The Indonesian Express
In recent years, the fitness industry in Indonesia has experienced a significant growth spurt. Increasing awareness of the importance of health, both physical and mental, encourages people, especially the younger generation, to make exercise a part of their daily lifestyle. One of the most popular forms of physical activity today is exercising at a fitness center or gym. According to data from MarketResearch.com, the total revenue of the gym, health club, and fitness center industry in Indonesia will reach US$0.3 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% in the 2018–2023 period. This figure reflects the increasing demand for fitness services among urban communities who are increasingly aware of the importance of healthy living. Meanwhile, a Rakuten Insight survey in 2020 noted that around 32% of respondents aged 25–34 in Indonesia have gym memberships. This figure is a strong indicator that the younger generation is now more concerned about their physical and mental health. Not only conventional gyms, the trend of boutique fitness studios and digital fitness platforms is also experiencing rapid growth. This concept offers more specific exercise programs, a close-knit community, and a more personalized approach. For example, HIIT, yoga, barre, and indoor cycling classes are now favorites because they provide a fun and effective exercise experience. Also Read: Exercises You Can Do at Home to Help You Lose Weight Technology has also been a major driver of this trend. Exercise apps, wearable fitness trackers, and virtual classes make it easy for anyone to stay active, even from home. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this adaptation, and now, integrating technology into fitness routines has become the new norm. Companies have also started investing in employee well-being by providing gym facilities in the office or subsidizing fitness center memberships. This program has been proven to increase productivity and reduce employee stress levels, as well as create a healthier and more supportive work environment. On the other hand, social media also plays a big role in popularizing this trend. Motivational content from fitness influencers, such as workout videos, diet tips, and body transformations, have inspired the younger generation to start moving and living healthier. The explosion of the gym trend in Indonesia is not just a momentary phenomenon, but a lifestyle change driven by a collective awareness of the importance of maintaining long-term health. With the support of technology, fitness industry innovation, and a shift in work culture that is more concerned with life balance, this trend is predicted to continue to grow in the next few years. Gyms are now not only a place to shape the body, but also a space to build mental peace, improve quality of life, and become the best version of yourself.