The Commercial Gym Market in Germany: Trends and Outlook

Germany's commercial gym market has experienced notable changes in recent years, characterized by a shift towards chain operators and market consolidation. While individually operated facilities still dominate the market, fitness chains have been steadily gaining ground. Additionally, both chain and micro-segment gyms often operate under franchise or licensing systems. The average membership fees have also seen consecutive increases, attributed in part to price adjustments by various German club operators.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the fitness industry in Germany, with health and safety regulations, such as the "3G rule," affecting gym operations at the beginning of 2022. However, the market has shown resilience and is on the path to recovery. Revenue and membership levels have rebounded, reaching approximately 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Despite this positive trend, the number of clubs has declined steadily since the onset of the pandemic, decreasing from 9,669 in 2019 to 9,149 in 2022.

According to the European Health and Fitness Consumer Survey conducted by EuropeActive in January 2023, 84% of consumers in Germany engage in fitness activities regularly, either at a fitness club, at home, or outdoors. The survey revealed a rise in the proportion of individuals practicing fitness at least once a week, increasing from 57% in the previous year to 64%. Notably, there have been some changes in the choice of fitness locations among regular practitioners. The percentage of people engaging in home fitness decreased by 8 percentage points to 65%, while the proportion practicing outdoors increased slightly to 52%. The percentage of individuals using fitness clubs also experienced a modest rise to 42%.

In the German commercial gym market, several operators have emerged as key players. Clever fit leads the market with 450 clubs, followed by RSG Group with 211 clubs, EASYFITNESS with 170 clubs, and LifeFit Group with 124 clubs. Other significant participants include ACISO with 119 clubs, Kieser with 117 clubs, FitX with 102 clubs, and BestFit Group with 82 clubs. In addition to these major operators, there are notable players in the micro-segment, such as Bodystreet Micro with 261 clubs, Mrs.Sporty Micro with 170 clubs, and fit+ Micro with 176 clubs (an increase of 26 clubs). These micro-segment gyms cater to specific fitness needs and offer a more specialized experience.

Intermediary platforms also play a role in the German fitness market, connecting individuals with various fitness facilities. Urban Sports Club, offering both B2B and B2C services, and Gympass, focusing on B2B partnerships, are prominent intermediaries. Others include Exercite (formerly Hansefit) and EGYM Wellpass (formerly qualitrain), which operate exclusively in the B2B sector.

Looking ahead, the commercial gym market in Germany is expected to continue evolving. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to drive further growth in revenue and membership numbers, as people prioritize their health and fitness goals. The demand for diverse fitness experiences, including both traditional gym workouts and alternative options like outdoor activities, is likely to shape the market landscape. Moreover, the consolidation trend among chain operators may continue, leading to increased competition and innovation in the industry.

In conclusion, the German commercial gym market has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a shift towards chain operators and market consolidation. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has shown resilience and is gradually recovering. With the rising popularity of fitness activities and evolving consumer preferences, the future of the commercial gym market in Germany holds promise for both operators, gym equipment suppliers and fitness enthusiasts.