FIBO 2014 started successfully with its opening event - The 1st European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF), organized in Cologne, Germany, on April 2nd. With the motto "Europe active 2025", the Forum aimed to analyse the current health and fitness trends in Europe and to set common goals towards defying health problems by increasing the number of active people.

One of the highlight of the Forum was "The Future of Health & Fitness - A Plan for getting Europe active by 2025", a study which described demographic, health-related and economic trends in Europe and looked at the role of fitness in combating the enormous health problems Europe is faced with. It was highlighted that diseases resulting from lack of exercise are already considered as one of the main causes of premature death. This is the prime reason for which even more Europeans should be encouraged to participate in physical activity. The initiative aims to raise the number of health club members from the present level of approximately 44 million to 80 million in 2025, a challenge that was supported by the participants.

In addition to the "Plan for Growth / Europe Active 2025" report, the essential findings of the new EuropeActive / Deloitte Study on the European Fitness Market 2014 were presented by Mr. Niels Gronau, fitness market expert and Senior Manager at Deloitte's Sports Business Group, based on a detailed research and providing a comprehensive picture of the market figures and tendencies. The study introduced information on the leading sector actors, individual profiles of countries, analysis of the 2013 Eurobarometer figures, European market shares in the fitness sector and other significant information.

Other topics addressed the positive economic effects of regular physical activity and the consequences of investing in the prevention of diseases, rather than on their treatment, that will ultimately prove to be more costly to Governments. Special attention was directed to the issues of fitness training for the 50-plus age group as well as for overweight and obese children and adolescents. A vivid interest was created through discussions on how technology can help inactive persons to become physically more active.

The Forum provided valuable insight into finding the balance between premium and budget fitness facilities, the involvement of more younger (18-30) and older members (50+), male and female representatives, also people active in the clubs and those exercising at home. The roundtable discussions on these topics resulted in a constructive dialogue on the future of health and fitness sector, highlighting the importance of new digital technologies and innovations for a customer-oriented strategy, while viable progress was predicted for members' retention through personalisation.

The 1st European Health & Fitness Forum was attended by more than 200 participants, from all across Europe and was organized by FIBO, the Leading International Trade Show for Fitness, Wellness and Health, and EuropeActive (former EHFA, the European Health & Fitness Association). It will be organized on a yearly basis, gathering together the most important actors of the health and fitness sector. "It is very positive to see the tremendous response to our initiative to organize a "Forum" with debate among the stakeholders and not a traditional congress. The platform which was launched by EuropeActive with our partner FIBO will be strengthened for next year! Save the date of April 8, 2015 for an exciting 2nd EHFF in Cologne, again on the day before the opening of the FIBO tradeshow" said Herman Rutgers, member of EuropeActive Board of Directors.

Source: EuropeActive
Pictures: EuropeActive