What you need to know
Nearly four in five (79%) UK adults have at least one health or fitness goal, yet only 12% currently use a gym. However, the indications for the private health and fitness club sector remain promising, with the continued rise of budget gyms helping to break down the barriers associated with more established clubs; namely cost, location and the commitment of entering long-term contracts.
The pressure on full-service health clubs is intensifying. As shown by the recent troubles experienced by the two biggest mid-market chains, clubs that do not exceed expectations on service level could fall victim to the popularity of budget gyms and the growing range of convenient, hassle-free fitness alternatives.
Personalisation can help these operators to justify their premium price point. Interest in tracking workouts and monitoring nutritional intake suggests that operators need to form a relationship with consumers in and away from the gym. Memberships that include the use of ‘360-degree’ fitness tracking apps or devices can effectively give users access to a virtual personal trainer through setting customised goals, delivering dietary advice and providing feedback.
Covered in this report
This report examines the market for private health and fitness clubs, although some reference is also made to the public sector for the purpose of comparison. Mintel defines private clubs as those being operated by an individual or company for profit and in private ownership.
Public health and fitness clubs are defined as those operated by, or on behalf of, a local authority, such as a gymnasium and other facilities found in public leisure centres or swimming pool complexes.
