New data from the Health & Fitness Association shows record visitation numbers among gyms in the value-driven categories, continuing strong momentum for America’s booming gym sector
Despite economic headwinds, Americans are showing no signs of skipping the gym.
That’s according to the Health & Fitness Association (HFA)’s new FIT Tracker, which reports another quarter of growth in 2025, led by high-value, low-price (HVLP) and mid-priced gyms.
The numbers tell a clear story. Both HVLP and mid-priced gyms hit record visitation levels in the third quarter, with industry-wide average visits per facility up more than 4% year over year to nearly 47,000, according to the report.
HVLP gyms posted their strongest quarterly performance on record, with traffic 22% above pre-pandemic levels.
Gym-goers are also showing up more often. The average number of monthly visits per user rose 2.5% compared with 2024, suggesting growth driven not only by new members but by more consistent engagement among existing ones. The Middle Atlantic, Pacific and Mountain regions led the gains, according to findings based on anonymized foot-traffic data from nearly 11,000 U.S. fitness facilities, developed in partnership with Sports Marketing Surveys USA and powered by Placer.ai.
“The latest FIT Tracker results reinforce what we’re seeing across multiple HFA research initiatives as Americans continue to make fitness a consistent part of their lives,” HFA vice president of research Anton Severin said. “The combination of accessibility, affordability and convenience is fueling strong engagement across much of the industry.”
Low-Price Gyms Boom; Boutique Fitness Settles Into a Routine
On a broader level, analysts don’t expect the HVLP momentum to slow anytime soon. A June TD Cowen report found that Gen Z’s growing commitment to fitness is expanding the addressable market for budget-friendly gyms, which already have the highest membership share among young adults (38% of Gen Z versus 25% of all age groups).
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To meet demand, operators like Planet Fitness, Crunch and EoS are continuing to invest in strength zones, turf training and recovery spaces, while expanding small-group and personal training programs that appeal to younger members looking for both value and connection.
Beyond HVLP and mid-priced operators, boutique studios held steady in Q3, with modest gains in select regions, demonstrating a stable (but less accelerated) rebound compared with those in the value-gym category.
Industry leaders say that steadiness signals evolution, not decline, for boutique fitness.
The complete quarterly report, which offers a deeper look at regional and segment-level trends, is available free to HFA members and for purchase by non-members here.