Sustainability: From obligation to opportunity Sustainability has moved well beyond compliance, with the most forward-thinking businesses now treating it both as a cost lever and as a commercial differentiator. Energy efficiency is the obvious starting point. Gyms are energy-intensive environments, often operating long hours with significant demands from lighting, HVAC and equipment. Investment in efficiency – from LED lighting to smarter energy systems to on-site generation such as solar – can deliver meaningful cost savings over time. In an era where cost inflation is eroding margins, that matters. However, the real shift is strategic. The most advanced businesses now explicitly tie sustainability investment to commercial outcomes, aligning it with long-term growth objectives rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. And they recognise the risk in standing still. They understand that inaction can impact not only financial performance, but also reputation and long-term viability – particularly as regulation tightens and consumers become more values-driven in their spending choices. Beyond cost and compliance, sustainability is increasingly part of the brand. Members are more likely to engage with businesses that reflect their values,
whether that’s through reduced waste, responsible (often local) F&B sourcing or visible environmental commitments. For some operators, this is becoming a meaningful point of differentiation – one that can even be the deciding factor in landlords awarding a site. The shift is clear: sustainability is no longer a cost centre or a box to tick. It is a commercial lever and driver of competitiveness.
Supply chains: Building resilience through partnership
Supply chain disruption has been one of the defining business challenges of recent years. For fitness operators, the supply chain may be less visible than in retail or manufacturing, but it is no less critical. Equipment availability, maintenance support and access to innovation all depend on it. Any disruption can quickly impact member experience. The lesson from our Future Fit research is clear: resilience matters more than ever. That means moving away from overly concentrated supplier relationships and building in optionality. Having multiple routes to market or to the equipment you need – even if one is slightly more expensive – reduces risk and protects continuity.
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2026
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