The fitness industry has exploded in scale over the past two decades, fueled by health-conscious consumers, wellness-focused investments, and tech-driven innovations. Behind this growth stand billionaire founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs who transformed gyms, equipment, and lifestyle brands into global powerhouses.
In this blog, we break down the top 10 fitness industry billionaires in 2025, their companies, and how they’ve shaped the world of health and wellness.
1. Mark Mastrov - The Visionary Behind Fitness International
Mark Mastrov, often called the “Steve Jobs of fitness”, built a legacy by founding 24 Hour Fitness and later co-founding Fitness International, which operates LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and City Sports Club across the United States and Canada.
With a keen eye for scaling health clubs, Mastrov’s ventures have grown into billion-dollar companies. Today, his empire stretches into tech-backed fitness startups, and Mark Mastrov net worth continues to rise as he invests in emerging wellness platforms.
2. Louis Welch - The Driving Force of LA Fitness
When people search for LA Fitness CEO, the name Louis Welch always appears. As CEO LA Fitness, he played a critical role in expanding the chain’s reach from a regional company to one of the largest gym operators in North America.
Under his leadership, LA Fitness and Esporta Fitness have grown their membership base into the millions. With decades of successful operations, Welch’s influence over the fitness industry is unmatched.
3. Greg Glassman - The CrossFit Revolution
Greg Glassman net worth skyrocketed after he founded CrossFit, a movement that turned into one of the fastest-growing fitness companies in the world. CrossFit wasn’t just about workouts, it became a culture and community.
Though Glassman stepped away from operations, his financial success and global brand presence keep him among the most powerful figures in fitness today.
4. The MaxPro Team - Redefining Home Fitness
Portable strength training systems became a household trend, and MaxPro’s net worth reflects the impact of their innovation. Marketed as a gym that fits into a backpack, MaxPro attracted celebrities, athletes, and everyday users who wanted convenience without compromise.
By 2025, the company has expanded operations worldwide, proving that the home-fitness wave is far from over.
5. Sarah Apgar and FitFighter - From Shark Tank to Billion-Dollar Growth
Former Army veteran Sarah Apgar turned her invention, FitFighter, into a multimillion-dollar company with global demand. Initially known for its feature on Shark Tank, FitFighter net worth has grown rapidly thanks to its use in gyms, military training, and home fitness.
Its steel-hose training system represents the perfect blend of functional fitness and innovation. Today, FitFighter is one of the fastest-growing names in wellness equipment.
6. Surfset Fitness - Riding the Innovation Wave
When Surfset Fitness introduced surfboard-inspired training, many thought it was a niche gimmick. But fast forward to today, and Surfset Fitness net worth proves otherwise.
With operations in multiple states and international markets, Surfset became a recognized fitness brand for its fun, high-intensity, and balance-focused workouts. Its founders carved out a unique lane in the global wellness market.
7. Global Fitness Apparel Billionaires
While gyms and equipment are central to the industry, apparel magnates hold a massive share of fitness wealth. Among the top 10 richest clothing brand owners in the world, names tied to activewear giants like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon dominate.
These billionaires not only own companies but also influence global fashion, health trends, and the everyday lifestyle choices of millions of members worldwide.
8. Coach Greg - From Content to Business Empire
The rise of fitness influencers turned entrepreneurs is undeniable. Coach Greg net worth reflects how online content creators can grow into full-fledged businesses with supplement lines, training platforms, and merchandise.
By building trust through education and entertainment, Coach Greg expanded his company into multiple revenue streams, showing that digital-first fitness brands can compete with traditional gym giants.
9. The Future Billionaires of Wellness
The fitness industry is no longer confined to gyms, it’s now a global ecosystem of wellness tech, hybrid training, and holistic health companies. Entrepreneurs who founded startups in February 2020 during the pandemic have now grown operations into thriving companies by 2025.
From Canada to the States, fitness leaders are proving that demand for health and wellness continues to climb. Expect more billionaires to emerge as companies expand into digital platforms, hybrid memberships, and global markets.
10. The Peloton Founders - Pioneers of Connected Fitness
No list of fitness billionaires is complete without Peloton. Founded by John Foley and his team, Peloton redefined home fitness by combining hardware, software, and subscription services into one seamless ecosystem.
Despite ups and downs in operations, Peloton’s subscriber base has grown massively across the States and Canada. In 2025, the company continues to influence the fitness industry, and its founders remain among the wealthiest figures in health and wellness.
What Fitness Professionals Can Learn Today
One of the vital takeaways is that the billionaires listed above didn’t just sell gym membership. They built companies that operated at scale, innovated constantly, and focused on health and wellness trends before the rest of the market caught on.
With their vision they adapted and invested in strategies and innovations required for their business. They were among the first to diversify and bring on tech that pushed their business forward. Apart from just their product and services it was their vision, willingness to experiment and persevere that craved them a path to success today.
If you’re a personal trainer or gym owner, this is your chance to learn from their playbook. Go back to the drawing board, play with new tech and give your business a push it deserves.
If you're ready to take that leap, build your own branded app, with FitBudd. Grow your client base, add new income streams and scale operations.
FAQs
Who is the richest person in the fitness industry?
The richest person in the fitness industry in 2025 is Mark Mastrov, co-founder of Fitness International, which operates LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and City Sports Club. With decades of expansion and investments, Mark Mastrov net worth remains the highest among fitness entrepreneurs.
What is the fitness industry in 2025?
The fitness industry in 2025 is a global network of gyms, health clubs, and wellness companies that focus on hybrid training, technology, and lifestyle products. Giants like LA Fitness, MaxPro, FitFighter, and Surfset Fitness have grown operations across the United States and Canada, serving millions of members.
Who is the richest person in the fitness industry in 2025?
In 2025, the LA Fitness CEO Louis Welch and Mark Mastrov are among the wealthiest leaders. Their companies—Fitness International and LA Fitness—have scaled operations massively, making them top names when people ask about CEO LA Fitness and industry wealth.
Which country has the most fitness billionaires in 2025?
The United States has the most fitness billionaires in 2025, led by companies like Fitness International, CrossFit, and Peloton. With expansions into Canada and global markets, these U.S.-based brands dominate the health and wellness industry worldwide.
