US Fitness Traffic Keeps Ahead of Record 2025 Pace Through Midyear

New FIT Tracker data show consumer demand for commercial fitness remained resilient through the first half of 2026.

US commercial fitness demand remained resilient through the first half of 2026, with traffic continuing to run ahead of last year’s record pace despite a slight slowdown in the second quarter.

Average visits per commercial fitness facility declined 0.5% compared to second quarter 2025, marking the industry’s first year-over-year quarterly contraction since early 2021. However, year-to-date traffic remained 1.5% above last year’s levels, underscoring the continued strength of consumer demand following a record-setting 2025.

According to the Health & Fitness Association’s latest US Fitness Industry Traffic (FIT) Tracker, performance became more segmented during the quarter. Boutique studios led the industry with 2.5% year-over-year growth in visits per location, while high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms remained near record levels, declining just 0.2% against a historically strong comparison. Mid-priced and luxury facilities recorded declines of 1.7% and 2.3%, respectively, though luxury clubs improved steadily as the quarter progressed.

June provided the clearest sign of renewed momentum. After softer performance in April and May that aligned with a broader dip in US consumer sentiment, visits increased month over month across all four facility segments. HVLP gyms posted the largest increase, with visits rising 10% from May, while mid-priced facilities, luxury clubs, and boutique studios also recorded gains. All four segments also improved on a year over year basis compared with May.

The report also found that while overall visitation remained positive, average monthly visits per visitor declined 1.3% across the industry. The combination of continued traffic growth and lower visit frequency suggests traffic is being supported more by broader visitor reach than by increased usage among the average visitor.

Regional performance also shifted during the quarter. Boutique studios posted growth across seven of the nation’s nine Census divisions, while HVLP gyms recorded visitation gains in six divisions. New England emerged as one of the strongest-performing regions, while the West South Central division continued to lag several other parts of the country.

The latest FIT Tracker suggests that while year-over-year comparisons have become more challenging following a record 2025, the broader demand for commercial fitness remains strong. With traffic continuing to outpace last year’s record levels through the first half of 2026 and visitation rebounding across all four segments in June, the industry enters the second half of the year on solid footing.

HFA members can download the second quarter 2026 FIT Tracker report for free. Non-members can download it for $99.