The number of gyms and fitness studios in Australia has declined slightly, according to the latest report. However, Scott Johnson, senior analyst, GapMaps, pointed to a more positive longer term result.
“Despite this net decline, the sector has maintained strong growth over 12 months, with an overall net increase of 48 centres,” he said.
GapMaps’ quarterly Health & Fitness Retail Network Report tracked centre openings and closures in Australia for the three months ending 31 March, 2023.
Latest report reveals which brands are expanding
The cloud-based data intelligence platform monitored 21 brands in 3,218 locations for its Q1 report; it reveals 51 new centres opened and 57 closed.
Leading the expansion, Fitstop Australia opened nine sites while F45 opened eight centres during the three months.
However the troubled F45 business also saw the greatest number of closures – 10. Plus Fitness and EFM Health Clubs each closed seven centres.
At a state level, 18 sites opened in New South Wales while 20 were closed in Queensland.
Aussie brands going global
Fitstop Australia reached its 100th centre early in 2023, prior to launching in the US. The brand has opened 38 new studios over the last 12 months.
Body Fit Training was right behind with 34 openings. Neither brand closed any outlets.
BFT has ramped up its overseas expansion after hitting the 200 studio milestone mid-last year. In October it announced its mega UK plans and later Iberian expansion.
