GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uk Gym Industry Statistics

The UK gym industry has bounced back strongly and continues growing with diverse memberships and services.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Female membership share: 51.2% in 2023.

Statistic 2

Age 18-34 group: 55% of all gym members.

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Ethnicity breakdown: 78% White, 12% Asian gym members.

Statistic 4

Income level: 45% of members from £30k-£50k households.

Statistic 5

Urban vs rural: 65% urban dwellers as gym members.

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Over-65 gym goers: 8% of members, up 20% since 2020.

Statistic 7

BMI average of members: 24.5, healthier than national 27.1.

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Employment status: 72% full-time workers.

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Education: 40% university graduates among members.

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Regional: South East highest membership rate at 22%.

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LGBTQ+ gym members: 7% of total, higher usage rates.

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Parents with memberships: 35%, often family plans.

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Mental health motivation: 62% of members cite this.

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Vegan/plant-based gym goers: 15% of members.

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Commuter gym users: 40% visit post-work.

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Frequency: 52% attend 3+ times weekly.

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Primary goal weight loss: 38% of new members.

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Tech-savvy: 80% use fitness apps alongside membership.

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Solo vs group: 65% prefer solo workouts.

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Referral source: 28% join via friend/family.

Statistic 21

Social media influence: 45% inspired by Instagram/TikTok.

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Health conditions: 25% members manage chronic issues.

Statistic 23

Night owls: 12% visit gyms between 10pm-6am.

Statistic 24

Gender motivation diff: Men strength 55%, women wellness 60%.

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Average spend per member annually: £520 including extras.

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Total UK gyms and health clubs: 7,400 in 2023.

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Average gym size: 1,800 sqm with 250+ pieces of equipment.

Statistic 28

Low-cost gyms: 1,200 sites across UK in 2023.

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New gym openings: 250 in 2023, highest since 2019.

Statistic 30

Closures during 2023: Only 50 gyms, net +200 facilities.

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Premium clubs: 900 facilities with pools and spas.

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Studio-only fitness venues: 2,100 in 2023.

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Gyms with free weights areas: 95% of total facilities.

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Cardio equipment per gym average: 120 machines in 2023.

Statistic 35

Functional training zones in 78% of mid-market gyms.

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Sauna/steam room equipped gyms: 35% or 2,600 sites.

Statistic 37

24/7 access gyms: 1,500 facilities, 20% of total.

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Childcare facilities in gyms: 15% or 1,100 sites.

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Outdoor gym integrations: 500 hybrid facilities in 2023.

Statistic 40

Women-only gyms: 120 dedicated sites in UK.

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Average age of gym facilities: 8 years, with 40% refurbished in 2023.

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EV charging points at gyms: 800 stations across 400 sites.

Statistic 43

Square footage total for UK gyms: 13 million sqm in 2023.

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Gyms with group exercise studios: 85%, averaging 2 studios per site.

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Strength training equipment investment: £250 million across facilities in 2023.

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Rural gym facilities: 1,200 sites serving non-urban areas.

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Accessible equipment in 65% of gyms for disabled users.

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Cycle studios: Present in 70% of facilities with 25 bikes average.

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Recovery zones (cryo, infrared): In 22% of premium gyms.

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Total parking spaces at UK gyms: 150,000 dedicated spots.

Statistic 51

Smart gym tech (apps, wearables integration): 55% facilities.

Statistic 52

HIIT class popularity: 68% participation among 18-24s.

Statistic 53

Wearable tech usage: 75% of gym members in 2023.

Statistic 54

Hybrid fitness models growth: 30% increase in 2023.

Statistic 55

Sustainability initiatives: 60% gyms carbon neutral goals by 2025.

Statistic 56

AI personal training adoption: 20% facilities by 2024.

Statistic 57

Mental health classes: Uptake 40% since 2021.

Statistic 58

Gamification in apps: 50% retention boost reported.

Statistic 59

Women’s strength training surge: 25% growth in 2023.

Statistic 60

Micro-gyms rise: 300 new small studios in urban areas.

Statistic 61

VR fitness experiences: In 10% of premium gyms.

Statistic 62

Post-workout nutrition sales: Up 18% in gyms.

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Community events by gyms: 85% host monthly.

Statistic 64

Biohacking zones: Cryotherapy in 15% facilities.

Statistic 65

Personalized nutrition plans via gyms: 35% uptake.

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2025 projection: Memberships to 13 million.

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Functional fitness dominance: 45% class time allocation.

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Older adult programs: 25% revenue growth projected.

Statistic 69

Metaverse gym classes trial: 5% early adopters.

Statistic 70

Inclusivity training for staff: Mandatory in 70% gyms.

Statistic 71

Cashless payments: 95% of transactions in 2023.

Statistic 72

Wellness retreats by chains: 20 new programs launched.

Statistic 73

E-sports fitness crossovers: Pilot in 50 gyms.

Statistic 74

Sleep optimization classes: Emerging in 8% studios.

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Projected CAGR 2024-2028: 6.8% for boutique sector.

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Digital transformation spend: £300 million industry-wide 2024.

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The UK gym and health club market was valued at £2.9 billion in 2023, representing a 12.4% year-on-year growth.

Statistic 78

Total revenue from gym memberships in the UK reached £1.8 billion in 2022.

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The fitness sector contributed £3.3 billion to the UK economy in 2019 pre-pandemic.

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Projected UK fitness market size to reach £4.5 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 7.2%.

Statistic 81

Low-cost gym operators generated £1.2 billion in revenue in 2023.

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Boutique fitness studios in the UK earned £450 million in 2022.

Statistic 83

Overall fitness app revenue in UK gyms supplementary income hit £150 million in 2023.

Statistic 84

Gym equipment sales to UK facilities totalled £350 million in 2022.

Statistic 85

Corporate wellness programs through gyms generated £200 million in 2023.

Statistic 86

UK fitness market recovery post-COVID reached 95% of 2019 revenue levels by Q4 2023.

Statistic 87

Premium gym chains revenue grew 15% to £800 million in 2023.

Statistic 88

Total ancillary revenue from classes and PT in UK gyms: £900 million in 2022.

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Fitness market share of low-cost operators: 45% of total UK revenue in 2023.

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UK gym industry VAT contributions: £500 million in 2023.

Statistic 91

Projected revenue growth for digital fitness in UK gyms: 20% annually to 2027.

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Total UK fitness sector GVA: £2.1 billion in 2022.

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Mid-market gyms revenue: £650 million, up 8% in 2023.

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Home gym equipment impacting commercial sales by 5% market share loss in 2023.

Statistic 95

UK fitness exports (equipment/services): £120 million in 2022.

Statistic 96

Inflation-adjusted gym revenue growth: 4.5% in 2023 despite economic pressures.

Statistic 97

Boutique studios revenue per sqm: £1,200 annually in 2023.

Statistic 98

Total PT revenue in UK gyms: £550 million in 2023.

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Gym franchise revenue share: 25% of total market at £725 million in 2022.

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Online class revenue for hybrid gyms: £100 million in 2023.

Statistic 101

UK gym market penetration rate: 18% of population in 2023.

Statistic 102

Revenue from gym merchandise: £50 million across UK chains in 2023.

Statistic 103

Fitness insurance premiums for UK gyms: £80 million annually.

Statistic 104

Total capital investment in new UK gyms: £400 million in 2023.

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Revenue loss from closures during COVID: £1.5 billion in 2020-2021.

Statistic 106

2024 forecast revenue growth: 9% to £3.2 billion.

Statistic 107

UK gym memberships totalled 11.6 million in Q1 2024.

Statistic 108

10.2 million gym members in the UK as of 2023, up 4% from 2022.

Statistic 109

Membership penetration rate among 16-34 year olds: 28% in 2023.

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Average annual gym membership fee: £450 in 2023.

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42% of UK adults have a gym membership or equivalent in 2023.

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Low-cost gyms hold 52% of total memberships at 6 million in 2023.

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Women represent 52% of gym members in 2023.

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Monthly churn rate for UK gyms: 3.5% in 2023.

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1.8 million new gym sign-ups in the first half of 2023.

Statistic 116

Corporate gym memberships: 1.2 million active in 2023.

Statistic 117

App-based gym access memberships: 800,000 in 2023.

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Student gym memberships: 750,000 across UK universities in 2023.

Statistic 119

Over-55s gym membership growth: 15% to 2.1 million in 2023.

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Hybrid membership models (gym + online): 25% of total at 2.6 million.

Statistic 121

Pay-as-you-go users equivalent to 1.5 million full members in 2023.

Statistic 122

London gym memberships: 2.4 million, 20% of national total.

Statistic 123

Post-COVID membership recovery: 98% of 2019 levels by 2023.

Statistic 124

Multi-club membership holders: 18% of members using 2+ gyms.

Statistic 125

Annual membership contracts: 65% of total sign-ups in 2023.

Statistic 126

No-contract flexible memberships: 2.1 million users in 2023.

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Family gym memberships: 450,000 active in 2023.

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Disabled access gym members: 300,000 with inclusive memberships.

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Peak joining months: January sees 1.2 million new members annually.

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Retention rate average: 72% after first year in 2023.

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NHS referral gym schemes: 500,000 participants in 2023.

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Gym memberships per 1,000 population: 170 in urban areas.

Statistic 133

Youth (11-15) gym participation via memberships: 200,000.

Statistic 134

Total active gym goers (members + casual): 15.2 million in 2023.

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While many still picture the gym as a simple room of weights and treadmills, the UK fitness industry has quietly exploded into a £2.9 billion powerhouse, where high-tech trends and booming memberships are reshaping health on a national scale.

Key Takeaways

The UK gym and health club market was valued at £2.9 billion in 2023, representing a 12.4% year-on-year growth.
Total revenue from gym memberships in the UK reached £1.8 billion in 2022.
The fitness sector contributed £3.3 billion to the UK economy in 2019 pre-pandemic.
UK gym memberships totalled 11.6 million in Q1 2024.
10.2 million gym members in the UK as of 2023, up 4% from 2022.
Membership penetration rate among 16-34 year olds: 28% in 2023.
Total UK gyms and health clubs: 7,400 in 2023.
Average gym size: 1,800 sqm with 250+ pieces of equipment.
Low-cost gyms: 1,200 sites across UK in 2023.
Female membership share: 51.2% in 2023.
Age 18-34 group: 55% of all gym members.
Ethnicity breakdown: 78% White, 12% Asian gym members.
HIIT class popularity: 68% participation among 18-24s.
Wearable tech usage: 75% of gym members in 2023.
Hybrid fitness models growth: 30% increase in 2023.

The UK gym industry has bounced back strongly and continues growing with diverse memberships and services.

Consumer Demographics

Female membership share: 51.2% in 2023.
Age 18-34 group: 55% of all gym members.
Ethnicity breakdown: 78% White, 12% Asian gym members.
Income level: 45% of members from £30k-£50k households.
Urban vs rural: 65% urban dwellers as gym members.
Over-65 gym goers: 8% of members, up 20% since 2020.
BMI average of members: 24.5, healthier than national 27.1.
Employment status: 72% full-time workers.
Education: 40% university graduates among members.
Regional: South East highest membership rate at 22%.
LGBTQ+ gym members: 7% of total, higher usage rates.
Parents with memberships: 35%, often family plans.
Mental health motivation: 62% of members cite this.
Vegan/plant-based gym goers: 15% of members.
Commuter gym users: 40% visit post-work.
Frequency: 52% attend 3+ times weekly.
Primary goal weight loss: 38% of new members.
Tech-savvy: 80% use fitness apps alongside membership.
Solo vs group: 65% prefer solo workouts.
Referral source: 28% join via friend/family.
Social media influence: 45% inspired by Instagram/TikTok.
Health conditions: 25% members manage chronic issues.
Night owls: 12% visit gyms between 10pm-6am.
Gender motivation diff: Men strength 55%, women wellness 60%.
Average spend per member annually: £520 including extras.

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

While the UK gym scene is dominated by young, employed, tech-savvy urbanites chasing mental wellness, it’s also a surprisingly progressive and diverse ecosystem where women hold the majority, the over-65s are the fastest-growing cohort, and the average member is already healthier than the general public.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Total UK gyms and health clubs: 7,400 in 2023.
Average gym size: 1,800 sqm with 250+ pieces of equipment.
Low-cost gyms: 1,200 sites across UK in 2023.
New gym openings: 250 in 2023, highest since 2019.
Closures during 2023: Only 50 gyms, net +200 facilities.
Premium clubs: 900 facilities with pools and spas.
Studio-only fitness venues: 2,100 in 2023.
Gyms with free weights areas: 95% of total facilities.
Cardio equipment per gym average: 120 machines in 2023.
Functional training zones in 78% of mid-market gyms.
Sauna/steam room equipped gyms: 35% or 2,600 sites.
24/7 access gyms: 1,500 facilities, 20% of total.
Childcare facilities in gyms: 15% or 1,100 sites.
Outdoor gym integrations: 500 hybrid facilities in 2023.
Women-only gyms: 120 dedicated sites in UK.
Average age of gym facilities: 8 years, with 40% refurbished in 2023.
EV charging points at gyms: 800 stations across 400 sites.
Square footage total for UK gyms: 13 million sqm in 2023.
Gyms with group exercise studios: 85%, averaging 2 studios per site.
Strength training equipment investment: £250 million across facilities in 2023.
Rural gym facilities: 1,200 sites serving non-urban areas.
Accessible equipment in 65% of gyms for disabled users.
Cycle studios: Present in 70% of facilities with 25 bikes average.
Recovery zones (cryo, infrared): In 22% of premium gyms.
Total parking spaces at UK gyms: 150,000 dedicated spots.
Smart gym tech (apps, wearables integration): 55% facilities.

Facilities and Infrastructure Interpretation

The UK's fitness landscape is bulking up—literally and figuratively—with over 200 new gyms opening last year alone, proving that while the nation's collective New Year's resolution might be wobbly, the industry's growth is on a rock-solid streak of expansion, specialization, and high-tech investment.

Industry Trends and Projections

HIIT class popularity: 68% participation among 18-24s.
Wearable tech usage: 75% of gym members in 2023.
Hybrid fitness models growth: 30% increase in 2023.
Sustainability initiatives: 60% gyms carbon neutral goals by 2025.
AI personal training adoption: 20% facilities by 2024.
Mental health classes: Uptake 40% since 2021.
Gamification in apps: 50% retention boost reported.
Women’s strength training surge: 25% growth in 2023.
Micro-gyms rise: 300 new small studios in urban areas.
VR fitness experiences: In 10% of premium gyms.
Post-workout nutrition sales: Up 18% in gyms.
Community events by gyms: 85% host monthly.
Biohacking zones: Cryotherapy in 15% facilities.
Personalized nutrition plans via gyms: 35% uptake.
2025 projection: Memberships to 13 million.
Functional fitness dominance: 45% class time allocation.
Older adult programs: 25% revenue growth projected.
Metaverse gym classes trial: 5% early adopters.
Inclusivity training for staff: Mandatory in 70% gyms.
Cashless payments: 95% of transactions in 2023.
Wellness retreats by chains: 20 new programs launched.
E-sports fitness crossovers: Pilot in 50 gyms.
Sleep optimization classes: Emerging in 8% studios.
Projected CAGR 2024-2028: 6.8% for boutique sector.
Digital transformation spend: £300 million industry-wide 2024.

Industry Trends and Projections Interpretation

The UK gym industry is now a high-tech, holistic, and socially-conscious ecosystem where you can track your HIIT-sculpted body via a wearable while your gym offsets its carbon footprint, all before paying for a post-workout smoothie with your phone and signing up for a sleep class.

Market Size and Revenue

The UK gym and health club market was valued at £2.9 billion in 2023, representing a 12.4% year-on-year growth.
Total revenue from gym memberships in the UK reached £1.8 billion in 2022.
The fitness sector contributed £3.3 billion to the UK economy in 2019 pre-pandemic.
Projected UK fitness market size to reach £4.5 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 7.2%.
Low-cost gym operators generated £1.2 billion in revenue in 2023.
Boutique fitness studios in the UK earned £450 million in 2022.
Overall fitness app revenue in UK gyms supplementary income hit £150 million in 2023.
Gym equipment sales to UK facilities totalled £350 million in 2022.
Corporate wellness programs through gyms generated £200 million in 2023.
UK fitness market recovery post-COVID reached 95% of 2019 revenue levels by Q4 2023.
Premium gym chains revenue grew 15% to £800 million in 2023.
Total ancillary revenue from classes and PT in UK gyms: £900 million in 2022.
Fitness market share of low-cost operators: 45% of total UK revenue in 2023.
UK gym industry VAT contributions: £500 million in 2023.
Projected revenue growth for digital fitness in UK gyms: 20% annually to 2027.
Total UK fitness sector GVA: £2.1 billion in 2022.
Mid-market gyms revenue: £650 million, up 8% in 2023.
Home gym equipment impacting commercial sales by 5% market share loss in 2023.
UK fitness exports (equipment/services): £120 million in 2022.
Inflation-adjusted gym revenue growth: 4.5% in 2023 despite economic pressures.
Boutique studios revenue per sqm: £1,200 annually in 2023.
Total PT revenue in UK gyms: £550 million in 2023.
Gym franchise revenue share: 25% of total market at £725 million in 2022.
Online class revenue for hybrid gyms: £100 million in 2023.
UK gym market penetration rate: 18% of population in 2023.
Revenue from gym merchandise: £50 million across UK chains in 2023.
Fitness insurance premiums for UK gyms: £80 million annually.
Total capital investment in new UK gyms: £400 million in 2023.
Revenue loss from closures during COVID: £1.5 billion in 2020-2021.
2024 forecast revenue growth: 9% to £3.2 billion.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

Despite a collective pandemic debt of £1.5 billion still haunting the locker rooms, the UK's £2.9 billion gym industry is pumping iron again—lifting itself back to 95% of pre-COVID health, flexing a 12.4% annual growth spurt, and diversifying its portfolio into apps, PT, and merchandise, all while low-cost operators now command nearly half the market and everyone is betting heavily that this hard-won fitness can be sustained.

Membership and Participation

UK gym memberships totalled 11.6 million in Q1 2024.
10.2 million gym members in the UK as of 2023, up 4% from 2022.
Membership penetration rate among 16-34 year olds: 28% in 2023.
Average annual gym membership fee: £450 in 2023.
42% of UK adults have a gym membership or equivalent in 2023.
Low-cost gyms hold 52% of total memberships at 6 million in 2023.
Women represent 52% of gym members in 2023.
Monthly churn rate for UK gyms: 3.5% in 2023.
1.8 million new gym sign-ups in the first half of 2023.
Corporate gym memberships: 1.2 million active in 2023.
App-based gym access memberships: 800,000 in 2023.
Student gym memberships: 750,000 across UK universities in 2023.
Over-55s gym membership growth: 15% to 2.1 million in 2023.
Hybrid membership models (gym + online): 25% of total at 2.6 million.
Pay-as-you-go users equivalent to 1.5 million full members in 2023.
London gym memberships: 2.4 million, 20% of national total.
Post-COVID membership recovery: 98% of 2019 levels by 2023.
Multi-club membership holders: 18% of members using 2+ gyms.
Annual membership contracts: 65% of total sign-ups in 2023.
No-contract flexible memberships: 2.1 million users in 2023.
Family gym memberships: 450,000 active in 2023.
Disabled access gym members: 300,000 with inclusive memberships.
Peak joining months: January sees 1.2 million new members annually.
Retention rate average: 72% after first year in 2023.
NHS referral gym schemes: 500,000 participants in 2023.
Gym memberships per 1,000 population: 170 in urban areas.
Youth (11-15) gym participation via memberships: 200,000.
Total active gym goers (members + casual): 15.2 million in 2023.

Membership and Participation Interpretation

The UK's gym industry is a paradox of dedicated and fickle fitness, where record memberships, a flood of new sign-ups, and a booming over-55s demographic are perpetually trying to outrun a relentless monthly churn of 3.5%, proving our commitment to health is as flexible as the 2.1 million members on no-contract plans.

Sources & References

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