Fitness and Training

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reported that in 2023, nearly 79 percent of Americans participated in a fitness activity one or more times in a year. The Health & Fitness Association also shared good news that in 2022, gym, health club, or fitness studio memberships had increased to 68.9 million members, a 3.7 percent increase over the previous year.

One indication of the national interest in fitness is the number of get-in-shape magazines now on the market. Publications such as Self, Shape, Women's Health, among others, are aimed at women, but there are some for men too, such as Men's Health and Men's Fitness. One reason for this interest is the high rate of obesity. The National Center for Health Statistics found that more than 40 percent of American adults, nearly 13 percent of children age two to five, and nearly 21 percent of children age six to 11 were obese. This epidemic has been caused by the increased use of technology for work and play, leading to more sedentary lifestyles and deterioration of good eating habits. Some cultural observers suggest that the emphasis on women's fitness reflects recognition of the trend toward women's empowerment; feminist critics consider it a co-opting of this trend.

About 350,100 people are employed as fitness trainers and instructors. Fitness trainers and aerobic instructors work mainly at fitness and recreational sports centers. A score of organizations offer certification of these instructors, including some specializations such as yoga. Other jobs may be as recreation and fitness instructors at the postsecondary level.

Fitness and recreational sports centers offer not only workout equipment and free weights, but also classes in yoga, Pilates, aerobic dancing, spinning (stationary bicycles), and even pole dancing. They earn most of their revenue from memberships and admission fees but also make money from selling workout apparel and from charging for services to individuals, such as massage and personal fitness training.

The proliferation of gyms in fitness centers, hotels, office buildings, and other locations has created a large market for equipment such as elliptical workout machines, treadmills, and stair steppers. Consumers purchase some of this equipment for use at home. They also spend billions annually on workout apparel and accessories such as exercise mats and fitness-tracking software.

Business at fitness and recreational sports centers is sensitive to recessions. During economic downturns, patrons of the centers lose disposable income and lack free time, either because they are busy looking for work or are working longer hours at lower-paying jobs. The industry's sensitivity was demonstrated during the recession that began in 2007, losing 6 percent of the establishments and 2 percent of the employees between that year and 2011. Most recently, the industry was deeply affected by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, which caused business shutdowns, social distancing, and economic slowdown. Remote fitness training and videos on demand became popular, with many gyms continuing to offer hybrid options for clients and gym members to train on site as well as at home.

Post pandemic, the fitness and training industry is recovering, with growth in various areas. Greater awareness of the value of fitness, and the need to combat rising obesity levels should contribute to employment growth for fitness businesses.