The U.S. health and fitness club industry is on a revival trend, with new club brands, absolute club openings and new memberships increasing--similar to the mid-1980s--after a decade of flat growth. Total health and fitness club membership at the end of 2003 is estimated to be almost 38 million, or 18% of adults 18 and over. The total number of clubs has grown too, an estimated 10% from 2002 to 2003. Total owned club revenues have increased 13% from 2000 to 2003, from $11.6 billion to $13.9 billion. With 59 million adults, or 31% of the adult population, considered obese, it would appear that the market has considerable room to expand.

Key issues covered in this report include the demographic variables driving the market, the increasing number of both members and facilities, increasing obesity rates, and the rise of “no frills” and women-only clubs such as Curves. Original consumer research examines attitudes and behavior by age, gender, ethnicity and income (both members and non-members), and a six-year trend analysis predicts future growth.

This report covers the market for private/commercial clubs as well as nonprofit health and fitness clubs.

Mintel defines private and commercial health and fitness clubs as those being operated by an individual or corporate, for profit organization. Nonprofit health and fitness clubs are defined as those facilities offering health and fitness memberships to consumers yet do not profit from these memberships.

This report does not include public health and fitness clubs operated by, or on behalf of, a local authority, such as a gymnasium and other facilities founded for public leisure, such as community fitness centers or public swimming complexes. This report also does not include ancillary products sold in health and fitness clubs within its market size and segmentation data, however, details are included under company profiles within the Supply Structure section of this report. The spa industry and tennis/racquet club industry, except as it relates to the health and fitness industry is also excluded. The analysis contained within the Consumer section of this report does consider all types of health and fitness clubs.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

• Slimming Meals—U.S., consumer intelligence, October 2003
• Kids’ Lifestyles—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2003
• Weight Loss Programs—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2003
• Attitudes Toward Diet and Exercise—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2003
• Weight Control—U.S., consumer intelligence, June 2003
• FDA-Approved Health Claims—U.S., consumer intelligence, April 2003
• Home Fitness Equipment—U.S., consumer intelligence, September 2002
• Attitudes Towards Health and Pharmaceuticals—U.S., consumer intelligence, March 2002
• Energy Supplements—U.S., consumer intelligence, March 2002
• Eating Habits, Attitudes & Concerns—U.S., consumer intelligence, February 2002