Fitness businesses are bouncing back after a forced hiatus. While total industry revenue was down 44% (from $96.7 billion in 2019 to $54.2 billion in 2021), some sectors within the industry grew—virtual training, for example, and some experts say that not only is the industry rebounding, “there are positive macro signals that it will continue to grow over the long term” (Wellness Creative Co 2022). Where do you and your fitness business fit into this collective growth? And how do you not only grab this momentum, but harness and direct it?
While it’s true that the playing field has been roughed up, fitness professionals remain in a prime position for growth. Emerging trends are a good focal point for fitness entrepreneurs, and statistics show that consumers’ online searches include virtual training, wearables (fitness technology), outdoor activities, bodyweight training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (Vasic 2022). Increased health awareness and a desire to return to in-person exercising are among the driving factors that may catapult fitness businesses into a new era of success.
The following fitness business stats may help you make your next move:
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The average monthly health club membership is $37.71.
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Millennials and Gen Z, also known as “Generation Active,” represent 80% of all gymgoers.
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The job prospects for the fitness industry are predicted to grow 39% in the next 10 years.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow “much faster than the average for all occupations.”
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About 69,100 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
Want to learn more? IDEA has an extensive library of fitness business content.
Revenue and Reps
Many fitness professionals would rather focus on programming and class design than reconciling a bank statement. However, for those who have been bitten by the entrepreneur bug, it’s critical to understand the moving parts that make up a successful fitness business. IDEA knows this and wants its members to succeed. For 40 years IDEA has been taking cues from the very best fitness professionals in the world, providing business education that launches second locations.
That is what the “plus” stands for in our reimagined membership—it represents all that you do to Inspire the World to Fitness®.
As a member, you have access to vast content and resources, and we’ve featured a small fraction of our library below. If you’re not a member, you can still access this education and get a feel for our community.
Rise above the competition with these articles from IDEA:
Fitness Business Collaboration Beyond Brand
Could we all learn to embrace fitness business collaboration to improve the quality of knowledge and programming for everyone?
Health Coaching: Starting Your Business
Are you excited about helping people to transform their lives through health coaching? You’ve educated yourself, earned certifications, gained practical experience and are ready to start your business. What’s next?
Three Steps to Building a “Hybrid” Fitness Business
It’s no secret that online coaching has caught fire in recent years. Many personal trainers have exploded their businesses by offering online services that allow them to reach more clients and build their brands faster than ever before. While an online business sounds great, running one doesn’t come without its hurdles. Some examples:
Creative Ways to Finance Your Business
At some point in your personal training career you may seek financial support. Before locking in a traditional loan, you might look into these alternative sources for funding your new gym or business venture.
Active Aging Sessions at IDEA® World Convention
Elevate your ability to design superior programs for older adults with these and many other sessions:
- FAI Functional Aging Specialist Course, Cody Sipe, PhD
- Balanced Body® Active Aging Toolbox: Brain, Body, Balance, Erika Quest
- Project B.O.N.E.: Beating Osteoporosis with Nutrition and Exercise, Mark Kelly, PhD
- Training the Active Adult Through the Ages, Charlie Hoolihan
Turn Your Passion into Profit with These Videos
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How to Create Profitable Digital, Virtual and Live Products
Online training, virtual challenges, live streaming…the options for increased revenue are endless. But with ever-expanding technology, it’s easy to be…
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The Innovative Fitness Pro: Top Tech Strategies for Business Success
Long before the COVID craziness, technology’s impact on the fitness profession was a spirited discussion. Now, we’ve been asked to…
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It’s Not Selling, It’s Serving®—The New Science of Enrolling Clients
If you are struggling as a fitness and wellness professional to get more clients, or are doing well and want…
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Why Your Personal Story Is Your Most Valuable Asset: Create Your Story!
Learn how to capture your personal story, how to embody your story and how to create immediate intimacy and trust…
Interested in learning more about how to grow with the fitness industry as it enters a new era? IDEAfit+ affiliation is the key to life-long success as a fitness and wellness professional.