Development of the Fitness Industry in Germany

Abstract

Fitness has significantly grown in popularity over the last decades in Germany. Private operators, responsible for the majority of offerings, have reported a constant increase of memberships accompanied by an ongoing growth of revenues and a number of fitness facilities. Over this time the market has changed considerably. On the demand side, health-related aspects are the primary reason why people become physically active in a fitness club. This trend has led to a new group of fitness participants who is more heterogeneous including people from all age groups and equally men and women. On the supply side, the market can be classified into chain, single and micro-club operators. Single operators have the most facilities whereas chain operators account for the most members and the highest revenues. The supply side has adapted to the changing market by, for example, setting their focus on health-oriented programmes and by ensuring a sufficient level of their staff qualification.