Fitness Franchises are thriving – and the future is about more than just physical health.

A new article from Elite Franchise Magazine highlights the record-breaking growth of the UK fitness industry.

According to the UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025, gym memberships have soared to over 11.5 million members. That’s a 6.1% year-on-year increase – with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. Not only are more people joining gyms, but they’re also staying longer and visiting more often, proving that fitness is becoming an essential part of daily life.

Crucially, today’s fitness consumers are motivated by more than just physical transformation. Over 76% of respondents cited mental health and wellbeing as a major driver for maintaining a gym membership. Another 75% said that building confidence was equally important.

This shift points to a much broader opportunity: fitness franchises that champion mental wellbeing, community, and overall lifestyle improvement are strongly positioned for success.

At Ashtons Franchise Consulting, we’re seeing this trend first-hand through the growth of our fitness sector clients:

Trail Runners are capitalising on the boom in outdoor and community fitness, helping members boost mental resilience through running in nature.

Fitter Body Ladies taps into the need for women-specific spaces that support both physical fitness and mental empowerment.

AbFab Fit Club offers a holistic model combining strength training with nutrition support, mindset coaching, and community accountability.

A demand for total wellbeing

Each brand goes beyond offering a workout – they deliver lifestyle solutions that meet today’s rising demand for connection, support, and total wellbeing.

At Ashtons Franchise Consulting, we specialise in helping businesses like these franchise successfully – supporting growth strategies, franchisee recruitment, and brand development.

If you’re thinking about franchising your fitness or wellbeing brand, there’s never been a better time to get started.

New to franchising and need some help and guidance? We offer regular franchise masterclasses, they are free to attend.