The UK fitness industry has demonstrated strong growth across all key performance metrics in the 12 months to 31 March 2025, according to the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report from DB Leisure.
The total number of gyms is up again, rising by 2.8 per cent to reach 7,202 – a figure that falls only slightly short of the pre-pandemic high of 7,239 gyms recorded in 2019.
Meanwhile member numbers, market value and penetration – each of which achieved all-time highs in the 12 months to 31 March 2024 – rose even higher this year to set new records.
These are the headlines of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2025, unveiled today by market intelligence expert Leisure DB.
'It gives me great pleasure to see this growth, which exceeds that of any previous year,” said Leisure DB founder David Minton. “These findings signal a new era for the fitness industry.'
Notably, this year marks the first time that membership has risen above 11 million, penetration above 16 per cent and total market value above £6bn.
Across the UK, there are now 11.3 million gym members (+5.4 per cent vs 2024), meaning 16.6 per cent of the UK population is now a member of a gym. This compares to 15.9 per cent in 2024.
Meanwhile, market value has reached £6.5bn (+9.3 per cent vs 2024).
The private sector continues to perform strongly across the board, with growth in gym count, member numbers, market value and penetration.
While less pronounced, the public sector has also seen an uptick since the 2024 report. The number of public gyms has declined slightly over the last 12 months, but there has been positive movement across other key metrics, with market value and membership reaching all-time highs. Public sector penetration has also returned to its previous peak of 5.2 per cent, last recorded in 2016.
Detailed statistics and analysis can be found in the full State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2025, which is available to read – for free – at www.leisuredb.com/publications
The report includes accurate, granular information on UK club and member numbers, openings and closures, regional variances, average fees – and more – as well as rankings and detailed analysis of the top private and public sector operators.
There’s also a series of operator and thought leader interviews, providing fascinating insights into the stories behind the statistics.
'Last year, thanks to the support of our partners, we took the bold step of democratising access to our independent, agenda-setting, high-impact reporting,” said Minton. “Over 40,000 report interactions and the most heartwarming feedback have validated our decision so, for the second year in a row, I’m proud and pleased to make this report available to everyone interested in growing the sector.'
