U.S. Health Club Industry
According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, U.S. health club memberships experienced a compound annual growth rate of nearly 5 percent from 22.9 million in 1993 to 42.7 million in 2006. The major growth drivers for the $17.6 billion U.S. fitness and recreational sports clubs industry are demographic trends and the relatively recent trend toward health-consciousness in the United States in response to the rising prevalence of obesity.
In the past, fitness clubs had relied mainly on customers from age 20-45 to generate new and recurring revenue. With tens of millions of “Baby Boomers” now making up a significant proportion of the American population, fitness clubs have had to broaden their focus to include older members. For clubs seeking to capitalize on this changing demographic trend, this presents compelling opportunities for growth. People are living longer and are continuing to focus on personal fitness through their older years. Awareness of the health benefits of physical fitness and of the risks of sedentary behavior has significantly increased. Concerns over obesity have reached the point where many believe it to be an epidemic of American society. Nearly 60 percent of adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese. According to the 2007 Trust for America's Health Report entitled “F as in Fat,” obesity rates have not declined in a single state year over year. In fact, adult obesity rates rose in 31 states last year, with 22 states experiencing an increase for the second year in a row. There should be plenty of growth ahead for the industry as less than 15 percent of the population belongs to a health club, according to the IHRSA. Read complete report.
