Fitness Industry Research Articles

Marketing strategies to improve service quality at sports and fitness venues: a systematic review

The sports and fitness industry has seen accelerated growth with increasing public awareness about the relevance of health and well-being. Nowadays, facilities such as gyms, stadiums, swimming pools and fitness centers have become essential elements of lifestyle in society. Marketing strategies are important to attract and retain customers. The programs offered should be viewed as service products that have sales value. Therefore, implementing effective marketing strategies is necessary to compete, satisfy customer needs and increase customer loyalty. This research aims to conduct a systematic review of existing literature regarding marketing strategies for sports and fitness venues using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. This study includes research published in the last 10 years from indexed journal sources and identifies important findings regarding the effectiveness of various marketing strategies in service and retaining customers. The research results shows that personalization of service, utilization of technology, deep understanding of customer needs, and high service quality are key strategies that can increase perceived value, satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the sports and fitness sector.

Fitness and Sports Academy Integration Web Application

In the modern health and fitness landscape, gyms and athletes face unique challenges in managing schedules, tracking workouts, and fostering engagement. Existing systems often lack comprehensive tools to connect gym owners and customers effectively, impeding workout management and client retention. This paper presents a gym management and athlete engagement web application, developed with the MERN stack and leveraging Firebase for real-time data updates. By incorporating features such as personalized workout tracking, feedback systems, and integrated payment processing, this application aims to enhance gym operations and user experience. The research also explores the application of machine learning algorithms for injury prevention and personalized recommendations. Evaluation of the platform demonstrates significant improvements in user engagement, workout tracking, and gym management. This study highlights the potential of technology-driven solutions to address fitness industry challenges, creating scalable systems for gym management, athlete engagement, and personalized fitness plans. In the era of digital fitness, gym users, trainers, and gym owners increasingly rely on technology to track progress, foster community, and manage services. FitConnect aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive fitness networking platform with real-time workout tracking, role-based functionalities, and payment integration. Unlike conventional fitness apps, FitConnect introduces a collaborative ecosystem where users can connect with trainers, join gym sessions, and manage subscriptions efficiently. Leveraging scalable architecture and user-friendly interfaces, this project combines essential fitness tracking with networking capabilities to create an integrated solution for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. This paper explores the design, development, and deployment strategies used to create this platform and assesses its impact on improving user engagement, goal tracking, and service management..

2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry

Apply It! • Identify predictions for the top 20 fitness trends in the United States and across the globe for 2025. • Utilize data informed decision making to promote physical activity in the commercial, clinical, corporate, and community fitness sectors. • Evaluate trend themes across regions to support consumer health and fitness.

A Systematic Review of Interventions That Aim to Reduce Implicit and Explicit Weight Biases among Fitness Professionals

Despite the high prevalence of weight bias among fitness professionals, few resources are currently available to educate fitness professionals about weight bias and no systematic review of weight bias interventions has been conducted among this population. This paper therefore reviewed extant weight bias interventions for fitness professionals to inform future weight bias-reduction initiatives. Seven reports comprising six studies were identified from inception until April 2024. Findings showed small to large improvements in explicit weight bias, particularly on the weight control/blame component. No improvements were observed in implicit weight bias. The results show an urgent need to bridge the gap between the resources currently available in the fitness industry and those developed by the scientific community and to develop novel multifaceted interventions that draw from multiple theories of attitude and behavior change to effectively tackle weight bias among fitness professionals.

High Prevalence and Impact of Shoulder Pain Among Gym Instructors: A Study on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

INTRODUCTION :- Gym instructors within the fitness industry play a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards achieving a range of health and fitness goals. In addition to muscular and skeletal health, gym instructors are instrumental in boosting the immune system. Even though they help in maintaining the body gym trainers have a limited knowledge of mechanism of injury, neglecting and repetitive movements of the joint leads to worsening of injury and increase in the pain. Musculoskeletal pain can stem from various sources, including uncommon or repetitive activities that strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Additionally, it may result from sudden, jerky movements, falls, fractures, or underlying musculoskeletal conditions. The result of repetitive activities that strain the muscles, tendons and sprain the ligaments. Insufficient recovery time, rapid pace work, repetitive motion patterns, heavy weight lifting, forceful manual exertions, mechanical pressure concentrations or whole body vibrations can lead to development of other musculoskeletal disorders. The impact of a musculoskeletal condition on an individual's quality of life is substantial, extending beyond mere physical discomfort. Such conditions not only affect personal well-being but also impose a considerable financial strain, manifested through compensation payments and lost wages. Instances of sick leave, absenteeism, and even job abandonment contribute to diminished job efficiency,further exacerbating the socioeconomic repercussions of these disorders. METHODOLOGY :- A total of 147 participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A consent form was filled by them and the study and questionnaire was explained to them.Self-made Questionnaire was explained to each gym instructors according to language understood by that person as well as google forms were also made available for their convenience.Each gym instructor completed a self administered questionnaire which included information regarding complaints of current shoulder pain. The total data was collected and was statistically analyzed. CONCLUSION :- The Prevalence of shoulder pain in gym instructors is high (78%). The presence of shoulder pain causes a gym instructors to avoid certain activities due to pain which causes a hindrance in their work related activities.

FITT-Q scale a new service quality model in fitness center

A study was conducted to test the measurement of Intern Fitness Center Service Quality involving 435 respondents to confirm the FITT-Q Scale (Fitness Industry Trust Tools-Quality Scale) model. The results of this study strengthened the FITT-Q Scale as an adequate measurement for fitness center service quality as it continued to demonstrate that service quality is a multidimensional construct. The alpha reliability coefficients and construct coefficients found in this study were relatively consistent with previous findings supporting the use of a simpler and less invasive version of fitness center service quality assessment.

Patient and professional perspectives on physical activity promotion in routine cancer care: a qualitative study

BackgroundsPhysical activity is associated with many benefits in reducing cancer symptoms and treatments side effects. Yet, studies consistently show that knowledge about physical activity is under-promoted among people diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, we aimed to contribute to filling this gap by ascertaining patient and professional perspectives regarding physical activity promotion.MethodsThis study took place in Montreal, Canada. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with cancer patients who participated in a physical activity program and professionals working in the healthcare system. Participants had to be aged over 18 years, be able to communicate verbally in either English or French, and consent to an audio-recorded interview. A hybrid deductive-inductive approach to content analysis was applied to analyze interview transcripts using Dedoose and Microsoft Excel software.ResultsOur sample comprised 21 patients (76.2% women) and 20 professionals (80% women). We identified 24 factors (barriers, facilitators, and improvement suggestions) influencing physical activity promotion across organizational, community, and social levels. Results suggest that to improve physical activity promotion in cancer care, it is necessary to showcase exercise specialists as a healthcare resource, to champion for this change within health organizations, to develop partnerships between public and private sectors of the health and fitness industries, and to reassess social norms concerning cancer survivorship and treatment.ConclusionThese findings shed light on the gaps and the bright lights in physical activity promotion for people diagnosed with cancer across numerous levels.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Misuse in the Fitness Industry

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. They mimic testosterone’s effects, primarily promoting muscle growth (anabolic effects) and enhancing male traits (androgenic effects). The misuse of AAS has extended beyond high-performance athletes and is now prevalent among the general population, particularly among fitness and gym enthusiasts. Epidemiological data highlight the widespread abuse of these substances, driven by the aspiration to enhance muscle mass, strength, and overall physical performance. The misuse of AAS in the fitness industry poses significant health risks and ethical concerns. This review highlights the prevalence, consequences, and prevention strategies related to AAS misuse in the fitness industry.

Assessment of the functional capabilities of the heart and the severity of the stress response in women 30-49 years old who are starting to engage in fitness

In this article, based on the results of scientific publications, the current state of the fitness industry development in Kazakhstan in terms of the volume of fitness services and the number of people involved is studied. The results of our own research are presented using modern technologies: in particular, using the method of cardioscanning of cardiovascular system indicators, assessing the fitness level and cardiostress index, as well as based on bioimpedance analysis, the body mass index of untrained women (30-49 years old) of the Royal Club Bukhar Zhyrau fitness club in Almaty in a state of relative rest was determined. The bicycle ergometry method was used to assess the response of hemodynamic indicators of the surveyed contingent to standard physical activity of subthreshold intensity. The obtained data were processed using the methods of mathematical statistics and correlation analysis, analyzed, summarized and formulated in the research results.

Business Model Innovation Toward Sustainability: A Case Study in Outdoor Fitness Equipment

A novel competitive landscape requires managers to innovate business models. Drawing on a theoretical framework that classifies Business Model Innovations (BMI), the paper contributes to the literature studying business model innovation toward sustainability in outdoor fitness equipment (OFE). The OFE is an empirical setting worth investigating because emerging trends disrupt the fitness industry. The Pandemic has shifted how these firms deliver their services. The concept of wellness has evolved from “being in shape” to “achieving a well-being state,” which includes mental, spiritual, and physical health. Differently from the pre-pandemic period, consumers’ focus is on feeling better rather than looking better physically. Relying on a case study approach and using multiple semi-structured interviews, the paper offers empirical evidence of BMI in the OFE. The company innovated its business model (BM), embracing novelty and differentiation and moving from rethinking customer segmentation. Further, the case shows how BMI widens value creation toward a sustainable path, generating social and environmental value. The value chain and the company's ability to partner with its suppliers are pivotal. While the challenges generated by changes in customers’ habits trigger the BMI, the suppliers’ know-how and alignment with the company’s value proposition drove the innovation toward a SBM. The paper contributes to the literature on BMI and SBM. The evidence allows future research to explore how partnerships among companies operating along the same value chain emerge for the sake of the BMI toward sustainability. Practical and managerial implications are offered.

Revolutionizing Fitness on the Go! A Case Study of MAXPRO Fitness

The case opens by focusing on the fitness industry, particularly the increased demand for home-based fitness solutions in the context of COVID-19. MAXPRO is presented as an innovative concept that blends entrepreneurship and creativity through the story of entrepreneur Nizar Akil and the challenges he faced in bringing MAXPRO to life. From another perspective, the case illustrates MAXPRO as a solution that adapts to the evolving needs of the health and fitness industry. The discussions cover the concept, design thinking toolkit and production of MAXPRO, showcasing the interdisciplinary application of design engineering, finance, risk management, leadership and decision-making by the entrepreneur. This case allows students to understand the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur, recognize the entrepreneurial process for a start-up and apply design thinking principles to the case. Additionally, it enables learners to recommend growth strategies for new start-ups while considering the implications of their suggestions.

Application of Computer vision Technologies in Health-Improving Physical Education

Introduction. The article presents the areas of use of computer vision technologies in the field of physical education and sports activities. Methodology. Innovative methods for assessing motor action based on video material, pattern recognition, object tracking are analyzed, the possibility of automated control of motor action based on the use of artificial intelligence and neural networks is shown. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities to integrate computer vision technologies from the field of professional sports and fitness industry into fitness physical culture, educational process. Results. A computer program based on the MediaPipe system has been developed for automated assessment of the effectiveness of physical exercise based on biomechanical properties of motor action, taking into account individual proportions of the body, determining the load on key points of the body in order to obtain an optimal health effect. Conclusions. The prospects for using this program to optimize the methodology of health-improving physical education are discussed.

Analysis of Consumer Preferences in the Fitness Services Market of China

This article examines consumer preferences in the fitness services market in China, driven by the growing popularity of fitness and healthy living. Understanding fitness preferences among the population is increasingly important for developing effective fitness programs and marketing strategies. Chinese society is transitioning from traditional lifestyles to more active and healthy ones, leading to a rise in interest in physical activity and entertainment, as well as the emergence of new fitness facilities and programs. Insights into fitness preferences within the context of Chinese society can aid fitness industry enterprises and public health organizers in designing more effective and accessible programs for a broad audience. The contemporary Chinese market is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally. Economic changes in recent decades have led to a significant improvement in living standards and the emergence of new consumer trends among the Chinese population. However, these changes necessitate a thorough analysis of Chinese consumers' preferences to identify key factors influencing their choices. This study is based on a survey of 257 adults from various sociocultural groups across different regions of China. The research aims to determine the problems and prospects of engaging various population segments in health fitness activities and their consumer preferences. The results indicate varied satisfaction levels with fitness outcomes between men and women, with time constraints and lack of motivation being the main obstacles to fitness participation. Financial limitations and the distance to fitness centers also impact, albeit to a lesser extent. The most valued services for a comfortable fitness experience are massage, showers, and personal training programs. Personalized training sessions and online consultations received mixed reviews. These findings highlight the importance of addressing barriers to fitness participation and developing targeted strategies to enhance the quality of life for Chinese consumers.

Unveiling the forces behind exercise intent in sports and fitness live streaming: a combination of symmetric and asymmetric modeling approaches

PurposeThis study aims to answer the following research questions: (1) How do features of sports and fitness live streaming content influence individuals’ viewing experiences? (2) How do these antecedents interact with each other to influence individuals’ intentions to exercise in the context of sports and fitness live streaming?Design/methodology/approachWe employed both symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (fsQCA) analyses using data from 886 participants. A mixed approach addresses the complex nature of the decision-making process among sports and fitness live streaming users.FindingsThe findings reveal that individuals’ appraisal of their interactions with sports and fitness streamers (i.e. instant feedback, interactivity) significantly affects their perceptions of telepresence, entertainment, and flow. These, in turn, positively influence their intention to exercise in live sports and fitness streaming sessions. The study also uncovers various combinations of causal conditions leading to exercise intention, a detail overlooked by the PLS-SEM method alone.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature on cognitive appraisal theory, particularly in the context of sports and fitness live streaming, by integrating symmetric and asymmetric analyses. Practically, strategic implications are provided for practitioners in sports and fitness industry.

FORMATION OF COMPETENCE OF FITNESS AND RECREATION SPECIALISTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

The relevance of the study is the challenges of the fitness industry in recent times. Having suffered significant losses due to quarantine restrictions and the continuation of military operations on the territory of Ukraine, priority directions for the development of fitness and recreation were determined. These vectors require interested organizations and heads of higher education institutions of physical culture and health profile to take into account the modern demand of the population for fitness and recreational services and to contribute to the development of a system of training relevant personnel. The purpose of this work is to study the state and modern requirements for the training of fitness and recreation specialists in higher education institutions. Methods: theoretical analysis of literary sources, questionnaires, pedagogical observations, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. According to the results of the study, regarding the determination of the professional training of masters of the Institute of Health Care, it was possible to state that only in 9.43 % of respondents found a basic level of fitness skills, 13.2 % of higher education graduates have a threshold level, and 77.37 % have not developed clear abilities for professional growth, which does not allow them to effectively carry out fitness and recreational activities. According to the results of a survey of fitness clubs administrations in Rivne and Vinnytsia, the categories of specialists that are most needed in the fitness industry today are determined:51 % are fitness trainers, 22 % – service sales manager, 21 % – marketers, 6 % are administrators. As a result, it was possible to establish that the respondents give preference to a specialist with an educational and qualification level when selecting personnel: specialist junior bachelor – 24 %, bachelor – 33 %, master’s degree – 36 %, 7 % believe that the level of education is not important. In addition, the majority of respondents give preference to specialists with up to 3 years of work experience – 16 %, from 3 to 5 years – 60 %, over 10 years – 24 %. Based on the analysis of the state of training of fitness and recreation specialists, we have proposed a technology for the formation of fitness and recreation competence in future specialists. Conclusions: the state and requirements for quality training of fitness and recreation specialists to satisfy the requests of service consumers are determined.

Perceptions and beliefs of community-based fitness professionals working with people with disability: a qualitative study

Purpose There are many benefits of sport and exercise however people with disability experience barriers to participation including negative interactions with fitness professionals. To understand this barrier further, this study explored the perceptions of community-based fitness professionals working with people with disability. Materials and methods Thirteen fitness professionals took part in one semi-structured interview. Data were analysed inductively using an interpretive description approach. Results Theme 1, “Understanding your client’s individual needs” highlighted the requirement for fitness professionals to be flexible to the needs of their clients. Theme 2 “You have to have a little bit of the knack” discussed the importance of maintaining a mutually respectful relationship, and the skills required to achieve this. Theme 3 “It needs to be a team approach” called for greater interprofessional collaboration with health professionals. Theme 4 “The barriers of gym culture” explored the negative stigma placed on people with disability in relation to sport and exercise. Theme 5 “Change is needed” highlighted changes required within the fitness industry to better support people with disability. Conclusion To facilitate inclusive service delivery, changes are required within the supports and resources available to fitness professionals thereby allowing them to cater to their diversifying client population.

A Design and Implementation of VR Cycling Fitness System in the Context of National Fitness

This article introduces a cycling fitness system based on virtual reality technology. The system uses a combination of VR helmets and bicycles to simulate different cycling scenes through a virtual environment, providing users with an immersive cycling experience. Users can choose different scenes and modes to monitor fitness data such as heart rate in real time. with the assistance of AI, a real experience can be achieved. Through the introduction of VR technology, the system can not only improve the user's cycling experience, but also effectively stimulate the user's interest in exercise and promote the development of the fitness industry.

Perceptions Around Vocal Health Among Group Fitness Instructors and Pilot Use of Group Fitness Instructor–Specific Voice Handicap Questionnaire

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the vocal behaviors of group fitness instructors (GFIs), explore awareness among GFIs about voice-specialized health care, and assess the potential utility of a GFI-specific voice handicap questionnaire. Method: An anonymous 27-question survey was distributed digitally to GFIs. In addition to collecting demographic data and information about vocal behaviors and demands, the survey included a 10-question GFI-specific questionnaire (GFI-VHI-10) adapted from the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10. Results: Fifty-two GFIs participated in the study (75% female, 25% male) with a mean age of 44.6 years. Forty-six percent reported having a voice problem (VP) since entering the fitness industry. Of those 24 individuals, only four received treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in mean GFI-VHI-10 scores between the VP group (11.87) and the non-VP group (6.1), ( p < .001). Of all respondents, 56% reported never or almost never wearing a microphone while instructing. When asked what they would do if they experienced a VP that lasted for longer than 2 weeks, only 9.6% would see a laryngologist, 23% would see an otolaryngologist, 31% would see their primary care provider, 11.5% were unsure, and 25% would ignore it and hope for spontaneous improvement. Conclusions: Although GFIs are at increased risk for vocal health challenges due to their occupational voice demands, their adherence to vocal health maintenance behaviors and awareness of voice-specialized health care may be limited. The GFI-VHI-10 is a promising tool in that it captured higher scores in the VP group than the non-VP group; however, further exploration is warranted.

MARKETING ON WHEY PROTIEN

Whey protein has emerged as a prominent player in the health and fitness industry, recognized for its numerous benefits and versatile applications. This abstract provides an overview of key considerations and strategies involved in the marketing of whey protein products. The marketing of whey protein requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses regulatory compliance, quality control, consumer education, market research, and sustainability practices. Regulatory compliance is essential to ensure adherence to labeling requirements, health claims regulations, and product safety standards across different jurisdictions. Quality control measures play a pivotal role in maintaining product integrity and safety, encompassing raw material testing, manufacturing processes, and finished product testing. Consumer education is critical for dispelling myths and misinformation surrounding whey protein, providing consumers with accurate information about its benefits, usage guidelines, and safety considerations. Market research is indispensable for understanding consumer preferences, identifying market trends, and informing marketing strategies. Sustainability practices are increasingly important considerations, with consumers favoring brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility.

Understanding "The Athletic Labour of Femininity" Through the Experiences of Turkish Female Personal Trainers

The momentum of social media in the world of sports has created a wide range of opportunities for women in sports. One of the most obvious of these opportunities is undoubtedly related to economic visibility. The current research aims to examine how female trainers in the health and fitness sector, who actively participate in the creation and consumption of sports, represent themselves on Instagram through the concept of the athletic labour of femininity in the light of Turkey's gender regime and neoliberal feminism. In this study, which applied quantitative content analysis to a total of 1100 photographs of eleven individual coaches (11), eight in-depth individual interviews were conducted, and these qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis method. The quantitative and qualitative findings of the research show that women trainers in the health and fitness sector construct coaching that is in line with neoliberal femininity. On the other hand, power relations based on Turkey's neoconservative, religious patriarchal norms influence the market-based decisions trainers make about their sharing. As a result, Turkey-specific dynamics are at the forefront of trainers' athletic endeavours, which they focus on building a brand image. This study offers a perspective on how personal trainers serving in the healthy living and fitness industry use Instagram as a marketing tool, what economic opportunities they get, and what they negotiate while improving their visibility on Instagram, in the context of neoliberal femininity and Turkey's gender regime.