India presents one of the world’s most exciting growth opportunities for the fitness sector, says a landmark report from the Health and Fitness Association.
The India Fitness Market Report 2025, produced in collaboration with Deloitte India, dives into the market for commercial fitness facilities, looking at premium, boutique and value clubs.
The report heralds a new era in India’s wellness journey, where fitness is no longer a niche aspiration, but a national movement. It claims the momentum is undeniable and the opportunities are immense. From 2024 to 2030 the market size is expected to post a compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent.
Rising health awareness – partly driven by the government – technological innovation, evolving consumer attitudes, increasing disposable income, urbanisation, favourable demography and the proliferation of fitness culture is contributing to the sector’s development and opportunities.
“India has the world’s largest population, a dynamic and youthful demographic and a rising middle class, increasingly focused on health and wellbeing,” says HFA president and CEO, Liz Clark. “Although the country’s current fitness facility membership remains below 1 per cent, the market is on a steep growth trajectory and is expected to more than double in size by 2030.”
Indian market overview
India’s commercial fitness sector is estimated to be worth INR 16,200 crore (US$1.94bn). There are 46,500 facilities and 12.3 million members, with penetration being 0.8 per cent.
By 2030, the market is predicted to grow to INR37,700 crore (US$4.5bn), with around 23.3 million Indians having a gym membership and penetration doubling to 1.7 per cent.
Significant growth is expected in the top tier cities – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata and Kochi. These cities contribute more than 56 per cent of market revenue and 42 per cent of members.
Many of the tier-two and lower tier cities remain untapped, but hold immense growth potential, due to increasing urbanisation and fitness awareness. Affordable chains which can penetrate these markets stand to gain the most.
The commercial fitness market is split three ways – value, premium and boutique. The value segment accounts for 56 per cent of market value; 78 per cent of the membership and 80 per cent of the total facilities. In 2030, it is expected to account for 53 per cent of market value, 79 per cent of membership and 78 per cent of facilities.
Premium facilities is a growing segment, forming 38 per cent of the market, with 18 per cent of the membership base and 12 per cent of the facility count. They’re expected to account for 39 per cent of the market by 2030, as well as 16 per cent of the membership base and 11 per cent of the facilities.
Focused around single modalities – with yoga being popular – the boutique segment has a 7 per cent market share; 4 per cent of the membership base and 8 per cent of the facilities. By 2030 boutiques are projected to reach 8 per cent market revenue; 5 per cent of members and 11 per cent of facilities.
All three industry segments are expected to see robust annual growth between 2024 and 2030. The growth rates for Premium (16 per cent CAGR) and Boutique (19 per cent CAGR) are projected to be somewhat stronger than Value (14 per cent CAGR).
This explains why Value's overall share of market revenue is expected to decline marginally from about 56 per cent in 2024 to 53 per cent by 2030, although revenue for the Value segment is projected to more than double from US$1.09 billion in 2024 to US$2.39 billion by 2030.
Challenges
The market is fragmented with only a few national-level operators. The challenges include the lack of adequate fitness infrastructure outside top tier cities. Retention is also currently a challenge, with many members leaving their gyms for home workouts or taking temporary breaks.
Fifty per cent of non-members claim they do not want to change their daily routine for fitness activities.
Affordability is an issue, with 52 per cent saying the primary reason for not joining a fitness facility is the price. Inactivity is prevalent, especially in lower income households, and women have higher rates of inactivity than men. Unpaid activities, such as running, cycling and indoor and outdoor games are popular.
Opportunities for growth
In 2024, India had the world’s largest population – 1.4 billion people – and 65 per cent are under the age of 35. There are 956 million people in the target fitness market age group of 18- to 62-years-of-age. Of these, 10 per cent – 138 million people – are involved in physical activity.
The report identifies potential to convert fitness enthusiasts into paying customers through community-driven, low-cost options. With companies increasingly investing in employee wellness programmes, corporate wellness presents a further opportunity.
India has made significant strides in improving public health outcomes through the National Health Mission through preventative health and public health initiatives, including the Fit India Movement which encourages healthier lifestyle with regular movement and balanced nutrition.
Clark says: “For industry and public health leaders alike, the message is clear: India’s fitness sector is on the rise. With continued innovation, strategic investment and supportive public policy, this market can deliver meaningful returns financially and improved health outcomes.”
Kath Hudson is news editor of HCM magazine and editor of the HCM Handbook.
