On July 1, 1995, there were approximately 12,500 commercial fitness centers in the United States. By January 1, 2006, there were more than 29,000 such centers. Today, in most major metropolitan markets, every commercial fitness facility has 10 to 25 competitive fitness operations within its trading area. This one fact - the intensification of competition - implies that the entire fitness industry has entered a new and more demanding era.

How can you set your club apart from the competition?

Survey Explores Reasons Why Americans Don’t Go to Health Clubs

Jun 30, 2006 12:36 PM

BOSTON—While 91 percent of the respondents to a recent survey believe exercising at a health club would improve their overall health, only 18 percent of those surveyed actually belong to a health club, according to the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association […]

A recent IHRSA Tip outlined ten steps club operators can take to improve their membership retention. The response was overwhelming: most readers asked for ten more! If the industry has an Achilles’ heel, membership attrition is certainly it. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the following suggestions can help you improve your club’s retention.

10 Ways to Keep Your Members (Happy!)

IHRSA Tip - April 19, 2006

The health club industry enjoys great success in selling memberships. However, for every 15 million members who walk in the front doors, 12 million exit through clubs’ back doors. Membership attrition represents a financial loss for owners, an opportunity loss for managers, and an […]