Fueling Inclusivity

We’ve been leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) research across the fitness sector since 2021. Our mission is to support all individuals in reaching their full potential by identifying the hidden barriers, biases, and systemic challenges that limit progress.

On this page, you’ll find the full project history, access to past reports and resources, and clear ways to contribute.
Whether you are here to support, partner, or share your experience, this is where action begins.
This project is a joint initiative by RISE Global, WIFA Germany, ST7Ronger, and The Collective.

Join us in building a more inclusive and equitable future.

GET INVOLVED

How You Can Help

We aim to grow participation in our DEI research and strengthen the data yearly. To do that, we need support.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship helps fund participant prizes and expand survey reach. Sponsors are recognised in the published report and kindly expected to support survey distribution.

Platinum Sponsorship

Platinum – €7,500
Premium ad placement in the published report: back cover or inside front cover
Full-page ad and optional foreword with photo
Logo on all official communications and in the report
Use of the RISE logo alongside yours in your own communications

Count ME IN
Gold Sponsorship

Gold – €5,000
Full-page ad placement in the published report (internal page)
Optional foreword with logo and photo
Logo on all official communications and in the report
Use of the RISE logo alongside yours in your own communications

COunt me in
Silver Sponsorship

Silver – €2,500
Half-page ad placement in the published report (internal page)
Logo on all official communications and in the report
Use of the RISE logo alongside yours in your own communications

Count me in

Building on 2022

This initiative builds upon the efforts of 2022 initiatives on gender equity led by RISE and EuropeActive, including the "Career Progression in the Fitness Industry" study conducted by Aston University, which aimed to identify areas where support was needed for women and industry leaders to utilise their underappreciated talents and expertise fully. In the same year, EuropeActive, SportAlliance, and WIFA surveyed Gender Equity in the Fitness sector to uncover perceptions of gender inequity among employees at all levels.

Timeline of Research and Action on Gender Equity and Inclusion in Fitness

2021-2022

RISE Females in Fitness published
It Isn’t a Level Playing Field in the Fitness Industry, revealing:
Fewer women have permanent contracts
Women earn significantly less than men
Lack of value and work-life balance hinder career success
Gender bias remains a barrier
Mothers report a career penalty for parental leave
Lack of mentoring and coaching is a top career progression barrier
Over 50% of women have experienced sexual harassment or bullying at work

It isn't a level playing field
2021-2022

WIFA, EuropeActive, and SportAlliance completed a global survey on gender equity in the sector:
85% of men did not recognise gender bias in their workplace
Only 34% believed gender balance in leadership was important
The majority of women reported inequality as a barrier
Female leaders felt promotion was more difficult due to gender

Gender Equity in the fitness sector Report
2023-2024

EuropeActive, RISE, ST7Ronger, and SportAlliance published the Diversity in the Fitness Sector report, benchmarking the sector against others and exposing systemic and organisational barriers:
56% reported gender-based discrimination remains a major issue
42% say discrimination impacts mental health
Discrimination linked to:
Lower motivation (42%)
Higher staff turnover (32%)
Lower productivity (33%)
Reduced business performance (28%)
Limited growth (25%)
50% reported observing or experiencing gender-related discriminationresults.

DIVERSITY IN THE FITNESS SECTOR REPORT
2025-2026

The Collective, RISE Females in Fitness, and ST7Ronger will continue this work, maintaining a regular research and publication cadence to strengthen the data set and support industry-wide change. There is still a significant gap in DEI data across the fitness sector—this project exists to fill that gap. Progress requires support, allyship, resources, and committed partners.
You can take action now by reviewing existing reports, connecting with us to share your bright spots and initiatives, and contributing to the next phase of research.

Partner with us

2025-2026 Diversity in the Fitness Sector Report

The survey will be conducted online and was live for data collection between May 1, 2025, and October 31, 2025. The survey is available in five languages: English, Spanish, German, French & Dutch. The survey was promoted via social media, industry press, personal networks and employee emails.
Data on discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, culture, religion, disability, and age were collected, along with demographic information. Respondents were also asked about the individual and business impact of inequalities and the factors that contribute to them. Personal comments from respondents enabled deeper insights into the impact of discrimination on their careers and well-being. Respondents also had the opportunity to highlight examples of good practice in DEI.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of addressing discrimination and fostering a more inclusive and equitable fitness sector.
We aim to build on the reach and participation from the 2023-2024 survey- In total, 498 people responded to the survey. Of those who provided demographic data, 56% identified as female, 45% as male and less than 1% as another gender. The age and country breakdowns of respondents are provided below.