New Zealand fitness industry grew faster than the economy in 2012

Research by FitnessNZ has revealed initial findings that fitness centre membership levels in New Zealand may have grown by as much as 4% in 2012, almost double the estimated rate of growth in the wider New Zealand economy (2.2%).
Explaining the figures says FitnessNZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie states "while precise numbers have yet to be confirmed, all of the initial pointers indicate a consistent growth in the industry.
"At the same time the number of facilities continue to expand, at all price and service level, meaning there is now more choice than ever for consumers looking to start into exercise."
Fitness NZ's research also shows that the number of personal trainers also grew by between 5 to 10% during the same period, been supported by data from the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals, that saw a growth of over 10% compared to the same period in 2011.
Beddie explains "we are looking at verifying this data with some more robust measures, but all indications are that the industry grew, both in terms of numbers of members using it, as well as number of exercise facilities.
"It should be noted that the number of facilities grew faster than the rise in members, so many clubs may have even seen a small drop in number of members, but overall the number of Kiwis exercising at gyms in New Zealand continues to grow."