Pure Gym and GLL have strengthened their positions as the UK’s leading private and public operators (by number of gyms and members). Pure Gym have become the first operator to reach 200 clubs and impressively passed the 1 million member mark earlier this year. GLL, with 194 gyms, are also likely to break the 200 milestone in the next year.
Read MoreFebruary: Gym Owner Monthly
Anytime Fitness, Everlast Fitness, Fitness Space, Pure Gym, Snap Fitness and The Gym Group are private UK fitness brands which opened new clubs in January 2018. Will the UK fitness industry continue to see growth throughout the year, with the private sector as the main driving force?
August: Gym Owner Monthly
The private low cost market
The 2017 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report reveals that the UK health and fitness industry is continuing to grow. This growth is being primarily driven from the private sector, which has more clubs, more members and a greater market value than ever before.
The low cost market has continued to be the main driving force behind the private sector growth. There are now over 500 low cost clubs which account for 15% of the market value and 35% of membership in the private sector. The UK’s leading low cost operator is Pure Gym with over 180 gyms.
Original Source: Gym Owner Monthly
2017 STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT - OUT TODAY
The 2017 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report reveals that the UK health and fitness industry is continuing to grow. This growth is being primarily driven from the private sector, which has more clubs, more members and a greater market value than ever before.
There are now over 9.7 million fitness members in the UK which has boosted the penetration rate to an all-time high of 14.9%. 1 in every 7 people in the UK is a member of a gym.
Read MoreSOCIAL MEDIA FITNESS INDEX Q4 2016 REPORT - PRESS RELEASE
1.07m Facebook likes, 76k Instagram followers, 285k Twitter followers, 13k YouTube subscribers*
Xercise4Less ranks 1st in social media stakes
The number of YouTube views declined by 13% from Q3 2016
*Across the top 20 private brands in Q4 2016
In LeisureDB’s Q4 2016 edition of the Social Media Fitness Index, 12 brands have increased their Social Media Fitness score since Q1 2016. The top ranking brands from Q2 and Q3 2016 have remained the same, with Xercise4Less taking 1st place, Pure Gym in 2nd and Virgin Active 3rd.
Despite only achieving 3% growth, compared to 4% in Q3 2016, the number of Facebook likes has increased by 31k likes resulting in a total of 1.07m across the top 20 private brands. 8 of the 17 brands gained over 1k Facebook likes across the quarter with The Gym Group gaining the most with over 8k. Vital Health & Wellbeing saw an impressive 56% increase in their number of Facebook likes across the quarter.
The top 20 private brands achieved a 12% increase in the number of Instagram followers from Q3 2016. The brands also maintained the high Instagram activity levels seen in Q3 2016 with also 900 images and videos being posted during Q4 2016.
Against the backdrop of declining revenue and user growth throughout 2016, Twitter remained the second most popular platform for fitness brands. The average number of Twitter followers per brand was 22k, an increase of 1k on Q3 2016.
Surprisingly, the total number of YouTube views declined by 13% in Q4 2016 with The Gym Group losing 1.5m from their channel, however the total number of subscribers did increase by 10%.
David Minton, Director of LeisureDB, believes that the fitness industry should not underestimate the power of digital including that of social media. Minton says “Mobile has become a vital accessory to sports and fitness member’s and so operators across the public and private sectors need to reassure themselves they are thinking mobile first.
Social media has grown rapidly on the back of mobile and advertising spend is now bigger on mobile than any other platform. With technology racing ahead, social media platforms roll out new advertising offerings constantly. Digital isn’t a destination but a new way of thinking”.
Notes:
The reporting period is the 3 months from 1st October 2016 to 31st December 2016. LeisureDB who has been monitoring performance of the fitness industry for over 30 years compiled the analysis and resulting figures.
Further Information:
LeisureDB is a leading independent database specialist who provides key market intelligence and analysis across the industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company works with a wide range of fitness operators providing customer profiling reports, new site analysis and latent demand estimates.
SOCIAL MEDIA FITNESS INDEX Q3 2016 PRESS RELEASE
SOCIAL MEDIA FITNESS INDEX Q3 2016 PRESS RELEASE
1.04m Facebook likes, 68k Instagram followers, 275k Twitter followers, 12k YouTube subscribers*
Xercise4Less ranks 1st in social media stakes
The number of Facebook followers exceeds 1 million for the first time
*Across the top 20 private brands in Q3 2016
In LeisureDB’s Social Media Fitness Index Q3 2016 report, the top 3 brands from Q2 2016 have remained the same, with Xercise4Less taking 1st place, Pure Gym in 2nd and Virgin Active 3rd. Whilst all figures across the four social media platforms are going in the right direction, (up), it’s slow progress and overall ranking percentages have dropped.
Despite seeing the lowest growth in reach (4%) from Q2 2016, the number of Facebook likes has exceeded 1 million for the first time! 8 of the 17 brands gained over 1k Facebook likes across the quarter with The Gym Group gaining the most with nearly 9k.
Having been under-utilised in the Q1 and Q2 reports, Instagram activity across the top brands is slowly on the rise, with the number of posts during Q3 2016 increasing 73% from Q2. In the coming months, will the top 20 continue to use Instagram to promote their brand and drive sales? We hope so.
Whilst there was steady growth on Twitter amongst the top 20, the platform saw little excitement during this quarter. It’s evidently a useful tool to these brands as a customer service tool but content and creativity is currently lacking.
With the launch of their recent TV advert “Come to Life’, David Lloyd have literally come to life on YouTube and successfully gained an impressive number of subscribers, views and likes across their channel.
David Minton, Director of LeisureDB, notes the key similarities between social media and fitness; “We all know we should be doing more on social media, just as we know, we need to do more fitness and build more activity into our daily lives”. David believes that “fitness brands need to work at their social media presence like they work at memberships. It’s not a luxury, it’s an essential. We will be looking for more commitment and progress in Q4 2016”.
To purchase and download the report, click here.
Notes:
The reporting period is the 3 months from 1st July 2016 to 30th September 2016. LeisureDB, who has been monitoring performance of the fitness industry for over 30 years, compiled the analysis and resulting figures.
Further Information:
LeisureDB is a leading independent database specialist who provides key market intelligence and analysis across the industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company works with a wide range of fitness operators providing customer profiling reports, new site analysis and latent demand estimates.
PRESS RELEASE: Social Media Fitness Index Q2 2016 Report
PRESS RELEASE - SOCIAL MEDIA FITNESS INDEX Q2 2016 REPORT
1st August 2016
993k Facebook likes, 55k Instagram followers, 262k Twitter followers, 10.6k YouTube subscribers*
Xercise4Less ranks 1st in social media stakes
One brand tops three social media platform rankings
*Across the top 20 private brands in Q2 2016
LeisureDB’s Social Media Fitness Index Q2 2016 report reveals that low cost private brands continue to be excelling on social media. Xercise4Less have topped the overall ranking this quarter ahead of second placed Pure Gym.
Following a storming performance in Q2 2016, Xercise4Less have overtaken all other brands in 3 of the 4 social media platforms. Meanwhile, 7 of the top 15 fitness brands have dropped between 1-10% in the overall scoring.
Despite the number of likes, followers, subscribers and views across all channels growing in Q2 2016 from Q1, there has still been less activity and engagement. Could this be a result of more social media activity taking place during the new year fitness boom? And why are brands still failing to provoke responses to their posts?
Commenting on the report findings, David Minton, Director of LeisureDB said: “Fitness industry brands could grow quickly if they took advantage of the opportunities to connect with the consumers…We will be looking out for improvements in Q3 2016”.
Notes:
The reporting period is the 3 months from 1st April 2016 to 30th June 2016. LeisureDB who has been monitoring performance of the fitness industry for over 30 years compiled the analysis and resulting figures.
Further Information:
LeisureDB is a leading independent database specialist who provides key market intelligence and analysis across the industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company works with a wide range of fitness operators providing customer profiling reports, new site analysis and latent demand estimates. 2016 sees the launch of 2 new services: LeisureDB Mobile Apps and the LeisureDB Social Media Fitness Index.
Tel: 020 3735 8491
60 Second UK Fitness News - 13th May 2016
In this weeks 60 second news: it was reported that Pure Gym’s membership figures have risen by over 50% since they took over the LA Fitness clubs last year. From this Monday, 16th May you’ll be able to see how this compares with the rest of the market when we release the 2016 State of The UK Fitness Industry Report. For more information on what’s covered in this year’s report look out for our press release or head to leisuredb.com.
On Wednesday Sweat Coin was released into the UK Apple App Store. The app converting exercise to a digital currency known as ‘sweatcoins’ which can exchange steps for rewards or even charity donations. Although we haven’t been blown away by the app we do think it has potential.
Lastly, FitGroupUK, a new body consisting of group exercise opinion leaders has been brought together with the ultimate aim of introducing more people to group exercise, given that participation figures plateaued in recent years. Here at LeisureDB we want to know what is your favourite group exercise class and why? Tweet us @TLDC_UK to join the conversation.
Thanks for watching.
60 SECOND UK FITNESS NEWS - 15th APRIL 2016
This week in the 60 second news; Health Club Management has reported that Pure Gym has put plans for an IPO on hold until after the EU referendum. It was previously thought an IPO would come sooner but a trusted source has called these reports ‘wildly inaccurate’.
Work on East Riding Leisure Bridlington is coming to an end, it has been announced that the new centre will open on the 23rd May. The public leisure centre will have state of the art facilities including a gym and 3 pools. The centre has been built to replace Bridlington Leisure World which closed January 2014.
And from new openings to potential closures, a public petition to save Cinderford Leisure Centre has collected over 1,300 signatures. It was announced the centre may have to close as soon as the 31st May if the council and the local academy cannot come to a funding agreement. If you wish to sign this petition to save the centre click here.
And lastly, Pulse have announced the release of two new products. Versus, is a virtual training machine for a solo work out or group exercise using dumbbells and kettlebells. The machine tracks both form and motion and allows you to compete against others. The second release, Trixster VR is a fitness gaming bike that gives a 360 degree virtual cycling experience. We think it’s great to see Pulse introducing gamification for added motivation.
Thanks for watching and please do comment below!
Valentine's Day Special
We want to share the love of fitness so we've picked our top 5 Valentine's Weekend Offers:
1. The Pendle Leisure Trust believe that if you train together, you'll stay together so they're giving away couples 7 day fitness passes for free. The offer is valid until February 15th and gives you access to 4 gyms, 3 swimming pools, fitness classes, water-based exercise classes, personal fitness advice and an induction.
2. 1Life at Sleaford is giving away 3 day free passes for a member to bring along a friend. The pass includes access to the gym, pool, classes and squash courts and can be used between Friday 12th to Sunday 15th. Whilst, 1Life Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre is offering joint membership for just £19.99 a month.
3. Places for People want you to fall in love with their #Place and they're offering the rest of February at only £14 (plus an admin fee). The membership includes unlimited gym, swim and class access and the offer also applies to swim only memberships.
4. TruGym are taking a slightly different approach to Valentine's and are having 'Bring a Buddy' weekend between 13th and 14th February meaning you can train with a friend for free.
5. A number of Pure Gym sites including Edgware, Wakefield and Newcastle Eldon Garden, are giving out free day passes for loved ones or friends using the code 'PGLOVE' which can be used between the 13th and 14th. Pure Gym Widnes have a no contract 24/7 membership for £14.99 so you can get in shape for Sunday and Pure Gym Newport are giving away free day passes using the promotional code 'LOVE' which will be valid for use between 12th-14th February.
These other Valentine's offers are also worth mentioning:
Active4Less Hove are feeling the love and to show it they're are giving out Valentine vouchers at reception which lets you bring a loved one to the gym for free. It's valid until 14th February but does not include classes.
The Rossendale Leisure Trust are giving away a whole year's membership for just £250 as part of their Valentine's Offer.
Fit4Less Enfield are asking members to refer a friend and win the chance for a dinner for 2 at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant.
And finally, there's a few other brands which may not be offering voucher codes, discounts or free passes but are still promoting the romantic weekend vibes. Everyone Active Cambourne are suggesting couples Valentine's Day workouts whilst the newly opened boutique cycling studio, Pure Ride, will be celebrating on 12th February with special edition classes and unique sounds.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fitness Predictions for 2016
David Minton, Director of LeisureDB, is a widely sought after mentor and consultant for a range of health and fitness organisations with his extensive industry knowledge and here are his top 10 predictions for 2016.
1. The number of people who are overweight will continue to rise. An opportunity for the industry to provide an alternative to the harmful fat, sugar and salt consumed by the majority?
2. British Heart Foundation research found 75% of Brits are unaware of the recommended minimum amount of physical activity. Current guidelines are too complicated so nothing will change in 2016.
3. Following the successful Initial Public Offering by The Gym Group last November, London Stock Exchange share price is 234, up from initial offering of 189. Very good news for the industry and a second IPO should follow in 2016.
4. In 2016 the top two fitness brands by number of sites will be Pure Gym and, in the public sector GLL’s Better.
5. Low cost brands will take 30% of the private sector membership, up from 24%.
6. 2016 will be the year of aggregators, bloggers, unboxing channels, trackers, wearables and an app for everything that targets the fitness consumer. Woe betide any brand that doesn’t react.
7. Real-time transparent data on timetables, bookings and smooth payments will be king in 2016. Pdf’s, telephone bookings and credit cards are dead or dying.
8. Any brand that does not use social media as its main form of communication with the consumer will lose market share. Watch out for the launch of LeisureDB’s Social Media Index in 2016.
9. Brazil will have the host nation advantage at this year’s summer Olympics and so should jump from 22nd in the medal table in 2012 to ……. 12th!? Best of luck to all the athletes.
10. And it’s good bye to LA Fitness, a once great brand who never really recovered from the social media nightmare in 2012.