The fitness market - Spain

Fitness refers to the paid practice of sport by individuals, generally carried out in fitness centers, which offer access to facilities, classes, but also related activities such as spas. There are also specialized apps, specialized communities and customized services. Globally, the fitness market was on a good growth trajectory before the onset of covid-19, which led to a notable slump in activity in 2020, and to a lesser extent, in 2021. In Europe, the fitness market was clearly dominated by Germany and the UK, where it accounted for over 5 billion euros in 2019. Fitness was extremely common in the UK, where per capita spending was particularly high. Spain ranks as Europe's 4th largest market in terms of sales, behind France but ahead of Italy and the Netherlands. The main fitness chains in Spain are Go Fit, Metropolitan, Viva Gym Group, DiR, Grupo Supera, Altafit and Mcfit, but there are also many independent players. The emergence of covid-19 has turned the market upside down, with gyms having to remain closed for long periods, due to the physical proximity in a closed environment that the activity often imposes. The development of digital tools, such as interactive applications and personalized programs, provided some support, but did not replace the sales generated by physical exercise in the gym. Business rebounded in2021, without however returning to pre-pandemic levels, with changes in the type of sports practised.