Fitness Industry Packs a Powerful Economic Punch

The 55,294 health club and studio locations in the U.S. have a $22.4 billion economic impact on the country’s economy, according to new data analysis prepared by the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA). The data was compiled by John Dunham and Associates on behalf of the Health & Fitness Association.

 

“When I was hired by the board almost three years ago, one of my goals was to be able to share real numbers about the value our industry creates in this country,” said Health & Fitness Association President & CEO Liz Clark. “This data makes that goal a reality.”

The data shows that U.S. health clubs and studios:

  • Contribute 432,942 direct jobs to the country.
  • Pay $10.7 billion in direct wages.
  • Pay $5.29 billion in federal taxes.
  • Pay $5.35 billion in state and local taxes.

 

Additional data shows that suppliers contribute 60,625 U.S. jobs and $4 billion in wages.

Data collected for the 2024 U.S. Health and Fitness Consumer Report, which will be released in stages by the association in the coming months, shows that the United States has more than 72 million health club and studio members. The U.S. has a higher percentage of active members of fitness facilities than any country other than Sweden. Americans pay an average of $59 per month for membership, and 41% of facility users pay $25 or less per month for membership.

“The data from this economic impact study and from our next Consumer Report show just how important the health and fitness industry is to the economy of the country as well as to the physical and mental health of Americans,” Health & Fitness Association Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Goscinski said. “This data is an essential part of our campaign to educate representatives, senators and their staff about the mental and physical health benefits of exercise—and about the size and scope of the businesses where consumers exercise.”

The economic impact data is also broken down by state. In the coming weeks, that data will be available on the Health & Fitness Association website.