Health and wellness have become core lifestyle values for millions of Americans, and this shift is turning the fitness sector into one of the most dynamic investment arenas.
Gym and fitness stocks are evolving beyond traditional health clubs, reflecting innovation in digital subscriptions, boutique studios, fitness tech, and wellness supplements.
In this article, we explore the eight best gym stocks to buy in 2025, from large-caps to speculative penny plays.
We also walk you through essential trends, investment benefits, and what to look for in a quality gym stock.
TL;DR: Best Gym Stocks That You Can’t Miss
- Life Time Group Holdings (NYSE: LTH) – Premium gym and wellness brand
- Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) – Fitness-focused apparel giant
- Planet Fitness (NYSE: PLNT) – Budget-friendly gym chain leader
- Peloton Interactive (NASDAQ: PTON) – Connected fitness platform
- The Beachbody Company (BODY) – Digital-first wellness and fitness platform
- FitLife Brands (NASDAQ: FTLF) – Nutritional supplements and wellness products
- Xponential Fitness (NYSE: XPOF) – Boutique fitness studio operator
- Interactive Strength (NASDAQ: TRNR) – Smart strength training equipment
Best Gym Stocks to Buy
Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LTH)
Overview:
Life Time is not just a gym. It’s a wellness destination that has grown into a premium health club concept, merging upscale fitness facilities with coworking spaces, spas, and even residential developments.
Their clubs offer a resort-style experience aimed at higher-income consumers who value a holistic approach to fitness.
From yoga studios and lap pools to child care centers and cafes, the model integrates fitness into daily life in a way few competitors do.
Growth Catalysts:
In recent years, Life Time has continued to expand into suburban and affluent metro areas where consumer spending on health and lifestyle remains strong.
The company is strategically opening clubs in mixed-use developments, allowing it to benefit from foot traffic and real estate synergies.
In an effort to reduce capital intensity, it has leaned more into joint ventures and asset-light partnerships to scale faster.
Membership retention is also a bright spot, with many members opting into bundled wellness services and long-term subscriptions.
Beyond the clubs themselves, Life Time is tapping into trends like remote work and hybrid living by offering co-working spaces through Life Time Work, which creates additional revenue channels.
The demographic sweet spot, affluent Gen X and Millennial families, is increasingly willing to spend on wellness and community-centric experiences, which further strengthens Life Time’s positioning.
Risks:
The luxury aspect that makes the company stand out also introduces vulnerability.
Economic downturns or inflation-driven consumer pullbacks can reduce discretionary spending on premium memberships.
Another concern is the high fixed costs associated with opening and maintaining these large, amenity-rich clubs.
Debt remains a key watch point, particularly if growth slows or cost pressures rise.
Conclusion:
Life Time offers something different in the gym stock landscape: a premium, lifestyle-driven model that goes well beyond treadmills and weight rooms.
For long-term investors looking to align with the rising tide of health-conscious living, Life Time’s integrated approach and upscale appeal could make it a compelling addition to a diversified portfolio.
Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU)
Overview:
What started as a yoga apparel company in Canada is now one of the most recognizable fitness lifestyle brands in the world.
Lululemon has managed to carve out a premium identity in activewear by focusing on high-quality materials, sleek designs, and a sense of community around wellness.
Its stores are more than retail spaces, functioning as local hubs for wellness events and fitness classes.
With a growing emphasis on inclusivity and global reach, the brand is expanding far beyond its original niche.
Growth Catalysts:
One of the biggest strengths behind its growth has been a robust direct-to-consumer model.
Lululemon avoids traditional retail intermediaries and sells the bulk of its inventory through branded stores and online, which drives both margin expansion and customer loyalty.
International growth remains a major focus, especially across Asia-Pacific, where brand awareness and disposable income are rising in parallel.
Additionally, the men’s apparel category continues to scale, and the brand has become a staple in fitness wardrobes across genders.
Mirror, the company’s interactive workout device, added a new digital layer to its offerings.
While adoption was slower than expected, it’s been rebranded and repositioned to complement Lululemon’s in-store and online experiences.
The integration of content, coaching, and community could give the company a broader foothold in hybrid fitness trends.
Risks:
Despite strong fundamentals, the brand operates in a highly competitive environment.
Fast fashion and performance giants alike are investing heavily in athleisure, squeezing margins and pressuring innovation cycles.
Its premium pricing strategy, while profitable, could also limit customer acquisition during economic downturns.
There are also open questions about whether Mirror can gain traction in a market dominated by cheaper digital fitness options.
Conclusion:
Lululemon remains a powerhouse in the fitness lifestyle space thanks to smart branding, high-quality products, and a direct relationship with its customers.
While some of its digital bets still need time to mature, its core business is solid.
For investors seeking exposure to fitness without directly investing in gym chains, Lululemon offers a strong and diversified entry point.
Planet Fitness (NYSE: PLNT)
Overview:
Planet Fitness has carved out a unique place in the American fitness landscape by offering affordable gym memberships in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
With more than 2,700 locations, it stands out as one of the most accessible and recognizable names in the industry.
Its “Judgement Free Zone” culture is designed to attract first-time gym users, casual exercisers, and those who may feel intimidated by more intense gym atmospheres.
The bright purple-and-yellow branding has become iconic, and its lean business model, primarily based on franchising, has allowed for efficient scaling across both urban and suburban markets.
Growth Catalysts:
One of the most appealing aspects of Planet Fitness is its ability to grow profitably through its franchise system.
New club openings continue across the U.S. and internationally, including recent entries into markets like Mexico and Australia.
The model offers recurring revenue through low-cost memberships, which remain attractive even during inflationary periods.
More importantly, its Black Card tier, offering perks like guest passes and access to any location, has seen consistent uptake, helping increase average revenue per member.
The company is also investing in marketing and digital initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and member retention.
In addition, younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are embracing fitness as part of their identity, driving higher engagement in affordable gym memberships.
With more people prioritizing mental health, social wellness, and consistent movement, Planet Fitness is positioned to benefit from broader lifestyle trends.
Risks:
While its franchise model fuels growth, it also reduces direct control over operational consistency and customer service.
If franchisees underperform or fail to uphold brand standards, customer experience could suffer.
Additionally, its low-cost positioning means there’s a ceiling to how much revenue it can drive per user compared to higher-end or boutique competitors.
It also risks losing more advanced gym-goers who may “graduate” to gyms with more equipment variety and specialized classes.
Conclusion:
Planet Fitness offers one of the most durable and scalable models in the gym industry.
Its focus on accessibility and affordability taps into a massive addressable market, while its franchising approach helps it expand efficiently.
Although it may not appeal to hardcore fitness enthusiasts, it remains a solid pick for investors seeking exposure to the mainstream health and fitness movement in 2025 and beyond.
Peloton Interactive (NASDAQ: PTON)
Overview:
Peloton became a household name during the pandemic, but its ambition has always extended beyond home fitness hardware.
At its core, Peloton is a media and technology company that delivers immersive fitness content through high-end equipment and app-based subscriptions.
Its unique blend of curated workouts, charismatic instructors, and a loyal community has allowed it to build a strong brand.
While demand surged during lockdowns, the challenge since has been pivoting from a hardware-first model to a sustainable, recurring-revenue subscription business.
Growth Catalysts:
Over the past year, Peloton has leaned heavily into restructuring, aiming to optimize costs and shift its strategy.
Rather than relying on hardware sales alone, the company is prioritizing subscription growth and software content across multiple platforms.
Its app now supports third-party equipment, broadening its reach beyond users who own a Peloton bike or treadmill.
Additionally, the company has begun forming B2B partnerships with hotels, hospitals, and multifamily residential buildings.
These deals increase brand visibility while monetizing Peloton’s library of classes in commercial settings.
International expansion is another lever being explored, especially in Europe and parts of Asia, where at-home fitness remains popular.
New CEO leadership has focused on simplifying operations, enhancing user experience, and regaining profitability.
If successful, this pivot could make Peloton a more resilient business with lower overhead and higher margins.
Investors are keeping a close eye on churn rates and app engagement metrics as indicators of long-term viability.
Risks:
Peloton’s post-COVID correction revealed structural weaknesses in its cost model.
The company was over-leveraged with excess inventory, expensive logistics, and aggressive marketing spend.
Its brand also took a hit following multiple recalls and safety concerns, which eroded consumer trust.
Competition in the connected fitness space remains fierce, especially with cheaper and more flexible digital fitness alternatives flooding the market.
If subscription growth doesn’t scale fast enough, the pivot away from hardware could stall.
Conclusion:
Peloton is no longer the pandemic darling it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the game.
With a clear shift toward software and content, and a focus on profitability, it could still emerge as a leading platform in the hybrid fitness space.
That said, investors should approach with caution, as the road ahead requires both execution discipline and sustained user loyalty.
Publicly Traded Gym Stocks
The Beachbody Company, Inc. (NYSE: BODI)
Overview:
The Beachbody Company has evolved far beyond its roots in infomercial fitness DVDs.
Today, it’s a digital-first health and fitness platform that includes structured workouts, nutrition plans, and community support through its popular apps and content libraries.
Growth Catalysts:
Beachbody’s pivot to subscription-based digital content aligns well with the growing hybrid fitness trend.
The company generates most of its revenue through monthly memberships, allowing it to maintain predictable income streams.
With a low-cost digital delivery model, Beachbody can scale globally without the overhead of physical gyms.
MYXfitness, its connected bike product, is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Peloton.
Combined with Beachbody’s robust library of workout programs, there’s clear synergy between the hardware and content offerings.
Its integration of health coaching, nutrition support, and wellness plans adds another layer of differentiation from competitors.
International expansion, corporate wellness partnerships, and the bundling of fitness and nutrition subscriptions provide further long-term tailwinds.
The company also benefits from strong brand recognition built over decades.
Risks:
Despite its digital strength, Beachbody has struggled to maintain profitability and user growth in a crowded marketplace.
Competition from more agile, influencer-driven fitness brands and tech giants with deeper pockets is intense.
The at-home fitness market has also matured quickly, creating pricing pressure and rising subscriber churn.
Conclusion:
Beachbody offers a recognizable brand and a tech-forward approach in the digital wellness space.
While there are operational hurdles and intense competition, its holistic, low-cost model may appeal to investors betting on the continued growth of at-home and hybrid fitness in 2025.
FitLife Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FTLF)
Overview:
FitLife Brands isn’t a gym operator, but it plays a critical role in the fitness ecosystem by offering performance nutrition supplements and wellness products.
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the company markets a range of items, including pre-workout formulas, protein powders, energy supplements, and recovery aids under several different brand lines.
Many of these are sold through specialty retailers, gyms, and direct-to-consumer online channels.
Its products are especially popular among weightlifters, bodybuilders, and fitness-focused consumers looking to optimize their performance and recovery.
Growth Catalysts:
Over the past few years, FitLife has benefited from broader consumer trends around fitness, clean eating, and nutritional supplementation.
Its acquisition of additional brands has allowed it to expand into adjacent categories, including mental clarity and hydration.
By focusing on high-margin, niche products, FitLife keeps its SKU count manageable while maintaining strong brand loyalty.
The company has also ramped up its online presence, increasing its reach through Amazon and direct-to-consumer platforms.
This strategy reduces dependence on third-party retail distributors and improves margins.
Continued expansion into international markets and deeper penetration into U.S. specialty stores could drive further sales growth.
Management has also prioritized operational efficiency and debt reduction, aiming to maintain a lean business structure even as revenue increases.
Risks:
While the supplement market is growing, it’s also crowded and highly competitive.
Large players with deeper pockets dominate shelf space in retail environments, and new brands pop up regularly through influencer marketing and e-commerce. Regulatory scrutiny is another risk.
Changes in FDA guidelines or supplement labeling requirements could create headwinds.
Additionally, FitLife’s dependence on a limited number of retail partners may expose it to disruptions in distribution.
Conclusion:
For investors looking to diversify their fitness-related holdings beyond traditional gym stocks, FitLife offers exposure to the booming world of sports nutrition.
Its consistent growth, clean balance sheet, and focus on specialty products make it a strong mid-cap contender in the health and wellness sector.
Just be mindful of competition and regulatory shifts that could affect the supplement space.
Xponential Fitness Inc. (NYSE: XPOF)
Overview:
Xponential Fitness is the largest boutique fitness franchisor in the world, according to its website.
It owns a portfolio of ten unique brands that cover everything from pilates (Club Pilates) and indoor cycling (CycleBar) to yoga (YogaSix)), barre (Pure Barre), and boxing (Rumble).
Instead of relying on a single workout trend, it has diversified its offerings to appeal to a broader audience, while giving franchisees a proven operating playbook.
That approach has helped Xponential build a network of thousands of studios globally, with a strong presence in both suburban and urban markets.
Growth Catalysts:
Franchising continues to be the engine behind Xponential’s expansion.
Each brand under its umbrella targets a distinct customer demographic, allowing for cross-promotion and multi-membership sales.
This kind of diversification reduces risk and allows the company to stay agile in a fast-changing industry.
Technology also plays a role, as Xponential’s branded apps support booking, scheduling, and digital content delivery, keeping users engaged beyond the physical studio.
The company is increasingly pushing into digital and at-home workout content through Xponential+, its streaming platform.
This allows it to maintain relationships with customers even when they’re not in the studio. International growth is also picking up steam, particularly in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
Partnerships with hospitality and residential developers offer another avenue to scale through studio licensing deals.
Risks:
While the diversification strategy is a strength, managing ten different brands also adds complexity.
Brand fatigue, inconsistent quality between franchises, and franchisee dissatisfaction could become operational hurdles.
The boutique model, while attractive, tends to carry higher price points that may not appeal in all markets, especially if economic conditions tighten.
Regulatory concerns about franchising practices could also present challenges.
Conclusion:
Xponential Fitness is one of the most dynamic names in the boutique fitness space.
By spreading its bets across multiple modalities, it’s built a platform that can weather trends and consumer preference shifts.
If you’re bullish on the continued rise of community-driven, premium fitness experiences, XPOF deserves a close look in any wellness-focused investment portfolio.
Gym Penny Stocks
Interactive Strength Inc. (NASDAQ: TRNR)
Overview:
Interactive Strength blends fitness technology and premium wellness services into one sleek product offering.
It’s a new-age fitness brand that lives at the intersection of tech, hardware, and personalized wellness, geared toward users who want a boutique experience without leaving the house.
Growth Catalysts:
The shift to hybrid and at-home fitness models shows no signs of fading.
Interactive Strength has positioned itself as a luxury alternative to mass-market connected fitness gear.
Its machines are not only visually striking but also come with tailored content, which includes one-on-one training sessions with live instructors.
What makes Interactive Strength stand out is its focus on personalization. It offers bundled wellness services that go beyond traditional workout plans, including mental health coaching, recovery routines, and nutrition guidance.
As more people seek holistic health solutions, this broader lifestyle approach is gaining traction.
Strategically, the company is building recurring revenue through subscriptions and partnerships with luxury real estate developers and high-end hospitality brands.
If it can carve out a strong foothold among affluent consumers, TRNR could become a serious contender in the premium connected fitness market.
Risks:
Being a small-cap and relatively new player, Interactive Strength carries considerable volatility.
Its market is niche, and scaling at the luxury end of the spectrum can be challenging, especially if consumer spending tightens.
High competition from established brands like Peloton, Tonal, and Lululemon’s Mirror poses another threat.
There’s also the usual tech-hardware risk; if product adoption stalls or production issues arise, the financial impact could be significant.
Since the brand is still developing market share, short-term revenue swings may deter conservative investors.
Conclusion:
Interactive Strength isn’t for the risk-averse, but for those looking to invest early in a tech-forward fitness company with a high-end positioning, it offers potential.
With strong product design and a lifestyle-first brand ethos, TRNR could become one of the standout names in the smart fitness category if it executes well on growth and customer acquisition.
Should You Buy Gym Stocks?
Investing in gym stocks can be a smart move if you believe that health and wellness aren’t just passing trends, but foundational parts of how people now live.
Americans are not only working out more but are also spending a growing portion of their discretionary income on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Gym-related companies, especially those with diverse revenue streams like subscriptions, digital content, and branded products, can benefit from this long-term cultural shift.
But like any sector, not all companies are created equal. Some fitness stocks are still recovering from the pandemic’s impact on brick-and-mortar locations.
Others have thrived by pivoting to hybrid or digital-first models.
The key is to find companies with sustainable margins, loyal customer bases, and strong leadership.
Also, think about how each business fits into the broader fitness ecosystem.
Does it have recurring revenue? Is it capital-light or capital-heavy? Does it cater to a high-growth demographic like Gen Z or Millennials?
These questions help separate flash-in-the-pan trends from companies with lasting value.
Gym stocks won’t always be immune to economic slowdowns. When budgets get tight, memberships and personal training are often among the first expenses to be cut.
Still, well-run companies with strong brand loyalty tend to bounce back faster and grow stronger
Benefits of Investing in Gym Stocks
Exposure to a Growing Wellness Market
Americans are prioritizing health like never before. From gym memberships and boutique fitness classes to home fitness subscriptions, the industry’s revenue base has widened substantially.
Owning gym stocks gives investors exposure to a wellness-first economy that isn’t just a trend but a shift in how people live.
Recurring Revenue Models
Many gym businesses run on memberships or subscriptions, which creates steady, predictable revenue streams. This recurring income can make these stocks more resilient, especially when customer retention is high.
Diversified Offerings
Today’s fitness companies offer more than just workouts. They sell nutrition, apparel, equipment, and digital content. That kind of business model diversity can make gym stocks more adaptable to changing trends and consumer preferences.
Key Trends Driving Growth in the Fitness Industry
Hybrid Fitness Is the New Normal
The post-pandemic world didn’t just alter how people work; it also redefined how they work out.
Many consumers now favor a hybrid fitness lifestyle, combining studio classes with on-demand workouts at home.
This flexibility allows users to stay active on their own schedule, whether they’re traveling, balancing work-from-home life, or just avoiding a commute.
Gym brands that offer both in-person and digital experiences are tapping into a much broader audience.
Younger Generations Are Leading the Charge
Gen Z and Millennials are redefining fitness culture.
For these groups, wellness isn’t just about exercise; it’s about identity, self-care, and community.
This mindset is fueling demand for boutique studios, immersive group workouts, and mobile-first experiences.
These consumers are also more open to trying new modalities, whether it’s a cycling class, a mindfulness app, or a smart home gym.
Brands that connect with this audience through values and lifestyle storytelling are seeing stronger loyalty.
Technology Integration Is Accelerating
Fitness tech is no longer a side dish; it’s at the center of the experience.
From smart mirrors and wearable trackers to AI-driven coaching platforms, innovation is driving engagement.
Consumers want personalization, gamification, and real-time feedback.
Companies that can integrate tech seamlessly into the workout journey are not only attracting users but also building valuable data-driven ecosystems.
Corporate and Institutional Support
Fitness is being recognized as essential, not optional.
Employers are adding gym subsidies and wellness perks to benefits packages, while insurance companies are incentivizing physical activity through reduced premiums and rewards programs.
These institutional efforts make fitness more accessible and push consumers to engage more consistently, creating a tailwind for the entire industry.
What to Look for in a Good Gym Stock
Sustainable Business Models
The backbone of any great gym stock lies in a dependable, scalable business model. Recurring revenue from memberships or digital subscriptions helps smooth out volatility, especially in uncertain economic climates.
Companies that rely less on one-time equipment sales and more on ongoing service-based models tend to be more resilient.
It’s also important to understand whether the business is asset-heavy, owning physical gyms, or asset-light, relying on franchises or digital platforms.
Asset-light models typically offer faster scaling with fewer capital risks.
Brand Loyalty
In a market filled with choices, brand loyalty is gold.
Whether it’s the budget-friendly vibe of Planet Fitness or the premium experience of Life Time, successful companies often create strong emotional connections with customers.
Loyalty leads to higher retention, word-of-mouth marketing, and better margins.
Look for brands with a clear identity, customer-first philosophy, and growing fan base.
These intangibles can drive long-term growth in ways raw numbers can’t always predict.
Management and Growth Strategy
Even in a booming industry, poor execution can tank a promising stock.
Good gym companies are led by forward-thinking teams that adapt to change, invest in innovation, and understand both the customer and the capital markets.
Evaluate whether management has a clear, achievable plan for expansion, be it new locations, digital initiatives, or international growth.
Also, check how they manage debt, handle investor communication, and respond to industry shifts.
Transparent leadership with a track record of delivering results is key to long-term shareholder value.
Best Gym Stocks: Final Thoughts
All the best gym stocks offer a compelling way to tap into America’s growing obsession with health, fitness, and wellness.
From high-end clubs and boutique studios to digital platforms and nutritional supplements, this sector is evolving quickly.
By understanding what makes each business model unique and keeping an eye on long-term consumer trends, retail investors can make smarter, more confident decisions in the fitness space.
FAQs
Read on to find out the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about investing in gym stocks.
Is Planet Fitness a Good Stock to buy?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the performance of gym stocks will vary depending on the individual company.
However, Planet Fitness is a large and well-established gym with a solid track record, which puts it on many people’s short list.
Are Gym Stocks Safe Investments?
In the investing world, “safe” is a relative term — there are no safe stocks in the absolute sense.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many did consider gym stocks to be relatively safe investments, as it was an industry that experienced fairly steady growth.
If you’re bearish on the gym market, you may want to consider apparel companies, as they could thrive independent of other market pressures.
Do Gym Stocks Perform Well in a Recession?
Gym stocks often struggle in a recession because memberships are one of the first discretionary expenses consumers cut.
Some companies offset this by offering low-cost options or digital fitness services, which can attract budget-conscious customers.
Overall, performance depends on whether the business model emphasizes affordability, flexibility, or premium experiences.
How Do Gym Companies Make Money?
Gym companies primarily earn revenue through membership fees, which provide steady, recurring income.
Many also boost profits with personal training, group classes, and premium services like spas or recovery treatments.
Additional revenue often comes from merchandise sales, supplements, and partnerships with fitness brands.
What Are the Risks of Investing in Gym Stocks?
The main risk associated with investing in gym stocks is that the fitness industry is highly cyclical, and companies can quickly go from being profitable to unprofitable.
Additionally, there is always the potential for a company to go bankrupt, which would lead to a loss of investor capital.
What Are the Potential Returns of Investing in Gym stocks?
The potential returns of investing in gym stocks vary depending on the individual company.
There are some gym stocks that have experienced serious growth, however.
For example, Planet Fitness stock has seen an increase of over 80% in the past five years.
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