The international health club market saw revenues grow by 5.3 per cent last year, according to the latest Industry Data Survey (IDS) from IHRSA.

The figure, which almost exactly mirrors the growth seen in the UK last year, adds further credence to the notion that fitness is edging its way into the mainstream.

The findings, based on data from 6,819 facilities worldwide, showed that fitness-only clubs (as opposed to multi-purpose offerings) were the biggest drivers of this growth, increasing revenue by 8.9 per cent. Given their continued momentum in Europe and the US, it can be inferred that low-cost gyms with a stripped-back approach to fitness accounted for the lion’s share of the gains.

Overall, the health club industry posted a strong performance in 2014. The global health club industry amassed US$84bn (€74bn, £54bn) in revenue last year – up by 8 per cent on 2013's US$78bn (€69bn, £50bn) – as more than 180,000 clubs attracted 144 million members. Worldwide, the number of facilities grew from 165,000 to 184,000 (an 11 per cent gain); and the number of members increased from 139m to 144m (up 3.6 per cent).

The new IHRSA report also provides detailed analysis of the annual performance of leading health and fitness clubs, including key performance metrics such as revenue and membership growth, payroll, member retention, non-dues revenue, and EBITDA. Profit centre analysis as well as income statement and balance sheet data are also provided.

"IHRSA's annual industry data survey results indicate that leading club operators continue to play to their strengths as respondents recorded improvements in key financial and membership metrics," said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA's executive vice president of global products.

“This year’s results show multipurpose and independent club reported strong retention results in 2014, while fitness-only and chain facilities posted high net membership growth. All segments increased revenue on a year-over-year basis.”

To access the full report, click here.