UK Health and Fitness Market Surges Past £5.7 Billion as Membership Hits 11.5 Million, New Report Reveals
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Amid a turbulent economic climate, the UK health and fitness industry is showing robust growth—posting record revenue of £5.7 billion in 2024 and welcoming 11.5 million members across 5,607 clubs nationwide. The figures, published in the first-ever UK Health and Fitness Market Report by ukactive, with analysis from Deloitte, highlight the sector’s rising value not just to the economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the nation.
The report, produced in collaboration with 4GLOBAL and Sport England, offers what ukactive describes as the “most authoritative dataset” ever compiled for the UK fitness sector. Drawing from quarterly data contributed by public, private, and independent operators, the report reflects increased consumer prioritisation of health and fitness and presents compelling evidence of the sector’s investment potential.
According to the report, total revenue across the industry rose by 8.8% from £5.2 billion in 2023 to £5.7 billion in 2024. Membership revenue alone increased from £4.05 billion in 2022 to £5.19 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%.
The data also reveals a rise in total gym and club visits, with more than 600 million individual visits recorded in 2024. Club penetration rates now sit at 16.9% of the population—pointing to continued public demand for structured fitness offerings even amid rising living costs and operational pressures.
“This report is a significant milestone for the UK health and fitness sector, offering the most authoritative, data-driven view of market trends to date,” said Utku Toprakseven, Chief Development Officer at 4GLOBAL. “We are proud to support this collaboration through 4GLOBAL’s DataHub and strategic partnerships, reinforcing the vital role of data in shaping investment, policy, and the industry’s long-term success.”
The report also highlights a shift in motivations for gym usage, particularly among younger demographics. Survey data shows that 76% of respondents cited mental health benefits as a primary reason for engaging with fitness services. It also points to growth potential among older adults, people from minority backgrounds, and those from lower socio-economic groups—audiences that remain underrepresented in the sector.
Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, said: “This report is clear that sport, fitness and exercise are not just great for health – they are great for the economy too, with a sector that is rapidly growing in spite of challenging circumstances. Taking part in sport and fitness and being physically active should be seen as acts of economic contribution. Active lifestyles relieve the burden on the NHS, boost productivity, and save the public purse by preventing chronic illness.”
Investor activity also appears to reflect growing confidence in the sector’s future. The past year saw the highest volume of significant mergers and acquisitions since 2020, with seven major deals completed. This comes as the Government continues to address workforce shortages and increasing demands on the NHS, with 9.2 million people currently classified as economically inactive and more than 7.5 million patients on NHS waiting lists.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “We are delighted to publish the first UK Health and Fitness Market report, with thanks to the work of our partners and members, representing the most authoritative dataset to accurately track the growth, size and impact of our sector. These findings provide irrefutable evidence that our sector is essential for the UK’s health, happiness and prosperity, offering a major opportunity for further growth and investment.”
He added, “More than 11 million people are members of our nation’s health and fitness clubs, making them the engine room of physical activity. We want to see the Government and policymakers recognise this opportunity and help remove any blockers to our sector’s growth so that our members can reach their potential and maximise their value to society.”
The report is sponsored by BLKBOX, Gladstone, Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, Matrix, Myzone, and Technogym. Its data will also feature in the forthcoming European Health & Fitness Market Report by EuropeActive and Deloitte, due to be released next week at the European Health & Fitness Forum in Cologne, Germany.
As health, wellbeing, and economic productivity continue to intersect, the report positions the UK fitness sector not just as a growth market—but as a vital contributor to national resilience and recovery.
