European Gyms See Record Revenues, Strong Membership Growth

European health/fitness center revenue and membership numbers have topped pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with more growth ahead

Europe is experiencing a fitness boom, with health and fitness center revenue and membership numbers topping pre-pandemic levels and 100 million European gym members predicted by 2030, according to a new report from EuropeActive and Deloitte.

European health and fitness center memberships grew to nearly 68 million in 2023, up from 62.9 million the year before. Revenues followed a similar trend, increasing by 14% to €31.8 billion ($33.8 billion) in 2023, an all-time high. The number of fitness clubs in Europe increased 1.4% to almost 65,000. 

The 2024 European Health & Fitness Market Report also found that the leading fitness operators in terms of membership for 2023 were Basic-Fit (3.8 million); RSG Group, owner of Gold’s Gym and others, (2.0 million); and PureGym (1.9 million).                  

Basic-Fit also scored the top ranking for revenue (€1,047 million), followed by David Lloyd (€854 million) and PureGym (€621 million). 

There was also strong deal-making activity among European brick-and-mortar health and fitness clubs, with 12 major mergers and acquisitions being completed in 2023, per the report.

US Fitness Leaders Make European Push

The projections are great news for American fitness brands looking to capitalize on Europe’s fitness surge.

Club Pilates, Xponential’s wildly successful franchise, has already gained ground in the European market, including signing a master franchisee to license a minimum of 75 Club Pilates studios in France over the next decade. Xponential’s Body Fit Training (BFT), a coach-led group strength and conditioning training franchise, has just opened a new Barcelona studio and also has a presence in the U.K.

Anytime Fitness, the big-box gym chain under the Self Esteem Brands umbrella, has its sights set on Europe (and elsewhere), with gyms expected to open across France and Italy.

Popular HIIT studio Barry’s is planning to open its doors to fitness enthusiasts in Barcelona this month as it brings its high-energy workout under red lights to more international markets.