Exhibition News April 2020 | Page 27

Sector Focus or 61.8 per cent population in England are active. “That means they meet the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines and do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week – gaining health benefits including a reduced risk of dementia, depression, diabetes, and improved mental wellbeing. As a whole, the market is stable but certain areas like running and climbing are growing rapidly. “In the running market we see continued rapid growth and an increasing number of new market entrants facilitated by free running groups such as park-run. Road running remains relatively stable whilst the trail-running and ultra-running markets are growing at a rapid rate.” David Minton, director of LeisureDB, a company which delivers market insights on the fitness industry, said: “As seen in the record-breaking figures, the UK is enjoying a golden period of growth and exciting development across the fitness sector. “It’s a great time to be working and reporting on the industry. As operators compete against the at-home fitness revolution, boutique studios and tech-enabled fitness, they must continue to provide more than just gyms; experiences are essential to hold customers attention. The last year has seen continued investment into April — 27