The Resurgence of In-Person Fitness: Part 1 – Data and Insights Behind the Surge
Written by: Elisa Denning, CFW Marketing and Fitness Expert
The fitness and wellness market is experiencing a notable resurgence, with a significant shift towards in-person fitness activities. Recent survey data reveals a growing prioritization in overall health and fitness among U.S. consumers with an emphasis in returning to gyms, fitness classes, and wellness centers. This and the return to in-office work for many organizations is generating a positive swing in our corporate fitness facilities, boosting utilization in CFW managed fitness centers which saw about a 50% surge in the first half of 2024.
People are Prioritizing Health & Fitness
A recent report from McKinsey & Company revealed 82% of U.S. consumers consider health and wellness a top priority in their everyday lives, with 58% prioritizing health and wellness more now than they did just one year ago. This is particularly true among Gen Z and Millennials, citing a greater emphasis and investment in health and fitness as compared to other generations. This trend not only reflects individual desires for improved health but also underscores a vital opportunity for organizations to invest in employee well-being, ultimately benefiting both the workforce and the companies themselves.
The Shift to In-Person Fitness
A variety of consumer surveys show a distinct connection between a heightened priority of fitness and a growing demand for in-person experiences – particularly fitness classes, personal training, and coaching services.
Among gym-goers surveyed by McKinsey & Company in 2023, 50% said fitness is a “core part of their identity” and 60% identified the gym as a “core part of their fitness routine”. According to a 2023 survey by Mindbody, 74% of respondents indicated a preference for in-person fitness classes, citing the community atmosphere and motivation derived from group settings as key factors. Another report from IHRSA (Health & Fitness Association) revealed that gym members in the U.S. increased by 3.7% in 2023, up to 68.9 million, a number that exceeds pre-pandemic values from 2019. Additionally, the same report showed facility usage is up 8.1% from 2022-2023.
This trend towards in-person fitness is driven by several factors:
- Social Interaction: Many individuals missed the social aspect of group workouts, which offer a sense of community and support.
- Accountability: In-person classes provide a level of accountability and motivation that can be challenging to replicate online.
- Access to Equipment: Gyms and fitness centers offer specialized equipment and facilities that are often not available at home.
- Immediate Feedback: Trainers and instructors can offer real-time corrections and personalized feedback on form and technique, helping to prevent injuries and improve performance.
The Influence on Corporate Fitness Utilization
Reflective of these industry trends and statistics, our corporate fitness centers have seen a significant rise in utilization this year. Nationally, across all CFW managed facilities, member check-ins between January 1 to June 30, 2024, were 50% higher compared to the same period last year. In June 2024 alone, check-ins where 10,000+ greater, accounting for a 39% increase over June 2023. We saw 25.5% of our members at least once in June, compared to only 17.7% in the same month last year.
The resurgence of in-person fitness highlights a growing emphasis on health and wellness among the overall population. This trend presents a unique opportunity for organizations to support their employees' well-being by encouraging in-person fitness activities. At Corporate Fitness Works, we are committed to helping companies create healthier, more productive work environments through our comprehensive fitness solutions. Click here to keep reading the next segment on this topic, where we will delve into the positive impact of in-person fitness on corporate fitness centers and practical steps employers can take to support their workforce.
Click here for more information on how Corporate Fitness Works can meet your organizations unique health and fitness needs with comprehensive in-person and digital fitness solutions.