Fitness industry on the upswing: 13% more members and 18% more turnover
Results of the key data study 2024
swiss active is pleased to present the results of the Swiss Fitness Industry 2024 key data study on the Swiss health and fitness industry. Together with the German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG), we have once again comprehensively surveyed the key data for the sector. The figures show: The fitness industry has overcome the coronavirus pandemic and is recording impressive growth rates.
As at December 31, 2023, the number of fitness centers increased by 5%, the number of members by 13% and sales grew by 18%. This means that 1.31 million people – around one in six adults – are members of a fitness center. The increase in the older target group is particularly pleasing: over 27% of members are over 50 years old.
The trend in the number of fitness and health centers is also positive. After declining for three years in a row until 2022, all segments recorded growth again in 2023. Chain stores in particular saw the strongest growth of over 8%. “The 2022 trend was impressively confirmed in 2023,” says Marcus Schwedhelm, President of swiss active. “The fitness industry is recognized as a prevention industry that stands for health promotion like no other.”
The positive development is also leaving its mark on the labor market: over 1600 new jobs were created in 2023, after more than 1000 new jobs had already been created in 2022. The sector now employs a total of 28,308 people. This reflects the confidence of the operators: 71% rate their economic situation as good or rather good, and 91% expect an improvement in the next 12 months.
Personal training, functional training and nutritional advice are particularly popular. These services reflect the holistic approach to health that more and more fitness centers are pursuing. Digital training courses remain popular, even if their importance is declining slightly.
The ongoing upturn and the increasing willingness to invest in health and fitness underline the potential and future viability of our industry. swiss active is proud to support and promote this positive development.
