The UK has fewer gyms overall than in 2022, yet more members, with penetration rates also recovering. Industry market value is up 11.5 per cent driven by a rise in average monthly membership fees.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2023, the total number of gyms in the UK was down slightly on the previous year (-0.9 per cent). In spite of this, total UK membership (+3.9 per cent) and penetration rate are both up. 

The 2023 report found that percentage increases in member numbers and market value were greater in the private sector than in the public sector. 

In the private sector, the UK’s top 10 operators account for almost a third (30 per cent) of all private clubs, but over 60 per cent of private sector members and almost 60 per cent of private sector market value.

The last 12 months have seen private sector penetration rates recover from the post-Covid dip and rise above 10 per cent.

In the public sector, the UK’s top 10 operators account for just under 30 per cent of all public gyms, but almost 40 per cent of both public sector members and public sector market value.

From 2013 until Covid-19 hit, public sector penetration rates remained above the 5 per cent mark; the current rate of 4.9 per cent was last seen in 2012. Although the last 12 months have seen public sector penetration begin to recover from its post-Covid dip, it is yet to fully rebound.

“This unique data provides the most accurate, granular view of the supply-side to the UK fitness industry. The figures will be adopted by the industry, operators, all levels of government, media, investors and the financial sector,” said David Minton, founder of Leisure DB.

“This year they make for fascinating reading, as a newly honed fitness sector emerges from the pandemic, leaner yet arguably stronger and more resilient. Indeed, although the devil is in the detail, let me suggest that the pandemic, inflation and higher energy costs will, in the long term, be seen to be good for the industry.”