The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released the 2011 IHRSA Global Report: The State of the Health Club Industry.

The report shows that health club industry performance was "robust" in 2010 and that the global health club membership exceeded the 120 million mark for the first time since the figure has been monitored.

In 1999, IHRSA set a goal of doubling the worldwide membership count from the then 50 million to 100 million members by the year 2010.

In 2006, when it became apparent that the goal would be surpassed, IHRSA raised the goal to 120 million members by 2010.

Jay Ablondi, IHRSA's executive vice president of global products, said: "The fact that the health club industry was able to come out of the 'Great Recession' in good shape and record significant membership growth during 2010 is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the club operators, manufacturers and suppliers.

"Favorable long-term leases, modest revenue growth, and a strong emphasis on expense management have helped improve club profitability."

In 2010, worldwide industry revenue reached US$71bn (€50bn, £43bn) and the number of clubs totaled 133,500.

The 2011 IHRSA Global Report: The State of the Health Club Industry contains a detailed synopsis of the global health club industry, click here to read more.