In partnership with Nielsen, Les Mills surveyed 4,600 people across 13 countries for the Nielsen/Les Mills Global Consumer Fitness Survey (2013). The results found that 61 percent of regular exercisers are currently doing gym-type activities. This ranks higher than any other fitness activity, making fitness the world’s biggest sport.
According to Les Mills, the big opportunity for the fitness industry is to grow the number of people doing gym-type activities. Today, 69 percent of people who do not currently participate in such pursuits say they would consider doing so.
Les Mills compared the study to the 2013 IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report, which reported that growth is levelling off and the sector is transitioning from a growth industry to a mature industry.
By marrying the findings from the two reports, Mills says interesting conclusions can be drawn. For example, the fact that gym-type activities are so popular presents a huge oppporutnity for the industry.
Additional findings included:
- 27% of the total adult population attend a gym, fitness center or health club.
- 61% of regular exercisers are currently doing gym-type activities.
- Of those that aren’t doing gym-type activities 69% would consider doing so.
- Younger consumers, aged 18-29 years old, are more likely to be doing gym-type activities. 76% of this age group are doing gym-type activities, making Millennials 15% more likely to be engaging in fitness as a sport than the total adult population.
- Gym-type activities include fitness classes to music, indoor group training, yoga, Pilates, dance, working out with a personal trainer, free weights, weight machines, cardio machines and boxing.
For more insights from the Nielsen research visit: www.lesmillsinyourclub.com.
*The Nielsen: Les Mills Global Consumer Fitness Survey (2013) questioned 4,600 adults over 18 who currently exercise, or have an interest in exercising, across 13 countries (including the United States, ten European countries, Brazil and Australia).
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
