More than 66 million Americans used a health club in 2016, a record-​high since The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association began tracking health club consumer statistics in 1987. The number of individual members totaled 57.3 million, up 3.6% from 55.3 million in 2015.

Members frequented their health clubs an average of 106 visits in 2016, also an all-​time high. Of the 296.6 million Americans age 6 and older, 19.3% were health club members in 2016. Health clubs generated $27 6 billion in revenue in 2016 compared to $25.8 billion in 2015, an increase of 7.2 percent.

Consumers continue to rely on health clubs as the primary outlet for physical activity and health goals,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO. “Increased participation in fitness activities helped fuel growth in memberships and utilization as total club visits surpassed 5 billion for the fifth consecutive year.”

Health clubs and studios can target the hardcore users. The latest AudienceSCAN study found 6.1% of Americans work out at a fitness center five times a week or more!

Based on a study conducted by The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association as part of the Physical Activity Council, results show that nearly one out of five Americans belonged to at least one of the 36,540* health clubs nationwide. Since 2009, membership has grown by 26.3%, while the total number of club-​goers has increased by 26.5%. At 36,540, the number of health club facilities increased by just 1% over the previous year.

“Industry revenues continue to grow as members utilize their clubs more frequently with many investing in multiple health club options,” said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products. “While the increase in the number of fitness centers has slowed, club operators have adeptly responded to consumer needs and demands for variety in fitness programs and training formats.”

The fanatical gym user could be a great target for upgraded services or personal training packages. Gym Rats are reading the paper, so gyms could promote these offerings there. The latest AudienceSCAN study revealed 68.7% of Gym Rats took action after seeing ads in newspapers (print, online, mobile or tablet).

The report also found:

• 66 million consumers used a health club in 2016, an all-​time high since IHRSA began tracking consumer statistics in 1987
• The average member visited their club 106 times in 2016, which is also an all-​time high.
• Nearly one out of five Americans belonged to at least one health club.
• Since 2009, health club membership has grown by 26.3 percent
• Since 2009, the number of club-​goers has increased by 26.5 percent

AudienceSCAN data is available as part of a subscription to AdMall for Agencies, or with the SalesFuel API. Media companies can access AudienceSCAN data through the AudienceSCAN Reports in AdMall.