More people than ever embraced health and fitness across key regions of the globe in 2023, bringing participation to new highs. According to data collected by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), published as the “2024 HFA Global Report,” emerging markets showed strong potential for further growth just as some established markets reported record levels of membership and fitness penetration.
In the U.S. 23.7% of the population belonged to a fitness facility in 2023—the highest penetration rate among the 17 markets surveyed. The U.K. followed with an all-time high penetration rate of 15.9%, while Switzerland (14.9%), New Zealand (13.6%) and Germany (13.4%) rounded out the top five.
“As demand for fitness services reaches record levels across key regions, our industry is playing an indispensable role in advancing global health and well-being,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. The report, she added. “… demonstrates how the industry continues to evolve and thrive, reaffirming that fitness is more essential than ever before in both established and emerging markets.”
The “2024 HFA Global Report” provides an in-depth analysis of the global health and fitness industry, with insights from HFA members, industry federations, partners and financial experts. It also includes a detailed look at revenue, growth in units and membership trends for some of the largest fitness brands.