Digital Transformation

What the 2025 UK Health & Fitness Report Tells Us About the Future of Fitness

2 min read

14-Apr-2025 10:00:00

3:26

The UK Health and Fitness Market Report 2025, proudly sponsored by Gladstone, reveals a sector defined by digital transformation, new habits, and growing health consciousness - especially among younger generations.

Memberships Hit a New High – Led by Gen Z

The UK now boasts 11.5 million gym members aged 16+, a jump of 1.6 million since 2022. Much of this growth is driven by Gen Z, a generation that is prioritising their health, mental wellbeing, and fitness over traditional social pastimes.

This new audience is not just health-focused - they’re digital natives who expect seamless digital experiences, from sign-up to session.

The Demand for Digital Ease

One of the report’s strongest messages is that digital accessibility is now non-negotiable. From online joining to real-time class booking, the path to participation must be smooth. Operators who deliver intuitive, mobile-first journeys will retain and grow their member base.

Many operators are already embracing this shift. Be Well Wigan, for example, underwent a full digital transformation - moving away from legacy systems to embrace mobile booking, fast payments, and seamless access for members.

“We needed to ensure that digital wasn’t a barrier. Gladstone Go helped us put accessibility and simplicity at the heart of our offering.”

Stuart Holden

Be Well Services Manager - Strategy & Innovation

Wellbeing, Sleep and Stress Relief at the Core

Beyond physical health, the report highlights:

79% of respondents use fitness to support mental health
68% say it helps them sleep better
76% use it to manage stress and anxiety

This shift demands a more holistic approach from operators - and technology plays a key part in supporting flexible, accessible fitness on members’ terms.

Real Stories of Digital Success

Other leading operators are also stepping up:

High Life Highland switched to Gladstone Go to modernise their member experience across a diverse portfolio of leisure sites, making it easier for members to interact online and on mobile.
St Dunstan’s Enterprises joined the movement, choosing Gladstone Go to support their vision of simple digital engagement and future scalability.

These transitions echo what the report confirms: operators who invest in tech that meets members where they are - on their phones, on the go -are seeing stronger engagement and retention.

Learn more about Gladstone Go

From Booking to Belonging

The report reveals a sector experiencing significant growth - 11.5 million gym members in the UK, with Gen Z driving much of this increase. But it’s not just about numbers; these younger members expect more.

Ease of booking and personalisation are key to meeting their needs. Digital platforms must reflect the habits and preferences of modern users, offering seamless, on-the-go access to booking, schedules, and payments. This is the new standard for success.

A Sector on the Move, But Not Without Challenges

The sector’s value now stands at £5.7 billion, supported by over 5,600 clubs. But the report is clear: continued digital transformation is critical.

“Investment in digital infrastructure is essential if we’re to meet demand, remove barriers, and keep leisure services inclusive.”

UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025

To Summarise - The Path Forward: Seamless, Smart, Sustainable

The 2025 report offers a clear call to action: build experiences that are mobile, modern, and member-first. From attracting Gen Z to supporting mental wellbeing and delivering digitally inclusive services, operators have everything to gain by investing in the right tools.