Fitness Centers

Fitness Centers

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry operate fitness and recreational sports facilities that offer fitness equipment, exercise classes, swimming pools, and fitness instruction services. Major companies include Equinox Group, Gold's Gym, LA Fitness, Life Time Fitness, Planet Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness (all based in the US), along with Fitness First and Virgin Active (both based in the UK), Konami Sports Club (Japan), and McFit (Germany).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is partly linked to income levels and partly to market demographics. The profitability of individual companies depends on good marketing. Large companies have economies of scale in advertising and in buying equipment. Small companies can compete effectively if they have favorable locations or meet customer demands for personalized service and friendly atmosphere. The industry is fragmented in the US: the 50 largest companies account for about a third of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include space and equipment for aerobic exercise (commonly referred to as cardio) and weightlifting. Facilities may also include basketball courts; tennis or racquetball courts; racetracks; swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas; and showers and lockers. Fitness and recreational sports centers account for about 45% of revenue. This is followed by memberships, which account for more than 40%. Fitness evaluation and personal training; leisure, recreational, and athletic instructional programs; and all other recreation, sports, and fitness services each account for about 10% of revenue. Other revenue-generating services may include additional fees for sessions with professional trainers, fitness...