• In 2003, total annual fitness industry revenues were $14.8 billion… and growing strong. The number of health clubs and gyms in the U.S. has increased consistently over the past five years, up 39 percent since 1997.
• There has been a 63 percent increase in gym membership from 1990-2001, and a corresponding jump of 104 percent in frequent participants who worked out at a club at least 100+ times in a year.
• Americans place maintaining good physical health (97%) and keeping up their physical appearance (91%) among their top personal priorities. Fitness American Style/Roper Starch Worldwide
• Strength training is one of the fastest growing fitness activities with nearly 20 million Americans now performing this activity at least 100+ days a year… a figure that represents 53 percent growth over the past 10 years.
• From 1987-2001, the number of Americans who exercised 100+ days a year on cardio equipment (i.e. treadmills, stationary bikes, stair-climbers, rowers, etc.) increased from nine million to over 18 million.
• With an average age of 38.5, elliptical motion trainer exercise now claims 15.7 million fitness participants, an increase of 306% since 1998. After treadmill exercise and stationary cycling, this knee-friendly equipment is the third most popular form of cardio equipment exercise.
• At 11.2 million participants, recumbent cycling, a back-friendly exercise, has grown 66% from 1998–2004, with an average participant age of 42.6.
• Usage of hand weights and dumbbells, still other examples of less taxing senior-friendly fitness, has increased by 29% and 34%, respectively — compared with a rise of only 13% in more strenuous barbell lifting.
• People aged 55+ also constitute 25% of the 6.1 million Americans who paid for the services of a personal trainer in 2004. SportS.P.I.N.

The American Council on Exercise (a nonprofit workout watchdog group) Fitness Trends for 2004. These trends reflect an increased demand for quick and intensive workouts by time-starved Americans as well as making exercise a part of preventive care.

• Workouts and exercise programs will respond to the critical need for busy Americans to get an efficient workout in a very short period of time
• Functional fitness is important. rather than working on muscle groups in isolation, functional fitness will focus on exercising and strengthening several muscles and joints together.
• Healthcare providers and companies will provide and partially subsidize preventive lifestyle programs, such as providing web sites for wellness information, risk assessment, fitness calculators, how to contact a fitness professional, and other services.
• Fitness equipment will get smarter. Manufacturers will offer machines that provide feedback on everything from lactic acid production to preparing for a marathon.