Forget fancy equipment and elite trainers. What gym-goers really want in 2025 is a vibe. According to Chatmeter’s latest Gym Reputation Ranking Report, the top-rated fitness chains aren’t just winning on price and cleanliness but on creating an atmosphere that makes members want to show up.
The report, which used AI to analyse 85,000 Google reviews from the 10 largest U.S. gym chains, crowned EōS Fitness as the fan favourite, followed by Snap Fitness and Crunch Fitness. One big reason behind this is a 35.6% spike in reviews praising the vibes—whether that means a welcoming atmosphere, great customer service, or just a place where people actually want to work out.
Price still rules but so do aesthetic gains
While a strong sense of community can keep members hooked, cost is still the ultimate deal-breaker. Sixty-two percent of consumers feel gyms are overpriced, and 54% refuse to pay more than $19.99/month. Meanwhile, 30% say a price hike would have them sprinting for the exit.
Cleanliness also remains non-negotiable. Complaints about dirty facilities dropped by 13.3% over the past year, showing that gyms are taking hygiene seriously. And they need to because 29% of members would cancel over unclean conditions.
For younger generations, a gym isn’t just a place to work out, it’s a lifestyle. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (64%) and Millennials (66%) say 24/7 access would influence their membership decisions, while 41% prefer open space for freestyle workouts.
And let’s not ignore the content creators! Fifty-six percent of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials admit to snapping a gym selfie or recording a workout. By comparison, only 4% of Baby Boomers are striking a pose between sets.
Scroll before stroll
When it comes to picking a gym, younger consumers are more likely to browse social media before they choose. While 55% of Gen Z check out social media for gym intel, older generations still prefer free trials (64%) and in-person tours (44%) before committing.
In 2025, gyms that can blend affordability, good vibes, and spotless facilities will dominate the leaderboard.
John Mazur, CEO of Chatmeter, said: “Gyms who are listening to customers across every channel are going to win in 2025. This is the year that brands who invest in true customer intelligence will stand out to their customers. Gyms have the data, and with AI, they can really start to listen to their customers and make the right changes in 2025.”