Functional fitness and strength training keep growing in popularity, but the cardio floor will always be the central training area of fitness facilities from big-box budget clubs to luxury brands.
Why? The demand is still there. According to the 2024 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, treadmills are still the most popular equipment (see graph below). Say the authors of the report: "Treadmills remained the most utilized equipment at fitness facilities in 2023 with a 43% participation rate. The activities with the highest participation rates have remained relatively stable since 2019, reflecting consistent trends in member preferences."
While accommodating the continuing interest in strength training, operators, personal trainers, and fitness programmers are finding new ways to utilize cardio units. Although cardio floors these days may look a bit different—some smaller, some sporting a changing layout and evolving line-up, and others migrating specific machines into small group training and circuit workout areas—they remain absolute necessities.
While some exercisers still engage in longer, steady-state sessions, clubs report that many members are decreasing workout time and increasing intensity for greater efficiency. Many opt for mix-and-match modalities within an exercise session for variety or multitask by combining cardio with strength.