WNiF Magazine - Winter 2017 Edition | Page 11

nearly US $ 620 million generated at 1,100 health clubs , which attract more than 800,000 members . In terms of club count and memberships , Egypt leads all MENA markets with 1,680 facilities and 957,500 members .
Despite conflicts in several MENA countries , there is a demand for fitness as consumers seek to exercise and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle . Successful international fitness operators , including Fitness First , Gold ’ s Gym , and World ’ s Gym , have expanded into the Middle East . In less than 10 years , Fitness Time , based in Saudi Arabia , grew to 100 club locations , highlighting the opportunity in this region .
The outlook of the health club industry is bright and promising . As leading economies continue to improve , the industry is expected to thrive in the global marketplace , serving consumers with a variety of health and fitness needs . Offering access to fitness amenities , instructors , personal trainers , and coaches , club operators are wellpositioned to lead a healthier world .
The Americas
In the U . S ., revenue , membership and the total number of clubs all rose from 2015 to 2016 . Revenue increased from AU $ 34.6 billion in 2015 to AU $ 37.1 billion in
2016 , while membership improved from 55.1 million to 57.2 million over the same period . The U . S . club count grew slightly , from 36,180 locations to 36,540 sites .
The IHRSA Canadian Health Club Report indicates that club operators serve nearly 6 million members at roughly 6,000 facilities in Canada . IBISWorld , an independent industry research firm , projects that revenue from gyms and health clubs in Canada will increase through 2019 . Consumer demand for health and fitness programs to help address obesity , active aging , proper nutrition , and sports performance will help drive industry growth .
Leading markets continue to perform well in Latin America . Based on data gathered in the recently updated IHRSA Latin American Report ( Second Edition ), Brazil is second only to the U . S . among global fitness markets , with 34,509 health clubs . More than 9 million Brazilians are members of a health club . In all , 18 markets in Latin America attract nearly 20 million consumers to more than 65,000 health clubs .
Opportunities for growth remain in Latin America as member penetration rates remain low in comparison with developed health club markets worldwide .
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE IHRSA FOUNDATION
There are three ways to get involved with the IHRSA foundation :
1 . Pilot a wellness programme in your club
2 . Donate directly to support pilot programmes
3 . Use AmazonSmile and select the IHRSA Foudation as your charity of choice .
Log on to www . ihrsafoundation . org to learn more and to support the IHRSA Foundation .
ABOUT IHRSA
Founded in 1981 , IHRSA – the International Health , Racquet & Sportsclub Association – is the industry ’ s global trade association , representing more than 10,000 health and fitness facilities and suppliers worldwide . Locate an IHRSA club at www . healthclubs . com To learn how IHRSA can help your business thrive , visit www . ihrsa . org . John Holsinger , IHRSA ’ s Director , Asia Pacific , can be reached via e-mail to jwh @ ihrsa . org or via mobile phone to + 61-437-393-369 .
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WHAT ’ S NEW IN FITNESS - WINTER 2017 11