A record 64 million consumers made use of America’s gyms in 2015, as revenues jumped 6 per cent to reach US$25.8bn (€23.5bn, £18.2bn).

According to figures from IHRSA, the total number of gym members in 2015 stood at 55.3 million – up 2.2 per cent on 2014 – with a further 8.7 million consumers using facilities on a non-contract basis. Members also spent more time in the gym than ever before, racking up an average of 104 visits each in 2015 as fitness remained the nation’s most popular sport.

“In 2015, all key consumer indicators posted improvements, including number of health club members, consumers, and visits,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO.

“For the third consecutive year, total health club visits surpassed 5 billion, showing that Americans value the safe, secure environment and services clubs provide, and regularly utilise these services in order to meet their fitness and wellness needs as well as activity goals.”

Analysing slightly longer term trends, IHRSA research showed that the American industry has made significant strides in recent years. Since 2009, membership has grown by 22 per cent, while the total number of consumers, including member and non-member users, has increased by 24 per cent over the same period.

“Considering the growth in the variety of fitness options available, consumers more and more are showing that they believe in the physical and mental benefits of exercise and are showing that belief by increasing their investment (both in terms of time and money) in their health and fitness,” said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products.

“As the latest IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report shows, an average of 16 per cent of health club members belong to more than one club, indicating that many people are willing to pay for access and services across various fitness facilities.”