HFA Releases 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report
Posted: October 1, 2025 in IHRSA
The Health and Fitness Association
BOSTON, MA – The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) has released the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report, the most comprehensive analysis of financial and operational performance in the fitness sector. This publication marks HFA’s first in-depth benchmarking study since 2019, building on the long-standing Profiles of Success series and expanding it into a more detailed resource. The 2025 report is backed by data from 175 companies representing more than 17,000 fitness facilities across 27 countries, which were surveyed between April and June 2025.
A Snapshot of Industry Performance
Findings from the 2025 report show that health and fitness facilities continue to deliver robust profitability and strong financial opportunities, while helping operators measure and improve their performance.
- Median revenue grew by 9.9% compared to 2023.
- EBITDA margins reached a median of 23.6%, with two-thirds of clubs in positive territory.
- Net membership expanded by on average 5.5%.
- Member retention averaged 66.4% for the year.
Other benchmarks include revenue per club, dues and non-dues revenue mix, reinvestment levels, profitability ratios, member retention, program offerings, amenities, and services. Breakouts by club size, type, and dues level provide unparalleled insight into how different business models are performing.
“The 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report confirms what we’ve long known: fitness is good business,” said Liz Clark, President & CEO of HFA. “The benchmarks in this report highlight not only the industry’s profitability but also the investments operators are making in facilities, services, and member experience to ensure sustainable growth.”
What the Report Covers
The Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report provides a comprehensive set of benchmarks on the most critical measures of financial and operational performance, including:
- Revenue and Profitability – revenue per location, year-over-year growth, EBITDA margins, non-dues revenue mix, reinvestment levels.
- Financial Health – return on assets (ROA), current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio.
- Membership Dynamics – monthly accounts added and dropped, net growth, retention rates, and revenue per member.
- Facility Efficiency – revenue and occupancy cost per square foot, amenities and services offered.
- Staffing and Payroll – staffing size, payroll as a share of revenue, and revenue per full-time equivalent employee.
Together, these benchmarks give operators a clear picture of where they stand and how to improve performance.
Turning Data Into Action
Benchmarking helps operators turn data into action. By comparing their own results against industry peers, clubs can:
- Spot inefficiencies before they affect profitability.
- Measure staff productivity and adjust staffing models.
- Set realistic, data-driven growth targets.
- Strengthen business plans and investor pitches with credible benchmarks.
- Learn from top performers and replicate best practices.
“This report provides operators and stakeholders with an unparalleled view into how the industry is performing today,” said Anton Severin, HFA’s Vice President of Research. “By benchmarking against peers of similar size and type, operators can identify where they are excelling and where there are opportunities to improve. The findings also demonstrate why fitness facilities are a vital and financially sustainable part of the global health economy.”
Save the Date: Report Webinar October 23
To mark the release, HFA will host a webinar on October 23 at 11:00 a.m. (ET). The session will present highlights from the report and is open to survey contributors, Premium and Standard members, and industry partners.
Why Participation Pays Off
Participation in the survey comes with significant advantages. Each respondent receives:
- A confidential Company Performance Report (CPR) comparing their results with industry norms.
- A Report Card grading key performance ratios and highlighting areas for improvement.
- Access to interactive online reporting tools in the HFA Research Portal for deeper analysis.
This ensures that participants not only receive the report for free, but also gain tailored insights to support smarter decision-making. Operators and owners interested in future survey iterations are encouraged to contact the HFA Research Team.
More Benchmarking Underway: Complete the 2025 Employee Compensation & Benefits Survey
In addition to the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report, HFA recently launched the 2025 Employee Compensation & Benefits Survey. This study focuses on staffing, pay, and benefits practices across the industry—an essential complement to financial benchmarking for operators navigating today’s labor market.
We encourage all club owners and operators in the U.S. and Canada to participate. By contributing, you’ll help build a reliable set of workforce benchmarks while also receiving valuable insights to guide your own staffing strategies.
Find out more and complete the Employee Compensation & Benefits Survey by November 14, 2025.
Accessing the Report
The 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report is available now in PDF format:
Free for contributing companies, HFA Premium Members, Standard Members, and Industry Partners (via member profile).
$699 for non-members.
HFA membership includes complimentary access to this and other research, along with a wide range of advocacy and business resources.
Learn more about HFA memberships.
