Global operators make gains despite challenges
As evidenced by the success of HFA-related events like the 2024 European Congress, the ChinaFit/HFA China Management Forum and Fitness Brasil Expo, global companies continue to approach pre-pandemic levels of participation and revenue, with some s improving compared to previous figures. However, challenges remain in this generally positive environment.
In Europe, penetration levels are still below US figures, but success stories such as that of Netherlands-based Basic-Fit show that fitness centers still have a long way to go to continue their growth. Private equity investments in companies such as Germany-based LifeFit Group show the potential that exists across the continent.
Overall, membership increased by 4.3% across Europe between 2019 and 2023, although it lags behind the 13.5% increase in the United States ( see chart below), according to the global report.
A recent ABC Fitness and HFA study on Latin America, compiled in the recently released 2024 Latin America Fitness Consumer Survey, found that “72% of Latin American consumers in major metropolitan areas use fitness facilities or trainers at least a few times a month, with 54% doing so several times a week. This report also revealed that:
• 69% of active consumers in Latin America belong to a health or fitness establishment, whose members are younger and more affluent.
• Among those who have never been a member, 53% are likely to join a fitness center in the next 12 months, indicating substantial growth potential.
Again, the fitness industry in Latin America, like other regions, is poised to grow in 2025.
The Asia-Pacific region is also on a growth trajectory. In Australia, 6.8 million Australians participated in fitness or gym activities in 2023, representing approximately 34% of the population aged 15 and over (source: AusPlay). Neighboring New Zealand is booming, with 13.6% of the population belonging to a fitness club or studio in 2023, and the country has around 1,200 fitness clubs and studios, representing a market estimated at 396 million US dollars (according to global report). .
The world’s most populous countries, India and China, are also growing steadily. China had more than 36,000 fitness clubs in 2023 (not including studios). And even though the participation rate is only 0.7% in India, its population of 1.4 billion indicates that the country’s potential market is large.
Healthcare Integration Offers More Growth Potential
Currently, the industry has embraced and promoted its place in the healthcare continuum. The critical role of the global fitness industry in overall health management is being recognized more by political leaders, legislators and healthcare professionals than before and during the pandemic.
Much of this long-overdue repositioning of the industry is the result of the work of the HFA and fitness industry executives who have entered into important alliances with global health groups and policymakers to promote access to fitness services to combat obesity, chronic diseases and mental health disorders. , and other lifestyle issues.
All of this leads to a stronger partnership with healthcare groups and providers, including insurance companies and even pharmaceutical companies. Medications such as GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes management treatments (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic) should be combined with a structured fitness routine to manage potential side effects (such as muscle loss) and to help patients maintain healthy lifestyle habits. By some estimates, continued use of these treatments (and other related pharmaceuticals coming to market soon) could bring billions of dollars to the fitness industry.
Many gyms now receive health care referrals and integrate the health insurance reimbursement system.
In addition to being able to meet a range of patient needs in assessment, exercise and nutrition programs, establishing strong referral partnerships can be a key part of a strategy to access new members who would not otherwise come to a club.
The bottom line: All of these data points should provide global operators and suppliers with plenty of optimism for 2025 and fuel more innovation in the products and services provided by HFA’s industry partners.