New report analyses growth of the Chinese fitness industry

A new report - The 2019-2020 China Health and Fitness Market White Paper - from international management consultant Deloitte and commissioned by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and ChinaFit analyses the growth of the Chinese fitness industry and the outlook ahead.

IHRSA works with ChinaFit to deliver its events and industry resources in China.

The 2019-2020 China Health and Fitness Market White Paper focuses on 2019 market size data from the top 18 cities in China. Overall, these cities have a total of 8.8 million members, 27,600 health and fitness clubs, and generated $4.9 billion in revenue (33.7 billion RMB). Topics covered in the report include: business models; market development since 2000; key investment and acquisition cases; market drivers; challenges and opportunities; the competitive landscape; and profiles of leading club operators.

IHRSA senior research manager, Melissa Rodriguez advised "the report is a valuable resource for industry stakeholders across the globe. The in-depth analysis of the unique fitness landscape in China provides club operators, suppliers, and investors with the intel needed to evaluate development and expansion opportunities."

Also included in the report is a section that details COVID-19’s impact on the Chinese fitness industry and lessons learned from the pandemic. Key takeaways of these findings include:

• Traffic at fitness facilities remains at 70-80% of pre-pandemic levels in the 90% of clubs that have reopened as of June 2020.
• 30-50% of gyms nationwide are permanently closed, according to industry experts.
• To abide by authority guidelines, gyms implemented rigorous safety, cleaning, and disinfecting protocols.
• Rent relief policies were introduced to ease the cash flow pressure of gym operators.
• The level of awareness for health and fitness has increased on a national scale.

Overall, the report shows an industry that is rapidly growing and, despite the pandemic, a positive long-term outlook.  

Deloitte China commercial strategy and research partner, Alan MacCharles adds "China's fitness market is becoming more and more attractive to investors both home and abroad.

“In order to deep dive into the Chinese fitness industry and understand the market dynamics and future trends, we are honoured to be commissioned by ChinaFit and IHRSA to conduct research and analysis on the Chinese fitness industry and to author (this report)."  

Click here to access the report.