The 2018 SFIA Tracking the Fitness Movement Report reveals sustainability in the fitness industry, as it succeeds in keeping up with the latest trends, providing innovative options and satisfying a majority of the market through diverse fitness avenues. As the idea of a “fitness club” evolves, ranging from value/basic to high-end facilities, activity-specific clubs are now a strong presence in the market as well. This includes barre studios, group cycling classes, cross-fit gyms and so much more, leading to the largest annual increase in health club memberships over five years of 3.3 million, coming to a total of 60.9 million active memberships in 2017. In addition, the report includes in-depth sales data for both home and commercial use products, showing that sales of commercial use treadmills are up for the 6th year in a row.
This study also illustrates an uptick in “casual participation” across fitness activities, as well as team sports and outdoor activities. “Casual” participation refers to a participant who dabbles in various activities, while “Core” participation represents the avid participant who takes part in a specific activity on a frequent basis. As more options continue to flood the market, consumers prove to be early adopters, as they are eager to try new workouts. While the transition from “Core” to “Casual” is a concern, in terms of committed consumers, it does encourage the proliferation of new activities and new fitness technologies, as this consumer is not solely devoted to one exercise regimen.
“The fitness market is presenting a multitude of interesting ideas and options, keeping the industry exciting and entrepreneurial,” said SFIA President and CEO, Tom Cove. “However, while we are seeing new, popular trends take the industry by storm, there are still certain, paramount trends that we must monitor closely; namely, the increasing financial barrier to activity, and frankly, overall inactivity rates.”
This study emphasizes the direct correlation between household income and activity level. In 2017, 42.2 percent of individuals living in households making less than $25,000 per year were reportedly inactive. In comparison, in households making over $100,000 per year, the inactivity rate was only 18 percent. The discrepancy between income levels is becoming more extreme every year.
This year’s report also includes in-depth interviews with: Michael Rojas (President and co-CEO, Iron Grip Barbell Company), Sean Flynn (US CEO, Gympass) and Jim Worthington (Owner, Newtown Athletic Club), providing personal insight to specific, key segments of the market.
To purchase the 2018 SFIA Tracking the Fitness Movement Report, click here.
