Fitness Consumers Are More Active Than Ever, New Data Shows
A new report from ABC Fitness suggests that fitness enthusiasts are spending more time inside facilities than ever before
Fitness enthusiasts are more active than ever, and they seem to be spending more time inside gyms and studios as a result, according to a new report from ABC Fitness.
Fitness software giant ABC Fitness recently released its Wellness Watch Q1 2025 report, which surveyed over 2,000 “active consumers” in January 2025. For the report, ABC Fitness also leveraged insights from its 30,000 partner clubs, which together have 40 million members.
Among the report’s highlights, 76% of those surveyed claimed to be physically active, which is a 2% increase year-over-year and a 10% increase since 2021.
What’s more, fitness consumers are translating those sentiments into action by working out more often than they did in years past.
Of those surveyed, 44% of fitness consumers work out 12+ times per month, which is up 18% year-over-year. Older generations are more likely to hit the gym multiple times per week: 58% of Baby Boomers said they work out 12+ times per month, compared to only 37% of Gen Z.
In January 2025, fitness facilities in the ABC Fitness network saw 1.9 million new joins and 106 million check-ins.
Athletech News breaks down some other key insights from the report.
Gym-Goers Go Solo
Traditional gyms and health clubs continue to reign supreme, with 50% of those surveyed saying they were a member of one.
Fitness training studios were the second most popular option with 23% of respondents saying they were a member, followed by community recreation/college/military centers (19%), YMCAs/YWCAs/JCCs (19%) and group fitness studios (19%).
Most fitness enthusiasts aren’t breaking the bank to work out, either. Of those surveyed, 61% of consumers said they spend less than $69/month on memberships, showcasing the power of high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms, which continue to gain market share.
While group fitness has enjoyed a surge in popularity post-pandemic, many people still prefer to strap on their headphones and lock in by themselves while working out.
Among those surveyed by ABC Fitness, a large majority (69%) of gym-goers reported working out alone while inside the gym. Another 39% said they participate in group exercise classes, while 28% said they work out with a personal trainer or “special instructor.” Notably, only 9% of respondents said they stream virtual classes or training while inside the gym.
Fitness Tracking, AI Apps Are Mainstream
The report offered another notable takeaway: fitness consumers have embraced technology as part of the workout experience.
A majority of survey respondents (56%) said they use a wearable device such as Fitbit, Whoop or Apple Watch to track their activity while working out. Another 22% said they rely on heart rate monitors and/or other data collected during group exercise classes. Only 30% of respondents said they don’t track their activity while working out.
Fitness and wellness apps are also making their way inside the four walls of gyms and studios, especially if they use artificial intelligence. Of survey respondents, 61% said they’ve used AI-based fitness tracking apps. Meanwhile, 37% of respondents said they’ve used mental wellness apps, while 49% have used nutrition and meal planning apps.
Unsurprisingly, younger generations are more likely to use AI-powered fitness products.
“Generation Z and Millennials are the most receptive to AI-driven fitness solutions, frequently using fitness apps, smart wearables and virtual personal trainers,” per ABC Fitness. “They prefer AI-enhanced workout recommendations, gamification features, and real-time data analysis to optimize performance.”
Gen X, meanwhile, shows a “moderate level of AI adoption” while Baby Boomers are less likely to use AI in their fitness regimens, the report found.
To Download the ABC Fitness Wellness Watch Q1 2025 report in full, click here.