Memberships in Germany's fitness market broke the 10 million mark for the first time in 2016, according to an industry research report by the physical activity employers association Deutsche Sportstudio Verband (DSSV).

Membership numbers rose to 10.08 million from 9.46 million in 2015, representing an increase of 6.6 per cent.

Club revenues in the industry increased 4.5 per cent last year to €5.1billion (£4.4bn, US$5.5bn), from €4.8bn (£4.2bn, US$5.2bn) in 2015. Revenue per member was €501 (£432, US$540), which was slightly lower than 2015.

Takings per club per person was €581 (£501, US$626).

The DSSV report showed that the number of clubs in the country rose to 8,684 in 2016, up from 8,332 the year previous, representing a 4.2 per cent rise.

The average age of members was 39.9 years old.