Crunch Fitness Leads Industry Expansion
Crunch Fitness leads the fitness industry with over 4.27 million square feet of leased space in 2025, signaling strong growth and continued investment in new locations. The expansion reflects robust demand for fitness facilities and the ongoing recovery of the gym sector. Meanwhile, free community workout programs in Atlanta are helping hundreds of residents improve their health through outdoor and public space sessions.
- The global health and fitness club market was estimated to be worth around $121.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to over $244 billion by 2032. In the U.S., the industry's revenue is expected to be approximately $45.7 billion in 2025, having surpassed its pre-pandemic peak. - A significant portion of Crunch Fitness's growth is driven by its franchise model. As of early 2026, over 90% of its more than 500 clubs are owned by franchisees. The company began franchising in 2010. - Crunch Fitness is led by Worldwide CEO Jim Rowley, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who has been in the role since 2019. The company was originally founded by Doug Levine in New York City in 1989. - Key competitors for Crunch Fitness include Planet Fitness, which has the most members of any gym brand at over 18 million, and Anytime Fitness, which has the most locations globally with over 5,200. - In April 2025, private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners announced a majority investment in Crunch Fitness, acquiring the stake from TPG Growth. - The 20-40 age group is the largest demographic for health and fitness club memberships. Industry-wide trends for 2026 include the continued dominance of wearable technology, a focus on fitness programs for older adults, and the use of mobile exercise apps. - Crunch Fitness operates on a "high-value, low-price" model, aiming to provide a wide range of amenities at affordable prices to carve out a niche in the market. This strategy is common in the current market, with Planet Fitness also finding success with a low-cost model. - The company's "No Judgments" philosophy, which dates back to 1995, was created to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
