79193

Despite ongoing economic pressures, a new consumer survey by ExerciseNZ reveals a promising outlook for New Zealand's fitness industry.

Conducted by Horizon Research for the past five years, the survey polled New Zealand adults nationwide and highlights a growing interest and uptake in physical activity and structured exercise, presenting significant opportunities for industry growth in 2025.

Noting that while economic challenges often impact discretionary spending, exercise remains a priority for many New Zealanders, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie explains “people increasingly recognise the benefits of regular exercise - not just for physical health but also for mental wellbeing and resilience.

“Even in times of financial uncertainty, we see continued demand for exercise services, highlighting the industry’s resilience and growth potential.”

Key Findings from the Consumer Report:

Strong Intent to Start Exercise

• Over a quarter of a million (309,000) adults plan to begin structured exercise in 2025.
• 10% of adults are considering joining a structured exercise provider in the next 12 months.

Increased Use of Exercise Professionals

• 28% of adults (1,075,000 people) pay for one-on-one exercise professionals - a 6% increase from 2023.
• 15% (595,000 people) see an exercise professional weekly, up 4%.
• 8% of non-users (309,000 adults) plan to start, indicating 30% growth potential.

High Value Placed on Physical Activity

• 98% of New Zealanders value physical activity.
• Top reasons: health benefits (76%), mental health (64%), and feeling good (61%).

Shift in Exercise Preferences

• 67% of adults exercise, up from 64% in 2023 - defying the trend of declining physical activity.
• 22% (866,000 people) use structured providers, with 12% in group classes and 14% training individually.
• Small gyms/studios and recreational facilities (both 11%) are growing, while large gyms saw a slight decline (14%).

Despite economic challenges and cost-of-living pressures, the survey shows that New Zealanders are prioritising their health and well-being, with a strong intent to increase physical activity. The exercise industry is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend by offering flexible, affordable, and varied exercise options to meet consumer needs.

Beddie added “the findings from this year’s survey are incredibly encouraging. Despite economic challenges, New Zealanders want to exercise more and see the value in professional guidance and structured programs. This presents a significant opportunity for the industry to grow and adapt to evolving consumer needs.”

As the industry gears up for a dynamic year ahead, ExerciseNZ remains committed to supporting exercise professionals, facility operators, and the wider exercise community in navigating growth opportunities while maintaining high service standards and accessibility for all New Zealanders.

Images: Jetts New Zealand (top) and Richard Beddie (below).

Related Articles

30th January 2025 - ExerciseNZ urges New Zealanders to make movement an essential part of their daily lives

30th December 2024 - ExerciseNZ urges New Zealanders to set exercise goals that stick in 2025

5th December 2024 - S30 Studio announces plans for 40 gyms in New Zealand by 2030

2nd December 2024 - PWR Fit Studios co-founder Renee Diment-Phillps named New Zealand’s top Personal Trainer for 2024

1st December 2024 - Les Mills Christchurch named New Zealand’s Supreme Exercise Facility for 2024

30th November 2024 - Awards celebrate best of New Zealand’s fitness industry

8th November 2024 - ExerciseNZ backs Movember men’s health initiative

17th October 2024 - Jetts New Zealand collaborates on educational and inspirational roadshow

11th September 2024 - Viva Leisure announces Boutique Fitness Studios investment to drive growth of Xponential Fitness brands in Australia and New Zealand

9th September 2024 - Jetts New Zealand and Zap Fitness digital access innovation attains 93% uptake

24th April 2024 - Xplor introduces Mariana Tek boutique fitness platform in Australia and New Zealand

15th January 2024 - New Zealand Warriors open new gym for pathways teams

15th December 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie contributes at World Health Organization meeting

26th May 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie critical of New Zealand Government’s focus on elite sport spending

13th April 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie at the formation of new global organisation World Active

17th March 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie to chair IHRSA world exercise event in San Diego

28th December 2022 - ExerciseNZ survey shows New Zealand’s fitness industry has bounced back

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.