Study charts growth of Australian fitness industry in years to 2021

The Australian fitness industry experienced an 8.8% annual growth rate from 2016 to 2021, according to a compilation of studies and reports compiled marketing platform Gitnux.

Using media reports along with research along with work from IBISWorld, AUSactive, Business Insider, Deloitte and Smart Company, the study indicates that the industry generates more than $3 billion in revenue annually and employs over 35,000 people, with more than 6,400 fitness centres and gyms across Australia as of 2021.

It also charts how in 2020, COVID-19 led to the temporary closure of 90% of facilities for some time period.

Overall, Gitnux advise that the Australian fitness industry is a booming sector that has seen significant growth over the past few years with the industry ranked among the top 10 largest fitness industries worldwide.

It also notes that 24/7 gyms have experienced explosive growth, with the number of 24-hour clubs more than doubling from 2014 to 2018.

Looking at activities it charts that group fitness classes represent approximately 34% of the Australian fitness industry’s program offerings and that functional training has become one of the major fitness trends in Australia over the last decade.

Consumers
Among consumers, 12% of Australians use a fitness app to monitor their physical activities and that, between 2016 and 2019, the average Australian spent $378 annually on gym memberships and fitness classes.

Female consumers account for more than half (51%) of total memberships within this market segment which is driving its current growth trend along with 79% making use social media platforms like such as Facebook and Instagram.

The report was compiled by Lorena Castillo, Lead Content-Editor at Gitnux.

Image credit: AdobeStock.