Gym Membership in U.S. Hits Record High as Fitness Industry Evolves

Gym membership across the United States has reached an all-time high in 2025, according to recent data from the Health & Fitness Association, giving consumers an unprecedented range of workout options to choose from in an increasingly competitive market.

As the wellness industry continues its robust expansion, many premium fitness facilities now command monthly membership fees in the hundreds of dollars, with pricing largely dependent on the level of access, exclusivity, and amenities offered. This pricing structure has created distinct tiers within the fitness market, from budget-friendly chains to ultra-luxury facilities.

Kenny Santucci, a prominent New York City fitness trainer, gym owner, and host of the “Strong New York” podcast, believes many consumers are misguided in their approach to selecting a gym.

“A lot of people traditionally look at gyms [as if] they have to have all the bells and whistles,” Santucci explained in a recent interview. “Spa, bathrooms, all these things. For me, a gym is a gym. I go there for the equipment, I go for the culture, I go for the look and feel of the place.”

Santucci, who regularly tours and evaluates fitness facilities across the country, emphasized that quality isn’t necessarily tied to price point. “You can have an incredible gym [that’s] a garage gym, and you can have an incredible gym [that] somebody could have built for $10 million,” he noted.

In evaluating fitness facilities, Santucci prioritizes three key elements: aesthetic appeal, equipment quality, and perhaps most importantly, the people who create the gym’s culture. “I think you could go and get in a sweat or a workout anywhere — but if the people are great, that’s what creates that great culture,” he said.

He contrasts this with what he sees as misplaced priorities among many gym-goers. “If you ask the average person who goes to most big-box gyms, the things they tell you they love about the gym are, ‘Oh, I love the showers. They have really nice towels.’ It’s nothing that actually pertains to the gym,” Santucci observed, adding that he believes “people should go to the gym to progress and get better.”

Based on these criteria, Santucci highlighted several standout fitness facilities across the United States:

Life Time Fitness earned high praise, with Santucci specifically commending founder and CEO Bahram Akradi for his hands-on management approach across hundreds of locations nationwide. The luxury health club chain offers extensive amenities including indoor courts, swimming pools, saunas, and diverse group fitness classes. “[Bahram’s] mentality and belief system around the fitness space, I absolutely love,” Santucci said.

Florida-based Anatomy Gyms, co-founded by Marc Megna, received recognition for its exceptional culture and thoughtful design. “The way the gym’s set up, the cleanliness of it, the aesthetics – you walk in that place, and you want to train,” Santucci explained. “Those are things you can’t just buy… You have to live it, love it and be involved in the day-to-day operations.”

For those in the New York and New Jersey area, Santucci recommended Powerhouse Gym, which specializes in weight training and bodybuilding, featuring dedicated powerlifting rooms and boxing rigs. “I just started going there, once or twice a week,” he said. “I really love the people and the culture.”

The Training Lab in New York City earned Santucci’s endorsement for group fitness enthusiasts and those interested in Hyrox training, a global fitness racing system with affiliated facilities. “The guys over at Training Lab are incredible,” he said. “Another owner-operator who’s involved in the business, who partakes in everything.”

While acknowledging that premium gym memberships can exceed $300 monthly, Santucci emphasized that substantial financial investment isn’t necessary to achieve fitness results, though it may enhance the overall experience.

“We need to restructure the way we think about health and wellness,” he suggested, noting shifting consumer priorities. “People aren’t going out as much anymore. They’re not spending as much on alcohol. It’s all what you prioritize. I prioritize fitness.”

Santucci himself maintains multiple gym memberships, explaining that his investment extends beyond equipment access to include staff quality, community connection, and atmosphere. “If you want that elevated experience, you’re going to pay for that just like you would at a hotel or a restaurant or anything else,” he noted.

Perhaps most telling of the fitness industry’s evolution is Santucci’s observation about wellness becoming integrated into daily routines: “It’s like you take a shower, you brush your teeth and you go to the gym. I think those are three non-negotiables for almost everybody on a daily basis when it comes to your hygiene.”

This perspective reflects the broader transformation of fitness from an optional leisure activity to an essential component of modern self-care, helping to explain the record membership numbers reported by the industry.