Health-and-Fitness online information.

Women's fitness is big business: Women comprise 52 percent of the slightly more than 36 million health club members in the United States, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. The health club industry generated $13 billion in total revenues in 2002.

The strength of the women's fitness market isn't lost on savvy companies. Curves for Women, a Waco, Texas-based women's fitness franchise, is seeing tremendous growth with its 30-minute workout concept. Even the 111-year-old dancewear company Danskin is getting into the act with a line of weight training equipment just for women.

Women's fitness is booming, says Mark Mastrov, founder and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, a San Ramon, California-based fitness center with more than 300 locations. Women account for 48 percent of its membership. "That number continues to grow," he says. "Women are really getting into personal training, working out with a trainer who can teach them about nutrition and the proper way to exercise."

"Exercise spas" combining spa treatments with Pilates and yoga are emerging around the country, and women's strength training is benching sturdy growth, too. Burr and Carl Diehl, married and both 56, are co-owners of The Bar Method, an exercise studio in San Francisco. They've also licensed the name to owners who have locations in Los Angeles and Connecticut. With estimated 2003 sales of $500,000 from their San Francisco studio, Burr says, "We're growing at a pretty [good] pace."

Opportunities also abound in nutrition, personal training, workout reminders, progress tracking, clothing and equipment. 24 Hour Fitness' research shows women want a maximum drive time of 12 minutes followed by a 30-to-45-minute workout. "Women are looking for something convenient, social and close to home," Mastrov says. "If you're creating a new entrepreneurial concept aimed at the women's fitness market, pick the right location, and make sure you have staying power inside a very strong experience- and service-oriented concept. You've got great opportunity right now." Understand what women want, and you could fit right in.

# posted by Medical Information : 6:13 AM