More than two thirds of the UK fitness sector’s workforce is female, according to the Working in Fitness Survey 2015.

The research – which saw SkillsActive and the Exercise, Movement and Dance Partnership (EMDP) survey 35,000 members of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) – found that 67 per cent of the workforce is female, with the industry’s flexible hours highlighted as a prime factor in attracting more women.

“The fitness industry offers great benefits in terms of working flexible hours, which is probably why the sector attracts predominantly women,” said Jade Moulden, insight lead at EMDP.

“With 67 per cent of the fitness workforce consisting of women, it is an ideal career for those with families who can’t afford to have a regimented nine to five schedule and want the freedom of working for themselves. It offers excellent career opportunities.”

The survey also revealed that the average full-time salary in the sector is £22,700, with full-time working women earning 97 per cent of a full-time male salary. Though far from ideal, the industry's gender pay gap is far narrower than the overall UK average – which reflects a difference of 9.4 per cent between male and female full-time earnings across all sectors.

Given that industry salaries typically fall somewhat below the full-time national average of £27,271, it is perhaps unsurprising that 50 per cent of Working in Fitness Survey respondents said low income would be a key deciding factor for leaving the industry. By extension, financial cost was seen as the biggest barrier to undertaking further training, with 62 per cent citing expense as the biggest obstacle to additional qualifications.

While unlikely to become millionaires, the survey suggests that fitness sector employees are dedicated professionals, motivated by a genuine love of their job. The results revealed that 70 per cent of fitness professionals work in the fitness industry because they have a genuine passion for fitness, while 44 per cent entered the sector because they wanted to be a help to other people.

“It’s great to see that people are coming into the industry because they genuinely love what they do and want to help other people, showing that the fitness industry continues to be a rewarding and appealing sector to work in,” said Greg Small, head of membership at REPs.

“The fact that 40 per cent of respondents have been working in the sector for more than ten years and have no plans to leave in the next five is testament that fitness professionals truly are a happy workforce.”