Switzerland's Health Club Industry Thrives Post-Pandemic with 11.7% Increase in Memberships

Switzerland’s fitness sector has witnessed an impressive resurgence post the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, as evidenced by an 11.7% surge in health club memberships in 2022.

In a comprehensive quantitative study jointly conducted by Swiss Active, the industry body, and the German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG), it was revealed that out of the Swiss population, approximately 1.16 million, nearly one in every six adults, are members of a fitness center.

Key insights from the "Swiss fitness industry 2023" study:

•     Job Creation: The thriving fitness industry created an additional 1,000 jobs in the year 2022.
•     Membership Fee Hike: More than half of the health clubs raised their membership charges during 2022.
•     Future Outlook: A majority, 75%, of gym operators are optimistic about their economic situation, classifying it as "good" or "rather good". A remarkable 99% anticipate a brighter economic scenario in the forthcoming 12 months.
•     Expansion Plans: With future prospects looking favorable, over 80% of the surveyed operators have plans to augment the number of their sites in 2023.
•     Industry Stabilization: Despite the positive growth in memberships, the number of health clubs witnessed a slight decline for the third consecutive year, by 1.1%. This decline is moderate compared to the substantial 6% reduction in clubs from the end of 2019 to the end of 2021. Swiss Active interprets this decrease as a manifestation of ongoing industry consolidation.

Sarah Kobel, the primary researcher of the study and the market research department head at DHfPG, provided a broader perspective, emphasizing the paradigm shift in societal thinking. She said, “The significance of health is escalating tremendously, a trend magnified by the pandemic. This shift is mirrored in the health and fitness sector. The growing willingness of individuals to allocate more resources towards their health reaffirms the industry's position as a futuristic sector."

The findings of the report are based on data accumulated up to 31 December 2022. The study presents a comprehensive analysis, drawing comparisons over a span of four years, some even dating back to the pre-pandemic era.

High Valve Gym market in Central Europe

The Swiss health club sector is witnessing an upswing following the challenges of the pandemic, with the country experiencing a significant spike in health club memberships and an increased focus on health and well-being. The industry's buoyant recovery and promising future outlook indicate its resilience and importance in the post-pandemic world.
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Switzerland’s fitness sector has witnessed an impressive resurgence post the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, as evidenced by an 11.7% surge in health club memberships in 2022.

In a comprehensive quantitative study jointly conducted by Swiss Active, the industry body, and the German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG), it was revealed that out of the Swiss population, approximately 1.16 million, nearly one in every six adults, are members of a fitness center.