In spite of a sluggish economy, IHRSA attributed the industry's recent growth and positive long-term prospects to several key factors, including:
Aging Baby Boomers — Increasingly interested in the health benefits of regular exercise are the fastest growing segment of health club members, up 380 percent since 1987.
71 million Echo Boomers, ages 8 to 25 years — Represent a potential of approximately 12 million new club members over the next decade with nearly 18 percent of Americans age 18 to 34 members, the highest rate among any age group.
More professional club operations — have developed programs, facilities, and services that appeal to an ever-broader slice of the American population.
Continued financial investment — Fostered new facility development making health clubs more convenient than ever as the number of health clubs in the U.S. has grown by an estimated 41 percent since 1992.
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