The sports coaching market - France

The sports coaching market in Europe has seen a decline due to the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis, with the fitness market declining by 11.4% in 2021 to €17.10 billion from €28.80 billion. Nevertheless, a sense of optimism persists due to people's growing recognition of the importance of physical health. The French market is aligned with this trend, expecting gradual growth, and the number of sports coaches is forecast at between 25,000 and 30,000. Despite a general increase in sports participation across genders and ages, with women leading the growth, sports clubs are unevenly distributed across France, with the most populous regions home to the greatest number.

Financial transactions in the sector picked up again after the pandemic, marked by acquisitions such as that of Neoness by Keep Cool. Sports coaching has seen a trend towards diversification and personalization with the rise of digital platforms, and many coaches are now self-employed, underlining the importance of accreditation and qualifications in this field. Prices for personal coaching sessions range from 25 to 150 euros per hour, with the average rate being around 60 euros before tax reduction.

In summary, the European sports coaching market is recovering from the setbacks of COVID, with digital trends and female participation shaping the future landscape, with variable pricing and an emphasis on professional qualifications.

The growing popularity of sports coaching in France: Trends and key figures

Sports coaching in France experienced remarkable growth in the early 21st century, becoming a service accessible to a wider population than the affluent. The French market shows a steady trend towards increased physical activity, with a notable awareness of the importance of maintaining physical health. This change in attitude has been a boon for the sports coaching market, which had grown considerably prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the severe economic impact of the pandemic on the sports market, a resurgence is expected, fuelled by increased health awareness.

The European fitness market, a relevant indicator for sports coaching, has suffered an 11.4% decline in 2021, falling to revenues of between 15 and 20 billion euros, a stark contrast to the nearly 30 billion euros previously. However, recent figures still reflect a continuing interest in fitness, despite the challenges faced due to the health crisis. For example, the French fitness market grew by 3% before the Covid-19 crisis, reaching a value of over 2.5 billion euros. Although current figures are still poorly known, the steady growth in previous years suggests a positive outlook for the post-pandemic market.

The number of sports clubs in the major European countries has remained stable. This stability suggests that the basic infrastructure for sports and fitness activities is unaffected, which could facilitate recovery from the crisis. In terms of consumption habits, around 35% of the French population took part in fitness-related activities, a figure that is generally on the rise. The increase in physical activity between 2010 and 2022 is significant, rising from 54% to 70% of the population. This widespread interest in staying fit and active is further underlined by the 16% of French people who use the services of a personal trainer.

In France, household spending on sport is rising steadily, mainly due to an increase in the volume of sports goods and services. On average, it is estimated that French households will spend around 400 euros a year on sports goods and services. INJEP reports a stable rate of physical activity and sport among the French, even in times of health crisis. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards home sports, which increased during the pandemic and continues to show an upward trend.

Key players in today's sports coaching market

The sports coaching market, a complex network of personal development and athletic training, is booming, driven by changing demands and technological advances in the way coaching services are delivered. In this evolving landscape, several market players stand out, each carving out a unique place in the industry.

Matchmaking platforms for personalized training

• TrainMe: An exemplary model of a sports coaching matchmaking platform, TrainMe connects customers with certified coaches for a range of activities. Its approach is to meet the demand for flexible, high-quality options in physical activity and wellness, helping customers easily find the right person to meet their personal fitness needs.
• aBC Coaching Sportif: ABC Coaching Sportif follows a similar model to TrainMe but differentiates itself by focusing on the alignment between the customer's goals and the trainer's specialties, understanding that the right coupling is paramount to success in personal and athletic development.

Innovators in digital training experiences

• FizzUp: At the forefront of remote coaching applications, FizzUp brings a digital dimension to the sports coaching market. Promising convenience and a personalized touch, FizzUp harnesses AI and performance-tracking technology to revolutionize home fitness routines and cater to its users' modern, busy lifestyles.
• Freeletics: Echoing a similar ethos, Freeletics also operates in the digital space, offering personalized fitness training via its app. With a focus on high-intensity workouts that can be performed anywhere, Freeletics has found its place among those looking for an effective on-the-go fitness solution.

Fitness giants: Cultivating a community of well-being

• Basic Fit: A heavyweight in the gym sector, Basic Fit stands out for its sprawling network of affordable fitness centers. It appeals to those who value community and the traditional gym experience, but are conscious of the cost associated with maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Neoness: Neoness brings a new perspective to the gym experience, combining affordability and quality. Its acquisition by Keep Cool testifies to the rise of value-driven fitness clubs, which are determined to transform the way in which gym services are perceived and received by the general public. Each of these entities, whether digital disruptors or gym network giants, plays a crucial role in the evolution of the sports coaching market. They represent the very essence of modern fitness trends: variety, accessibility, personalization and digitization.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 22/07/2022

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Evolution du marché du fitness
• Taille du marché du fitness
• Chiffre d'affaires du marché du fitness
• Evolution pratique du sport
• Cyclicité des revenus liés aux centres de culture physique
• Fréquence des activités sportives chez les Français
• De manière générale, que diriez-vous des solutions suivantes pour faire du sport ?
• Dépenses sportives des ménages
• Lieu de pratique du sport
• Activités sportives les plus pratiquées
• Budget consacré au sport
• Evolution de la pratique du sport à domicile
• Proportion de sportifs selon l’âge
• Proportion de sportifs selon le genre
• Applications de santé et fitness ayant généré le plus de chiffre d'affaires sur le Play Store
• Résolutions sportives des français
• Conséquence mentale crise sanitaire
• Conséquence physique crise sanitaire
• Principales motivations des Français pour la pratique du sport
• Activités de la branche sport