What percentage of the population in the USA and Europe work as fitness trainers in gyms? Are there any approximate figures?

The percentage of people working as fitness trainers in gyms varies by country and region. However, there are some general statistics and trends in both the USA and Europe.

USA



The fitness industry, including gyms and personal training services, is a major segment of the market in the United States. According to IBISWorld (2023 report on the fitness market in the USA), the fitness services market, including gyms and personal trainers, is valued at around $32.3 billion.

Personal Trainers:

  • Approximately 300,000 people work as personal trainers in the USA (according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, NASM). These trainers provide services both in gyms and individually.
  • Percentage of the total workforce:
  • Personal trainers make up about 0.2% of the total workforce in the USA (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, when considering only those employed in the sports and fitness industry, this percentage is significantly higher.
Trends:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in personal training services, linked to increased awareness about health and fitness. This trend is especially evident in major cities, where more people are willing to pay for professional training services.

Europe

Europe also sees a rise in interest for fitness and personal training services, though the situation may vary depending on the country.

Overall fitness market:

In 2021, the fitness services market in Europe was valued at around €28 billion, including gyms, fitness centers, and personal training services.

  • Personal Trainers in Europe:
Estimates suggest that approximately 200,000-300,000 people work as personal trainers in Europe (according to EuropeActive, the European fitness and health association). This number includes trainers working in gyms and those working independently or with groups.

  • Percentage of the total workforce:
Around 0.1%-0.2% of the total workforce in European countries work as fitness trainers or personal trainers. In some countries, such as the UK or Germany, this percentage can be higher due to more developed and popular fitness services.



Key Drivers of Growth:


Entrepreneurship and Flexibility:

Beauty coworking spaces cater to professionals seeking independence without the financial burden of establishing a full-scale salon. These spaces offer flexible rental options, allowing beauty experts to scale their operations according to demand.

Technological Integration:

Many beauty coworking facilities are incorporating advanced technologies, such as smart booking systems and integrated payment solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

Key Factors Influencing This Market: Growing health awareness:



In both regions, there is a steady increase in interest in fitness, contributing to a rise in the number of personal trainers. People are more focused on maintaining physical fitness, and trainers help them achieve their personal goals.

Health and fitness trends:
Activities in gyms, yoga, pilates, cardio workouts, and other forms of fitness are becoming increasingly popular, which drives the demand for trainers. The growing popularity of one-on-one personal training for both physical and mental goals (stress management, improving posture, etc.) also contributes to demand.

Technology and online training:
In recent years, many trainers have started using digital platforms to offer their services online, opening new opportunities in this field. This is especially relevant in the context of the pandemic and its aftermath, as people increasingly prefer to train remotely.

Financial capacity of the population:
In countries with higher income levels (such as the USA, the UK, Germany, and France), a larger percentage of the population can afford personal training services, which contributes to the growth of the market.


Conclusion:In both the USA and Europe, the number of people working in the fitness industry and providing personal training services continues to grow. In the USA, there are currently more than 300,000 personal trainers, which makes up about 0.2% of the total workforce, while in Europe, this number reaches approximately 200,000-300,000 people. The fitness services market continues to expand thanks to the popularity of an active lifestyle and the growing demand for personalized training programs.
2 April / 2024
Evgenii Kuznetsov
CEO Founder & Product Manager
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