UK Fitness Industry Hits £5.7bn – A Sector on the Rise
UK Health and Fitness Sector Surges to £5.7bn as New Report Signals Investment Opportunity
The UK health and fitness sector has reached a major milestone, with new data revealing total market revenue has climbed to more than £5.7 billion, an 8.8% increase from 2023. The findings, released today in the first-ever UK Health & Fitness Market Report, mark a pivotal moment for the industry - and a clear signal of its potential for future growth and investment.
Published by ukactive in collaboration with 4GLOBAL and Sport England, and with analysis from Deloitte, the report is powered by the most comprehensive dataset the sector has ever seen. BLK BOX is proud to be one of the sponsors of this landmark study, alongside Gladstone, Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, Matrix, Myzone, and Technogym.
Strong Growth Across All Metrics
According to the report, over 11.5 million people in the UK are now members of health and fitness clubs, served by 5,607 facilities nationwide. Membership revenue alone has grown from £4.05bn in 2022 to £5.19bn in 2024, delivering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%.
There were more than 600 million individual visits to UK fitness clubs in 2024, a clear indicator of the increasing role these spaces play in the nation’s health and wellbeing.
This surge in engagement comes despite ongoing economic pressures - including the energy crisis, cost-of-living challenges, and rising operating costs. The data underscores a key trend: people are continuing to prioritise health and fitness, with gym memberships viewed as a non-negotiable investment in physical and mental wellbeing.
A Sector Ready for Investment
The report also points to heightened investor confidence, with seven major merger and acquisition deals completed over the past year - the highest volume since 2020. With penetration rates now at 16.9%, the sector is showing strong signs of maturity, yet still holds untapped potential for further growth.
Consumer survey data included in the report reveals particularly strong engagement from younger adults, with 76% citing mental health as a key driver for attending fitness facilities. The report also highlights opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion for older adults, minority groups, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
A Healthier UK, Powered by Fitness
As the Government faces rising NHS backlogs and a £138bn annual bill from workplace sickness, the findings highlight the essential role of the physical activity sector in improving public health outcomes.
Research shows that regular physical activity helps prevent up to 20 chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and dementia. The sector’s contribution goes far beyond fitness - it’s an integral part of the UK’s preventative healthcare strategy.
Backed by Data. Built for Growth.
The UK Health & Fitness Market Report provides a compelling case for continued investment in the health and fitness sector, and an evidence base for policymakers to remove barriers to growth.
Ben Stocks, Managing Director at BLK BOX, said:
“We’re proud to support this landmark report, which highlights not just the growth of our sector, but its increasing importance in people’s everyday lives. At BLK BOX, we believe the UK fitness industry is only just getting started - and this report gives us the insight we need to keep pushing forward.
The health and fitness sector plays a crucial role in the UK’s physical and mental wellbeing. We hope this report encourages deeper collaboration between the industry, investors, and government to make physical activity more accessible for all.”
As a long-term partner and supplier to leading gyms and performance spaces across the UK, BLK BOX is proud to support this important work - helping shine a light on the sector’s strength, potential, and societal impact.
To read the full UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025, click here.