This book explores the rise, size and shape of the European fitness industry by using harmonised data as well as in-depth analyses of national surveys in fifteen European countries. Following an introduction to the socio-historical and conceptual aspects of fitness, the collection presents the scope of fitness as a business and participatory activity. Furthermore, both policy and governance issues as well as community and supply angles are considered.
Drawing on this unique material, the book will appeal to students and scholars of sport business, sport economics, sport management, and social sport sciences, but also to administrators, policymakers and entrepreneurs in the international and national sport and health community.
Author(s): Jeroen Scheerder, Hanna Vehmas, Kobe Helsen
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 516
City: Cham
Measure
Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Foreword by Remco Hoekman
Foreword by Andreas Paulsen
About the Editors
Notes on Contributors
1 The Global Health and Fitness Industry at a Glance: Fast, Fit, Flexible, Functional, Funny, Fashionable and Fanatic
The Rise and Size of the Global Fitness and Health Club Industry
The Concept of Fitness
Roots, Global Spread and Popularity of the Fitness Industry
Fit for the Future? The Paradoxical Realm of Fitness
Framework of the Book
References
2 The Weight of Numbers: Prevalence of Overweight, Sedentary Behaviour and Sport/Fitness Participation from a Comparative Pan-European Perspective
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Socio-Demographic Developments
Trends Regarding Overweight and Insufficient Physical Activity
Prevalence of Fatness, Physical (in)Activity and (Club-Organised) Sports and Fitness Participation
Wealthy and Healthy? Or Are We Better off with Social Equality?
Regional Patterns in Physical Inactivity, Sports Participation, Participation in a Sports Club and Fitness Participation
Social Patterns in Physical Inactivity, Sports Participation, Participation in a Sports Club and Fitness Participation
Conclusion
References
3 The (R)Evolution of the Flemish Fitness Industry
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Definition of Fitness
Materials and Method
Trends in Sport and Fitness
Popularity of Sport and Fitness
Profile and Typology of Fitness Participants
Participant Profile
Motivation and Behaviour of Fitness Consumers
Household Expenses
Provision and Governance of Fitness
Position and Spread of Fitness in the Country
Characteristics and Typology of Fitness Centres
Accommodation in Fitness Centres
Employment in the Fitness Industry
Revenues in the Fitness Industry
Innovation: Communication—Social Media
Conclusion
References
4 Bulgarian Fitness Industry: Policies, Processes and Providers
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Trends in Fitness Participation
Changes in Popularity of Sport and Fitness
Change in Types of Fitness Centres
Provision and Governance of Fitness
Provision of Fitness and Typology of Fitness Providers
Leading Operators in Fitness Industry
Governance of Fitness
Accommodation in Fitness Centres
Employment in the Fitness Industry
Membership Fees and Revenues in the Fitness Industry
Innovation
Conclusions
References
5 Current Trends in the Fitness Movement in Cyprus
Introduction
Historical Background
Sports Evolution in Cyprus
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Cyprus’ Definition of Fitness
Materials and Methods
Methodology and Data
Methodology of the Leisure Sports Participation Study
The Ernst and Young (EY) Study
Trends in (a) Demand Side (= Participation), and (B) Supply Side (= Organizational/Structures)
Numbers/Figures About Demand Side
Numbers/Figures About Supply Side (Provision and Governance of Fitness)
Provision of Fitness by Private Market and by Others–Employment in Fitness Industry
Market Penetration
Typology of Fitness Centres
Conclusion
References
6 Fitness in Denmark: A Unique Combination of the Commercial and Non-profit Sectors
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Definition of Fitness in Denmark
Theoretical Inspiration
Material and Method
Trends
Popularity of Sports and Exercise
Popularity of Fitness
The Organisation of Fitness
Why There Are so Many Fitness Associations in Denmark?
Fitness: Commercial or Non-profit Service?
Conclusions
References
7 Engagement in Fitness Activities in England
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Trends in Demand
The Growing and Changing Demand for Fitness
The Current Demand for Fitness
Trends in Supply
Conclusion
References
8 Fitness in Finland: Department Stores of Healthy Life Styles
Introduction
Materials and Method
Demand of Fitness in Finland
Supply of Fitness in Finland
Business Activities of Fitness in Finland
Conclusions
References
9 Fitness in France: A Mature Sector Looking for Growing Markets and Segments
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Secondary Data
Primary Data
General Trends in Demand and Supply-Side
The Demand-Side
General Data
Participants’ Profile
Participation Forms
Consumption
General Profiles
The Supply-Side
Conclusion
References
10 Development of the Fitness Industry in Germany
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Fitness
Private Fitness Clubs
Material and Method
Trends in (a) Demand Side (= Participation), and (b) Supply Side (= Organisational/Structures)
Demand-Side
Supply-Side
Numbers/Figures About Demand Side
Socio-Demographic Profile of Participants
Participants’ Motivation
Participants’ Membership
Numbers/Figures About Supply Side (Provision and Governance of Fitness)
Typology
Accommodations
Revenues and Membership Fees
Employment
Leading Operators
Conclusions
Future Outlook
References
11 The Impact of the Economic Crisis on the Private Fitness Sector in Greece
Introduction
Conceptual Framework: The Fitness Sector in Greece
Material and Method
Trends in (a) Demand Side (Fitness Participation), and (b) Supply Side (Fitness Clubs)
The Influence of the Economic Crisis and the Strategies Adopted to Alleviate Its Effects
Changes and Trends in the Marketing of Fitness Clubs
Numbers/Figures About the Demand Side
Profile of the Fitness Participants
Information About the Supply Side (Fitness Clubs)
Membership Fees
Problems that Fitness Clubs Face Today
The Future of the Fitness Industry
Conclusions
References
12 The Shape of the Fitness Industry in Ireland
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Ireland’s Definition of Fitness
Material and Method
Trends in (a) Demand Side (=Participation), and (b) Supply Side (=Organisational/Structures)
Change in Popularity of Sports & Fitness
Change in Number and Profile of Fitness Participants
Change in Percentage of Population with Fitness Club Membership
Change in Types of Fitness Centres
Numbers/Figures About Demand Side
Profile and Typology of Fitness Participants
Overall Fitness-Participation
Differences According to Gender, Age, Socio-Economic Status
Motivation and Behaviour of Fitness Consumers
Numbers/Figures About Supply Side (Provision and Governance of Fitness)
Provision of Fitness by Private Market and by Others (Local Authorities, Sports Clubs, Partnerships …)
Market Penetration
Number of Clubs and Members/Club
Partnerships with Other Sport Actors
Typology of Fitness Centres
Accommodation in Fitness Centres (Activities/Infrastructure)
Employment in Fitness Industry
Leading Operators in Fitness Industry
Membership Fees and Revenues in Fitness Industry
Extras
Innovation
Conclusion
References
13 Fitness in Italy: Body Culture, Well-Being and Active Lifestyles
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework: Fitness Cultural Background
Materials and Methods
Trends in (a) Demand Side and (b) Supply Side
Evolution in Sport and Fitness. The Demand Side in Italy
Profile and Typology of Fitness Participants
Discussion on the Most Recent Numbers of Supply
Turnover
Companies, Clubs and Attendance
Leading Operators
Employment
Typology of Fitness Centres
Conclusions: Innovations and Directions
References
14 The Netherlands: Growing Market, Shifting Segments
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Trends in Demand and Supply
Rise of Participation Level
Rise of the Fitness Sector: From Colleagues to Competitors
Low-Cost Operators
Boutiques
Retention
Collaboration
Integration of Technology
Demand Side
Characteristics
Organisational Context
Participation
Motives
Injuries
Supply Side
Manifestations of Supply of Fitness
Service Level and Market Segments
Employment
Prices and Pricing Strategy
Turnover
Conclusions
References
15 Norwegian Fitness Industry: From Bodybuilding to a Public Health Partner
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Evolution of the Fitness Industry in Norway
Material and Method
Ipsos MMI
Virke Trening Reports
KAN-Study
Statistics Norway
Trends in (a) Demand Side, and (b) Supply Side
Popularity of Fitness
Number of Fitness Centres
Memberships and Members
Numbers/Figures About Demand Side
Participation in Fitness Centre Activities
Motives for Exercise Participation at Fitness Centres
Numbers/Figures About Supply Side (Provision and Governance of Fitness)
Location and Coverage
Type of Fitness Centres
Accommodation Activities
Market Penetration
Fitness Centre Employment and Competence
Extras
Norwegian Fitness Industry as Public Health Work Partner
Health Challenges of the Fitness Industry: Disordered Eating and Use of Doping
Conclusions
References
16 A Growing Sector After the Impact of the Great Recession in Spain
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Trends in Demand-Side and Supply-Side
Trends About Fitness Demand-Side
Trends About Fitness Supply-Side
Numbers About the Demand-Side
Numbers About the Supply-Side
Structure and Organisation of the Fitness Supply-Side
Characteristics of the Main Fitness Centre Companies
Most Offered Activities of Fitness Centres in Spain
Conclusions
References
17 Current Situation of Fitness Sport in Switzerland
Introduction
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Material and Method
Sport Switzerland 2014
Commercial Fitness Providers
Fitness Participants in Switzerland
The Use of Private Fitness Centres
Commercial Fitness Centres in Switzerland
Summary and Conclusion
References
18 Fitness(-Related) Trends Within and Between Countries: Towards a Fit (in) Europe?
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Population Prospects and Shifting Segments
Sedentary Behaviour: Prevalence of Overweight and Physical Inactivity
Participation in (Club-Organised) Sports
Fitness Participation
Background Characteristics of Fitness Participants
Sex
Age
Educational Status
Occupation
Marital Status
Living Environment
Difficulties Paying Bills
Health Motives
Discussion
Conclusion
References
19 Fitness: The New Black or Even a Religion?
Introduction
Trends and Motives of Fitness Participation
Supply of Fitness Centres and Health Clubs
Employment in Fitness
Membership Fees
Future of Fitness
References
Index
