BOSTON, MA—July 9, 2021—IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, released The 2021 IHRSA Global Report. This year’s report provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide health and fitness industry with a focus on COVID-19’s impact on health clubs, gyms, and studios.
“Last year will go down in history as one of the most challenging for businesses globally, and the health and fitness industry in particular,” said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s publisher and executive vice president of global products. “However, the permanent closure of 17% of clubs in the U.S.—and even higher in some countries—has left a large segment of displaced members seeking new alternatives.
“Many surviving clubs in these markets have already seen significant increases in membership, outpacing pre-pandemic numbers. As we look to the future, all signs point to a strong comeback for the fitness industry.”
Information in the report is separated in four sections:
Industry Overview highlights relevant health and fitness industry news from the past year with insights from industry experts and leading club operators. This section also includes a summary of the pandemic’s early impact on the industry.
Industry Research recaps the timeline of the pandemic’s impact on the industry, closures and restrictions by region, insights on recovery, and the performance of publicly-traded fitness companies.
Company Profiles highlights more than 300 leading health club companies from around the world.
Partner Profiles features a variety of fitness industry suppliers whose innovative products and services help club operators serve their members and communities.
Key research takeaways from The 2021 IHRSA Global Report include:
Fitness club closures and restrictions continue to overwhelm the industry worldwide.
Recovery will be a long-term effort across the global industry and uneven across fitness club segments.
Fitness clubs located in regions either less impacted by COVID-19 or with access to adequate government relief are positioned for an imminent recovery.
The 2021 IHRSA Global Report is now available. All IHRSA members will receive a discounted rate.
About IHRSA
IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the global fitness industry of over 200,000 health and fitness facilities and their suppliers. Its mission is to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry.
As the leading authority on the commercial health club industry, IHRSA regularly conducts primary consumer research and industry economic and operating studies. IHRSA is also the publisher of Club Business International, the leading monthly magazine for the global fitness industry. Founded in 1981, IHRSA will be hosting its 40th Anniversary International Convention and Trade Show in Dallas, TX, on October 13-15, 2021, to celebrate the industry's revival.
