There are now more than 210,000 health clubs in the world, serving a total of 183 million members during 2018.

The figure comes from the 2019 IHRSA Global Report, published by The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

The annual report also shows that the revenues achieved by health clubs globally totalled US$94bn (€84bn, £74bn), with the top 10 markets accounting for more than two out of three health club members and 71 per cent of total industry revenue.

The US still leads all markets in memberships and revenue at 62.5 million and US$32.3bn respectively, Germany was second in (11.1 million members and US$6.3bn). The UK was third in the number of members and revenue at 9.9 million and US$6.2bn respectively.

Emerging global economic powers India and China are also developing their health club market.

The number of club members ranks India as the ninth in the world – at 4.5 million – while India is ranked that fifth in market size among Asia-Pacific health club markets with annual revenues of US$821m.

Opportunities for growth are remarkable in both markets, as member penetration rates remain low – 2.98 per cent in China 0.15 per cent in India.

“The IHRSA Global Report details performance indicators for 65 markets worldwide,” said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products.

“Around the globe, the fitness industry continues to help consumers lead healthier lives as steady growth was recorded in key markets. The industry is on pace with IHRSA’s global initiative, announced last year, to reach 230 million health club members worldwide by 2030.”

To download and read the full report, click here for the IHRSA website.