Survey Shows Small Fitness Clubs on the Rise

The result of the 2008 Australian Fitness Industry Survey (AFIS) have been published.

Developed, conducted and published by Ezypay, Australia and New Zealandâs leading direct debit service provider, the survey supplies hard data on the operation of fitness centres throughout metropolitan and regional Australia.

Key findings of the survey include:

•  'Box' clubs of less than 200 metre2 are an emerging class of club in Australia accounting for an estimated 34% of the market. The growth of these clubs is being fuelled in equal measure by franchise operations and private ownership;
•  10% of the market consists of clubs that have been in operation for more than 20 years, a testament to these clubâs ability to innovate and remain relevant to their communities;
•  51% of fitness clubs report membership numbers being up slightly (25%) or significantly (26%) in the last 12 months, while 36% of clubs report membership being at the same level

Commenting on the survey, Ezypay Chief Executive Trent Brown "the growth in the smaller clubs is very telling.

"What we're seeing is a set of smaller clubs moving into the market that are specialising in fitness services to particular markets. The rise of women's-only clubs that offer a smaller, more personalised experience is an example of this."

The AFIS also makes a number of relevant comparisons to the New Zealand Fitness Industry Survey, published by Fitness New Zealand in 2007.

One of the significant differences found was in salaries of club managers in Australia and New Zealand. While other salary positions were comparable, Australian club managers are paid an average of AUS $64,063 while NZ Club managers are paid an average approximately AUS $43,895 based on current exchange rates, a 46% premium for the Australians.

Fuller details from the 2008 Australian Fitness Industry Survey will be published in the May/June 2008 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

For more information on the survey contact Ezypay on 1300 300 553 (in Australia) or 0800 399 011 (in New Zealand), www.ezypay.com.au