Big box gyms may be fitter, when it comes to muscling out competition

By Dorene Internicola NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cut-rate clubs and small studios catering to niche tastes from barre classes to yoga have crowded the U.S. fitness landscape, but big box gyms that can keep up with rapidly changing trends may be in a better position to flex their muscles in the future. A brightening economy, public health initiatives and fitness-conscious consumers boosted U.S. gym memberships from an estimated 40.3 million in 2009 to 54.1 million in 2014, according to the market research company IBIS World. “The industry has certainly grown,” said Jeff Bodnar, vice president of operations at New York Health and Racquet Club (NYHRC). “We have more members now and there’s certainly more competition than ever before,” Fitness boutiques, small studios that specialize in one or two activities such as spinning or yoga, capture 21 percent of the U.S. market, the industry trade association IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) reported in 2014.

March 23, 2015 at 08:05AM

via Lazahealth.org