Fitness in Ticino: 1 in 5 adults signed up by 2026

Context

In brief

• 1.45 million members in 2025, +5.8% vs 2024
• 1,441 fitness centers in Switzerland, +3.3%
• Ticino 6th for gym density (17.0/100k inhabitants)

Key facts

• What: Record number of fitness center members in Switzerland
• When: 2025
• Where: Switzerland, Ticino 6th for gym density
• Who: Swiss Active
• Amount: 1.45 million members, +5.8% vs 2024

The fitness sector in Switzerland set a new record in 2025, with a significant increase in the number of people signing up, particularly among young people, leading to a growth in the number of centers and overall revenue. According to Swiss Active, there were 1.45 million fitness memberships in 2025, a 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. This represents a new record for the sector. Ticino ranks sixth for gym density with 17.0 centers per 100,000 inhabitants, slightly above the national average of 15.9. The most active age group is now between 20 and 29 years old, overtaking the previous top group of 30 to 39-year-olds. According to Jochen Müller, vice president of Swiss Active, young people increasingly associate fitness with a healthy and conscious lifestyle. This trend is also reflected in a decrease in alcohol consumption among young people. The economic climate of the sector remains extremely positive, with nine out of ten managers rating their financial situation as good or very good. The sector's revenues grew by 4.4%, reaching a volume of 1.36 billion francs. The number of employees in the sector increased by 3.8%, reaching 27,667.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy can benefit from this growth in the fitness sector. With the increase in the number of centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers have more options to stay in shape and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the trend towards a healthier lifestyle among young people could positively influence the habits of younger cross-border workers as well.

Comparison with the previous situation

Compared to previous years, the fitness sector in Switzerland has shown steady growth. In 2024, the number of members was lower and the density of gyms in Ticino was slightly lower. The most active age group was between 30 and 39 years old, while now it has been overtaken by young people between 20 and 29 years old. This change reflects a general trend towards a healthier and more active lifestyle among young people.

Future scenarios

With the increase in the number of fitness centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers can expect greater competition among centers, with possible promotional offers and advantageous packages. Furthermore, the focus on health and well-being could lead to a greater offer of complementary services, such as nutritional consultations and saunas, which could also be of interest to cross-border workers.

Concrete Procedures

Cross-border workers interested in joining a fitness center in Ticino can follow these steps: 1. Choose the center: compare the offers and services of various fitness centers in Ticino. 2. Check the costs: verify the prices of subscriptions and any discounts for cross-border workers. 3. Registration: go to the chosen center with an ID document and a valid residence permit. 4. Attend: start attending the center and take advantage of the services offered.

Comparison with Other Cantons

Ticino ranks sixth in terms of gym density, with 17.0 centers per 100,000 inhabitants. This is slightly above the national average of 15.9. The canton of Basel-Stadt is at the top with 22.8 centers per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by other cantons with lower densities. This comparison shows that Ticino offers good coverage of fitness centers, making it an attractive choice for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape.

Impact on Health and Well-being

The increase in the number of fitness center members and the trend towards a healthier lifestyle among young people can have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the population. Cross-border workers can benefit from this trend, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle.

Comparison with Previous Data

In 2024, the number of fitness center members in Switzerland was lower compared to 2025. The 5.8% growth recorded in 2025 represents a significant increase, reflecting the growing interest in fitness and physical activity. Additionally, the most active age group has changed, shifting from 30-39 years to 20-29 years, indicating a change in the habits and priorities of young people.

Conclusions

The growth of the fitness sector in Switzerland, with a record number of members in 2025, offers new opportunities for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape and improve their quality of life. With the increase in the number of centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers can find solutions tailored to their needs and benefit from a healthier and more active work and living environment.

CTA

To discover more about how the fitness sector in Switzerland can influence your daily life as a cross-border worker, use our calculator to compare the costs and benefits of a fitness subscription in Ticino.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

The increase in the number of fitness center members in Switzerland, reaching a record of 1.45 million in 2025, represents a significant trend with practical implications for cross-border workers in Ticino. This trend reflects a growing interest in fitness and physical activity, especially among young people, and offers new opportunities to improve quality of life and health.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers in Ticino who reside in Italy can benefit from this growth in the fitness sector. With the increase in the number of centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers have more options to stay in shape and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the trend towards a healthier lifestyle among young people could positively influence the habits of younger cross-border workers as well.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Compared to previous years, the fitness sector in Switzerland has shown steady growth. In 2024, the number of members was lower, and the density of gyms in Ticino was slightly lower. The most active age group was between 30 and 39 years old, while now it has been surpassed by young people between 20 and 29 years old. This change reflects a general trend towards a healthier and more active lifestyle among young people.

Future Scenarios

With the increase in the number of fitness centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers can expect greater competition among centers, with possible promotional offers and advantageous packages. Furthermore, the focus on health and well-being could lead to a greater offer of complementary services, such as nutritional consultations and saunas, which could also interest cross-border workers.

Concrete Procedures

Cross-border workers interested in joining a fitness center in Ticino can follow these steps: 1. Choose the center: compare the offers and services of the various fitness centers in Ticino. 2. Find out about costs: check the prices of subscriptions and any discounts for cross-border workers. 3. Registration: go to the chosen center with an identity document and a valid residence permit. 4. Attend: start attending the center and take advantage of the services offered.

Comparison with Other Cantons

Ticino ranks sixth in terms of gym density, with 17.0 centers per 100,000 inhabitants. This is slightly above the national average of 15.9. The canton of Basel-Stadt is at the top with 22.8 centers per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by other cantons with lower densities. This comparison shows that Ticino offers good coverage of fitness centers, making it an attractive choice for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape.

Impact on Health and Well-Being

The increase in the number of fitness center members and the trend towards a healthier lifestyle among young people can have a positive impact on the general health and well-being of the population. Cross-border workers can benefit from this trend, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle.

Comparison with Previous Data

In 2024, the number of fitness center members in Switzerland was lower compared to 2025. The 5.8% growth recorded in 2025 represents a significant increase, reflecting the growing interest in fitness and physical activity. Additionally, the most active age group has changed, shifting from 30-39 years old to 20-29 years old, indicating a change in the habits and priorities of young people.

Conclusions

The growth of the fitness sector in Switzerland, with a record number of members in 2025, offers new opportunities for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape and improve their quality of life. With the increase in the number of centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers can find solutions suited to their needs and benefit from a healthier and more active work and living environment.

CTA

To learn more about how the fitness sector in Switzerland can influence your daily life as a cross-border worker, use our calculator to compare the costs and benefits of a fitness subscription in Ticino.

Recommended tools

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Key points

Action

Cross-border workers who wish to take advantage of the growth of the fitness sector in Switzerland can follow these concrete procedures to register at a fitness center in Ticino and benefit from the services offered.

Steps for registration

1. Choose the center: compare the offers and services of the various fitness centers in Ticino. It is possible to find information about local centers through online searches or by asking colleagues or friends for advice. 2. Find out about costs: check the prices of subscriptions and any discounts for cross-border workers. Some centers may offer special rates for cross-border workers, so it is important to find out in advance. 3. Registration: go to the chosen center with an identity document and a valid residence permit. Some centers may require additional documents, such as a medical certificate, so it is advisable to contact the center in advance to verify the requirements. 4. Attend: start attending the center and take advantage of the services offered. Many centers offer personalized training programs and group classes, which can help achieve your fitness goals.

Comparison with other cantons

Ticino ranks sixth in terms of gym density, with 17.0 centers per 100,000 inhabitants. This is slightly above the national average of 15.9. The canton of Basel-Stadt is at the top with 22.8 centers per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by other cantons with lower densities. This comparison shows that Ticino offers good coverage of fitness centers, making it an attractive choice for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape.

Impact on health and well-being

The increase in the number of gym members and the trend towards a healthier lifestyle among young people can have a positive impact on the general health and well-being of the population. Cross-border workers can benefit from this trend, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle.

Comparison with previous data

In 2024, the number of gym members in Switzerland was lower compared to 2025. The 5.8% growth recorded in 2025 represents a significant increase, reflecting the growing interest in fitness and physical activity. Moreover, the most active age group has changed, shifting from 30-39 years to 20-29 years, indicating a change in habits and priorities among young people.

Conclusions

The growth of the fitness sector in Switzerland, with a record number of members in 2025, offers new opportunities for cross-border workers who want to stay in shape and improve their quality of life. With the increase in the number of centers and the variety of services offered, cross-border workers can find solutions suited to their needs and benefit from a healthier and more active work and living environment.

CTA

To find out more about how the fitness sector in Switzerland can influence your daily life as a cross-border worker, use our calculator to compare the costs and benefits of a fitness subscription in Ticino.

Source: tvsvizzera.it