Member Discount

The 2017 IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report

This annual publication provides demographics and health, sports, and fitness participation data on America’s health club consumers. The report confirms that health clubs are playing an increasing role in helping consumers get active, lead healthier lives, and pursue fitness and sport goals. This product is a PDF download.

Members: Login

Non-Members: Final Price in Cart

Buy Now

A newer version of this report is available.


Non-member price is $99.95. Member discounts will show in cart.

“Although inactivity rates are disappointing among older generations, The IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report shows that nearly one out of four health club members are 55 and older and membership among Boomers and the Silent Generation (typically born between 1925-42) has increased by 5% since 2012," says Melissa Rodriguez, IHRSA’s senior research manager. “The report provides insights and applications on how clubs can engage older generations as well as other segments.”

Although one out of five Americans utilizes a health club, opportunities remain for club operators to help increase activity among sedentary Americans. According to Physical Activity Council research, more than one out of four Americans (27%) do not engage in any sport or physical activity.

“In 2016, more than 57 million Americans ages 6 and older belonged to a health club. Since 2009, health club membership has grown by 26.4%”

The report guides club operators in how to target underrepresented groups as well as leverage demographic trends in efforts to stand out from the competition. It is organized into the following chapters:

  • Chapter 1. Overview of Health Club Participation: analysis of total membership and consumer growth trends;
  • Chapter 2. Health Club Member Demographics: an exploration of gender, household income, age, educational, and ethnicity, as well as how demographics are influencing the health club industry;
  • Chapter 3. Health Club Member Attendance & Tenure: insights on membership tenure and attendance;
  • Chapter 4. Health Club Member Activity Participation: an examination of consumer utilization of equipment and participation in group-based training formats;
  • Chapter 5. Health Club Member Fees: an analysis of fees paid overall and per club segment;
  • Chapter 6. Personal & Small Group Training Users: an overview of private and small group training clients;
  • (NEW) Chapter 7. Special Report: Core Consumers: an examination of members who use clubs at least 100 days per year and multi-club members;
  • Chapter 8: How to Apply Consumer Research: 10 in-depth applications for club operators and suppliers;
  • (NEW) Appendix - 10 Key Findings & Infographic Insights: one-page summary of key data points and infographic highlights of report

The 2017 IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report is based on analysis of 24,134 online interviews that were carried out with a nationwide sample of individuals and households in early 2017.