UK fitness could reach 17 million members by 2032, says Cameron Saunders

The UK health and fitness sector could reach 17 million members by 2032 if its current growth trajectory continues, but operators will need to work harder to reach women, lower socioeconomic groups and older adults if the industry is to fulfil its potential.

Speaking at the HFA European Congress at London Stadium on 24 September UK Active CEO Cameron Saunders, highlighted the rapid growth of the UK fitness market and the opportunities still ahead.

The UK now has 12.2 million health and fitness club members – almost one in five people – with 679 million visits made to facilities during 2025 and £5.7 billion generated in membership income.

Between 2023 and 2025, the market added around 1.4 million members and 110 million annual visits, while membership income increased by £947 million.

Visits are now rising faster than membership, suggesting existing members are using facilities more frequently.

The UK’s mix of public and private provision was identified as one of its strengths. Private operators are driving growth through both new openings and increasing membership at existing sites, while public operators have generated growth largely from existing facilities, increasing both membership and visit frequency.

If current rates of growth were maintained, UK Active projects membership could rise to around 17 million by 2032 – equivalent to approximately one in four people – and 22 million by 2039, or around one in three.

However, Saunders warned against assuming growth will automatically continue at its current pace.

The biggest volume of members currently comes from 25- to 34-year-olds, with around 60 per cent reporting gym membership, while Gen Z participation appears to be plateauing at a high base.

Older adults are emerging as a particularly important opportunity. Membership among over-55s has increased by 44 per cent, according to data presented at the Congress, although participation remains considerably below that of younger age groups.

Saunders said this demographic could have some of the most significant health gains from becoming more active, while also potentially reducing pressure on the NHS through prevention.

The analysis also highlighted inequalities in the industry’s recent growth.

Participation among ABC1 socioeconomic groups has risen strongly, while growth among C2DE groups has been much more modest. The barriers are also different: ABC1 consumers are more likely to identify cost as an issue, while confidence and psychological barriers are more significant among C2DE groups.

Male participation has also been growing faster than female participation, widening the gender gap.

The session formed part of the opening programme of the 2026 HFA European Congress, which is bringing together health and fitness leaders from more than 35 countries at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.