Market Overview

The survey of nationwide fitness facilities, along with the companies that operate such facilities, found out that there were 12,543 facilities nationwide as of August 2024.
Classified by type of operation, the number of comprehensive fitness centers was 1,142, small fitness facilities were 2,145, 24-hour gyms were 4,348, yoga studios were 1,334 and other types were 3,574.
Thus, the largest number of fitness facilities by type of operation was 24-hour gyms, occupying 34.7% of the total number of facilities and are likely to grow more in composition. This was followed by “other” types of fitness facilities, which include personal training facilities, etc., at 28.5%. On the other hand, comprehensive fitness centers, equipped with swimming pool(s), gymnasium, and studios, which used to be the mainstream, accounted for the smallest share, 9.1%, after yoga studios.

Noteworthy Topics

Number of New Facilities from September 2023 to August 2024 Counted 1,152

Of the 12,543 fitness facilities nationwide as of August 2024, 1,152 new facilities opened between September 2023 and August 2024. When these new facilities were classified by type of operation, there were 8 comprehensive types, 24 small fitness facilities, 826 24-hour gyms, 124 yoga studios, and 170 of other types.
24-hour gyms were dominant in number, occupying 71.7% of the total. This was partly because of the nationwide expansion of “chocoZAP”, a 24-hour fitness gym for light users, developed by RIZAP GROUP Inc., and other 24-hour gym brands, which opened their gyms in dozens of locations. "Other" types followed with 14.8% and yoga studios with 10.8%. Among the “other” types, there were many new openings of personal training studios, and among yoga studios, machine-based Pilates studios. For Pilates, in addition to new brands entering the market during the pandemic, existing brands increased the number of studios specializing in Pilates. Some facilities were so popular that they restricted new memberships.

Future Outlook

The survey has summarized the future trend of fitness facilities by type of operation.
Comprehensive types are likely to grow and retain the membership by offering attractive, contemporary services that are in tune with the times and make effective use of existing facilities and equipment.
Small facilities have been driven by Curves, which has expanded the number of locations nationwide, but appear to be entering a mature phase as growth in the number of facilities has slowed without the momentum of the past.
24-hour gyms are likely to slow the pace of new facility openings in the medium term, but in the meantime, “chocoZAP” is expected to drive the segment by attracting light users or beginners who have not previously visited fitness gyms on a regular basis. This trend is expected to increase the fitness population.
The trend of yoga studios is shifting from hot yoga to machine-based Pilates as companies have been active in opening the specialized studios even amidst the pandemic. Pilates has spread by word of mouth among women. As its popularity appears to be more permanent than temporary, the number of new studios is likely to increase nationwide.

Research Outline