Whether you’re an investor or a business owner working in the global health and fitness industry, you can’t make an informed decision without first consulting the 2025 HFA Global Report. This is the most comprehensive record of the state of the industry, with revenue, participation levels, number of operating units, and other details that bring the global industry into sharp relief.

Painstakingly compiled by the HFA research team led by Anton Severin, vice president of research, the 2025 HFA Global Report includes easy-to-follow graphics and rankings of regional and multinational commercial operators, along with dispatches from more than 20 global federations from the world’s top markets. The report also includes analysis of macroeconomic trends and a thorough review of recent headline events over the last year that tell the story of an industry on the rise.

The report is a fitting companion to the HFA’s recent expansion of its international footprint, with increased partnerships with global federations, international business organizations, and other stakeholders around the world. Overall, 33% more national federations and partners contributed data and/or insights to this year’s report compared to the 2024 HFA Global Report.

“The HFA Global Report is one of the most important tools we offer to both fitness leaders and policymakers around the world,” says Liz Clark, president and CEO of the HFA. “It’s not just a snapshot—it’s a call to action.”

Insights Beyond the Numbers

At almost 150 pages, the 2025 HFA Global Report is not only a comprehensive record of the global commercial fitness industry but also a must-have reference guide of the global players in the marketplace. More than 50 countries from five major regions (North Africa, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Europe) go under the microscope.

What emerged from the accumulated data and survey responses from global operators were eye-opening statistics on the continued growth of the industry. Here are a few examples:

● Fitness industry revenue grew by an average of 8% between 2023 and 2024.

● The number of fitness facilities was on average up by nearly 4%, while total membership rose by 6%.

● About 91% of operators expect revenue to grow, and over 83% anticipate improved profitability.

These positive forecasts include expectations of increased membership numbers and penetration rates. According to the report: “More than half of respondents (51.3%) foresee member growth exceeding 5%, while an additional 35.4% anticipate more modest gains of 1%–5%. Fewer than 5% expect a decrease in membership, suggesting strong demand across a range of markets and business models.” (See graph.)

These optimistic predictions aren’t limited to one or two business models but include budget gyms, 24-hour facilities, studio brands, and premium clubs.

Data-Driven National Trendlines

Of particular value to investors and operators are the country-by-country analyses. As illustrated on this page, a “market snapshot” summation tells the story of each country, and deeper explorations of key data (see “Germany: Revenue & Penetration Rate 2020-2024”) provide even more informed analysis of markets.

As readers of previous HFA Global Reports know, the special issue also provides an index of club companies by region, so you know who the players are in every market around the world. This is an invaluable resource for anyone invested financially in the global health and fitness industry.