Report: UK fitness sector worth £5bn, penetration rate hits 15 per cent

The UK health and fitness industry is healthier than it has ever been, according to The 2019 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report.

Published today by The Leisure Database Company (LeisureDB), the report shows that the value of the market now exceeds £5bn for the first time.

It also shows that the number of gym members has reached a record high and that there are now more health clubs and gyms than at any time in history.

The total UK membership has broken the 10 million mark, resulting in a penetration rate of 15.6 per cent.

Overall, the 2019 report highlights that the industry – during the 12-month period to the end of March 2019 – has seen increases of 2.9 per cent in the number of fitness facilities, 4.7 per cent in the number of members and 4.2 per cent in market value.

Pure Gym and GLL remain the UK’s leading private and public operators (by the number of gyms and members). In 2018, Pure Gym became the first operator to reach 200 clubs and this year they are joined by GLL (with 203 gyms).

“As seen in the record-breaking figures from this report, the UK is enjoying a golden period of growth and exciting development across the fitness sector," said David Minton, director of LeisureDB.

"It’s a great time to be working and reporting on the industry. As operators compete against the at-home fitness revolution, boutique studios and tech-enabled fitness, they must continue to provide more than just gyms; experiences are essential to hold customers attention.

"The last year has seen continued investment into ‘fitness-tainment’ and there is still plenty of opportunity for creativity and growth.”

Summary of Key Facts

• The number of fitness facilities in the UK increased from 7,038 to 7,239 during 2018-19

• Total membership grew by 4.7 per cent to 10.4 million• Total market value increased by 4.2 per cent to £5.1bn

• The UK penetration rate passed 15 per cent for the first time• 215 new fitness facilities opened in the last 12 months, down from 275 in 2018

To purchase and download the full report, click her for the Leisure Database website.