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The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released its 2008 European Market Report, the most comprehensive publication and resource for information on the European fitness market, as the 8th Annual IHRSA European Congress begins today in Lisbon, Portugal. The Report, produced in conjunction with Deloitte and sponsored by Matrix Fitness Systems, is a strategic tool for researchers, banks, investors, governments, insurance companies, club owners, and suppliers.

"The 2008 IHRSA European Market Report is an essential resource to help business owners and investors understand the dynamic nature of the European health and fitness industry", said Katie Rollauer, IHRSA's Senior Manager of Research, adding "the Report clearly demonstrates the health club industry's important role as a significant contributor to the European economy."

New to the 2008 Report is a comprehensive profile on individual fitness markets and industry trends for each of the leading European countries, as well as a detailed breakdown and analysis of the emerging health club market in Bulgaria. With nearly 38 million health club members, The European fitness industry is poised for continued growth. The Report highlights a number of factors that can facilitate future prosperity including: trends in consumer participation; a stable European economy; solid club-company development; the significant contribution of health and wellness to the European economy; and potential incentives from government and private insurers.

"One thing I find very interesting right now is the development of the chains, especially the budget clubs", said Hans Muench, IHRSA Director Europe, adding "in addition, women-only clubs are growing very quickly, as evident by the success of Vivafit, right here in Lisbon, the site of the IHRSA Congress."

The 2008 European Market Report features annual consumer tracking by GfK along with an analysis of consumer trend changes over the past three years, in addition to Deloitte analysis through individual articles on leading health club chains and notable business-to-business transactions.

The 2008 Report, as well as additional publications are available from IHRSA at www.IHRSAstore.com

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