The health and fitness industry has demonstrated a variable performance over the past 5 years or so. It is estimated that the UK market for health clubs including both the private and public sector was worth 3.8bn in 2011, while the fitness equipment market, covering both commercial and in-home applications, was worth an estimated 354m.

The health club market continued to grow strongly until 2009, buoyed by the local authority, corporate and wellbeing sectors, before demand was negatively affected by falling disposable incomes and rising unemployment. In addition, competition intensified with a number of new budget operators entering the market, pushing membership prices down and leading to a relatively high level of corporate activity. In 2010, the health and fitness club market experienced a first year of zero growth in more than a decade, although the market value is estimated to have returned to growth in 2011 - albeit at a low rate.

The fitness equipment market, on the other hand was affected early in 2008 by a fall in demand with health clubs postponing major refurbishment projects and the rate of new club openings falling substantially. This situation continued until 2009 leading to a fall in market value during the year. While the health and fitness club market remained flat, the commercial fitness equipment market saw a significant increase in revenues in 2010 as health clubs implemented refurbishment programmes in an attempt to attract more members.

The outlook for both of these related markets in the medium term is positive. These are mature markets, so growth rates will be limited; however, there is strong underlying demand for health and fitness facilities and, therefore, fitness equipment. It is estimated that by 2016, the market for health clubs will have reached a value of 4.4bn with the fitness equipment market forecast to be worth an estimated 403m.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

2. Summary and Future Prospects

3. Economic Environment

4. Fitness Equipment

5. Commercial Fitness Equipment Market

6. Home Fitness Equipment Market

7. Health and Fitness Clubs

Companies Mentioned:

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