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Detailed Wellness Economy Data from the World’s #1 Wellness Economy, the United States, Now Available for Download from Global Wellness Institute (GWI)
GWI reports that the US is by far the world’s top wellness economy, valued at $1.2 trillion, and provides data on all eleven wellness sectors the organization measures, thanks to partnership with National Academy of Sports Medicine
Miami, FL – March 8, 2023 – The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, through its partnership with National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), has added the United States—the #1 wellness economy in the world, valued at over $1 trillion—to the growing number of countries featured on the organization’s Geography of Wellness microsite.
The Geography of Wellness platform, launched last year, provides key stakeholders in the 218 countries featured in GWI’s “The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings” a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into their country’s position in the various sectors and subsectors of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy.
“GWI’s dedicated country reports enable participating countries the ability to better identify emerging growth opportunities within all eleven of the wellness sectors our researchers measure, giving a clear picture of how wellness business and activities are impacting their overall economies,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “National Academy of Sports Medicine is a great partner for GWI in the US because they are a proven leader in the Physical Activity sector, which has evolved rapidly due to the pandemic and now is experiencing a massive resurgence as the pandemic recedes and Americans are prioritizing wellness more than ever.”
According to GWI data, the United States wellness economy contracted from $1.4 trillion in 2019 to $1.2 trillion in 2020, still a huge number that is expected to continue its upward trajectory. The Physical Activity segment experienced an 18% contraction in 2020, yet remains #1 in the world at $215 billion.
The Physical Activity sector includes consumer spending associated with intentional physical activities performed during leisure and recreation, including three recreational activity subsectors (sports and active recreation, fitness, and mindful movement) and three enabling subsectors (technology, equipment and supplies, apparel and footwear). Full descriptions of these sectors are available in the newly released report, available for free download thanks to NASM, “The Global Wellness Economy: United States.”
“We’re thrilled to play a role in making all the data behind the incredible growth of the US wellness industry available to anyone it can benefit, be it researchers, policy makers, start-ups, established businesses, etc.,” said Steve Myers, Product Manager, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). “For NASM, the data GWI captures in this report validates our decision to leverage our 35 years as the leading provider of fitness education to launch our Certified Wellness Coaching program. Supporting GWI in this way aligns with NASM’s mission to leverage evidence-based knowledge and tools to transform lives by focusing on the intersection of movement, nutrition, wellbeing and recovery.”
The United States is by far the world’s top wellness economy, boasting the largest markets in 9 out of 11 wellness sectors—spanning physical activity, healthy eating, mental wellness, beauty and personal care, wellness tourism, and more. With its sophisticated wellness markets, world class cities, natural resources, recreational infrastructure, and diverse cultures and heritage spread over 3.5 million square miles of varied geography and topography, the US offers something for everyone who is interested in wellness.
Wellness in the United States
Whether you are visiting a city or exploring the vast expanse of the American landscape, you can integrate wellness into your trip. If nature and outdoor recreation appeal to you, the US national parks, state parks and national forests offer millions of acres of grounds for hiking, climbing, camping and water sports. Nature and majestic landscapes—from the deserts and canyons of Arizona, to the snowy mountains of Colorado, to the coastal beaches and the lakes of Michigan—provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and the opportunity to engage in sports that can challenge you physically and mentally. For those seeking wellness treatments and therapies, the US is home to more than 26,000 spas (day, medical, destination and hotel/resort spas) and over 300 thermal/mineral springs where you can experience communal bathing and the healing powers of water.
There is also an abundance of urban wellness activities available—from city hotels that prioritize wellness, offering not only gyms and spas, but also helping you get good sleep, eat healthy and nutritious food, and find social connections and a sense of community. In this racially and culturally diverse landscape, visitors are able to enjoy immersive experiences that are just as diverse: from music festivals in Austin, Chicago, Nashville, and more, to food (a variety of regional and ethnic cuisines, and a health food landscape that spans organic, plant-based, farm-to-table, raw foods, etc.), to the arts. Many US cities have prioritized wellness by creating public art installations, recreational space, urban trails (e.g., the Highline in New York City) and greenways for citizens and visitors to enjoy walking, running, and cycling in proximity to nature.
Whether you are seeking to steep yourself in nature to nurture your physical or mental wellness, or to reinvigorate your mind and soul through the arts or social connections, the opportunities to increase wellbeing in the US are plentiful and accessible.
[NOTE: GWI is currently working with numerous country partners to highlight their unique wellness assets and will continue to announce new country reports as they are added to the platform.]
About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.
About National Academy of Sports Medicine®
For over 35 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM™) has earned its reputation as the gold standard in best-in-class evidence-based programs in personal training, nutrition coaching, wellness coaching, sports performance, and more. Above and beyond any other certification provider, NASM trainers work at every level of organized sport while NASM wellness coaches inspire lasting change in their clients and co-workers across fitness, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and human resource organizations.
