Australia’s Priciest Fitness Trends

Discover which fitness classes and events are costing Australian’s the most

November 2025

As Australians continue to invest in their health and wellness, new research from health insurance comparison service, iSelect, reveals that staying fit can come with a hefty price tag. From boutique studio classes to adrenaline-pumping endurance events, the cost of staying fit is climbing.

Reformer Pilates has emerged as the most expensive weekly fitness class, with an average cost of $72.67 nationwide. This surpasses other popular group fitness classes (e.g. BFT and F45) at $59.88 and CrossFit at $60.37 per week. Canberra was the most expensive for Reformer Pilates classes, with an average weekly cost of around $82, followed by Sydney at $77 and Melbourne at $75.20.

Overall, Sydney had the highest cost of fitness classes in Australia, with an average weekly fee of $73.33, followed by Perth at $71.38 and Melbourne at $68.69.

These are for the Aussie fitness fanatics who are looking to test their fitness or enjoy the thrill of competition. Events such as HYROX and marathons in Australia are consistently selling out, often within days or even hours of the registration opening. Such events offer an unforgettable experience, but at what cost?

IRONMAN events top the list as the costliest fitness event at $630 per participant. These events offer a premium experience not just in cost but in physical demand, often lasting anywhere between eight and 17 hours, and include swimming, cycling and running.

Marathons and Triathlons were next, both with an average cost of around $258 per individual. The globally trending HYROX events offer a unique hybrid of strength and cardio competition, with a price tag of around $250 per person, making it more expensive than three weeks of Reformer Pilates.

For those with the running bug and a desire for a memorable marathon experience, the Sydney Marathon was recently added to the Abbott World Marathon Major series. This event comes with a price tag of $330 per participant, and with its prestigious status and exclusivity, this is provided you can secure a spot in the ballot. In contrast, the Gold Coast marathon offers a more affordable option at $235 per runner. However, for those seeking an active lifestyle without the hefty price tag, parkrun has more than 500 locations across Australia, providing a free 5km run or walk every Saturday morning, making it an inclusive choice for all. Many cities also offer free running clubs and outdoor fitness options.

With rising costs across the board, Australians could be paying a hefty fee for a dynamic Reformer Pilates workout or the grit of an IRONMAN, with the data showing that wellness is no longer just a lifestyle; it can be a financial commitment.

“Investing in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term health outcomes. Whether it’s through structured classes like Reformer Pilates or free community options like parkrun, staying active can help to reduce the risk of chronic illness, boosts mental wellbeing, and supports a healthier lifestyle overall.”

“There are some health insurance extras that cover gym memberships, making it easier for Australians to access the tools they need to stay fit. So, Aussies can find a balance between cost, consistency and choosing activities that fit their lifestyle and budget.”

Andres Gutierrez

General Manager – Health at iSelect

Written by:

Sarah Grealy

Digital Public Relations Specialist

0413 363 690

sarah.grealy@iselect.com.au

Sarah is our Digital Public Relations Specialist, and brings more than a decade of experience in the insurance comparison industry to iSelect.

With a passion for storytelling through data-driven insights, Sarah strives to empower Aussies with practical guides and tips.

About the data

Fitness class pricing was based on unlimited weekly access or three- five classes reformer Pilates classes per week using an average price across five locations in all Australian cities.

Note: Tasmania and Darwin had two CrossFit gyms with pricing available

The fitness event costs were compiled using publicly available registration fees from official event websites. The standard individual entry fee was used, with an average price determined when looking at locations.
– Turf games were an average cost across Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane events.
– Marathons were an average cost from Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne events.
– Triathlons were an average cost of Noosa, St Kilda, Mooloolaba and Gold Coast events.
– Half Marathons were an average of Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne events.
– IRONMAN was the same price for all three events in Western Sydney, Port Macquarie and Sunshine Coast.
– Tough Mudder was an average cost of the Melbourne event for first start and later start tickets including booking fees
– HYROX is based on a single flexi ticket for the Melbourne event, including booking fees.

Various sources available on request

iSelect does not compare all health insurance providers or policies in the market. The availability of policies will change from time to time. Not all policies available from its providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements, your stated needs and circumstances, not all policies compared by iSelect are available to all customers. Some policies and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.

About

At iSelect, we’re passionate about making Aussies’ lives easier by saving them time, effort and money. We are Australia’s go-to destination for comparison across insurance, utilities and personal finance products made available from our range of providers. Our service is provided at no cost to the customer.