Almost three years have passed since the pandemic broke out—and it shows. Here’s a glimpse into how far the health and fitness industry has come over the past year.
- Sami Smith
- January 06, 2023
Another year has come and gone and the future of the health and fitness industry is looking bright. Although things will never be as they were before the pandemic, the world is returning to normalcy and people are dialing in on improving their overall health and wellness.
Take a look at some uplifting things that have happened in the industry this year and other newsworthy items.
Fitness Industry Growth in 2022
Although the pandemic has left its mark, McKinsey & Company notes that the health and fitness industry is bouncing back and investors aren’t turning away. This past year, Myzone received a $17.2 million investment, Therabody took in a $165 million investment, and Future raised $75 million in funding. Most fitness businesses aren’t back to pre-pandemic levels, however, several chains noticed significant upticks in revenue and experts predict the industry will grow 171.75% between now and 2028.
More examples of industry growth include:
EoS Fitness Partners with Betr Health to Help Members Achieve Health Goals from the Inside Out
FlexIt Has Been Named the Official Virtual Fitness Partner of the Florida Panthers
State of the Fitness Industry Report 2022 finds UK industry building back to pre-pandemic levels
Fitness Industry Innovation in 2022
Of course, demand is ever-increasing for digital and virtual exercise offerings—not to mention the appetite for fitness trackers. Outdoor options continuously grow in popularity as Club Northwest and BeaverFit partnered to build the largest known open-air commercial fitness facility in the U.S. And research is underway to test a new app’s effectiveness of improving physical activity levels in people with disabilities.
Rick Stollmeyer, founder of Mindbody and CEO of Inspired Flight, received the Leader in Innovation Award at the 16th Annual Global Wellness Summit. Plus, 2022 revealed mirrors with tracking capabilities to provide real-time feedback. Insanity!
Rick Stollmeyer accepts the Leader in Innovation Award at the Global Wellness Summit. (Source: Global Wellness Summit)
Other innovations from clubs throughout the year:
Les Mills heads into the Metaverse with launch of Bodycombat VR
MindLabs Launches Live Mental Wellness Platform, Prioritising Video-Led Content in Industry First
San Francisco Gym's Separation Strategy Fits COVID-Era Concerns
Fitness Industry Acts of Kindness in 2022
We’re constantly evolving as an industry and becoming more inclusive is a key goal that one Michigan facility is hitting perfectly with scholarship options for those with disabilities. Dubai opened a record-breaking 19 fitness hubs during its sixth—and largest—annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, offering hundreds of free and inclusive, family-friendly activities and workouts.
More generous contributions and good will from fitness facilities:
Little Gym celebrates 1st birthday with giveaway to help families
Moving Together Outside Campaign Creates Safe Outdoor Fitness Spaces
Ride of a Life Time Cycling Event Aims to Raise One Million Dollars to Improve Children's Health
Nutrition, fitness program aims to ’empower’ formerly incarcerated individuals
Crunch Fitness Launches New Military-Based Fellowship and Employment Placement Program
MUV Fitness teaming up with Ukrainian Red Cross to provide relief
Fitness Industry Reach in 2022
Overall wellness is top of mind for many—thanks to the pandemic, ironically. We’re seeing more and more research published related to how exercise benefits cancer survivors, specifically those who battled breast cancer. There’s also no denying physical activity’s impact on quality of life and mental health—so much so that UAE residents didn’t let Ramadan change their workout routines.
As more researchers state “every single minute counts,” governments are getting on board with exercise, too. After the Physical Activity Alliance and Myzone Congressional Physical Activity Challenge proved to be another success in the U.S., it caught the attention of UK politicians who participated in a similar event late last year.
In more political news, the National Health & Fitness Alliance accepted a generous $150,000 donation from The Fitness Technology Summit and DXFactor to support ongoing advocacy efforts. In the north, a successful lobbying effort led by the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) prevented sales tax on gym memberships.
Additional ways the fitness industry was recognized:
GWI Research Indicates Spending On Wellness May Increase Happiness and Longevity
WHO highlights high cost of physical inactivity in first-ever global report
Garage Gym Reviews Introduces "Fitness Most Wanted" Awards to Connect Consumers to Industry's Best
Gov. Kristi Noem calls for nominations for schools to win $100K in fitness equipment
It’s evident that the health and fitness industry has more than enough buy-in from consumers to excel past pre-pandemic levels and improve the overall health of millions. It’s also abundantly clear that the future of the industry is medical—industry veterans have already teamed up to expand wellness programs. This year, our advocacy and lobbying efforts will be key to get governments on board and pass legislation that benefits our industry’s best interests. We’re excited to see what unfolds this year for our industry.
Sami Smith is IHRSA's Senior Manager of Digital Communications, working to shape the organization's image on various digital platforms. On a typical day, she creates content, delivers impactful communications, and executes targeted marketing efforts to keep IHRSA at the forefront of the industry. Outside of the office, you can find her exploring new destinations, indulging in food, or participating in just about any sport.