Economy: Positive Earnings at Health Sports Clubs

As the economy (and news of the economy) glooms like a bad hangover, there's at least one report of good news within the fitness industry.

A recent survey found that 18 leading United States health and sports clubs had a good start this year with plenty of green in the quarter ending March 31, according to Industry Insights, Inc. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) reported the findings today.

The surveyed companies reported an average 15 percent increase to $17.5 million growth in the first quarter of 2008, according to IHRSA's index. Among other gains, non-dues revenues grew by 17.5 percent to $5.5 million; same-store revenue for those in operation for at least two years grew by an average 2.9 percent to $6.5 million.

This might be a great example of the phrase, "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."