In this issue, we’re focusing on sharing insights and thought leadership to highlight opportunities for the development of the sector in terms of both markets and offerings, says Liz Terry, HCM editor

Some stunning insights have been shared in this issue when it comes to the opportunities available for the development of the health club sector on a wide range of fronts.

On page 50, David Minton expands on his views around the potential presented by the ageing population, saying that if the fitness industry grew its membership base of people aged over 65 from the current 1 per cent up to 15 per cent, it would double in value and size.

Elsewhere, research firm Qualtronics surveyed 12,157 consumers across 15 countries in seven languages to create the Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report, highlighting the ways consumers are choosing to exercise (page 56).

They found 50 per cent of the sample focusing more on their wellbeing in 2021 than previously, while 82 per cent ‘regularly exercise or soon plan to’.

Of those who exercise, 75 per cent do gym-related activities, making fitness the world’s biggest sport and presenting growth opportunities for fitness providers as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The industry has a new entrant this month in the form of MDL Fitness, an offshoot of MDL Marinas the European marina operator (page 20).

The project is being driven by Tim Mayer – formerly with Everyone Active – and is a property play, with the company looking to leverage its facility assets while providing new and improved services to existing customers and building new income streams.

The arrival of MDL gives a hint of things to come, as any leisure-based business with a good spread of locations could pivot straightforwardly to launch a fitness offering, with a low barrier to entry due to its existing landholdings.

In Africa, Yves Preissler is working to launch one of the first budget gym chains in the form of his AfroFit concept (page 16) which will combine quality facilities with keen prices.

Preissler says Africa is the next frontier for the sector and presents huge opportunities to those with an appetite for adventure and the skills to navigate the complexities of the market. It’s another sign that the health club sector globally is still in its infancy, with significant untrodden territory still to be had.

We investigate the opportunities presented by social prescribing in our interview with James Sanderson (page 66) and briefing by Kenny Butler (page 70). It’s clear social prescribing has the potential to massively extend the reach and reputation of the sector and will play a significant role in the next stage of our development as we move to contribute to this extremely valuable and worthwhile work.