The UK health and fitness sector has weathered the recession well, with public operators showing particular resilience, according to the 2011 FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry report.

The annual report shows that since 2008 - acknowledged as the beginning of the recession - the fitness sector has seen its total market value increase by 4 per cent to £3.81bn, while the number of UK gym members has grown slightly (by 2 per cent), as has the number of facilities (by 1.7 per cent).

The growth has been driven mainly by the public and the budget sectors, with the public sector experiencing growth across three key performance indicators - number of sites, membership numbers and market value.

The number of publicly-owned clubs increased by 20 during the period, while membership numbers within the public sector grew by 2 per cent.

This resulted in the estimated market value of public sector clubs increasing by an impressive 5.8 per cent.

However, the overall industry average was held back by the performance of private sector operators whom have clearly had a rougher ride over the past three years.

The report shows that there has been a net loss of 13 private sector clubs since 2008 as the recession has hit, contributing to a 2.2 per cent decrease in the private sector's market value since 2010.

David Stalker, CEO of the Fitness Industry Association, said: "The last 12 months have been the toughest in our twenty year history.

"The industry has matured and we are not immune to the ongoing economic pressures facing all sectors in the current climate.

"Achieving an overall flat performance during this period demonstrates that the industry has become indispensable. More competition and further consolidation of the market is to be expected, but with increased public health awareness of the importance of physical activity and a three year industry strategy in place, there is opportunity for sector growth ahead."

Summary of Key Facts:
• Total Market Value (public and private sectors combined) is estimated at £3.81bn, sustained from 2010 and up 4 per cent since 2008
• 11.9 per cent of the UK population are now registered as members of a health and fitness club or publicly-owned fitness facility
• Total industry membership base has seen a slight decline (0.3 per cent) to 7.3m over the past 12 months; however this is a 2 per cent increase since 2008
• 149 new public and private fitness facilities opened in the 12 month period ending 31 March 2010, up from 122 in 2010 and 114 openings in 2009
• 125 public and private fitness facilities closed in the reported period
• There are now 5,852 fitness facilities in the UK; down from 5,885 in 2010 and up 1.7 per cent since 2008

The report was compiled by The Leisure Database Company. To obtain the full report, click here.