9th Annual 2004 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey

The demographics of the businesses where the respondents work.

• According to industry definitions, "multipurpose" health clubs have fitness facilities and racquet courts. "Fitness-only" health clubs have fitness (group exercise and/or fitness center with equipment), but no racquet courts. Either type of club may have a swimming pool or gymnasium
• Respondents were 47% owners, 8% general managers, 16% fitness directors, 10% program directors, 3% personal training directors and 9% group fitness directors/coordinators. The rest had a variety of titles.

How owners and managers describe their business and porgrams

Facility Facts

• 32% have a swimming pool available for fitness classes.

• 54% sell products or have a pro shop.

• 42% charge dues plus a separate fee for some classes or programs.

• 62% ask clients to pay for individual sessions/classes or packages of sessions/classes.

How owners and managers describe their clients

• Percentages in this section are likely the respondents’ estimates or observations. Respondents may not have had reference data.

• The estimated percentages do not equal 100% because of rounding.

• Strength and cardio equipment remain the firm foundation for most businesses.

• Respondents see that equipment use is stable or growing. Stable is good when there is such a high percentage of use.

• Elliptical trainers appear to have surpassed stair climbers in popularity with consumers, a trend that has been tracking for several years.

• Balance equipment was added to the survey for the first time this year, and it immediately appears as a frequent offering, undoubtedly due to the emphasis on core conditioning and balance training.

• Small equipment continues the upward march. Balls of all sizes are being used.

• Almost all of those with swimming pools (32%) use water-specific equipment (31%).

• Computer software is well used by the relatively few who have it.

• Pilates and yoga classes are regulars on the fitness program schedule, with an average of 10 classes offered each week.

• Successful programs are directed to the exercisers. A seniors’ or kids’ program may be going great in a suburban family-oriented facility but not be offered in an urban corporate wellness center.

• Equipment continues to be the base of many popular programs.

• The term combined means that subcategories have been added together. “Personal training (combined)” adds together one-on-one, 2 clients share and small-group. “Strength training in group (combined)” includes no music, background music and choreographed to music. “Aerobics (combined)” adds together high-, low- and mixed-impact.
  

© 2004 by IDEA Health & Fitness Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.