What’s driving the boom in boutique fitness studios?

A new report due out in December will bid to uncover what is driving the current investment boom in boutique fitness studios.

Authored by respected fitness industry analyst Ray Algar of Oxygen Consulting, the report will explore why boutique studios – defined as a brand built around a single group-led activity such as cycling and yoga – are on the rise and aim to explain how boutique fitness studios compete to win and retain customers.

Algar will analyse investment activities in the sector, as well as the story behind high-profile UK-based boutiques such as Psycle and 1Rebel, which recently hit the headlines with an innovative crowdfunding venture.

Speaking to Health Club Management magazine at the recent Leisure Industry Week in Birmingham, Algar said that of particular interest to him is what enables a boutique to charge upwards of £20 (more than the price of a month’s membership at a low-cost gym) for a single class, as well as what is persuading owners and investors to stake their livelihoods on this sector of the market.

Algar hopes the tentatively named: 2014 UK Boutique Fitness Studio Report will become the ‘go to’ research paper for readers seeking a deep understanding of this exciting market sector, while helping prospective investors to shape their business plan.

Currently compiling the report, Algar is seeking interviews with UK boutique studio CEO, as well as anyone with considered opinions on why consumers are engaging with specialist studios. People wishing to participate can register their interest by emailing: [email protected]