Gym visits are up, and engagement is climbing. According to the Health & Fitness Association’s (HFA) latest Fitness Industry Traffic (FIT) Tracker, U.S. fitness facilities have seen a 3.5% increase in total foot traffic in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. That means more people are not just signing up—but showing up.
The Comeback Continues
After the pandemic-era slump, it’s clear that gym culture isn’t just back—it’s evolving. HFA’s new data, pulled from nearly 11,000 commercial gyms across the country, paints a picture of a revitalized fitness landscape. Average visit frequency—the number of times a person walks through the doors each month—is also up 1.4% year over year, indicating a growing habit of consistent, structured exercise.
“These numbers prove what we’re seeing across the industry,” said HFA CEO Liz Clark. “People aren’t just returning to fitness—they’re committing to it.”
HVLP Gyms Are Booming
High-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms are seeing the biggest surge, with a 3.8% year-over-year increase in total visits. These budget-friendly clubs averaged nearly 193,000 visits per location, making it their strongest six-month stretch to date. That’s not just a reflection of affordability—it signals Gen Z’s growing appetite for access over exclusivity.
Mid-tier gyms, often smaller but offering full-service amenities, saw a 3.7% increase and averaged 77,000 visits per location. While luxury clubs still draw the biggest raw numbers—315,000 visits per location—they experienced a slight dip of 0.9%, suggesting a plateau or potential shift in where value is perceived.
Studios Hold Steady
Boutique studios, while smaller in footprint, continue to draw a loyal audience. Visits per studio ticked up by 0.8%, showing that niche formats like Pilates, HIIT, or yoga remain part of the fitness ecosystem, especially for members seeking community or specialized formats.
What This Means for Gym Owners
The HFA report serves as a health check for gym operators: engagement is trending up, and visit frequency is a metric worth monitoring. The gyms pulling ahead are those that focus on value, access, and experience. That means updated equipment, smooth check-ins, functional layouts, and a clean, consistent environment—especially in HVLP settings where volume is high.
Consumers today aren’t just seeking a gym—they’re seeking a habit that sticks. The numbers suggest they’re finding it.
