The post-COVID-19 pandemic fitness landscape: determinants of fitness participation in commercial gyms in Indonesia

Introduction and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic changed physical activity behaviour worldwide, promoting home exercise and the use of digital platforms. In the post-pandemic context, this study aims to analyse the factors influencing the return of the Indonesian population to commercial gyms, considering health awareness, perceived safety, digital fitness experience, social motivation, and service quality. Methodology: An explanatory quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 1,040 active gym members in several major cities in Indonesia and analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. Results: The results indicate that the model explains 57.1% of the variance in participation in fitness activities. All hypothesised relationships were statistically significant. Service quality was the strongest predictor, followed by perceived safety and health consciousness. Social motivation indirectly influenced participation through improved service quality, while digital fitness experience strengthened the relationship between perceived safety and participation. Conclusion: Fitness participation in the post-pandemic stage in Indonesia is determined by the interaction of health, safety, digital, social, and service factors, highlighting the need for integrated strategies to revitalise the fitness industry.