Barcelona’s dedication to fitness is showing tangible results. The city’s municipal sports centres (CEM), known as Centre Esportiu Municipal in Catalan, have achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 212,000 subscribers as of September 2025. This record figure marks the highest number of members ever recorded.

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Beyond the sheer volume of users, a significant demographic shift is underway. Women now slightly outnumber men, representing 50.13% of the total membership. This represents a marked change in what were traditionally male-dominated gyms. The trend mirrors a broader increase in gym attendance seen across both public and private facilities, according to El Periódico.

Record-Breaking Numbers

The specific number of subscriptions reached 212,136 in September 2025. This surge surpasses the previous record of 202,959 subscribers recorded in September 2024, as well as the pre-pandemic figure of 202,839 in October 2019. The city’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles is evident. By the close of 2025, the total number of subscribers reached 205,373, an increase of over 7,000 compared to 2024.

A City Dedicated to Sport

Barcelona boasts an extensive network of sports facilities, including 41 municipal sports centres and 83 specialised facilities. These cater to various sports such as sailing, tennis, basketball, volleyball, football, and athletics. These centres offer opportunities for both individual workouts and organised group activities. The Ajuntament de Barcelona’s Institut Barcelona Esports (IBE) plays a key role in promoting and managing these resources.

The city consistently ranks high in sports participation. According to the Ajuntament de Barcelona, the pursuit of sport in Barcelona beats the European average by 17.4 points in 2022. Impressively, 73% of children engage in sports through school programmes, while 66% of adults maintain regular physical activity. The Generalitat de Catalunya’s Secretaria General de l’Esport i de l’Activitat Física also supports sports initiatives throughout the region.

Expansion and Improvements

To meet the growing demand, the Barcelona City Council is actively investing in expanding and upgrading its sports infrastructure. New municipal facilities are planned or are already under construction in five of the city’s ten districts: Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, and Sant Martí. The Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals S.A. (BIMSA) is overseeing many of these projects.

Expansion works are underway at the Polideportivo de La Marina in Sants-Montjuïc, which includes the construction of a new CEM. The project aims to provide modern facilities for local residents. Work is also progressing on the expansion of CEM Can Felipa in Poblenou (Sant Martí district). The project has completed its competition phase and involves a significant investment of over 16 million euros. These improvements will help to enhance the sporting opportunities available to residents across the city. Completion for Polideportivo de La Marina is expected early 2027.

Official Reaction

David Escudé, the Councillor for Sports, celebrated the record number of subscribers, stating that it “shows that Barcelona residents love and increasingly practice sports.”

He also highlighted the changing gender dynamics, noting that the increasing female participation reflects how women are “gaining ground in a space traditionally dominated by men.”

Analysis and Outlook

The surge in subscriptions to Barcelona’s municipal sports centres reflects a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and a commitment to healthy living among the city’s residents. The increasing participation of women is a particularly encouraging sign, indicating a more inclusive and equitable approach to sports and fitness. This trend, coupled with ongoing investments in new and improved facilities, positions Barcelona as a leading city for sports and well-being.

Furthermore, the city benefits economically from its strong sporting culture. Sports tourism encourages longer stays and increased spending, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the city’s overall economic prosperity. Barcelona’s continued investment in sports infrastructure and promotion ensures it will remain a vibrant hub for both amateur and professional athletes for years to come.