A new report from ABC Fitness suggests that fitness enthusiasts are spending more time inside facilities than ever before. Fitness software giant ABC Fitness recently released its Wellness Watch Q1 2025 report, which surveyed over 2,000 active consumers in January 2025. For the report, ABC Fitness also leveraged insights from its 30,000 partner clubs, which together have 40 million members.
Among the report’s highlights, 76% of those surveyed claimed to be physically active, which is a 2% increase year-over-year and a 10% increase since 2021. What’s more, fitness consumers are translating those sentiments into action by working out more often than they did in years past. Of those surveyed, 44% of fitness consumers work out 12+ times per month, which is up 18% year-over-year. Older generations are more likely to hit the gym multiple times per week: 58% of Baby Boomers said they work out 12+ times per month, compared to only 37% of Gen Z.
In January 2025, fitness facilities in the ABC Fitness network saw 1.9 million new joins and 106 million check-ins. Athletech News breaks down some other key insights from the report. Traditional gyms and health clubs continue to reign supreme, with 50% of those surveyed saying they were a member of one. Fitness training studios were the second most popular option with 23% of respondents saying they were a member, followed by community recreation/college/military centers (19%), YMCAs/YWCAs/JCCs (19%), and group fitness studios (19%).
Most fitness enthusiasts aren’t breaking the bank to work out, either. Of those surveyed, 61% of consumers said they spend less than $69/month on memberships, showcasing the power of high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms, which continue to gain market share. While group fitness has enjoyed a surge in popularity post-pandemic, many people still prefer to strap on their headphones and lock in by themselves while working out. Among those surveyed by ABC Fitness, a large majority (69%) of gym-goers reported working out alone while inside the gym. Another 39% said they participate in group exercise classes, while 28% said they work out with a personal trainer or special instructor. Notably, only 9% of respondents said they stream virtual classes or training while inside the gym.
The report offered another notable takeaway: fitness consumers have embraced technology as part of the workout experience. A majority of survey respondents (56%) said they use a wearable device such as Fitbit, Whoop, or Apple Watch to track their activity while working out. Another 22% said they rely on heart rate monitors and/or other data collected during group exercise classes. Only 30% of respondents said they don’t track their activity while working out.
Fitness and wellness apps are also making their way inside the four walls of gyms and studios, especially if they use artificial intelligence. Of survey respondents, 61% said they’ve used AI-based fitness tracking apps. Meanwhile, 37% of respondents said they’ve used mental wellness apps, while 49% have used nutrition and meal planning apps. Unsurprisingly, younger generations are more likely to use AI-powered fitness products. “Generation Z and Millennials are the most receptive to AI-driven fitness solutions, frequently using fitness apps, smart wearables, and virtual personal trainers,” per ABC Fitness. “They prefer AI-enhanced workout recommendations, gamification features, and real-time data analysis to optimize performance.” Gen X, meanwhile, shows a moderate level of AI adoption while Baby Boomers are less likely to use AI in their fitness regimens, the report found.
A new study shows that active commuters—people who travel to work by way of physical activity—may require fewer sick days. The study was published by researchers from the Finnish Institute for Occupational Health in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, and it compared the habits of cyclists to passive commuters—people who use public transportation or cars.
Medical Xpress spoke to the author of the article, Ph.D. researcher Essi Kalliolahti, who said: "There is already research evidence on the health and environmental benefits of active commuting, but its connection to the risk of long sickness absences, for example, has not been studied at all before." The findings of the study were regarding sickness absence, so work-reported leaves for illness. It showed that exceedingly active commuters had an 8-18% lower risk of calling out sick or facing long-term sickness.
While the positive effects of exercise have been proven and supported by science, this study shows a correlation with actual immune health, not only cardiovascular benefits and weight stability. A survey by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare finds that less than a fifth of people in Finland commute by foot or bike year-round, while only 2.9% of people in the U.S. walk or bike to work, per a 2021 census report.
Jenni Ervasti, chief researcher for the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, told Medical Xpress: "Knowing that only half of the adult population exercises according to the recommendations, commuting on foot or by bike can be a useful way to increase health-promoting exercise." Not only does this study reinforce the positive effects of physical movement, but it could also benefit workplace productivity and keep employees on track to bigger paychecks.
In a health landscape where news about the planet, its heating, and how it affects our bodies can often feel desolate, this study is a glimmer of easy-to-implement hope. Moreover, by taking this step to improve your health and immunity, you can commit to an emission-free way of living, making the world a greener place, reducing your carbon footprint, and feeling your best. Happy biking!
