Exploring the Insights from the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) has recently published the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report, marking a significant milestone as the most comprehensive analysis of financial and operational performance within the fitness sector since 2019. This report expands upon the longstanding Profiles of Success series, offering a broader and more detailed resource that is essential for fitness operators around the globe.

A Deep Dive into Industry Performance

The 2025 report is supported by data from an impressive pool of 175 companies, representing over 17,000 fitness facilities across 27 countries. Conducted between April and June 2025, this report provides an accurate snapshot of the industry’s current state. Key findings indicate robust profitability and myriad financial opportunities for health and fitness facilities while aiding operators to effectively measure and improve their performance.

Key Metrics Highlighted:

• Median revenue growth: An increase of 9.9% compared to 2023.
• EBITDA margins: Achieving a median of 23.6%, with two-thirds of clubs reporting positive territory.
• Net membership growth: Average expansion of around 5.5%.
• Member retention: Averaging at 66.4% for the year.

Beyond these key figures, the report offers benchmarks related to revenue per club, the mix of dues versus non-dues revenue, reinvestment levels, and additional aspects revolving around program offerings, amenities, and services. The detailed segmentation by club size, type, and dues level highlights the variety in performance across different business models.

Understanding Report Content

The Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report provides a comprehensive suite of benchmarks crucial for evaluating financial and operational performance, including:

• Revenue and Profitability: Insights into revenue per location, year-over-year growth trends, EBITDA margins, and the mix of dues and non-dues revenue.
• Financial Health: Metrics such as return on assets (ROA), current ratio, and debt-to-equity ratios.
• Membership Dynamics: Information on monthly accounts added/dropped, net growth, retention rates, and revenue per member.
• Facility Efficiency: Benchmarks on revenue and occupancy costs per square foot, highlighting amenities and services offered.
• Staffing and Payroll: Insights into staffing sizes, payroll as a percentage of revenue, and revenue generated per full-time equivalent employee.

These essential metrics equip operators with the information needed to assess their standing in the market and identify avenues for improvement.

Turning Data Into Action

One of the primary benefits of benchmarking is its capacity to transform raw data into actionable strategies. By comparing their results with industry peers, fitness clubs can:

• Identify inefficiencies before they begin to impact profitability.
• Evaluate staff productivity and adjust staffing models accordingly.
• Establish realistic and data-driven growth targets.
• Enhance business plans and investor pitches backed by credible benchmarks.
• Learn from industry leaders and replicate successful practices.

Anton Severin, HFA’s Vice President of Research, emphasizes the report’s utility, stating that by benchmarking against peers of similar size and type, operators can pinpoint their strengths and identify areas for growth. This process underscores fitness facilities’ crucial role in the global health economy.

Upcoming Report Webinar

To celebrate the report’s release, HFA will host a webinar on October 23 at 11:00 a.m. (ET). This session aims to present highlights from the report and is open to survey contributors, Premium and Standard members, and industry partners.

Advantages of Participation

Participation in the survey comes with its rewards. Each respondent benefits from:

• A confidential Company Performance Report (CPR) that benchmarks their results against industry standards.
• A Report Card that grades key performance ratios and identifies areas for potential improvement.
• Access to interactive online reporting tools through the HFA Research Portal for deeper insights.

By contributing to the report, participants obtain a wealth of tailored insights, helping to guide smarter decision-making. Operators and owners interested in future survey iterations are encouraged to connect with the HFA Research Team.

Ongoing Benchmarking Initiatives

In conjunction with the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report, HFA has launched the 2025 Employee Compensation & Benefits Survey. This initiative focuses on staffing, pay, and benefits practices within the industry, adding a vital layer to financial benchmarking, particularly in the context of today’s evolving labor market. Club owners and operators in the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to engage in this study to cultivate a solid foundation of workforce benchmarks while gaining insights necessary for informed staffing strategies.

Accessing the Report

The 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report is readily available in PDF format:

• Free to contributing companies, HFA Premium Members, Standard Members, and Industry Partners through their member profiles.
• Priced at $699 for non-members.

HFA membership not only grants complimentary access to this report but also to a suite of advocacy and business resources crucial for success in the fitness industry.

For further information or inquiries, interested parties may reach out directly to Anton Severin, HFA’s Vice President of Research, via email at aseverin@healthandfitness.org.