Regional Overview:
Asia-Pacific
Spanning some of the world's most populous nations and most mature fitness markets, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region presents a study in contrasts. Highly penetrated, innovation-driven economies coexist alongside vast, underserved populations with significant long-term growth potential. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the region will account for 28% of the global economic burden and 46% of all new preventable cases of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions linked to physical inactivity from 2020 to 2030. These figures underscore the urgency of expanding access to structured fitness across the region.
Facility penetration varies sharply by market. Australia and New Zealand lead the region, while Japan and South Korea have reached penetration levels that now rival the European average, reflecting the maturation of their commercial fitness sectors. China and India—home to the world's two largest populations—retain comparatively low penetration rates but hold considerable long-term potential.
Several structural themes shaped the development of the APAC market in 2025. Smaller-footprint facilities grew faster than larger big-box formats, signaling a realignment of the facility landscape. Governments across the region intensified their integration of fitness into public health frameworks. Technology adoption accelerated in parallel, with hybrid fitness models, AI-driven training, wearables, and gamified member management becoming standard across mature and emerging markets alike.
These supply-side shifts were matched by evolving consumer demand. Members increasingly moved beyond basic access to equipment toward outcome-driven programming, while preferences shifted toward convenience and specialized modalities, as reflected in the continued growth of smaller-format clubs and studios. A parallel resurgence in traditional resistance training points to a consumer base that prioritizes strength, preventive wellness, and functional healthspan.
Leading Operators
The Asia-Pacific fitness market encompasses a diverse range of facilities, including specialized studios, 24-hour gyms, tech-driven concepts, and conventional health clubs. Elevated energy and real estate costs in mature markets have pressured traditional large-format gyms, accelerating a shift toward smaller, operationally efficient footprints and digitally integrated models. Several leading companies manage multiple brands across distinct segments, reflecting the region's complexity and scale.
Purpose Brands, which includes Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory, and The Bar Method, led the region by unit count with 2,665 locations at the end of 2025, anchored by Anytime Fitness, which maintained more than 1,200 locations in Japan alone. HILEFIT ranked second with 2,200 sites after adding more than 400 locations during 2025. Curves Holdings Group followed with 2,001 sites as of November 2025. RIZAP Group's Chocozap and ZhongTian Group rounded out the top five by unit count. Chocozap closed its fiscal year in March 2026 with 1,962 sites, up nearly 200 units year-over-year, while ZhongTian ended 2025 with 1,600 locations. Cult.fit ranked sixth with 708 gyms in India as of March 2026.
Several 24-hour brands also rank among the region's leading operators. Snap Fitness added 34 units in 2025, closing the year with 385 locations in APAC. 24/7 Fitness (253 units), Lifefit (200), and FIT EASY (~200) each reflect the segment's continued expansion.
Studio brands also have a strong presence, led by Lava Hot Yoga (450+ locations), Xponential Fitness (424), DANFIT (417), Katagirijuku (300+), and FIT House of Brands, the parent company of F45 Training (379). These leading boutiques span modalities from yoga and Pilates to assisted stretching, functional workouts, and personal training.
The region is home to several public firms, three of which rank among leading gyms and health clubs. Based in Japan, Renaissance and Central Sports operated 330 and 257 clubs, respectively, by year-end 2025. Taiwan-based World Gym held more than 200 sites across APAC.
Along with Purpose Brands, three additional operators round out the market with mixed portfolios. Viva Leisure—parent company of premium clubs, 24-hour centers, and studio brands—closed the year with 518 locations. Fitness & Lifestyle Group operated 312 sites, and Be Well Brands maintained 238 facilities.
