A study by Allegra Strategies has forecast that the UK private branded standalone fitness club market will grow to over £1bn in 2003 and that 8.3 per cent of the population will belong to a club by the end of 2004.

This continued club expansion means increasing competition for the major chains, putting core issues such as membership retention, quality staff recruitment and site availability into the spotlight.

Of 4,065 members surveyed, 82 percent joined to get fit, 37 per cent to lose weight and 31 per cent to relax. Twelve per cent joined for social reasons, indicating the importance of the fitness club in UK lifestyles. Details: +44 (0)207 691 8800