The virtual fitness market is poised for rapid expansion over the next decade, driven by advances in personalised coaching, AI integration, and mobile accessibility, according to Future Market Insights.
Future Market Insights says the virtual fitness market is set to expand sharply over the next decade, with the sector projected to rise from $39.1bn in 2026 to $330.7bn by 2036. The forecast points to a 23.8% compound annual growth rate as consumers continue to move towards digital workouts that are more flexible, more portable and easier to fit around daily routines.
The report argues that the category has moved well beyond recorded exercise videos. Virtual platforms now increasingly bundle live classes, personalised coaching, artificial intelligence-driven recommendations, wearable-device integration, progress monitoring and community tools. Future Market Insights says the strongest demand is coming from users who want measurable improvement, credible coaching, cross-device compatibility and better protection of personal data.
Several of the report’s segment estimates underline how the market is changing. Group sessions are expected to remain the largest format in 2026, with a 56% share, while on-demand content is projected to lead streaming with 58%. Smartphones are forecast to account for 36% of device use, reflecting the dominance of mobile apps for workout discovery, payments, notifications and tracking. Subscription models are also expected to remain central, with a 61% share, although retention will depend on whether services can keep showing progress and value.
The growth outlook is broadly consistent with other recent industry research, though estimates vary. Grand View Research said the virtual fitness market was worth $16.4bn in 2022 and could reach $39.8bn in 2026 before climbing to $106.4bn by 2030. SNS Insider has projected a larger market still, saying the sector could exceed $423bn by 2035, while Mordor Intelligence said the market may reach $109.36bn by 2031. The differences reflect varying assumptions about adoption, pricing and regional penetration.
The competitive landscape remains fragmented, with competition spanning workout apps, connected equipment, wearable ecosystems and subscription wellness services. Future Market Insights names Peloton, Apple, Nike, Zwift, Les Mills, Fitbit, Beachbody and Nexercise among the companies operating in the space. It says the key battlegrounds are now personalisation, coaching depth, measurable results, interoperability across devices and privacy safeguards, with hybrid fitness models and employer wellness programmes likely to shape the next phase of growth.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
