7 Powerful Gym Revenue Streams to Increase Profits

Share

Table of Contents

  • LA Fitness brought in $2.09 billion (TTM, Sept 2023) by offering group classes and personal training alongside memberships.
  • Planet Fitness increased revenue by 14.4% in 2023, reaching $1.1 billion, by adding customized workout plans and personal training.
  • An Anytime Fitness franchise now gets 21% of its revenue from personal training after using technology to make personal coaching and member experience more efficient.

Clearly, gyms making the most money aren’t just selling memberships. They’re offering services people already want.

With the right gym revenue streams, your gym has the potential to generate significant revenue. According to RunRepeat, the average gym in the U.S. earns $846,827 annually, but that number can grow when you add the right revenue streams.

Most gym-goers are happy to pay for convenience, better experiences, and premium services—if you position them right. 

So, how do you tap into this potential? By offering services that members are already spending money on elsewhere. Whether it’s specialty training, premium recovery tools, pre-ordered smoothies, or flexible class packages, these additional gym revenue streams can make a big difference.

In this blog, we share 7 practical, high-impact gym revenue streams that your fitness facility can start using right away to increase profits and create a better experience for members.

1. High-Value Personal Training Packages

Personal training is one of the best ways to support your members in achieving their goals—while also creating a sustainable gym revenue stream for your gym. 

After all, for many members, joining a gym is just the first step—they know they need structure and guidance but don’t always know where to start. That’s why PT programs are so effective. 

Take it from one of the top gyms in the country, Crunch Fitness, for instance. Instead of offering one-off sessions, they package training into long-term goal-oriented transformation programs that combine:

  • Personalized training plans designed for each member’s goals
  • Innovative workout techniques (like their Combative Training Center)
  • Nutritional guidance to support results outside the gym

This approach turns training into a complete experience rather than just an add-on service. It also works—members who commit to structured programs are more likely to stick with their workouts and see results.

How Your Gym Can Offer Personal Training Packages:

  • Create goal-based training programs (e.g., “12-Week Strength & Conditioning” or “6-Month Fat Loss & Toning”).
  • Bundle nutrition & recovery. Integrate meal plans, progress tracking, and recovery sessions for a holistic fitness approach.
  • Integrate flexible payment plans so more members can commit to long-term coaching.

Why This Works: Beyond the extra revenue, personal training deepens member relationships and increases retention. When people see progress, they’re more likely to stay engaged—and that’s what turns a regular gym-goer into a loyal, lifelong member. 

2. Hybrid Memberships (Gym + On-Demand Workouts)

Not every gym member can make it in five days a week—life gets in the way. Work schedules shift, travel happens, and sometimes, people just want the flexibility to work out from home. That’s why hybrid memberships—which combine in-gym access with digital workout options—have become so popular.

Equinox is a great example of a gym that has made use of this gym revenue stream successfully. Their Equinox+ app gives members access to:

  • On-demand and live-streamed classes from top instructors
  • Personalized virtual coaching to supplement in-person training
  • At-home workout programs that align with their gym-based routines

This approach makes fitness more accessible and adaptable, ensuring members stay engaged even when they can’t make it to the gym.

How Your Gym Can Offer a Hybrid Model:

  • Provide an on-demand workout library featuring your gym’s trainers.
  • Offer virtual personal training for members who want guidance on the go.
  • Create a hybrid membership tier that includes both gym access and digital workouts.

Hybrid memberships don’t just improve retention by giving members more ways to stay active—they also attract a wider audience, including those who may not be ready for a full in-person commitment but want a connection to your gym’s community.

Tip: Use your gym’s app to provide a seamless experience for both in-person and digital training. For instance, with fitness software platforms like SHC, you can offer on-demand content, live-stream classes, and virtual sessions all within your gym’s branded app.

Members can choose to switch between in-gym and virtual workouts effortlessly, keeping them engaged no matter where they are. Know more here

3. Premium Small Group Training Programs

Group fitness workouts are one of the best ways to keep members motivated, but small-group coaching (4-6 people per session) creates an even better experience while increasing revenue per session. It creates a tight-knit community, offers more personalized coaching, and provides an affordable alternative to one-on-one personal training.

Anytime Fitness, for instance, has done a fantastic job with its small-group training programs, which are structured around three core formats:

  • Base – Focuses on proper movements and foundational conditioning to prevent injury and help members progress at their own pace.
  • Burn – A high-energy session combining cardio and weights to maximize calorie burn.
  • Build – Strength-focused training to help members improve muscle tone, endurance, and overall athleticism.

This gym revenue stream works because it gives members a structured plan while maintaining the fun and accountability of group workouts.

How Your Gym Can Offer Small Group Training:

  • Create specialized programs like “Strength Training for Beginners” or “8-Week Fat Loss Challenge.”
  • Offer different intensity levels so members can choose a session that fits their fitness goals.
  • Price it between personal training and group classes—affordable but premium enough to boost revenue.

Why This Works: Small groups provide personalized attention at a lower cost than 1-on-1 training, making them accessible to more members while increasing profitability. You can further market these programs as exclusive training opportunities that members won’t get in regular group classes to build hype.

4. Recovery & Wellness Services

Working out is only half the equation—recovery is just as important. Members who train hard need ways to relieve muscle soreness, prevent injuries, and maximize performance. 

That’s why top gyms are adding recovery and wellness services to their offerings, creating a full-circle fitness experience. Besides, many members already spend money on recovery elsewhere—bringing these services in-house keeps that revenue within your gym.

LA Fitness, for instance, has tapped into this gym revenue stream by adding recovery-focused amenities like cryotherapy, red light therapy, HydroMassage beds, and compression therapy in select locations. This is a smart way to turn a gym into a place where people can work out and recover in one stop. Instead of heading to a spa or clinic, members can take care of their recovery right after their session, making the gym a bigger part of their routine.

How Your Gym Can Offer Recovery Services:

  • Set up a recovery space with stretching areas, foam rollers, and massage tools.
  • Offer recovery sessions like compression therapy or infrared therapy as an upgrade.
  • Add a premium membership tier that includes recovery perks.

Ultimately, when members can train and recover in the same place, they’re more likely to stick around—and that means more loyalty and more revenue for your gym.

5. Selling Merchandise & Smoothie/Nutrition Products

Your members are already committed to fitness—why not give them more ways to invest in their health and gym experience? Selling branded merchandise and nutrition products creates a high-margin gym revenue stream while reinforcing your gym’s identity.

Take Gold’s Gym as an example. They sell branded apparel, protein powders, supplements, and healthy snacks right inside their clubs.

Offering smoothies and nutrition products is especially smart because members already need them. After a tough workout, many people grab a shake or snack elsewhere—but if your gym sells it, they’ll buy it on the spot. 

But long lines or limited options can be a big turnoff. That’s where tools like SHC’s Smoothie Ordering Solution can make a big difference—letting members order ahead through your gym’s app and grab their drink right when they need it, reducing wait times and streamlining your smoothie bar operations. A smoother, faster ordering experience for your customers means more revenue for your gym. Read more here

How Your Gym Can Leverage This Gym Revenue Stream:

  • Set up a small retail section with gym-branded apparel, accessories, and supplements.
  • Offer pre-orders for smoothies so members can pick them up right after their session.
  • Use a simple ordering system to streamline smoothie bar operations and reduce wait times.

Why This Works: Instead of members leaving to grab a smoothie or buy gym apparel elsewhere, they can get it right at your gym. Besides, people naturally spend more when they feel connected to a brand—whether it’s through wearing gym merch or making nutrition part of their routine. The easier you make it for them, the more they’ll buy.

6. VIP Membership Tiers & Exclusive Benefits

Some gym members just want a place to lift weights, while others are looking for luxury perks, more flexibility, and added extra guidance. So why charge everyone the same? Tiered memberships let members pay for the experience they actually want—while helping your gym boost revenue and keep members engaged longer. 

Take 24-Hour Fitness as an example. Their Silver, Gold, and Platinum memberships give members different levels of access:

  • Silver: Access to one club with essential strength and cardio equipment.
  • Gold: Access to multiple locations, group classes, and extra amenities like pools.
  • Platinum: Nationwide access, priority perks, and the ultimate flexibility to work out anywhere.

This gym revenue stream lets members choose what works best for them, while also encouraging them to upgrade for better perks—which increases revenue and keeps them engaged longer.

How Your Gym Uses This Gym Revenue Stream:

  • Offer tiered memberships with clear benefits at each level. Example Membership Tiers:
    • Basic  – Full gym access
    • Gold) – Includes small-group training + recovery perks
    • Platinum – Unlimited personal training, VIP events, priority class booking
  • Include perks like guest passes, priority class booking, or exclusive training sessions in higher tiers.
  • Run a free upgrade trial to let members experience premium benefits and increase sign-ups.

Giving members more options means they’ll stick around longer—and that’s great for both retention and revenue.

7. Kids & Teen Fitness Programs

Most gyms focus on adults, but there’s a huge opportunity in youth fitness. Parents are always looking for safe, structured fitness programs for their kids, and gyms can capitalize on this demand. A well-structured youth fitness program can bring in a whole new gym revenue stream. Similarly, kids’ seasonal camps—like holiday or summer fitness camps— are another fantastic way to bring in revenue while giving parents a reliable fitness-based childcare option.

UFC Gym has successfully tapped into this gym revenue stream by offering a variety of youth training programs that cater to different age groups and fitness levels. Instead of generic workouts, they provide structured classes like:

  • Strength & Conditioning for Ages 10-16 – Focuses on building coordination, endurance, and fitness fundamentals.
  • Teen Athlete Training – Helps young athletes improve speed, agility, and performance for competitive sports.
  • Kids’ Martial Arts & Functional Fitness – Engaging, fun workouts that teach discipline and movement skills.

How Your Gym Can Do It:

  • Offer youth-friendly fitness classes that focus on movement, strength, and sports performance.
  • Create family membership options so parents and kids can train together.
  • Run seasonal camps or workshops to attract more families.

Why This Works: Parents are willing to invest in their kids’ health and athletic development, creating a new gym revenue stream that doesn’t compete with adult memberships.

Pro Tip: Offer family memberships where parents and kids can train together, increasing gym retention. For instance, with SHC, you can make it easy for families to sign up, manage their plans, and book classes together—all from your gym’s custom app.

Conclusion

The fitness industry is full of opportunity, and gyms that offer a well-rounded fitness experience are seeing higher retention, stronger engagement, and increased profits. However, managing multiple gym revenue streams can feel overwhelming without the right tools. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Let SHC Handle the Heavy Lifting

With SHC’s comprehensive gym management software, you can seamlessly handle:  

✔️ Personal Training & Class Bookings: Let members book sessions easily while trainers manage schedules on the go.

✔️ Smoothie Bar: Enable pre-orders for smoothies right from your branded gym app.

✔️ Family Memberships & Child Accounts: Make it simple for parents to link accounts, book classes, and track progress.

✔️ Boost Revenue with Purchases: Sell more classes, events, programs, and much more—directly to members and non-members. Let them buy what they want, when they want.

Everything runs smoother, faster, and with less manual work.

Let's Talk About Your Gym's Future

FAQs: Gym Revenue Streams

1. How to make money in the fitness industry?

There are multiple ways to increase revenue in the fitness industry, from offering high-value personal training packages to selling merchandise, smoothie bars, and youth fitness programs. Diversifying income streams beyond memberships can help a gym business thrive.

2. How can gym booking software help grow my fitness center business?

Gym booking software streamlines class and session reservations, reduces no-shows, and makes it easier for members to book personal training or wellness services. This leads to higher engagement and retention, directly boosting revenue.

3. What are the best gym revenue streams for a fitness center business?

In addition to memberships, a fitness center business can make money through premium training services, wellness programs, nutrition products, and special events. The key is to offer value-driven services that keep members engaged and spending.

Logo with text "SHC" in blue letters and a circular blue and orange design, against an orange tiled background.

What is SHC?

A member focused fitness software for health clubs and gyms. We help you boost your revenue and cut down on labor costs by allowing members to self-serve and automating staff tasks. Get your Club App set up today. Quick to learn, easy to use. Launch in 6 weeks.

Other Blogs

Five people posing playfully in gym attire against a colorful abstract background, with text about increasing gym retention rates.

How to Increase Retention Rate for Your Gym? 

Thumbnail with an alarm clock for the blog "How to Sell More Gym Memberships with this Proven Framework."

How to Sell More Gym Memberships with this Proven Framework?

Logo with text "SHC" in blue letters and a circular blue and orange design, against an orange tiled background.

What is SHC?

A member focused fitness software for health clubs and gyms. We help you boost your revenue and cut down on labor costs by allowing members to self-serve and automating staff tasks. Get your Club App set up today. Quick to learn, easy to use. Launch in 6 weeks.

Transform your fitness facility

Interested in learning more about SHC? Let's talk.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Three professional headshots: a man with a beard, a woman with blonde hair, and a man in a suit. All are smiling.

Trusted by 1000+ Club Operators