Fitness industry records strong figures in the first half of the year. Growth is strong and gym operators are planning major investments.
In the first half of 2023, the DSSV recorded an increase of 400,000 gym members, and the total number now stands at 10.7 million. Around 13% of Germans actively exercise in fitness clubs.
Training frequency increased by 25% year-on-year, underlining how important fitness and health have become.
"Against the backdrop of an increasing lack of exercise, it is an extremely positive sign that people are increasingly visiting fitness clubs and also exercising more frequently overall"
Prof. Dr. Thomas Wessinghage, 1st Chairman of the DSSV e. V.
Reasons for the positive figures
The fitness industry is recovering from the Corona aftermath. In addition, there were no lockdowns or access restrictions in 2023 for the first time in four years, which favored natural growth.
In addition, one-third of new contracts are often signed in the beginning of the year, the report says.
Studio operators remain cautious
The industry still lacks one million members and corresponding revenue compared to 2019, with summer promotions bringing in exercisers but less revenue per member. Operating and personnel costs remain high. Many operators therefore assess the situation as difficult: 40% rate the situation as "bad" or "rather bad". At the same time, many operations have reached the average membership level per facility of December 2019 (pre-crisis level).
Investments despite uncertainty
53% of respondents plan to invest in the second half of 2023. Although the willingness to invest has thus decreased slightly, most operators (44%) plan to use their own funds, followed by leasing (30%) and bank loans (20%). When it comes to obtaining financing, the majority (70%) do not expect any problems.
Source and image source: BODYMEDIA
Published on: 19 September 2023