Fast-growing economies and the prospect of future growth are fueling Asia Pacific's fitness sector, according to a new report by Deloitte and IHRSA.

The IHRSA Asia-Pacific Health Club Report shows that the region's fitness idustry is now worth US$16.8bn (€14.2bn, £12.5bn) – a new record high.

It also estimates that there are now more than 25,000 clubs across the region, accommodating around 22 million club members.

Only two markets in the region are considered mature – Australia and New Zealand – which means there are plenty of opportunities for wellness business of all sizes to move in and to establish a presence.

Some of those opportunities are already being snapped up by operators.

The penetration rate within Hong Kong's fitness market has grown to around 5.9 per cent, while in Singapore the rate is currently at 5.8 per cent.

Both are high above the 3.8 per cent average penetration rate measured in 2015.

Significant growth opportunities still remain across the region, with a number of developed economies, such as the Philippines (penetration rate of 0.53 per cent), Thailand (0.5 per cent) and Indonesia (0.18 per cent), having very low number of active operators.

"Driven by the momentum of economic prosperity, the fitness market in the Asia Pacific region has shown steady growth, with a positive outlook going forward," said Alan MacCharles, partner at Deloitte China.

"Overall market penetration is on an upward trajectory, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of good health and the role a club membership can play in this."

The report focuses on the health club industry in 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific region as well as 10 city-level insights for select cities in China and India.

To read a more a more detailed analysis of the report, click here for issue 6 of Health Club Management magazine.