Fitness clubs won back the September fall due to mobilization

By the end of October, sales of club cards and subscriptions in Russian fitness clubs grew by 3%, having won back the fall in September associated with the announcement of partial mobilization. At the same time, sales still remain at the pre-crisis level of 2019. This was announced by the President of the National Fitness Community (NFS) Elena Silina.

According to the NSF, in October, sales of club cards and subscriptions grew by 18.1% in annual terms, additional services – by 13.9%. At the same time, attendance at fitness clubs increased by 12.9% compared to September.

“In addition, the number of returns for previously purchased cards and services is now about 9%, which is already approaching the allowable share of 3-5%. In September, this figure jumped sharply to 14%. About 25% of the major market players came close to the pre-crisis level of sales and were able to jump into positive values,” said Elena Selina Forbes.

Ms. Selina noted that despite the improvement in performance, the industry has not returned to the pre-pandemic period. According to her, compared to 2019, sales of cards and subscriptions are lower by 7.6%, additional services – by 8.6%, attendance – by 12.3%.

Elena Selina added that in a number of regions the fitness industry continues to suffer losses due to the military operation in Ukraine. Sales in Belgorod, Kursk, Rostov, Bryansk, Voronezh regions, Crimea and Sevastopol decreased by 27.5% compared to October 2021. The number of people employed in the industry also decreased by 12% due to mobilization-related reasons.

The NSF last week asked the government to write off loans issued to the most affected industries and enterprises under the concessional business lending program, writes Forbes. The NSF explained this by the deterioration of the financial position of the companies. According to the union, about 70% of borrowers from the fitness industry are unable to repay their debt.

Olesya Pavlenko