The fitness industry is growing, but are operators fully capitalizing on the opportunity?
In this episode of All Things Fitness and Wellness, host Krissy Vann sits down with Anton Severin of the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) to unpack findings from the 2026 Global Report and Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report.
From rising membership and revenue to improving profitability, the latest data paints an encouraging picture for the industry. But the conversation goes beyond the growth figures to explore what's driving demand, where operators are finding efficiencies, and what could shape the next phase of expansion.
**In this conversation:**
- Why mature fitness markets are still experiencing significant growth
- The relationship between revenue growth, profitability and operational efficiency
- Why fitness spending is becoming a greater priority for consumers
- The rise of members holding multiple gym and studio memberships
- What the research reveals about technology investment and AI
- The untapped opportunity to reach consumers who aren't currently participating in structured exercise
- The growing intersection of fitness, preventive healthcare and public policy
- What gym operators should be thinking about heading into 2027
As the fitness industry looks toward its next chapter, Anton shares why sustainable growth may depend less on competing for existing members and more on making fitness accessible and relevant to entirely new populations.
**Learn more about the Health & Fitness Association and its industry research:** https://www.healthandfitness.org/
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