Am writing a business plan and looking for marketing and industry information and statistics.

Thanks Karin, I did a google search and found several sites - but most of them were very expensive to get their reports. I was hoping to find some information that was either free or at least not so expensive.

What information are you particularly looking for? If its local stats you'd be surprised what you can find through your local government services.

Hi Connie,
Here are some press releases from IHRSA that provide some free industry information.

U.S. Health Club Membership Exceeds 50 Million, Up 10.8%; Industry Revenue Up 4% as New Members Fuel Growth
http://www.ihrsa.org/media-center/2011/4/5/us-health-club-membership-exc...

IHRSA Index Posts Notable Improvements in Secondary Sales & Expense Management
http://www.ihrsa.org/media-center/2011/9/21/ihrsa-index-posts-notable-im...

You'll find more press releases on ihrsa.org/media-center.

These stats give summary information, though. If you're looking for more details on market & industry research, you may need to invest in some reports.

If you're on a tight budget and you're looking for local data, I agree with Stephen -- there can be a lot of free information available from government sources.

Paying for information is the best or better yet have a company that specializes in it do a market analysis

Seems to me that IDEA produces statistics on industry trends every year. So does ACSM. While the data is demographically limited, it has volume, and may provide you what you seek.
Danielle