A new report by ukactive highlights the fitness sector’s recent growth and the exciting possibilities this brings. ukactive executive director Steven Ward explains
By Steven Ward | Published in Health Club Management 2016 issue 11
The activity sector
will be worth £7.7bn
by the end of this year
The last 12 months have featured some significant steps forward for the physical activity sector.After nearly 15 years without any listed gym operators, we now have The Gym Group flying the fitness flag on the London Stock Exchange. Although Pure Gym recently had to pull out of its own IPO, when the global markets settle down post-Brexit we could see other chains following the lead of the Gym Group.
When coupled with the high-profile acquisition of Fitness First by DW Fitness, it’s clear to see that investors are alive to the potential of our sector.
This was further evidenced at the launch of ukactive’s new financial report last month, when the leading lights of the City rubbed shoulders with our sector’s shining stars at Legal & General’s London HQ.
A bright future Although long in its gestation, the Rise of the Activity Sector is a very timely report. It spotlights the UK’s fast-changing fitness landscape and predicts that the gym sector’s value will grow by 17 per cent in 2016 – buoyed by a fresh wave of investment and strong market sentiment.
Valuation specialist Mazars and sponsorship expert Nielsen Sports conducted analyses for the report, which estimates the sector will be worth £7.7bn by the end of 2016 (up from £6.6bn last year) as investors are enticed by the sector’s strong growth prospects.
Through a series of in-depth case studies, the report charts the rise of the low-cost sector, led by the likes of Pure Gym and The Gym Group, which have been credited with ‘democratising fitness’. Offering lower prices, 24-hour access and shorter-term contracts, low-cost gyms have played a key role in removing many of the traditional barriers to holding gym membership.
At the other end of the spectrum, the report explores how premium operators such as David Lloyd Leisure, Nuffield Health and Virgin Active have refined their propositions by investing in family-friendly, full-service offerings. It also examines the growing prominence of boutique fitness studios such as Heartcore and Barry’s Bootcamp, which have led the way in offering high-end fitness experiences on a pay-as-you-play basis.
Open for business With more than £1bn added to the sector’s value in just 12 months, we expect the report to serve as a clear signal that the physical activity sector is open for business. Opportunities abound, particularly around the areas of public health, technology and workplace wellness. The report tells the story of our sector to date and fashions a compelling narrative which can serve as the springboard for meaningful and purposeful conversations with investors.
But of course, with great opportunity comes even greater expectation: if we want to attract investment, the onus will fall on all of us to realise the sector’s true potential and make good on our ambitious targets.
Being required to continuously hit demanding growth targets will no doubt bring its own challenges, but if the achievements of the companies featured in the valuation report are anything to go by, our sector is more than capable of delivering lasting success.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
A new report by ukactive highlights the fitness sector’s recent growth and the exciting possibilities this brings. ukactive executive director Steven Ward explains
By Steven Ward | Published in Health Club Management 2016 issue 11
The activity sector
will be worth £7.7bn
by the end of this year
The last 12 months have featured some significant steps forward for the physical activity sector.After nearly 15 years without any listed gym operators, we now have The Gym Group flying the fitness flag on the London Stock Exchange. Although Pure Gym recently had to pull out of its own IPO, when the global markets settle down post-Brexit we could see other chains following the lead of the Gym Group.
When coupled with the high-profile acquisition of Fitness First by DW Fitness, it’s clear to see that investors are alive to the potential of our sector.
This was further evidenced at the launch of ukactive’s new financial report last month, when the leading lights of the City rubbed shoulders with our sector’s shining stars at Legal & General’s London HQ.
A bright future Although long in its gestation, the Rise of the Activity Sector is a very timely report. It spotlights the UK’s fast-changing fitness landscape and predicts that the gym sector’s value will grow by 17 per cent in 2016 – buoyed by a fresh wave of investment and strong market sentiment.
Valuation specialist Mazars and sponsorship expert Nielsen Sports conducted analyses for the report, which estimates the sector will be worth £7.7bn by the end of 2016 (up from £6.6bn last year) as investors are enticed by the sector’s strong growth prospects.
Through a series of in-depth case studies, the report charts the rise of the low-cost sector, led by the likes of Pure Gym and The Gym Group, which have been credited with ‘democratising fitness’. Offering lower prices, 24-hour access and shorter-term contracts, low-cost gyms have played a key role in removing many of the traditional barriers to holding gym membership.
At the other end of the spectrum, the report explores how premium operators such as David Lloyd Leisure, Nuffield Health and Virgin Active have refined their propositions by investing in family-friendly, full-service offerings. It also examines the growing prominence of boutique fitness studios such as Heartcore and Barry’s Bootcamp, which have led the way in offering high-end fitness experiences on a pay-as-you-play basis.
Open for business With more than £1bn added to the sector’s value in just 12 months, we expect the report to serve as a clear signal that the physical activity sector is open for business. Opportunities abound, particularly around the areas of public health, technology and workplace wellness. The report tells the story of our sector to date and fashions a compelling narrative which can serve as the springboard for meaningful and purposeful conversations with investors.
But of course, with great opportunity comes even greater expectation: if we want to attract investment, the onus will fall on all of us to realise the sector’s true potential and make good on our ambitious targets.
Being required to continuously hit demanding growth targets will no doubt bring its own challenges, but if the achievements of the companies featured in the valuation report are anything to go by, our sector is more than capable of delivering lasting success.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
