The median age of the American health club member is 41 years (10% are 18-29; 33% are 30-39; 22% are 40-49; 17% are 50-59; 9% are
60-69; and 7% are 70-plus).
The average American health club member is more likely to be married (73%) than a member of the general public (63%). Another
8% think of themselves as 'single with a steady partner,' and 7% as 'single with no steady partner.'
Compared with the general public, the American health club member has achieved a higher educational level than their counterpart
in the general population. Some 33% are college graduates vs. 15% for the general public; and 14% hold advanced degrees vs. 7%
for the general public.
The American health club member has a household income 100% higher than that of a member of the general population. The club member's
median household income is $61,000, as opposed to $29,700 for the general public.
The American health club member is overwhelmingly urban (26%) or suburban (54%). Only 11% come from a small town, and just 19% live in
a rural area.
The American health club member works harder than a member of the general public (61% work more than 40 hours a week vs. 50% for nonmembers);
spend more time going out with friends (87% vs. 74%); are more likely to communicate online (85% vs. 60%); are more politically and socially
involved (28% vs. 16%); are more inclined to attend movies with family or friends (79% vs. 51%); and are more likely to have a hobby they
enjoy (84% vs. 72%).
The American health club member views him- or herself as 'well-educated' (55% vs. 40%); 'in control of their own destiny' (40% vs. 30%);
'health-conscious' (37% vs. 23%); 'competitive' (34% vs. 29%); 'entrepreneurial' (19% vs. 12%); and 'computer-savvy' (21% vs. 13%).
With respect to market penetration, the segments in which the health and fitness club industry are particularly strong include: (1)
32.8% of singles earning more than $75,000 a year; (2) 32.4% of those ages 25-44 with household incomes exceeding $100,000; (3) 27.3%
of those with household incomes above $150,000; (4) 26.7% of individuals with advanced degrees in medicine, law, business, etc.; (5)
24.5% of those who describe themselves as full-time students; and (6) 23.4% of those who reside in major metropolitan centers (population,
2 million-plus) and earn over $100,000 a year.
In short, the typical American health club member is a competitive, well-educated, health-conscious, hard-working, upwardly mobile,
and socially engaged person who is fully involved in life.
We are privileged'and honored'to serve them.
John McCarthy is the executive director of IHRSA and can be reached at jmc@ihrsa.org.
International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association
Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210 USA phone: 800-228-4772 or +1 617-951-0055 fax: 617-951-0056 email:info@ihrsa.org Login
