This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the UK health and fitness club market. Know how and why consumers engage with your sector and data-backed opportunities to grow appeal.
2023 saw some gym members trade down to budget-friendly gyms and the cost of living crisis is still a concern, despite macro-economic headlines. However, with consumers still prioritising their health and wellbeing and taking steps to proactively manage it, brands still need to demonstrate value for money and employ robust engagement strategies to inhibit potential attrition.
51% of UK consumers who have visited a private health and fitness club or would be interested in joining one in future, agree that gyms can be “intimidating places”. Breaking down barriers and making gyms and health clubs appear aspirational and accessible to all can be a focus area for brands. Making consumers feel comfortable is crucial for attracting and retaining new members.
Against the backdrop of ‘gymtimidation’, brands have a number of ways to create engagement with gym goers and potential goers, by focusing on social and fun upsides that gyms can bring. For instance, designing classes with fun at their core can help to get consumers in the fitness habit, with non-traditional fitness experiences that encourage members to stay active and form healthy habits. Emphasising the social upside of gym going can also add another dynamic for consumers to latch onto.
Key Topics Analysed in the Report
Report Scope
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:
The budget segment is defined by memberships costing approximately £25 a month or significantly lower.
Typical memberships in mid-market gyms range from £20-40 per month, with contracts somewhat flexible, though geared towards the long term.
The premium segment of the private health and fitness club market is defined by its higher price range starting at approximately £40 per month for individual memberships. They are typified by long-term contracts and a range of well-being services. These facilities typically include swimming pools, spas, beauty treatments, additional sports amenities, and medical treatments.
This report was written by Joe Birch. Joe is a consumer technology analyst with Mintel. He has over a decade’s experience in the market research industry as a research analyst and report writer. He joined Mintel in 2019 after a number of years as a research manager at a boutique consultancy, servicing B2B, Financial services and public sector clients.
Brands will focus on creating personalised wellness solutions to drive engagement and retention and re-focus health and fitness clubs to be welcoming wellness spaces.
Joe Birch
Senior Technology and Leisure Analyst
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