Gym Membership Statistics: What The Data Tells Us About Fitness Habits

Data doesn’t lie – especially when it comes to understanding how people interact with gyms, what keeps them motivated, and what makes them drop off. For gym owners, trainers, and fitness businesses, membership statistics provide a roadmap. They reveal what members want, where the biggest challenges lie, and where opportunity is hiding.

In this article, we’ll dig into global and Australian statistics on gym membership: who’s joining, how often they go, why some cancel, and what these trends mean for fitness businesses in 2025. Whether you run a boutique studio, a large gym chain, or are exploring launching a facility, these data points will help you make smarter decisions.

• Global gym membership has rebounded strongly since the pandemic and is forecast to keep growing.
• In Australia, fitness participation is one of the highest leisure activities, with millions regularly using gyms.
• Young adults dominate membership, but gyms are diversifying to attract all age groups.
• About half of members worldwide visit gyms at least twice a week — consistency is tied to retention.
• The top reasons for cancellations include cost, lack of time, and declining motivation.
• Hybrid fitness models are here to stay, blending digital access with in-person training.
• Engagement in the first 90 days is critical for long-term retention.
• Gyms that use data to guide marketing and operations see stronger results.

Global Gym Membership Trends

Before the pandemic, the global gym industry counted about 184 million members and nearly US$100 billion in revenue, making it one of the strongest sectors in wellness. COVID-19 caused a sharp drop as facilities closed worldwide, but recovery has been steady since, with membership levels in many regions now back to or exceeding pre-pandemic highs.

This rebound has been driven by renewed demand for structured fitness, as people return to gyms seeking equipment, classes, and a sense of community that home workouts couldn’t fully replace. Forecasts point to continued growth, with global revenue expected to climb significantly over the next decade.

Penetration rates vary widely. Nordic countries often see more than one in five people holding a membership, while North America has strong, stable numbers. Emerging markets in Asia are expanding quickly, and Australia sits in the middle range with growing penetration and strong participation levels.

Australian Gym Membership and Fitness Industry Statistics

Australia’s fitness sector is large and diverse, with more than 6,000 gyms and fitness centres nationwide. Membership penetration is in the mid-teens, meaning about one in six Australians belong to a gym. This equates to millions of active members, reflecting steady industry growth over recent years.

Beyond membership, participation tells an even bigger story. Roughly 4 million Australians regularly visit gyms or weight training facilities, making fitness one of the country’s most popular activities. National surveys consistently rank “gym/fitness” above many traditional sports, showing how central it has become to daily life.

The industry continues to evolve with new formats. Budget-friendly 24-hour gyms, functional training spaces, and boutique studios have broadened the appeal, attracting everyone from students to older adults. Combined with a growing focus on health and wellbeing, this variety positions the sector for continued resilience.

Demographics of Gym-Goers

Gym membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Who’s joining, and what are their motivations? Looking at both Australian and global data reveals some interesting splits.

• Young adults dominate membership. In many markets, 18-34 year-olds make up the largest portion of gym-goers. They tend to prefer social classes, quick workouts, and tech integration.
• Gender balance tends toward female slightly in many regions. In one gym-membership global overview, women comprised ~57% of members. However, usage patterns differ: more men often engage in strength training, women in mixed cardio and group classes.
• Income & lifestyle matter. Those with higher disposable incomes are more likely to join boutique gyms or premium memberships. Busy professionals also favor gyms with flexible hours, digital or hybrid access, and strong convenience.

In Australia, these trends hold up with local twists: gyms are increasingly catering to younger demographics and professionals. The rise of classes like HIIT, yoga, functional training draws in people who want fitness experiences, not just machines. More gyms are offering flexible pricing and hours to appeal to people with irregular schedules (shift work, family commitments, etc.).

Frequency and Habits

How often people go to the gym, how they use their membership – these habits tell a lot about what motivates them and what causes churn. The stats point us to patterns that gyms should be aware of.

People who stick with their gym tend to be “regulars”:

• Nearly 50% of global gym members visit at least twice a week. Consistent frequency correlates strongly with satisfaction and retention.
• Some data also shows that a sizable chunk of members aim for 100+ visits per year — which is roughly twice per week. Those “core users” often demand more from gyms in terms of facilities, class offerings, and flexibility.
• When members don’t use their membership enough, it becomes a top reason for cancellation (“not getting value,” loss of habit, lack of time or motivation).

Gym usage tends to spike early in the week and early in the workday for many. Also, many gyms report a downturn in utilisation during summer months or holidays. Another common issue is that many members sign up in a motivated mindset but after 1-2 months their attendance drops – that’s the critical period for habit forming and retention.

Why People Cancel Gym Memberships

Even with strong membership numbers, cancellations remain a major challenge across the fitness industry. Understanding why members leave can help gyms build smarter retention strategies.

The most common reasons include:

• Cost pressures – Rising living expenses make gym fees one of the first things to cut.
• Lack of time – Busy schedules or long commutes often mean people can’t use their membership enough to justify the cost.
• Motivation drop-off – Many sign up with enthusiasm, but after the initial burst, attendance declines and the membership feels wasted.
• Preference for alternatives – Some members switch to home workouts, outdoor activities, or digital fitness platforms.

What’s striking is how often cancellations are linked not to dissatisfaction with the gym itself, but to changes in personal circumstances or habits. This highlights the importance of early engagement. Gyms that check in with members, offer flexible options, or provide incentives during the first few months often reduce churn significantly.

In other words, cancellation isn’t inevitable – it’s a sign of where the member experience can be strengthened.

Hybrid and Digital Fitness Adoption

The rise of digital fitness during the pandemic reshaped member expectations, and the trend hasn’t faded. Instead, hybrid fitness – combining in-person gym use with digital workouts – is becoming the norm.

Globally, surveys show that a significant share of members now combine gym visits with online or app-based training. This includes on-demand video libraries, live-streamed classes, and mobile fitness apps that track workouts and nutrition. Many members see digital as a complement, not a replacement, for gym access.

For gyms, this shift is an opportunity rather than a threat. Offering hybrid memberships – where in-person access is bundled with digital resources – adds value and keeps members engaged even when they can’t physically make it in. Digital touchpoints also extend the brand beyond the walls of the facility, creating more consistent engagement and loyalty.

The Role of Retention and Engagement

Getting new members through the door is one thing – keeping them active and loyal is another. Retention is where gyms win or lose long-term. Data consistently shows that members who feel engaged in their first 90 days are far more likely to stay for the long haul.

Engagement takes many forms. It might be a personalised welcome plan, regular check-ins from staff, or access to progress tracking tools. Loyalty programs and referral incentives also give members reasons to stay connected. Beyond perks, it’s about creating a sense of belonging that goes beyond the treadmill or weight room.

The numbers tell a clear story: higher retention means higher profitability. Gyms that invest in building relationships, not just selling memberships, see stronger communities and more stable revenue. In this sense, retention isn’t just a back-end concern – it’s one of the most effective marketing tools available.

What the Data Means for Gym Owners

The statistics on membership, participation, and engagement point to a clear message: success comes from adapting to changing member habits. Gyms can no longer rely on sign-ups alone — members expect value, flexibility, and personalisation at every stage of their journey.

For owners, this means focusing on three priorities:

• Retention first – Keeping members engaged beyond the first few months pays bigger dividends than chasing constant new sign-ups.
• Hybrid options – Offering digital access alongside traditional memberships ensures members stay connected, even when life gets in the way.
• Data-driven decisions – Using reporting tools to understand attendance, churn risk, and class popularity helps you make smarter business moves.

Ultimately, the data shows that gyms are strongest when they blend operational efficiency with human connection. The facilities that meet both the practical and emotional needs of members will be best positioned to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

FAQ

How many people have a gym membership in 2025?

Globally, gym memberships have bounced back strongly after the pandemic, with hundreds of millions of people signed up to health clubs and fitness centres. The industry has not only recovered but is forecast to keep growing over the next decade. In Australia, about 4 million people regularly use gyms or weight training facilities, making fitness one of the country’s most popular leisure activities.

How often do people really use their gym membership?

Most members use their gym at least twice a week, with many aiming for 100 or more visits a year. Consistency is important — the more often people show up, the more likely they are to stay members long-term. On the other hand, those who visit only occasionally often feel they aren’t getting enough value for their money, which increases the risk of cancellation.

What are the main reasons people quit the gym?

The top reasons for quitting are rising costs, lack of time, and loss of motivation. Many people join in January with enthusiasm but stop going after a couple of months. Others prefer cheaper or more flexible alternatives like home workouts, outdoor training, or digital fitness apps. For gyms, this shows how important it is to support members early and keep them engaged so they don’t lose momentum.

Are people still using online workouts now that gyms are open?

Yes, digital fitness is here to stay. Many people now combine in-person gym visits with online workouts, apps, or on-demand video classes. This hybrid approach offers flexibility for busy schedules, travel, or days when members can’t make it to the gym. For gyms, offering digital add-ons alongside traditional memberships has become a key way to provide extra value and strengthen retention.

What do gym statistics tell us about running a fitness business?

The data shows that gyms are most successful when they focus on retention, not just acquisition. Keeping members engaged in the first 90 days is critical for long-term loyalty. Offering flexible membership options, creating a strong sense of community, and using software to personalise communication all help reduce churn. In short, the numbers confirm that gyms grow best when they balance smart operations with a great member experience.