000 positions in industry.
  • 22% growth in fitness management jobs, adding 2,500 roles 2023.
  • Women comprise 38% of fitness workforce in Malaysia 2023.
  • Nutritionists in gyms reached 3,400 certified professionals.
  • Part-time youth employment in fitness hit 15,000 in 2023.
  • Turnover rate for trainers at 18% annually in 2023 surveys.
  • 1,200 physios specialized in sports fitness employed.
  • Digital fitness coaches grew to 2,800 online-only in 2023.
  • Sales staff in equipment retail: 4,500 nationwide 2023.
  • Maintenance technicians for gym equipment: 1,800 roles.
  • Marketing specialists in fitness: 2,200 professionals 2023.
  • Cleaning and hygiene staff: 6,500 in gyms post-COVID.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

While the fitness industry flexes impressive growth and muscle in Malaysia, employing 45,000 people, it reveals its own workout is far from over, balancing trainer turnover and low female representation against the gains of new jobs and digital coaches.

Future Projections and Trends

  • Fitness market CAGR projected at 12.5% to 2028 reaching RM 4.1 billion.
  • Digital fitness to capture 30% market share by 2027 in Malaysia.
  • Gym penetration to rise from 8% to 15% by 2030.
  • Wearable integration expected in 75% facilities by 2026.
  • Sustainable gyms to double to 1,000 by 2027.
  • AI personal training adoption at 40% by 2028.
  • Women's only gyms to grow 25% annually to 2027.
  • VR/AR fitness revenue to RM 100 million by 2026.
  • Obesity rates drop target 20% with fitness push by 2030.
  • Corporate wellness spend to RM 500 million by 2027.
  • Home gym equipment sales CAGR 15% to 2028.
  • East Malaysia facilities to triple to 500 by 2027.
  • E-sports fitness hybrids to RM 200 million market 2028.
  • Senior fitness CAGR 18% to RM 200 million by 2027.
  • Boutique studios to 40% of market by 2026.
  • Metaverse fitness events 1 million users by 2028 Malaysia.
  • Recovery tech like cryotherapy in 50% gyms by 2027.
  • Plant-based supp sales double to RM 150m by 2026.
  • Fitness tourism to contribute 5% GDP wellness by 2030.
  • Trainer certification to reach 25,000 by 2028.

Future Projections and Trends Interpretation

It appears Malaysia is trading in its teh tarik for protein shakes, with a fitness revolution so digitally immersive, sustainably focused, and demographically diverse that the nation's gyms might soon be more high-tech and packed than its shopping malls.

Infrastructure and Facilities

  • Total gyms in Malaysia numbered 2,800 in 2023, up 16% from 2022.
  • Kuala Lumpur hosts 45% of all fitness centers in Malaysia as of 2023.
  • Average gym size in urban Malaysia is 1,200 sqm with 50+ equipment sets.
  • 1,200 fitness studios specialized in yoga/pilates operational in 2023.
  • Selangor has 650 commercial gyms, leading non-KL state in 2023.
  • 220 luxury fitness clubs with pools/spas in Malaysia end-2023.
  • Penang fitness facilities grew 20% to 350 centers in 2023.
  • 15% of gyms offer childcare facilities, totaling 420 nationwide 2023.
  • Sabah and Sarawak combined have 180 rural fitness outreach centers.
  • Smart gym tech installed in 35% of facilities, about 980 gyms 2023.
  • Johor Bahru gym density at 1 per 15,000 residents in 2023.
  • 500+ outdoor fitness parks developed in public spaces by 2023.
  • Hotel gym renovations reached 300 properties investing RM 50m total.
  • Corporate gym tie-ups in 450 office buildings across Klang Valley.
  • Perak state added 80 new gyms, total 250 in 2023.
  • Negeri Sembilan facilities at 120, with 25% boutique studios.

Infrastructure and Facilities Interpretation

While Kuala Lumpur continues to flex as the undisputed heavyweight champion, hosting nearly half the nation's gyms, the rest of Malaysia is clearly hitting its stride with smart tech, luxury amenities, and a refreshing spread of specialized studios proving that getting fit is no longer just a capital idea.

Market Size and Growth

  • The Malaysia fitness market size reached RM 1.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 10.2% from 2019-2023.
  • Fitness industry revenue in Malaysia grew by 14.5% in 2022 post-pandemic recovery.
  • By 2027, Malaysia's fitness market is projected to hit RM 3.2 billion with 11% annual growth.
  • Gym and fitness clubs contributed RM 1.2 billion to Malaysia's service sector in 2023.
  • Online fitness segment in Malaysia expanded to RM 250 million in 2023, up 25% YoY.
  • Total fitness expenditure per capita in Malaysia rose to RM 55 in 2023 from RM 48 in 2022.
  • Malaysia's fitness equipment market valued at RM 450 million in 2023, growing 9% annually.
  • Boutique fitness studios in Malaysia generated RM 300 million revenue in 2023.
  • Corporate wellness programs boosted fitness industry by RM 150 million in Malaysia 2023.
  • Home fitness market in Malaysia surged to RM 180 million in 2023 amid hybrid trends.
  • Fitness app downloads in Malaysia hit 5.2 million in 2023, driving digital growth.
  • Wellness tourism fitness segment contributed RM 120 million to Malaysia in 2023.
  • Strength training equipment sales grew 18% to RM 90 million in Malaysia 2023.
  • Yoga and pilates studios revenue reached RM 220 million in Malaysia 2023.
  • HIIT class revenues increased by 22% to RM 110 million across Malaysia in 2023.
  • Malaysia fitness franchising market expanded to RM 400 million in 2023.
  • E-sports fitness crossover generated RM 50 million new revenue in 2023 Malaysia.
  • Pet fitness services niche hit RM 30 million in urban Malaysia 2023.
  • Adaptive fitness for disabled grew to RM 40 million market in 2023.
  • Senior fitness programs valued at RM 75 million in Malaysia 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Malaysians are collectively sweating their way to a billion-ringgit industry, proving that post-pandemic recovery isn't just about getting back to normal, but about building a stronger, more diverse, and digitally savvy version of fitness for everyone from couch potatoes to competitive e-sports athletes and even their pets.

Sources & References