The fitness arena in Australia is valued at $2 billion, according to research conducted by analysis firm IBISWorld.

The company’s April 2023 report revealed there are 8,236 businesses operating in the market, employing 19,802 staff.

Over the next five years to 2028 it is expected that revenue, and profit margins will increase.

However, the fitness and gym sector faces increased competition from other activities including organised sports participation and at-home workouts.

The report author suggests some consumers who bought equipment for personal use during the pandemic will continue to choose to exercise in the comfort of their own homes.

So who are the top players?

Four major groups lead the sector, with franchised brands in the mix.

Anytime Fitness in Australia is part of the Collective Wellness Group and was one of the first 24/7 gyms in Australia. The gym chain is almost at capacity with more than 550 outlets across Australia. It recently unveiled a small format studio concept, ideal for regional towns, with an investment cost of about $350,000.

Anytime also revealed it is opening up a Sumhiit Fitness studio, the latest idea from Anytime’s parent company in the US. However, it won’t be run as a franchise in Australia.

The Fitness and Lifestyle Group operates a number of fitness chains including Goodlife Health Clubs, Fitness First, Jetts Fitness and Barry’s.

Last year FLG sold the franchise arm of Jetts Fitness to a management buyout. The new leadership has global rights to the brand, except in New Zealand, Vietnam and Thailand.

F45 was credited with changing the face of fitness by operating scheduled training sessions rather than a standard gym facility. The fast-growing high-profile Aussie business made headlines with its swift expansion, including a fast-growing footprint in the US. However it has also seen the closure of a number of studios in Australia as the US business faces legal battles.

Viva Leisure operates the Plus Fitness and Rebalance fitness brands under the newly created franchising division, Chain Collective Group. A publicly listed company Viva Leisure had a broad portfolio of brands including Club Lime, FitnFast, Groundup, Gymmy Pt, Hiit Republic and Psycle Life when it acquired the Plus Fitness business three years ago.

It only recently unveiled a revitalised Rebalance business as a franchise.