Japan and Saudi Arabia are two areas to watch, as gym manufacturers such as The Bar Method, Pure Barre, YogaSix, and GymNation see great potential.
The US isn’t the only one focusing on health and fitness, according to the Health and Fitness Association’s (HFA) 2024 Global Report. In the past year, the UK, Japan, and Spain have enjoyed strong membership numbers and entrants, reflecting the optimism of the global health industry.
The report is comprehensive, but here are some notable highlights from the 2024 HFA Global Report.
Japan Welcomes Boutique Fitness Brands
In 2023, the penetration rate in Japan reached 4.5% (about 5.6 million members) and an increase of 21.4% from the previous year – a strong sign that there is a high demand and commitment to fitness that can continue, according to the HFA.
Boutiques have shown that Japan is mature and capable. Bar Method, which was acquired by Self Esteem Brands in 2019 and offers high-quality yoga, Pilates and strength training, is opening its first studio in Tokyo early next year following a partnership with Fast Fitness Japan (FFJ), which received a master’s degree. franchise rights to the Barre brand.
“We are excited to introduce this unique program to the general public in Japan, especially women, to increase the number of people who exercise in Japan and encourage the adoption and implementation of physical activity habits,” said FFJ CEO Kio Yamabe on the agreement. “We are confident that this will be a pleasure for the Japanese people.”
Boutique fitness and wellness franchisor Xponential Fitness is also moving into Japan, where at least 50 Pure Barre and YogaSix studios are expected to open following a strategic partnership with Sunpark Co. and fitness center.
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Fertile Fitness Ground
In the Middle East – especially Saudi Arabia – the penetration rate may be below 7%, but HFA shows the potential for growth, considering that 74% of the fitness market consists of gyms and 26% consists of fitness chains. The report shows that women’s only gyms provide an untapped opportunity, with 25% of women reporting a lack of a nearby gym.
Although The Bar Method is planning to go to Japan, the brand could be a big hit in Saudi Arabia, according to Sander van den Born, senior vice president of international markets for Self Esteem Brands. In an interview earlier this year with Athletech News, he noted the changing landscape in the area.
“Women in the GCC (especially Saudi Arabia) have been scrutinized on how they are seen in the community,” said Born. “He can drive now. They have more freedom than they had before. They go out and have an interest in sports, health and wellness. Therefore we feel that some of our offerings (especially The Bar Method) are very relevant to Saudi Arabian women. “
GymNation, a well-known GCC low-cost group, announced that it needed its first six clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer, with more than 120,000 people registering to show their interest and 12,000 members being sold within 72 hours, setting a new trend. before opening a sales portfolio in the Middle East.
“Selling so many members in just three days shows the great need and interest among citizens and residents to improve their physical and mental health across the Kingdom,” GymNation founder and CEO Loren Holland said.
Holland added that the pipeline for new GymNation locations in Saudi Arabia is “very strong.”
“With support from our investment partners Tricap Investments and Ruya Partners, we look forward to a period of significant growth,” added Holland.
HVLP Gyms Head Overseas
While Japan and Saudi Arabia are expected to see significant growth, the HFA provides a positive outlook for the future of the fitness industry. The majority of club and studio users (86.8%) expect membership growth in 2024, and more than two-thirds expect an increase of more than 5%. Likewise, 92.6% of workers increase income.
Premium, low-cost gym providers Crunch Fitness and Planet Fitness are also planning to expand globally. Crunch Fitness brought on board former Xponential Fitness global CEO John Kersh last spring to help with domestic and international growth.
As for Planet Fitness, the fitness giant opened its first European club in Barcelona this summer. The first few Planet Fitness locations will be affiliated with a franchisee partner, while the rest will be franchised, depending on the type of gym.
Vicente Bañobre, who oversees the development of Planet in Spain, said: “We see that Spain is growing rapidly and we are working hard to build a strong and lasting foundation in the country. “We are delighted to offer an affordable fitness solution and excellent member skills to the Sabadell team.”
The 2024 HFA Global Report is available here.
#HFAs #Global #Report #Spotlights #Emerging #Fitness #Markets