If you own a gym, fitness center, or health club and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away. The primary NAICS code for a gym is 713940, classified under Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector. However, “gym” is a broad term. The right code for your business depends on whether you operate a physical fitness facility or if you are an independent personal trainer without a commercial facility. This page covers the relevant codes so you can identify the one that fits.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 713940 |
| Industry Title | Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers |
| Sector | 72 (Accommodation and Food Services) |
| Industry Group | 7139 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Code Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 713940 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 713940 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing fitness and recreational sports facilities.
In plain English, this code applies to physical locations where people go to exercise. For gym businesses, this includes:
- Traditional weight rooms and open-floor gyms
- Group fitness studios (yoga, Pilates, spin classes)
- Dance and aerobic exercise centers
- Health clubs offering a mix of free weights, cardio, and group classes
- Athletic and racquet clubs with tennis courts or swimming pools
The important distinction here is the physical facility. This code covers the physical building and the equipment inside it. It does not cover individual trainers who rent space inside a larger facility, nor does it cover weight-loss clinics that focus on diets rather than exercise space.
Does My Gym Business Qualify for Code 713940?
Your gym business qualifies for NAICS code 713940 if:
- You own or lease a commercial space where members come to work out
- Your main source of revenue comes from membership dues, daily drop-in fees, or class pack fees
- You operate a traditional gym, boutique fitness studio, or large multi-purpose health club
Your business may not qualify if:
- You are an independent personal trainer who pays rent to use a gym, but don’t own the business itself. Independent trainers fall under 812990 (Other Personal Care Services), which we will explain below.
- You operate a weight-loss clinic that provides specific diet plans and tracking but lacks an actual exercise facility, which falls under 812191 (Diet and Weight Reducing Centers) instead
- You operate a destination health resort or spa where the primary draw is overnight lodging and relaxation, which falls under 721110 (Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and 721110 (RV Parks and Recreational Camps) instead
The “Solo Trainer” Trap: Why You Can’t Use 713940
There is a very common and costly mistake made by independent personal trainers. When a solo trainer needs a NAICS code for their insurance, they often search “gym NAICS code” and select 713940 because it sounds right.
Do not make this mistake.
The government classifies businesses by their physical location and primary revenue source. If you do not own the gym, you are not a “Fitness and Recreational Sports Center.” You are providing a personal service. If an independent trainer uses 713940 on their insurance application, they risk having claims denied because their policy doesn’t match their actual business model.
The correct code for an independent personal trainer is 812990 (Other Personal Care Services). If you are an independent trainer, getting this code right ensures your General Liability and Professional Liability insurance policies are actually valid when a client gets injured during a session.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most gym owners expect. Here is where code 713940 will be required:
- Commercial Insurance. This is highly critical for gyms. Insurance providers use this code to calculate your General Liability premiums. Gyms carry high risks for slips, falls, and equipment damage. Using the correct code ensures your policy is priced accurately.
- SBA Loan Applications. If you need financing to purchase new gym equipment, build out a new studio, or expand to a second location, the Small Business Administration requires this code to assess your loan eligibility.
- **State Licensing. Most state fitness regulatory boards require your NAICS code when you apply for a health club or fitness center license.
- Payment Processing Applications. If you use platforms like Stripe or Square to charge members, they use your NAICS code to flag your account in their system. A physical gym triggers a specific risk profile and fee structure.
- Business Bank Accounts. Banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a commercial checking account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
713940 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 713940 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services |
| Subsector | 713 | Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries |
| Industry Group | 7139 | Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers |
| NAICS Industry | 71394 | Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers |
| National Industry | 713940 | Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAICS code for an independent personal trainer?
The correct code for an independent personal trainer is 812990 (Other Personal Care Services). You should never use the gym code (713940) if you are a solo trainer who rents space inside someone else’s facility.
Does code 713940 cover online fitness classes?
Yes. If you operate a physical studio and stream classes online to remote clients, you still use 713940. The physical location of the audience does not change the classification of the physical space.
What if my gym offers both weights and group classes?
Code 713940 covers both. Whether your facility is a weight room or a group fitness studio, it all falls under the same umbrella of Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers.
What if I am a mobile personal trainer?
If you train clients at public parks, their homes, or outdoor spaces, you are a mobile personal trainer. Your correct NAICS code is 812990.
Does code 713940 cover a gym with a pool?
Yes. If your health club includes a pool for member use, it is still classified under 713940 (or a similar 713990 code if the pool is the main draw). The government does not separate a standard gym from a gym with a pool.
What is the NAICS code for a weight-loss clinic?
If your business provides structured weight-loss programs, diet tracking, and counseling but does not have an exercise facility, your code is 812191 (Diet and Weight Reducing Centers).