Hong Kong sees 35.6 per cent growth in number of gyms despite high-profile players going bust
Focus on healthy lifestyle means industry will continue to expand, experts say
The number of gyms in Hong Kong has grown 35.6 per cent in the past eight years thanks to an increased interest in looking good and feeling healthy – and experts expect the industry to continue flexing its muscle despite high-profile players going bust.
But there are still too many trainers without qualifications, according to industry experts, and gyms need to set higher standards for themselves.
There are currently 743 gyms in the city, up 35.58 per cent on 2009 when there were only 548, according to a guide released on Thursday by the Asian Academy for Sports and Fitness Professionals, an education and training institute.
Working out loses its appeal when gyms are crammed and competition is high
Central and Western district was the best-served area, with 146 gyms, while Southern district had the least, at only 21, according to the guide, which aims to help companies looking to break into the city’s HK$2 billion fitness industry.
The academy’s chief executive, Terence Chau Kam-ho, attributed the growth to an increased awareness of the benefits of healthy living combined with a lack of knowledge about how to exercise. There had also been a proliferation of small gyms under 1,000 sq ft due to Hong Kong’s high rents, he said.
Despite the apparently booming industry, some venues have found themselves struggling to stay afloat. Last year, JV Fitness, the parent company of the California Fitness gym chain, was forced to close its 12 outlets, a move that affected more than 64,000 members and 700 employees.
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