Crunch Fitness Leads Industry Expansion
Crunch Fitness led the industry in 2025 by leasing a record 4.27 million square feet of gym space, indicating growing demand for in-person fitness experiences. Planet Fitness also announced strong fourth quarter results with system-wide sales and new member sign-ups trending upward.
- Crunch Fitness opened 91 new clubs in 2025, a 49% increase from the 61 it opened in 2024, and plans to open approximately 100 more worldwide in 2026. - Planet Fitness ended 2025 with approximately 20.8 million members, a net increase of 1.1 million for the year. It opened 181 new locations in 2025, bringing its total to 2,896. - The growth reflects a broader industry rebound, with U.S. gym memberships reaching a record 77 million in 2024, a 20% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. - To fuel its expansion, Crunch Fitness received a strategic investment from private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners and is expanding internationally, including a franchise deal in India. - Many new Crunch locations are moving into large retail spaces left vacant by bankrupt chains like Big Lots, Conn's, and Tuesday Morning. - Planet Fitness successfully increased its entry-tier "Classic Card" membership price by 50% for new sign-ups in 2025 without stalling membership growth. - The post-pandemic era has seen a "live revival" for gyms, though many members now prefer a hybrid model that blends in-person and digital workouts.
