CIMSPA comment on the latest findings from the UK Health and Fitness Market Report 2026.
Commissioned by ukactive and produced in collaboration with Sport England and 4GLOBAL, the report brings together data on recorded customer visits to health and fitness facilities across the public and private sector in the UK.
12.2 million people in the UK are now members of a health and fitness facility, with over 679 million individual visits to facilities recorded in 2025 – a 10% increase from 2024’s figure of 616 million.
The sector is also generating £7.5bn in attributable social value through health and fitness, measured in terms of life satisfaction and reduced health conditions. More and more people are now visiting facilities for longevity and their physical health – 95% of adults aged 65-74 cite improving or maintaining strength and fitness as a key motivator, with rising awareness of the importance of training for mobility and independence.
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said:
“This latest report is hugely encouraging. It is great to see more and more people are actively finding ways and trying to become more physically active in order to improve their own physical health.
“The thread that ties health and physical activity together is weaving increasingly tighter, as evidently more people are choosing fitness and physical activity to improve their health outcomes. With more people seeking physical activity spaces for longevity and improved physical health, it’s more important than ever that we have a professionally recognised workforce that can confidently support their clients and their potential needs.
“Our spaces are nothing without our sector workforce. Investing in careers and professional development will not only help facility users thrive in their goals – and it will help the wider sector continue to thrive too.”