Millions of Australians engage in some form of regular fitness activity, and participation is only getting stronger…

We’ve always been an active lot. The Australian climate lends itself to the outdoors and our fanatical following of sport is well documented. But persistent reports ranking us alongside the USA as one of the fattest countries in the world have obviously stung, because Aussies are working out like never before.

The success of The Biggest Loser and advent of ‘fitspiration’ across social media are indicative of this shift in attitude. Whether it comes down to vanity, competitive nature within our social networks, or a genuine collective effort to live healthily, the bottom line is that we’re exercising in unprecedented numbers.

According to a 2012 report commissioned by Fitness Australia, over four million Australians participate in fitness industry activities. This is a substantial figure, undoubtedly, but no surprise when considering estimates that fitness centres save up to $108 million in direct healthcare costs per annum.

Fitness has grown strongly as an industry since 2009 (4.8% annually) and is growing at a faster rate than the broader sport and recreation category in terms of both revenue and employment. The latest revenue figures for the fitness industry are touted at AUD$1 billion.

The increasing affordability and, perhaps most importantly, accessibility have been big factors in contributing to the recent success of gym franchises.

Plus Fitness 24/7 is a Franchise division of the Plus Fitness group with 120 facilities open across Australia and a new Franchise opening every ten days. The model offers its gym members 24 hour access throughout the year and with no lock in contracts.

Plus Fitness capitalises on strong supplier relationships developed over 18 years in the fitness industry to provide the most cost effective and only true turn key gym franchise option in the country.