“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of living well.”
“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,”
“In New Zealand we’re fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration… This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”
“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it’s growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”
New Zealand’s exercise industry continues to grow despite economic uncertainty, with new consumer research showing increasing participation, strong long-term demand, and rising trust in qualified exercise professionals.
The latest Exercise New Zealand consumer survey found that an estimated 2.67 million adults (69%) now exercise, representing continued growth and a clear signal that exercise remains a priority for Kiwis, even during financially challenging times. Of those, over 993,000 regularly exercise at structured exercise facilities such as gyms and studios, representing 26% of adults, a significant increase from 22% in 2024.
Perhaps even more positive for the exercise industry is the potential for further growth. A further 192,000 New Zealanders who do not currently use an exercise professional indicated they intend to start within the next six months, representing a potential 19% increase in demand for professional exercise services.
Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the findings demonstrate the industry’s resilience and its growing importance to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of living well.”
Participation in structured exercise has reached record levels, with nearly one million adults now engaging with gyms, studios, or exercise professionals, reflecting a growing demand for guided, supportive environments.
The research also highlights strong future growth potential. Approximately 19% more adults are considering using an exercise professional in the coming year, signalling continued expansion in demand for qualified support.
Trusted Professionals Matter
In an era where social media and online platforms are saturated with unverified fitness advice, the research reinforces the critical role of qualified exercise professionals. More New Zealanders are actively choosing to work with trained professionals, recognising the value of expert guidance, safety, motivation, and personalised programmes.
“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,” says Beddie.
Exercise professionals also play a key role in supporting broader wellbeing outcomes. People who engage with structured exercise providers are more likely to experience benefits, including improved mental health, increased confidence, and healthier overall lifestyles.
“In New Zealand we’re fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration,” says Beddie. “This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”
Their training, certification, and accountability give New Zealanders confidence that they are receiving safe and effective advice from qualified professionals.
A Positive Future
The research confirms that exercise continues to hold strong perceived value, with 98% of New Zealanders recognising physical activity as important, and growing numbers seeing exercise as central to mental health, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.
Exercise New Zealand says the results highlight both resilience and opportunity for the sector.
“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it’s growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”
Exercise New Zealand encourages all New Zealanders to seek support from registered, qualified exercise professionals to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable progress toward their health goals. For more information on this release or to arrange an interview, contact Richard Beddie at richard@exercisenz.org.nz or P: 0800 66 88 11, M: 027-520-5744.
Note: Data was collected through an independent third party, Horizon Research, as a part of ExerciseNZ annual consumer research.
