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Latest Industry News

02
Oct
2008

The Leisure Database Company will launch its new Fitness Market Monitor on 1 December.

Aimed at both public and private operators, the monitor will collect data from fitness operators, which subscribers to the service will be able to access for benchmarking purposes. The target for the launch is to have 1,000 sites – around fifty per cent of the membership population in the UK – participating in the monitor, providing a robust set of regular data on the industry’s and operators' performance. The monitor will focus on key metrics, such as tracking membership numbers and revenues, joiners and leavers, and will aim to deliver key results, trends and performance analysis on a national and sector-specific basis. Operators will also have the ability to seek comparisons under a number of search functions, which could be used to support and inform budgeting and developing strategies. The Leisure Database Company has this week – at the LIW trade show in Birmingham – been meeting with operators across the fitness industry for them to participate. According to a spokesperson, operators which have committed themselves to the monitor include Fitness First, LA Fitness, Marriott Leisure Clubs, the Reebok Club and various trusts. To date, the monitor includes data from more than 500 sites. The monitor is also backed by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) and The Sports and Recreation Trust Association (Sporta). Andree Deane, chief executive of FIA, said: “The Market Monitor is an important initiative for the industry. "It will improve our knowledge and understanding of our own sector and help operators make decisions about their business based on validated market intelligence.” David Minton, director of The Leisure Database Company, said: "We have been delighted by the interest from operators who have recognised the value the monitor will bring to the management of their businesses particularly in the current climate. "It is important that operators sign up for the start of the Fitness Market Monitor to gain the value from the shared data. We will be contacting further operators in the following weeks to ensure they are included." The monitor will be headed by Nigel Wallace, former executive director of FIA, on behalf of the Leisure Database Company.  

Koko launches FitClub franchise

Koko Fitness, the fitness technology and equipment company that developed the Koko Smartrainer, announced its entry into the health club franchise business last month with the launch of Koko FitClub. The new company will be the exclusive franchisor of The Koko Smartraining System, Koko’s proprietary 30-minute cardio and strength training workout system whereby exercisers are guided through personalised programmes with instruction, pace and feedback provided via the equipment. The decision to franchise the concept follows a huge growth in membership at a club originally opened by Koko Fitness as a working laboratory in September 2007.  

JJB launches budget gym concept

JJB Fitness will launch its new budget gym concept this month when it opens its flagship facility in Cardiff at a JJB retail store in the Llanishen Retail Park. Called MiFit.com, the Technogym-equipped facility offers monthly memberships of £9.95 with no contracts. A second budget gym is due to open in Reading at the Vastern Court Retail Park in November. The gyms also offer members online tracking for a self-managed fitness routine. Rachel Young of MiFit.com said: "Many of today's consumers are looking for a faster, more convenient version of something they already use." A new full-service JJB Fitness Club is also due to open this month in Cornmill Retail park at Barrow-in-Furness as part of the company's plans to open 20 new clubs in the next 15 months. The 15,000sq ft club will include a 20m swimming pool with a 20ft movie screen and a 10,000sq ft gym. There will also be two group exercise rooms. JJB Fitness has also opened clubs in Nottingham, Morecambe and Cambridge in July.  

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