Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Fitness on Demand’s Andy Peat advises of trends to transform businesses in 2024

Fitness on Demand’s Andy Peat advises of trends to transform businesses in 2024
February 15, 2024

Andy Peat, Chief Executive of virtual access platform Fitness on Demand has told Australasian Leisure Management that it’s time for the fitness industry to change again.

Advising of trends that will transform fitness businesses in 2024, Peat explains “of course, club operators might argue ‘haven’t we changed enough since 2020?’ … and they’d be right.

“But there are critical demographic changes and significant shifts coming in consumer behaviour in 2024 that will have real impacts on which fitness brands and clubs make it, and which definitely don’t.

“Let’s take demographic change for instance. While we might think of Gen Z still being teenage gamers at home with their parents, the oldest of the generation turn 27 this year with others ageing quickly into a time of life that means more seniority at work and more spending power - a key customer category for gyms and clubs that want to grow.

“(And) that important for two reasons.

“First, according to a new 2024 study by McKinsey, 56% of Gen Z consider fitness an important priority and second, they are a generation that highly values wellness, balance and the convenience that technology brings.

“As you plan the year ahead for your club, gym or fitness brand, it’s going to be essential to look at three areas of focus: how do you target, engage and satisfy your changing member demographics, how does fitness become overall wellness, and what role does technology play in everything you do?”

Peat shares the following observations and strategies can help.

Member Engagement: adapt to shifting consumer behaviours and preferences
The heart of any fitness business lies in its members. And membership interests evolve, so should club offerings and business strategies. McKinsey's Future of Wellness survey reveals that over 50% of US consumers prioritize wellness in six dimensions: health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, mindfulness, and sleep - interests that appeal to all member demographics.

As you review ways to adapt to member needs, consider each of these areas as stand-alone offerings but also how they integrate to provide an overall exceptional member experience. That of course means cutting-edge equipment and clean facilities, high energy and experienced instructors that can fill class after class, but it also means balanced nutrition, healthy food and snacks in your cafes and an overall approach to wellness offerings too. As health, fitness and wellness continue to intersect, it may be time to invest in, and promote, spa treatments, wellness massage and other offerings that make the club an oasis beyond just a place to work out.

Enhanced Content Programming: Diversify wellness programming everywhere
We’ve come a long way from on-demand and virtual fitness content being an alternative to going to the gym. For younger Gen Z members who’ve grown up as digital natives and older members with busy schedules and a real need for convenience, on-demand fitness and wellness content at their fingertips in the club, at home and on the go is an absolute must have. But it’s also time to bring on-demand content out of the dedicated fitness studio at your club. Pre-packaged short form exercise circuits running on displays in your free weights areas can help to keep daily and often uninspiring weights workouts for members fresh and more inspiring. Use flat screens to run instructor-guided stretch in recovery zones, or some content libraries now offer sports news and atmospheric wellness content for club lobbies, spas and other central member meeting areas that can be packaged with ads and club announcement to keep members informed. Employ all of these strategies to integrate digital content into your club environment but also look to promote and increase popular instructor-led live classes by streaming to members at home or on the go. There’s a growing trend toward things like, for example, Taylor-swift rides, and glow-in-the-dark HIIT classes that create events out of regular bike and other instructor classes but also make excellent streaming opportunities to engage members and grow interest and loyalty in your live club offerings.

Operational Efficiency: Harnessing Automated Technologies
Building a long-term business involves creating lasting efficiencies, and technology plays a pivotal role. Automation tools can streamline front desk check-ins, scheduling, billing, and membership renewals, saving administrative time. And advanced AI-assisted systems can now collect and analyse member data in near real-time, offering detailed insights into behaviour, workout times, and preferences. These insights enhance on-site efficiency and contribute to more informed decisions in including class scheduling and staff allocation. Invest in appropriate tech improvements, allocate resources for staff training or data gathering tools and AI, and transform your business into a data-driven, nimble, and efficient entity to engage members and drive membership and services sales.

Digital Engagement: activating members with mobile technology
In a world where 81.6% of Americans own smartphones and spend over five hours daily on content consumption, embracing mobile-first member communications and marketing is now a business imperative. Too many clubs buy an off-the-shelf app or underutilise it’s capabilities for engagement and brand development. Start by undertaking a review of your current app usage, engagement periods, and popular features. Then create a comprehensive strategy for app usage by capitalizing on member engagement patterns. Utilise push notifications, promotions, streaming classes, short-form workouts, and social media groups to keep members engaged both online and in the club. Ensure too that every digital touchpoints is optimized to build a strong sense of community and connection between members and your front of house, trainer and instructor teams around the club.

Inclusive Approach: Focus on broader demographics not just new members
Gen Z members may be on the rise, but it’s worth noting that members aged 55+ still represent the fastest growing segment of the gym-going population. Part of this is driven by a continued post-pandemic focus on wellness and health for increased longevity, but it’s also a reflection of changing patterns globally. By 2030, one in six people around the world will be over the age of 60. So it’s critical to balance new member acquisition and accommodations with services and programming that cater to an all-ages membership. An easy, and inexpensive way to keep activities focused on all age needs, is to conduct a start of year review of offerings and fitness content.

While implementing changes in live studios and the calendar and mix of classes and activities may take time, you can instantly diversify on-demand and mobile streaming content by collaborating with your on-demand partner. Work with them to organize an on-demand and streaming content library that of course includes HIIT and specialty exercise, but increasingly includes collections of regularly updated core and flexibility content, stretches for improved range of motion and balance, and overall wellness content like meditation, Pilates and yoga.

Peat concludes “as 2024 unfolds, invest the time, energy and focus in making sure your club or brand doesn’t stand still. Track the trends, meet member needs and keep moving to keep growing.”

Lower image: Andy Peat.

Related Articles

10th January 2024 - Kevin Yates promoted to Chief Executive role for Lift Brands EMEA

9th January 2024 - Worksite health promotion and exercise for older adults among top trends in 2024 ACSM worldwide survey

4th January 2024 - AUSactive identifies exercise for mental health as the year’s top fitness trend

2nd January 2024 - Survey of major fitness groups shows club openings outstrip closures at rate of two to one

30th August 2023 - Fitness On Demand names Andy Peat as new Chief Executive

6th July 2023 - AUSactive invites industry input in predicting hottest fitness trends for 2024

6th June 2023 - Fitness On Demand launches new experience app for facilities to empower users

9th April 2023 - FIBO 2023 to showcase latest disruptive fitness technologies

14th January 2023 - Les Mills identifies three key fitness trends set to shape 2023

2nd January 2023 - ACSM predicts wearable technology as the top fitness trend for 2023

19th November 2022 - PureGym analysis of Google search data reveals 2023’s Biggest Fitness Trends

11th July 2022 - AUSactive calls for input to future fitness trends survey

26th July 2022 - Lift Brands continues to experience franchise growth

25th July 2022 - Lift Brands investment to drive Fitstop’s international expansion

10th January 2022 - Fitness technology company Myzone reaches US$102 million valuation after new investment

15th October 2021 - Marking 10 years of operations Fitness On Demand launches new livestreaming feature

20th July 2021 - Lift Brands honours Snap Fitness and 9Round franchisees and employees at APAC region awards

5th May 2021 - Lift Brands announces the executives to lead under its #OneTeam initiative

6th August 2020 - Fitness On Demand adds sales expert to Australian team


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Clubworx

Switch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Vivaticket

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd.  Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Digonex

Digonex is a leading provider of customised dynamic pricing solutions to clients in arts and entertainment, sport, attractions, cultural institutions and retail sectors. Digonex’s technology is…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Ticketing

 
 

Active World

Since 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Felton Industries

Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…

read more

Parks / Play / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business