Boston — January 10, 2018 — To ensure that members of the media have the most up-to-date and compelling information on trends in health club activity and usage, IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, recently released its 2018 IHRSA Health Club Media Report.

To create IHRSA’s new report, we compiled multiple sources of IHRSA and industry research, including the IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report, IHRSA’s annual Industry Data Survey, and the Physical Activity Council (PAC) Annual Research Report. The data shows an increase in overall health club membership and provides additional information on the following industry topics that reporters, bloggers, and influencers are most interested in:

  • Overall health club participation numbers
  • Health club participation by age, gender, and location
  • The rise of the boutique studio phenomenon
  • The growth of wearable and integrated fitness technology
  • Membership fees by segment
  • Trends in equipment use

“We are seeing interesting changes in the way people view exercise as well as in the ways health clubs of all shapes and sizes are redefining themselves to better reach and serve their communities,” said Meredith Poppler, IHRSA’s vice president of communications and leadership engagement. “Working with journalists to provide interesting, and up-to-the-minute data about the evolution of health clubs and their members is one of the most rewarding parts of the work IHRSA does to encourage physical activity.”

The report is available for free, exclusively for confirmed members of the media.

“IHRSA research is a highly-respected source for health club industry and consumer information,” said Shannon Vogler, IHRSA’s communications and public relations coordinator. “Working with the media allows us to publicize how crucial regular exercise is to maintaining good health and promote the positive benefits of health club membership.”

About IHRSA

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is the trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, racquet and sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. Its mission is to grow, promote and protect the health and fitness industry. As one of the world's leading authorities on the commercial health club industry, IHRSA regularly conducts industry and consumer research, along with club operator studies. For more information see IHRSA’s research.

For media inquiries and to request a copy of the 2018 IHRSA Health Club Media Report, contact IHRSA public relations.