UK fitness centre market to increase at a CAGR of 3.2%

The UK fitness centre market has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% over the next five years, to hit a market value of £910.5 million in 2017-18.

After a decade of expansion, the UK fitness centre market has begun to plateau. Over the last five years industry revenue has increased at a CAGR of 1.2%, totalling £777.2 million for 2012-13. Like the economy at large, poor performance has characterised the last few years, with a lack of consumer confidence leading to subdued performance.

In 2009-10, revenue contracted 3.8%, as falling disposable income and rising unemployment caused consumers to rethink non-essential spending.

When at its strongest, the UK fitness centre market was driven by rising disposable income levels, increasing health-consciousness and concerns about appearance. Fitness centres across the UK have signed up over 8.7 million gym members, which is about 17% of the adult population.

The UK fitness centre industry is undergoing some consolidation as it matures, with major companies undertaking several mergers and acquisitions in recent years. The entry of new low-cost gyms, such as Fitspace, poses a threat to existing fitness centres, which already operate in a highly competitive environment.

These budget brands are able to offer monthly rates of £15 to £20, membership at a low-cost fitness centre costs about a third of that at a mid-market brand. They are able to charge lower prices as a result of lower overhead costs for staffing and maintenance.

In order to keep their own base of customers and to attract new ones, mid-market brands will need to maintain as strict a regime as their members. To keep the bottom line healthy, they must ensure gym-goers consider their standard of service and facilities to be indispensable.

For more information on the UK fitness centre market, see the latest research: UK Fitness Centre Market Report

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