The value of the UK fitness industry increased by 2.6 per cent in the last year, giving the sector an estimated value of around £3.7bn.

According to the Fitness Industry Association’s (FIA) State of the Industry Report, the net increase of 41 fitness facilities, during the year to 31 March 2008, means that there are now 5,755 health clubs in the UK.

The report, compiled by The Leisure Database Company (LDC), also showed a 0.6 per cent increase in the number of members at UK health clubs.

The figures reveal that growth is slowing down and was lower than the year before in all three key indicators – number of fitness facilities, members and market value.

David Minton, director of LDC, said: “Fitness operators will not be surprised by these figures.

“There is a slowdown, as you’d expect with the current economic conditions, yet it is encouraging to see the overall market value for the industry has increased."

“This shows that operators have been able to maintain margins and not resort to discounting.”