Australia’s fitness industry is bulking up, growing an average of 4 per cent annually between 2017 and 2022.

According to IbisWorld, the gyms and fitness centres industry has grown faster than the overall economy.

This is a sector which continues to attract eager recruits, according to the Australian Fitness Academy, with the number of fitness jobs estimated to reach 43,900 in 2024.

National Industry Insights from the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) expects the number of fitness instructors to grow by 10 per cent by 2026 – they currently account for 9 per cent of the workforce.

Interestingly, Queensland accounts for the greatest number of fitness student enrolments at 36.3 per cent, with New South Wales coming next best at 23.6 per cent.

The majority of apprentices and trainees in December 2021 enrolled in a Certificate III in Fitness.

What skills do franchisees need from instructors?

Business owners look for soft skills on top of the technical capabilities needed to do the job. So fitness staff need to bring communication, planning and organisational skills, energy and an eye for detail to their roles.

Which brands are employing fitness instructors?

Two franchised businesses are among the top employers: Anytime Fitness and Belgravia Leisure. Other leading firms are Fitness First, Goodlife Health Clubs and YMCA.

The AISC predicts “significant opportunity” for the fitness industry based on a growing population and rising discretionary income.

Each year Aussies spend $8.5 billion on fitness services and equipment.