Growing enthusiasm for fitness across the UK is reshaping the athleisure market and helping to drive renewed momentum on the high street, HSBC UK reports.
HSBC UK data 1 shows health and sport subscription spending is up 43% year-on-year (YoY)(£67m). Retailers are seeing sustained demand for athleisure and fitness products well beyond January.
This momentum is reflected in the performance of major retailers within the sector. The athleisure market is estimated 2 to be worth £17.8 bn in 2026, up from 15.2 bn, indicating that the demand for sports and athleisurewear is proving more resilient than the typical January uplift.
A sport-driven summer — supported by major events such as Wimbledon and the World Cup — has also helped keep sport and fitness front of mind. This is reflected in rising gym engagement, with spend with 10 of the UK’s largest gym groups and fitness providers up 12% year on year to £262m, and higher than two years ago (£224m YTD 2024).
Alongside these trends, card spending data on GLP‑1s has risen 85% year on year to £270m (YTD 2026 vs YTD 2025), reflecting an increase in consumer spending in this sector.
Athleisure is continuing to grow as sportswear becomes part of more people’s daily routines. Athleisure spending is up 19% (£137m) compared to two years ago according to HSBC UK, suggesting demand is holding up beyond mid-year rather than following the typical seasonal dip.
James Sawley, Head of Retail and Leisure at HSBC UK, said: “As the industry adapts to changes in consumer habits, we are seeing businesses respond to meet customers where they are in their fitness journey.
Consumer trends influence spending across the economy, and it is encouraging to see retailers in this space adapt in real time — from product and subscription offers to investment in physical stores. With athleisure spending rising, stores are becoming a route to growth for many businesses— giving shoppers a place to try on, get advice, and connect with community-led activity that helps maintain fitness related engagement well beyond January.”
Learn more about HSBC UK’s Retail and Leisure team here.
