At FHP Education, we’re passionate about the fitness industry. We think it is an amazing career path for anyone with a passion for fitness and helping others reach their goals while achieving their own. In this Fitness Industry Outlook 2020 guide, we’ll go over what we see in this industry in Canada and globally.
The Fitness Industry – By The Numbers
The Global Fitness Industry
Because NFLA credentials are recognized globally, it is important to understand the global potential of the certification you worked so hard to get.
- 180,000 Fitness Clubs
- 145 Million Members
- US$84 Billion in Revenue (estimated)
In Canada
- $4B Market
- 9.1% Annual Growth
- 9,043 Fitness Businesses
- 69,659 Employees
- According to IBIS World, the Canadian fitness industry has grown over the last 5 years leading up to 2019 because of consumer trends and public health campaigns. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) obesity costs Canadians over $5B each year.
The Opportunity
According to a Government of Canada public health survey in 2017, 64% of Canadians over 18 are overweight or obese, and about 30% of children are. While these rates are rising, we also see a sharp rise in awareness and education around healthy living.
In response, the Canadian government, employers, and health insurers are taking steps to educate the public and even subsidize gym and studio costs for their employees/plan members. The Fitness Industry Council is even working with the Canadian Medical Association to exercise something they prescribe to patients who need it. All this provides a huge boost to the sector.
As more and more Canadians (and people for all across the globe) look to take charge of their health and fitness, the numbers are promising:
Over 16.2 million Canadians over the age of 12 are participating in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week.
Stats Canada
As this staggering number continues to grow, there is an opportunity for fitness professionals like yourself to meet the demand.
Job Prospects & Education
Technically speaking, there is not a strict educational requirement for entering the industry. However, most reputable gyms and facilities will require you to have some NFLA certification related to the type of fitness activity you want to lead.
As a result, it is an easy career to get into because of the low education requirements. But most successful trainers have some sort of a health-related post-secondary degree (i.e. Kinesiology) OR some certification (i.e. NFLA).
Salary & Compensation
Working at a fitness club, you can expect a starting pay of about $20/hr, although many will pay more. Typically, you will also make more if you work at a boutique facility/studio (i.e. yoga) than at, say… a “big box” gym like GoodLife or Steve Nash.
Wage starts at $20/hr for new fitness professionals. Of course, it goes up based on your specialization (i.e. personal training, old age fitness, group classes, etc.).
Those that own their own fitness business can easily earn $100/hr for their work. Trainers working with celebrities or athletes can easily get hourly rates of up to $400/hr (that’s how much lawyers make!).
In summary, there is a lot of opportunity in the industry for those that are hungry and passionate about what they do. Compensation in the 6-figure range is not uncommon. Are you surprised by the fitness industry outlook for this year in 2020?
Ready to Enroll?
Join us at FHP today and begin your fitness career transformation!