features
Talking point: 300% growth
According to fitness industry consultant Bryan O’Rourke, the health and fitness industry is set for explosive growth over the next decade and could grow by 300 per cent. Wearable technology, smartphone apps and better use of data will all inspire the consumer to think about their wellbeing and lead to industry growth. Are these figures realistic and how can gym operators be part of the boom? Kath Hudson asks the experts
Bryan O’Rourke,
CEO,
Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C)
We believe the fitness market will reach one billion users by 2025.
We’re currently undertaking research into the size and shape of the health and fitness market around the world – and that’s no small task, because what we’re measuring is constantly changing as technological developments continue at pace. However, at this stage in the research we’re fairly confident in saying there are currently 360 million digital fitness users around the world – whether devices, apps or both. We define users not just as people who’ve bought a device or downloaded an app, as many people stop after a few months, but who use the technology at least once a week to help them with their fitness.
Meanwhile, IHRSA estimates the global health club market to service 155 million members. We think that figure is a bit low: there are over 12,000 CrossFit locations globally alone, and then there are all the yoga studios and so on.
Of these club members, ACE research suggests one in five also uses digital fitness technology – although that percentage is likely to increase.
In terms of digital adoption, all population groups will see growth – it’s just a case of when and how, which will depend above all on disposable household income. You can’t assume adoption rates based on demographics any more: almost 40 per cent of wearables are owned by 35- to 54-year-olds. The early adopters might be younger, but this then matriculates through the population. And with a little over 2 billion smartphones now out there, of which 32 per cent have some sort of health and fitness app on them, the growth potential is huge.
When you look at this picture, it’s clear it isn’t just about gyms any more. It’s about customers having their health and fitness needs serviced, with market growth driven by the evolution of fitness offerings to meet these needs. Digital is going to grow the market by helping people experience fitness in a different way.
As a result, traditional bricks and mortar will diminish as a percentage of delivery, although clubs will still have a role; Amazon and the online retailers still account for only around 12 per cent of total sales. The brands that do survive and thrive in the fitness sector will be the hybrids that integrate physical and digital delivery, and even more importantly that create a true customer experience – brands like Barry’s Bootcamp and SoulCycle. Aesthetics and facility design will be more important than ever.
A combination of factors will lead to further growth. Fitness as lifestyle – as a status symbol – will be a key driver, while the arrival of AI (artificial intelligence) will broaden the appeal of fitness devices by morphing them into virtual coaches. Digital will also enable a variety of apps, wearables, hybrid models and medically integrated platforms to serve many more people more effectively, while ‘private pay’ integrated wellness will see huge growth. Mindfulness will also become a trillion dollar industry in the next few years.
David Minton,
Director,
The Leisure Database Company (TLDC)
It’s currently the most exciting time to be in the fitness industry in terms of innovation, growth and potential. Three hundred per cent growth is definitely possible: the industry needs to think big. Globally we should be aiming for half a billion members.
Penetration rates are very low in the global fitness industry at present – still in the low single figures in lots of countries – so the potential is enormous, especially in Asia and the developing world. However, there’s still huge potential for the market in the UK too, which has grown by two million members since 2007 to achieve 14.3 per cent population penetration.
Two factors will drive future growth: education and experience. Operators need to focus on improving both. Following the lead of the hotel industry, they need to keep investing in the product and innovating.
They also need to get better at using data to connect with current and potential members. Although we’re definitely seeing improvements, historically the industry has been poor at finding out how often members come, what they do and what they spend.
Change will happen across all ages and demographics. However, certainly in the UK I don’t see a huge growth coming from the healthcare sector at the moment because, to engage with the NHS, the industry will need to become far more professional, start talking the same language and take part in clinical trials.
Steven Ward,
Executive director,
ukactive
With the mega trends impacting the industry, I think we’re well on course for a 300 per cent growth globally in the next decade. Health and fitness has never been so centre of attention: we’re seeing a boom in health-conscious consumers; some of the world’s biggest brands like Google and Apple are embedding physical activity in their product development; and fashion and fitness are fusing like never before.
All demographics will contribute to this growth: there’s a cast iron case for health and fitness from cradle to grave.
Today’s children are growing up in an age where physical activity is an aspirational, normalised part of youth culture, while in an ageing society, more and more people are looking at how they can stay healthy in later life.
In developing nations there’s huge potential for growth, while in mature markets like the UK the growth will come through programmes, products and services to support the 13 million inactive people to become active.
In the future, we’ll see a technology-enabled, personalised service that delivers enjoyment and progress whatever path the individual is on. Fitness businesses will have to inhabit many different environments – portable, physical and digital – to meet the needs of each individual.
Going forward, operators must carry on listening to the consumer, tailoring products and enhancing their services through technology. They mustn’t stop their efforts to raise the bar in terms of the quality of either service or facilities.
Karsten Hollasch,
Partner financial advisory (head of sport business Germany),
Deloitte
I’m not able to comment on the 300 per cent growth, as I’m not sure how this calculation has been done, but I think EuropeActive’s estimate of 80 million members by 2025 is definitely achievable. This figure represents a sound calculation based on history and future growth assumptions.
The industry has evolved and the offer has broadened, which has created more demand. Many people who have never trained, or who stopped training because they didn’t get the results they were after, are now exercising.
The demographic pyramid is changing and I think the biggest growth will be from 60- to 75-year-olds. To adapt to this, operators need to create an offering and atmosphere that makes older people feel comfortable, such as employing older staff and bringing in the right classes and equipment.
The market offering is also likely to become broader, with more specialised training options – EMS, functional training and so on – and tailored training for specific needs and user groups. The online market and other complementary offerings to the traditional club concepts will also fuel future growth.
What would really help grow the market would be more recognition from the healthcare sector about how being active could help prevent diseases and other medical problems.
In addition, if VAT for clubs were reduced or they received public funding to enable them to embrace a wider market, it could be a game-changer for the health and fitness industry.
