GLOBAL HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB INDUSTRYSTATE OF THE OVERALL INDUSTRYThe fitness industry was established between the 1970s and 1980s, the trend Running and aerobics were popular back then. Then, in the 1990s, club memberships began which contributed to a huge period of growth for fitness centers in the 2000s. The International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) shows that in 2013, 41 million Americans are now members of a health club. Nearly half of the members belong to commercial health clubs, while the rest belong to non-profit clubs, country clubs or spas. The health and fitness center industry is highly fragmented, as there are the fifty largest companies controlling approximately 30% of the market, and only a few companies own more than ten health clubs (IHRSA, 2013). Weight loss has become increasingly popular among Americans due to the high rates of obesity prevalent in the United States. Obesity rates increased from 1987 to 2007. All states except Colorado consider at least one-fifth of the population to be obese. Additionally, approximately one-third of the U.S. population, or more than 72 million Americans, are considered clinically obese. Therefore, major growth has occurred in the two main sectors of the industry, fitness centers and weight loss solutions (IHRSA, 2013). THE PRODUCT Generally all health clubs offer exercise equipment, such as free weights, cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals), and weighted machines. However, each structure offers different services and products. Some facilities offer pools, spas, basketball and squash courts, personal training and group lessons, while other facilities simply offer the basic equipment. KEYS TO SUCCESS...... middle of paper...... store manager and sales associate, spa (manager, therapist, esthetician, coordinator, front desk clerk), maintenance and member services. MY OPINION ON THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY It should come as no surprise that I'm a fitness fanatic. I like to exercise because it is the best and healthiest way to reduce stress and stay healthy. As current statistics present, the fitness and health club industry is growing and is expected to continue to expand in the coming decades. Additionally, Equinox is a great example of a full-service health club that caters to many areas beyond just fitness, which is why it is a very successful company and has been able to outperform its competition. I believe that this industry will continue to grow and be successful, especially since the recent trend in society is to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.