AFS, ClubIntel Announce First-Ever Research Study: Financial Performance Metrics of Fitness Studios

This press release was provided by AFS. The Club Industry editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) and ClubIntel, the leading fitness industry market research firm, announced today the first-ever benchmarking study of the financial performance of small fitness studios. 

The research study, scheduled for release into the studio market on May 1, is a performance benchmarking study that will explore and measure the key performance metrics relevant to operators of fitness studios.  This includes data related to branding, marketing and operations that will provide comparative benchmarks for the areas most critical to their financial success.

“Market research is an inherent role and responsibility of any trade association and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Josh Leve, AFS co-founder and President.  “Partnering with ClubIntel ensures the study will be conducted professionally and, most importantly, the data will be valuable.”

“Our members and the studio segment in general, have been operating blindly, essentially forever,” Leve continued. “It’s time to help by providing the benchmarks they need to assess their business and, if appropriate, make the changes necessary to improve their profitability.”

ClubIntel specializes in fitness industry research having collaborated with IHRSA, the Club Spa & Fitness Association, and many high-profile health club chains.  Not only does ClubIntel ask the right questions and elicit the key data, they have the insight and experience to decode and explain the numbers.

"We’re pleased and proud to have been selected by AFS to conduct this ground-breaking research,” said ClubIntel co-founder Stephen Tharrett. “It’s incredibly exciting and somewhat daunting to be first-in in a market segment.  We look forward to developing data and insights that will truly help studio owners.”

The completed Financial Performance of Fitness Studios will be available free of charge to AFS members, study sponsors, and participating studios in July 2015. 

About ClubIntel

ClubIntel is a brand insights firm focused on serving the health/fitness and private club industries. Stephen Tharrett and his partner Mark Williamson together have over 50 years of experience in the fitness and hospitality industries.  Stephen is a former SVP of Operations at ClubCorp, Board Chairman at IHRSA, author of eight fitness business books, including Studio Success! AFS’ Authoritative Guide to Owning & Operating a Fitness Studio.  Mark is a former VP of Consumer and Employee Insights at ClubCorp, as well as the former VP of Consumer Insights for Applebee’s, Brinker International and Match.com.  www.club-intel.com

About AFS

The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios.  AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown. www.afsfitness.com