economy
February 28, 2026
How the 'K-shaped' economy is showing up at two big U.S. gyms
The outlooks of Life Time and Planet Fitness show the divergence in spending between higher- and lower-income consumers.
TL;DR
- Both Life Time and Planet Fitness reported double-digit revenue growth and increased memberships in 2025.
- Life Time's results show affluent consumers are still spending heavily on health and wellness, utilizing premium amenities and services.
- Planet Fitness's outlook for 2026 projects slower revenue and same-store sales growth, suggesting potential strain on price-sensitive consumers.
- The gym operators' performance reflects a broader 'K-shaped' economy, with higher-income households insulated from economic pressures and lower-income households more reluctant to spend.
- The fitness industry's current trends serve as an indicator of varying consumer spending capacity across different income levels.
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