Switzerland sees more fitness center members than sports club members

A new study by the Swiss Federal Office of Sport, titled ‘Sport Suisse 2026’, reveals a significant shift in how adults in Switzerland engage in physical activity. For the first time, more adults are members of fitness centers than traditional sports clubs.

Federal Councilor Martin Pfister noted that while organized sports remain popular among children, many youths leave clubs around age 15 in favor of fitness studios. This trend leads to a shortage of trainers and adult members within traditional clubs. The study highlights that the flexibility of fitness centers, which allow for training without fixed schedules, is a primary driver for this change.

While traditional activities like hiking, cycling, swimming, skiing, and jogging remain popular, their relative popularity has declined since 2020. In contrast, strength training and yoga have seen substantial growth. Despite these shifts in how people exercise, the report emphasizes that the Swiss population remains among the most active in Europe.