Number of gyms is down, members and revenues are up; Leisure DB releases the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2023
The UK has fewer gyms in 2023 than in 2022, but member numbers are up and market value has reached an all-time high.
Read More230 million fitness members globally unable to attend the gym
2.6bn people, or roughly 30% of the world’s population, are currently living under some form of lock down due to Covid-19. According to the latest statistics this has resulted in 64% of the world’s fitness sites being closed either by decree or voluntary arrangement.
Read MoreLet’s use this crisis to shake up tired institutions
In the same way that there is no Planet B, there is also no second body or personal health system, so why are we not looking after both equally? Climate change has jumped onto every political and social agenda and so has coronavirus. So why hasn’t personal fitness?
Read MoreDavid Minton launches global fitness data platform with backing from Vedere Ventures
fitNdata will be launched by David Minton, founding director of The Leisure Database Company. It will combine real-time supply data with consumer fitness data to offer a series of services enabling solutions and insights for global clients.
Read MoreJapan Tour 2019: Ready, Steady, Tokyo
The Japanese archipelago has 6,852 islands but only about 430 are inhabited; in my 16 visits I’ve been to just 8 islands so far. Although the total land mass of Japan is around twice the size of the UK, most of the country is covered by forest and mountains; as a result 90% of the 126 million population live in very concentrated urban areas.
Read MoreAye AI captain
Ground-breaking technology like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is way ahead of fitness industry practices, desires and dreams. The main reason being many fitness sites currently lack the granular data and infrastructure necessary to obtain real AI.
This means our industry is looking through the rear-view mirror on where it’s been, not where it’s going. This is of no use to the consumer and limited use to the operator.
Read MoreDavid Minton's 2020 vision for the fitness industry
The fitness industry doesn’t need a Tom, Dick, Harry or Hugh…it needs a Greta.
The “Greta Thunberg effect” is infectious; it’s one of the driving forces behind global climate strikes and carbon offsetting worldwide. Whilst climate action is a clear and unequivocal necessity, could all industries learn from the 16-year old?
Read MoreBoutique Fitness: Leisure Property Forum Breakfast Seminar
David Minton was invited by Leisure Property Forum to panel their recent breakfast seminar to discuss the booming boutique health and fitness market. Here’s a round up of the event.
Read MoreDublin IHRSA European Conference 2019
David takes a look back at the recent IHRSA Conference in Dublin and shares his insights from the event…
Read MoreThe Digme Tour
Harnessing the appeal of cycling Grand Tours for engaging themed classes – that’s just one of boutique operator Digme Fitness’ eye-catching strategies. Fitness industry observer and cycling enthusiast David Minton climbs into the saddle for its recent Tour de France event.
Read MorePeloton is about to IPO
The company’s streaming service, which allows customers to participate in live workouts or stream recorded ones, has been one of the keys to its success, said David Minton, founder of The Leisure Database Company, a market research firm. Those programs have added an element of fun and interactivity to its equipment that rival gadgets typically haven’t had, he said.
Read More2019 STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT - OUT NOW
The 2019 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report reveals that the UK health and fitness industry is healthier than it has ever been. It has more gyms, more members and a greater market value than ever before. Several key milestones have been achieved over the last 12 months. The total UK membership has broken the 10 million mark and the industry is now worth more than £5 billion for the first time.
Read MoreFitness is getting more fashionable
Fitness is getting more fashionable, which is good news for the franchise industry…
There are over 7,000 gyms in the UK for the first time, up by 4.5 per cent year on year, while total membership is approaching 10 million (up two per cent).
Read MoreDavid Minton Podcast with Bryan O'Rourke
Bryan and David, together in Bologna, Italy, for the 20th anniversary of ForumClub, comment upon that country's place in the fitness landscape, where work-life balance is key, and where big companies like TechnoGym call home.
Read MoreUK Prime Ministers Influence on Sports Policy 1948-2018
The 1948 Summer Olympics, known as the Austerity Games, took place in London when the country was recovering from war. At this time sports and politics did not mix; Clement Atlee, leader of the Labour Party in 1945-1951, had a mandate to implement post-war reforms but sport was not a priority. As the government had a no sports policy, the Olympics was instead overseen by the British Olympic Authority (BOA) as it is known today.
Read MoreAggregators - To aggregate or not to aggregate, that is the question
The health and fitness industry has been slow to adopt aggregators. Are clubs right to be cautious, or are they missing out on business? Kath Hudson finds out more…
Read MoreThe benefits of exercising to music
Everyone loves listening to music in the gym.
I’ve even arrived at the gym, realised I'd forgotten my earphones and then gone home to get them because the idea of completing an hour workout in silence is just too stressful.
Read MoreSept 2018: UK Fitness Members
The September infographic is out in Gym Owner Monthly & WorkOut magazines.
Read MoreChay's 13-minute circuit
With the days getting shorter and weather getting colder, day-to-day exercises such as walking to the shops will soon be replaced by a quick drive in the car. Instead of having a lovely picnic in the park, you may soon be watching a movie under a blanket.
If you are worried about putting on a few lbs, don't fret! I have you covered.
Follow this 13-minute circuit, 3 times a week to burn calories and define your muscles over the coming months.
Read MoreCalories and losing weight
How many people can say they go a whole day without thinking about calories and losing weight?
Calories are the body's energy source, it fuels you when completing your daily circuit class, and even when walking to the kitchen to make that morning cup of tea. Still we devote so much time to calorie counting…they’re not the enemy, are they?
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