The international sports association IHRSA, in cooperation with Deloitte and sponsored by Technogym, has published its second, annual study of the European fitness market.

The IHRSA European Market Report 2006 includes updated figures and further data collected by means of end-consumer research, conducted by the GfK group.

For the comprehensive market study, GfK questioned a representative sample of individuals in six selected countries on their membership in a fitness club.

The average penetration rate across Europe was 8.1 per cent, which equated to approximately 39 million people.

In terms of the British health and fitness market, which is the second largest market in the world after the US, the current average gross monthly membership fee is £41.60 (61 euro).

Across the UK, people living in London are most concerned about their fitness, according to the IHRSA report, with 14.9 per cent of Londoners being active gym members.

London is followed by the north west with 12.7 per cent and the north east with 12.4 per cent.

The positive growth rate of new clubs in the UK is also expected to continue in 2006, with 724 facilities under development or at the planning stage.

See a full report analysis in Health Club Management June 2006 magazine: call +44 (0)1462 471 913 or visit www.health-club.co.uk

Photograph: www.istock.com