This is part 1 of a multiple part series.
We have recently seen an immense increase in profitability of the fitness industry. This also means that there is an attractive prospect in terms of jobs and businesses in the industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the number of jobs within this industry is expected to increase by more than 23% over the next 10 years. The bureau also said that the number of jobs available under “fitness and recreational sports centers” even went up to 484,200 in 2010.
Economists justify this prediction by looking at how businesses and corporations are offering health club memberships to their employees as incentives. Besides this, baby boomers are being encouraged to exercise regularly, so that they can stay healthy and fight the effects of aging. Let’s look at the current situation of fitness centers and jobs in the fitness industry:
Number of health clubs, gyms, and training studios
According to the annual surveys conducted by the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), there has been a significant increase in the number of health clubs, gyms, and other fitness centers. From the list found in the Yellow Pages, there are 30,500 fitness centers in the US as of January 2012. Back in 2005, this number was just around 26,830 and gradually increased over the years.
The number of people deciding to join a fitness center has also risen to a significant amount. According to the IHRSA statistics, the number of health club or gym memberships has increased from 41.3 million in 2005 to 50.2 million in 2012. The most current reports show number of people who have at least used a health club in 2012 increased those with memberships by 8 million in the same year. This means that as of January 2013, there are approximately 58.5 million Americans who are utilizing fitness center via membership or other type of status.
Number of personal trainers
With these statistics, it might be safe to say that there are attractive prospects for jobs in the fitness industry. The number of personal trainers has also risen incredibly over the past few years. According to the Labor Department, there were 231,500 personal trainers in America as of 2011. This is a 44% increase in the numbers from 2001. That’s why you find so many people who are trying to turn their passion for fitness into a successful career.
Economists from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that occupations like fitness instructors and personal trainers are the driving force in the success of the fitness industry. According to their calculations, the number of people in these occupations is expected to increase by 31.7% by 2020.
Profitability of fitness industry
The IHRSA also reported that the total revenue in the fitness industry reached $21.8 billion in 2012. This is a significant increase from the $20.3 billion made in 2010 by the industry. Since 2008, health club memberships rose by 10%, while the number of non-member patrons also increased by 5%. This particular number went up from 7.7 million patrons in 2008 to 8.3 in 2012.
The Physical Activity Council Topline Report revealed that over 60% of Americans regularly participate in fitness sports as of 2012. This is the fifth consecutive year in which these numbers have remained stable at 60% or more. This goes to show that the fitness trend is not going away soon in America and the fitness industry is only going to grow stronger each year. All in all, fitness is a profitable industry in the US and the numbers will only continue to rise.
Click Here for Most Current Fitness Industry Statistics – Part 2
Question: How do you prepare your fitness business for this projected influx?
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Club Solutions, Fitness Industry Jobs Expected to See Substantial Growth, on the Internet at https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2013/02/fitness-industry-jobs-expected-to-see-substantial-growth/ (visited May 18, 2013).
The New York Times, Business Day, A Jobs Boom Build on Sweat in an Age of Belt-Tightening, on the Internet at: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/business/for-personal-trainers-a-boom-fueled-by-a-belt-tightening-age.html (visited May 18, 2013).
Lawrence Fagan
Thank you for the comment I’m glad you found the article helpful.
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Thanks for another fantastic article.
Lawrence Fagan
Based on the reports that were referenced and the organizations which published them I believe that the numbers reported are accurate. Thank you for your comment and your question. Have a great day!
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Lawrence Fagan
Thank you for the positive feedback! Happy to know you enjoyed the article.
Lawrence Fagan
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Lawrence Fagan
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Charlie
Thanks for this… I’m reading this from Kenya. I’ve just gotten into the industry and I think some of these stats could work for me.
Dave
Does anybody know the average profitability of gyms before tax and debt payments (IBITDA)?
Ben
I greatly appreciate you for this insightful write up. Am a Fitness Coach, i run a fitness programme titled TimwOut With Ben in my country Nigeria, i started this deal at first not believing it will end up being the way it is now, i must tell you in almost every breaking day someone wants to workout with Ben it has really become an opportunity to earning source…. There’s indeed a real business in being a fitness trainer… kudos to you bro.
oizev personal trainer
This is indeed a big industry. In the last 40 years there has not been any changes or modifications to accessories, more specifically to the handles of the accessories and machines. I have an invention and which I created a commercial prototype and for which I have a patent. I would like to sell my invention. Does anyone have any contacts with the bigger companies like Precor, Golds Gym, Life Fitness and Cybex. Thank you.
Mariah Cole
Indeed its a great post .Yes the fitness industry is growing a fast pace and therefore numerous fitness centers as well as stores selling fitness equipments has come into existence and will continue to be.Now these stores, apart from gym equipments they are also selling home exercise equipments suitable for all people.
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Lawrence Fagan
Great to hear, Wendy! Please let me know if there are any other topics or issues that you face that you would like to see written about on this blog.
Wishing you the best in your business planning,
Lawrence
wendy
Thanks for the great info with references Lawrence. Am writing a business plan to expand my current personal training studio and found your blog very helpful!
Lawrence Fagan
Thank you Marco for your support and encouraging words. We truly are part of a great industry.
Marco Guizar
This is just great news for everyone in Fitness Industry. Great statistics you have mentioned here. I am also part of this industry, i do own a fitness studio in California and agree with above escalation mentioned. My very own fitness circle has increased a lot since last year. Every person i meet want to do little bit exercise at least to stay fit. Keep on Posting great information, it motivates everyone in fitness industry!!
Thanks.