Health Club Industry Contributes $22.4 Billion to U.S. Economy, New Study Finds
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
A comprehensive study released today by the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) highlights the substantial economic impact of the 55,294 health club and studio locations across the United States. According to the report prepared by John Dunham and Associates, these facilities contribute a significant $22.4 billion to the national economy.
Liz Clark, President & CEO of the Health & Fitness Association, emphasized the importance of this data in understanding the industry's role. "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," Clark stated. "This data makes that goal a reality."
The report details not only the economic contributions but also the direct employment benefits provided by the sector:
432,942 direct jobs
$10.7 billion in direct wages
$5.29 billion in federal taxes
$5.35 billion in state and local taxes
Additionally, suppliers to the industry support another 60,625 U.S. jobs and generate $4 billion in wages.
Further insights from the 2024 U.S. Health and Fitness Consumer Report reveal that there are more than 72 million health club and studio members in the U.S., with Americans paying an average of $59 per month for memberships. The U.S. trails only Sweden in the percentage of active members of fitness facilities.
"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," said Mike Goscinski, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Health & Fitness Association.
The findings come as industry leaders prepare to share this data with U.S. lawmakers during the HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit on May 7-8 in Washington, DC. This event aims to educate federal representatives about the health benefits of physical activity and the industry’s economic role. Over 115 representatives from health clubs, studios, and suppliers are expected to participate.
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