As Australians have been increasingly health conscious over the last five years they’ve been driven to keep active. An increasingly overweight population and more leisure time are expected to help boost gym memberships.
However analysts have identified the $2bn fitness industry as a mature one, with some brands close to saturation point.
Franchise buyers should consider the reach of the fitness market and the choices consumers are making – affordability and 24 hour access have won over consumers from the full-service offers but as the population ages, the attraction of big box centres that deliver group clasess may counter the appeal of the no-frills gyms.
There’s also a trend for niche training whether that’s a yoga or Pilates studio, outdoor bootcamps, martial-arts inspired venues, or speedy trainer-led sessions.
It’s been a decade of huge growth following the introduction of 24/7 fitness centres but the big boom is over, suggests IbisWorld. The analysis firm cites annual growth from 2012 to 2017 of 9.3 per cent; that is expected to drop to a 2.8 per cent yearly growth rate over the next five years.
New brands coming into the marketplace will need to have something distinctive to offer consumers and franchise buyers might find synergies with brands that allow them a good lifestyle option, stay tuned to new trends and invest in innovation and marketing.
5 market leading gym franchises
These businesses have established systems and a track record of performance. They are all cited in the IbisWorld report Gyms and Fitness Centres in Australia (November 2016) which lists non-franchised gyms such as Fitness First and Goodlife as significant players.
Anytime Australia is the category leader, with a 14 per cent market share.
Jetts, a significant player in the 24/7 sector, has an 8.4 per cent share of the market.
Fernwood Fitness is a full service gym for women with a market share of 4.9 per cent.
Snap Fitness has a 3.9 per cent market share.
Curves, a US brand, women-only gym has 2.1 per cent market share.