AEIEB president Naty Company analyses the expansion of the sector, the changing user profile and the main challenges in professionalisation, regulation and sustainability

Naty Company sports businesses Mallorca

The physical exercise and sports sector is now an expanding ecosystem that brings together chains, boutique centres, personal training and large sports facilities. Naty Company Planas, president of the Balearic Association of Sports Facility Entrepreneurs (AEIEB), looks back on its evolution after the pandemic, the rise in demand and the challenges facing an activity increasingly linked to health, but also more demanding in terms of quality, regulation and talent.

— What is the current scale of the fitness sector in the Balearic Islands? Roughly how many companies or centres are we talking about?
— It is very significant within the fields of sport and health. We are talking about an ecosystem that brings together several hundred centres, including gyms, boutique studios, personal training centres and large sports facilities, in addition to the whole associated business network. It is a sector that creates stable, qualified employment and has a direct impact on improving public health.

— How has the number of centres or the sector’s activity evolved in recent years?
— In recent years we have seen very significant evolution. After the impact of the pandemic, the sector not only recovered, but has experienced sustained growth. The number of centres has increased, as has demand from the public, who have become more aware of the importance of physical exercise.

— Has the user profile changed during this fitness boom? What are people looking for when they go to a centre today?
— Yes, the user profile has clearly changed. Today people are more informed and more demanding. They are looking to improve their health, prevent disease, enhance their physical and mental wellbeing and receive a personalised service. Professional quality and experience are key factors.

— Would you say the growth of fitness is more linked to health or to aesthetic goals?
— Without a doubt, current growth is much more closely linked to health. Although the aesthetic component is still present, there is growing awareness of exercise as a preventive, therapeutic and overall wellbeing tool.

— What kinds of centres are growing the most at the moment?
— The models growing the most are those that provide added value. Chains continue to expand, but boutique centres and personal training also stand out because of their specialised and personalised approach. Centres focused on hybrid training are also growing very strongly.

— What are currently the sector’s main challenges?
— The main challenge is professionalisation and regulation. Professional malpractice remains a concern, as it can pose health risks. Other key challenges include talent retention, digitalisation and business sustainability. And lastly, at AEIEB we are working to make gym membership fees deductible under personal income tax, as is already the case in other autonomous communities.

💡 Read the feature on the rise of fitness in Mallorca, included in our magazine Mallorca Global Mag.