đź Fewer gyms in the UK in 2023 than 2022
đ 3.9% increase in gym members in 2023
đ€ âBudget gymâ market share shrinks for the first time since 2011
The latest âState of the UK Fitness Industry Reportâ published by Leisure DB makes for some very interesting reading! Who would have thought that, with the constant increase in the cost of living, the low-cost gym segment of the fitness market would actually shrink? More to the point, given that âhealth is wealthâ is a motto many people live by, there are fewer gyms in the UK this year than in 2022.
However, underneath these headlines, the detail makes complete sense. The cost of living affects us all, even gym operators, and increasing membership prices to offset operational costs is necessary to avoid further gym closures. This has seen many gyms that were once classed as âlow cost’ or ‘budgetâ move out of this segment. It also appears that the market hasnât rebelled against such price increases, as itâs reported that there has been a 3.9% increase in gym members this year! The report has many exciting stats and makes for very positive reading. Itâs great to see the fitness industry continue to go from strength to strength đȘ
Itâs worth reporting that ServiceSport UK can corroborate much of the data from the âState of the UK Fitness Industry Reportâ from a gym equipment service and repair provider’s perspective. Naturally, with the increase in gym members comes an increase in gym equipment usage. In turn, we have seen increased demand from the market requiring preventative maintenance services and ad-hoc repairs during 2023. This has led to an influx of new business and has allowed us to educate gym operators that replacing their existing gym equipment with new isnât the only option.
The preference for ServiceSport UK to manage their existing gym equipment rather than replace it with new is a wise decision. More operators are partnering with us for complete maintenance, including unlimited engineer call-outs, labour, and parts. Giving operators the peace of mind that their equipment is being maintained throughout the year for a price considerably lower than the OEM offering or the purchase of new equipment. Furthermore, gym operators are also experiencing excellent service, as detailed on our Trustpilot.
To entrust ServiceSport UK to service and repair their gym equipment in a market that has seen an increase of 3.9% gym members in 2023 speaks volumes. If more people are using the gym, then it is more important than ever to keep those âout of orderâ signs off the equipment, and itâs rewarding to experience the faith that gym operators are putting in us to ensure this continues to happen.