New year, new gym? Pet peeves, habits, and average spend on gym memberships revealed
06 Jan 2026
As the new year begins, many Australians may be opting to take up a gym membership, with our survey of over 1,300 gym-goers revealing that one in four (25%) made getting fit their last New Year’s resolution.
Whether it’s group fitness classes or personal training, our research has revealed what Aussies use most in a gym, how much they’re paying for it, and the habits they’d prefer others stop.
How often do Aussies visit the gym, and how much does it cost them?
Our survey found that gym-goers spend an average of $77 per month on their gym memberships. However, 25% say they go less than they initially planned, while 39% say having a gym membership makes them feel healthier.
Three to four gym sessions a week is the routine for almost half (48%) of Aussies, while 4% visit every day and 6% go less often than once a week.
Socialising is a major part of the gym routine for 16% of respondents, while 11% say they make an effort to dress to impress. Some have also found romance between the weight racks, with 5% reporting they met their current or former partner at the gym.
Biggest gym pet peeves
Finding frustration from others’ habits is popular, with the top three pet peeves gym-goers called out as:
- People who hog equipment – taking too much time and not allowing others to jump in between sets is the biggest pet peeve of gym goers, with 14% agreeing it frustrates them.
- Failing to wipe it down – not wiping down equipment after use annoys 13% of gym goers.
- Hitting record – those who film themselves at the gym frustrate 12% of respondents.
Other pet peeves include:
- People who spend too much time talking between sets (7%).
- Not bringing or using a towel (6%).
- A bad playlist that drowns out their own personal music (6%).
- People who grunt or groan when lifting weights (5%).
What is Australia’s top-rated gym?
Canastar’s 2025 Most Satisfied Customers Award for Gyms goes to Revo Fitness, which earned a five-star rating for overall satisfaction and top ratings for equipment and facilities, value for money, and flexibility and perks.
Other five-star winners include:
- Genesis Fitness for equipment and facilities, and atmosphere.
- Fernwood Fitness for atmosphere and staff availability.
What do Aussies think about hitting the gym?
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “The start of a new year brings plenty of opportunities to start new habits, take on new challenges and kick health goals, and a membership to your local gym is often a major tool to reaching success.”
“Canstar’s survey showed one-in-four Aussies had a gym membership as part of their last New Year’s resolution, so anyone signing up this year is certainly in good company.
“That said, initial plans didn’t quite materialise for one quarter of Australians, who said they go less often than they had thought they would, which is a good reminder to make sure you’ve thought through all the options before signing on the dotted line of a new membership.
“And, for anyone unsure of gym etiquette, the pet peeves revealed in Canstar’s survey might be a good starting point.
“Finding the right gym for you comes down to your routine and goals. For some Aussies, a gym that offers socialisation might be key, while 24/7 access or excellent facilities that let you get from the treadmill to your office desk might be most important.
“When it comes to the top-rated gym, more than 1,300 Australians shared their opinions and ratings, with Revo Fitness coming out on top. Earning five stars for overall satisfaction, they also received top ratings for value for money, equipment and facilities, and flexibility and perks.”
This article was reviewed by our Consumer Editor Meagan Lawrence before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
