ClassPass Report Highlights 51% Growth in Fitness Reservations, Ice Skating Gains Traction
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and wellness took the spotlight in 2024 as more people embraced active lifestyles and prioritized self-care. According to the ClassPass Look Back Report, fitness reservations grew by 51% compared to 2023, while salon and spa bookings saw a 38% increase. This significant growth underscores a global shift toward integrating health and wellness into daily routines, with ClassPass users booking over 248 million reservations worldwide by October 2024.
Pilates held its position as the most-booked workout for the second year in a row, reflecting its enduring popularity and wide appeal. With an 84% surge in bookings from 2023, its reputation as a low-impact yet highly effective workout continued to attract devotees. The rise of low-impact training, which saw a 109% increase in reservations, indicated a growing demand for accessible fitness options that cater to various fitness levels and goals. Meanwhile, community-driven activities like volleyball and soccer gained significant traction, with volleyball bookings jumping by 256% and soccer by 158%. The most surprising trend of the year was ice skating, which emerged as the fastest-growing fitness class, with an extraordinary 698% increase in popularity. This data suggests that people are increasingly drawn to fitness experiences that combine social connection, fun, and physical activity.
In the wellness category, massages once again topped the list as the most-booked service, with reservations up by 39%. However, new trends began to emerge, showcasing the evolving landscape of self-care. Body scans, which offer data-driven insights into health, saw a 159% increase in popularity, while cosmetic treatments and body sculpting also gained momentum, with bookings rising by 133% and 90%, respectively. These shifts highlight a growing interest in personalized, results-oriented wellness services that cater to both physical and mental well-being.
Booking habits in 2024 reflected a clear alignment with traditional workweek schedules. Weekday workouts peaked at 5:30 p.m., suggesting that many people squeezed in their fitness routines after work. On weekends, mornings took precedence, with 10:00 a.m. emerging as the most popular time to exercise. Tuesday claimed the title of the most popular day for workouts, while Sunday solidified its status as the preferred rest day. September was the busiest month for fitness bookings, signaling a renewed focus on health as routines settled after summer. Meanwhile, October 9th was the single most popular day of the year to book a fitness class, suggesting that fall is a prime time for re-engaging with wellness routines.
Geographically, New York City led the way in fitness reservations, followed by Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. Notably, travel played a significant role in fitness trends this year, with 7.7% of ClassPass users booking workouts while traveling. U.S. users led this trend, with 14% of bookings made outside their home markets, hinting at a growing interest in fitness and wellness tourism.
Looking ahead to 2025, this year’s data suggests that personalization and accessibility will continue to shape the fitness and wellness landscape. As technology advances and social trends evolve, fitness businesses have an opportunity to meet the growing demand for tailored, innovative, and engaging experiences. Whether it’s through new fitness formats, data-driven wellness services, or community-focused activities, the industry is poised for another dynamic year.
Elevate Your Expertise: Tune in to Our YouTube Channel for Exclusive Podcasts with fitness and wellness Industry Titans and Game-Changers
