U.S. Health Club Industry Records Solid Performance in 2009

Reports $19.5 Billion in Revenue, Up Two Percent; Member & Facility Metrics Hold Steady

BOSTON, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced today that U.S. health club industry performance remained consistent in 2009, despite slow economic conditions and rising unemployment. Total industry revenues increased by two percent to $19.5 billion in 2009. In the U.S., there were 29,750 health clubs and 45.3 million members in 2009.

Increases in health club usage and non-dues spending helped increase overall industry revenues above 2008. In addition, health club attendance increased to an all-time high average of 102 days in 2009, also a slight increase from 2008.

"Increased usage is typically associated with increased spending in non-dues related items, such as personal training, lessons, juice bars, and other services," said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA's Executive Vice President of Global Products. "In spite of the tough economy, consumers visited their health clubs more often, not only to improve their health, but to relieve stress."

"The 2009 numbers demonstrate, once again, the important role the health club industry plays in society," continued Ablondi.

Results from IHRSA's annual health club membership survey indicate that health club memberships in the United States reached 45.3 million in 2009, a 0.4 percent decrease from the 45.5 million American consumers who belonged to a club in 2008. With a survey margin of error of four percent, this decrease in membership is statistically insignificant, indicating that membership held steady from 2008 to 2009. Consistent with findings from previous years, membership has remained statistically the same since 2004.

Of the 45.3 million health club members, roughly 23 percent, or 10.4 million members were new. In addition, 7.2 million consumers also used a health club as non-members in 2009.

"Consistently attracting new consumers and serving non-members expands the industry's reach, which contributes to the growing market size and capacity of the industry," said Melissa Rodriguez, IHRSA's Research Manager. "Altogether, American members frequented health clubs for a total of 4.6 billion visits."  

According to InfoUSA, Inc. and IHRSA estimates, a total of 29,750 health club facilities served American consumers; slightly down from the 30,022 total in 2008. InfoUSA, Inc. provides data related to the total number of club units using the Industry's SIC code of 7991. The recession has resulted in consolidation of club locations and the closure of weaker performing clubs, while still allowing for new club locations to emerge in underserved markets. Last year also saw the rise of niche and theme-oriented facilities.

About IHRSA

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. The association's membership includes over 9,000 clubs in 75 countries, including nearly 6,000 in the U.S., along with over 650 industry suppliers. Consumers are encouraged to visit http://www.healthclubs.com to find a quality health and fitness facility near them or while traveling.

SOURCE International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association