After years of at-home workouts and virtual fitness classes, employees are returning to gyms and in-person group classes in record numbers. In 2024, nearly one in four Americans belonged to a gym, studio, or fitness facility, according to the Health & Fitness Association. The message is clear: employees are prioritizing their health, and they’re craving community. Learn why corporate fitness networks are quickly becoming a must-have benefit and how to give every employee access to the workout experience that works for them.
Corporate Fitness Network: Why Employees Want In
Corporate fitness networks offer employees discounted or subsidized access to a wide variety of gyms, studios, and fitness centers, providing the flexibility to choose options that best fit their lifestyle, location, and fitness level.
The real advantage is that they offer choice and convenience, two essentials for today’s employees. In fact, corporate fitness networks are becoming a top wellness benefit for 2025, offering a blend of in-person and digital options that allow employees to exercise anytime, anywhere.
Whether it’s a dance cardio class after work, a guided power walk on the weekend, or a strength training workout on the road, these networks allow employees to exercise on their terms. The result: more motivation, higher engagement, and a wellness program that employees actually want to use.
The Most Requested Fitness Benefit? Gym Membership
It’s no surprise that free or discounted gym or exercise class memberships top the list of preferred fitness benefits. In a survey of executives by PEAR Health Labs (the AI platform behind the Aaptiv app), 69% ranked gym memberships as the most popular exercise-related benefit. Beyond popularity, gym memberships are often considered essential components of a modern corporate wellness program.
Why Fitness Matters for Remote and Hybrid Employees
Hybrid and remote workers face unique challenges when it comes to physical activity. Without the natural movement built into commuting, walking to meetings, or even stepping out for lunch, physical activity can easily fall by the wayside. Add in long hours in front of a screen, and digital fatigue can make it harder to find the motivation to exercise.
A flexible gym benefit helps counteract the sedentary nature of remote and hybrid work by making it easier for employees to move in ways that fit their schedules and preferences.
The Social Connection
One of the most valuable benefits of a corporate fitness network, especially for remote employees, is the social aspect. For those who crave community or group motivation, in-person gyms and studio classes provide a sense of community, accountability, and shared energy that’s often missing from remote routines. Whether it’s Zumba, CrossFit, yoga, or dance, group workouts give employees more ways than ever to connect through movement —and have fun doing it.
Aaptiv: Going Beyond the Gym
Aaptiv makes it easy to deliver the best of both worlds: on-demand, AI-powered workouts and wellness content, plus access to one of the largest gym networks in the industry with over 20,000 U.S. locations. Partnering with top brands like Orangetheory, Crunch Fitness, YMCA, Pure Barre, and StretchLab, Aaptiv offers employees unmatched flexibility to choose the exercise experience they want.
Addressing the Intimidation Factor
Pairing a nationwide gym network with on-demand digital coaching helps ease the intimidation that 60% of new members experience during their first visits. Aaptiv’s expert-led, audio and video workouts guide users right on the gym floor. From strength training to treadmill sessions and stretching routines, this seamless blend of in-person access and virtual support helps build confidence and consistency.
A Smarter Approach to Employee Wellness
Corporate fitness networks offer more than just physical benefits. They reduce barriers to exercise, support connection, and provide the flexibility employees expect. By combining in-person access with digital support, companies can deliver a wellness experience that’s inclusive, engaging, and designed to meet employees where they are.
Learn more about Aaptiv’s employee wellness and fitness solutions.
