The first comprehensive study of the Finnish health and fitness market has been published in partnership by the Finnish Fitness Operators Association (SKY), Satakunnan Ammattikorkeakoulu (a college specialising in research) and K&F magazine.

The report shows that at the end of March 2009, there were 441 commercial health clubs in Finland.

If all publicly-owned gyms and hotel health clubs are included in the figure, the total number of fitness clubs in the country climbs to 800.

The sector is estimated to be worth around 200m euro (£179m, US$272m), when measured by total turnover, and employs 6,100 people - most of which (65 per cent) hold a qualification in either sports or healthcare.

According to P-C Nordensved, chair of SKY, 66 per cent of health clubs in Finland are either small (less than 500sq m in size) or middle-sized (500sq m - 1,000sq m).

Nordensved added that operators were optimistic of their future, despite the recession.

"Up to 87 per cent of health clubs estimate that they will experience growth in the near future, while only 2 per cent are expecting to see contraction in their business."