The study's figures demonstrate that most fitness facilities continue to focus on health. Ralf Capelan, Treasurer of the DSSV e. V. and author of the study, explains: “People have recognized that regular exercise makes a crucial contribution to promoting health. Our industry has succeeded in further strengthening this awareness and establishing itself as a reliable partner for people's health.”

Occupational health management (CHM) continues to be an important component of the range of services offered by companies. 43.3 percent of fitness and health facilities offer corresponding programs to support companies and their employees in their preventative health care.

Qualified staff remains a key success factor. The high continuing education rate of 89.8 percent demonstrates that companies are investing in their employees' qualifications. Continuing education is particularly in demand in the area of ​​machine-assisted strength training, which almost three out of four facilities invest in, as well as cardiovascular training (59.9%) and group training (60.0%). But newer training approaches such as functional training, athletic training, or personal training are also gaining importance.

Janosch Marx, supervisory board member of the DSSV e. V. and author of the study, emphasizes the importance of well-trained trainers: "The high level of willingness to continue training in the industry ensures that members receive the best possible support and that fitness training can optimally develop its health-promoting effects. This is a key aspect for the sustainable development of our industry."

The qualification of skilled workers remains a key issue. The proportion of employees with a degree related to exercise is 25.5 percent, which clearly demonstrates the growing professionalization of the industry.

In addition to rising membership numbers, the industry is also posting new financial records: Net sales are at an all-time high of EUR 5.82 billion. The average membership fee is rising to EUR 46.95 per month (gross). This amounts to EUR 57.85 (gross) for individual facilities, EUR 38.44 (gross) for chain facilities, and EUR 82.79 (gross) for special-interest facilities.

Karsten Hollasch of Deloitte and co-author of the key data study explains: "The fitness industry presents itself as economically robust and resilient. Despite the overall economic challenges, people's willingness to invest in their health remains unbroken. This sustained demand for fitness and health offerings underscores the growing social relevance of the industry."

Another growth theme is advancing digitalization. The share of online contract conclusions is rising to 24.0 percent (previous year: 14.0%). Digital training offerings, such as studio apps, are also gaining importance.

To further establish the industry as an integral part of healthcare, the DSSV e. V. is launching a comprehensive initiative in 2025. This initiative is based on scientific findings, events, and intensive dialogue with policymakers, and aims to position fitness providers as indispensable partners for health insurance companies, social insurance providers, and rehabilitation centers.

Prof. Dr. Sarah Kobel, committee member of the German Sports Federation (DSSV) and author of the study, emphasizes: "Our study clearly shows that fitness and health training makes a tremendous contribution to disease prevention. The DSSV's quality initiative is therefore an important step toward further strengthening this health mission and achieving even greater social recognition for the industry."

Quelle: DSSV e. V. - Arbeitgeberverband deutscher Fitness- und Gesundheits-Anlagen in Zusammenarbeit mit Deloitte und der Deutschen Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement (DHfPG)
Bild: DSSV e. V. - Arbeitgeberverband deutscher Fitness- und Gesundheits-Anlagen in Zusammenarbeit mit Deloitte und der Deutschen Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement (DHfPG)