The new IHRSA Asia-Pacific Report shows potential for growth across the 13 markets. Kristen Walsh offers an overview of the findings

Last month, IHRSA released The 2015 IHRSA Asia-Pacific Health Club Report, produced in co-operation with Deloitte China. This new research publication focuses on the health club industry in 13 markets in the Asia-Pacific region, containing profiles of leading club companies as well as analyses of the competitive landscape, fitness trends, and an economic overview for all markets observed.

“This report is the most comprehensive examination of the Asia-Pacific health club industry available anywhere,” says Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products. “It’s the ultimate reference on the industry in the Asia-Pacific for club operators, developers, analysts, and lenders and investors.”

Growth potential
According to the report, 13 markets in the Asia-Pacific region combine to serve some 17 million members at more than 28,000 health clubs. Total revenues for the region are an estimated US$14.3bn.

The report shows room for growth, as the average market penetration rate for the region is 3.8 per cent – although Australia and New Zealand lead the way, with health club penetration rates at 14.8 per cent and 11.4 per cent respectively.

“Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan – as well as some large cities including Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Jakarta in Indonesia, Beijing and Shanghai in China – belong to maturing fitness industries with gradually professionalising players and maturing consumers,” says Alan MacCharles, partner at Deloitte China. “However, health club industries in the remaining Asian markets that were observed are still in a comparatively early stage due to economic development and awareness factors, and robust future growth can be expected.”

“This market report provides country-specific insights and quantitative data, enabling business leaders to make fact-based decisions about the future,” says Jack Trummer, regional business director for Asia-Pacific at Precor, which sponsored the report. “We hope it will spark new ideas and directions, and ultimately help people live the healthy lives they desire.”

For a topline overview of the report’s findings – size of the individual Asia-Pacific markets in terms of revenue, number of clubs, number of members and penetration rates – please see Figures 1–4.