Is group exercise growing? Why?

I have noticed a heavy increase in small and large group training, mainly over the last 2 years. The increase in small group training (in my experience) is due to affordability. This growth is good though, as its not showing a decrease in training. The increase in class/large group training has almost seemed to be a continuation of an era. Gone are the days of typical aerobic classes and basic circuits; today is more about specifics (kickboxing cardio, abs labs, dance fitness, etc.) because the public has grown to expect it. Niche training is highly sought after in all aspects of fitness, leading to an overwhelming flood of fad programs and specialty certifications. This has been both good and bad for our industry; providing new opportunities for fitness professionals to flesh out there skills while maintaining their own style, as well as providing a seemingly endless stream of product developement based solely on profiteering. Either way, its showing an increase of in terest in the fitness industry.