In 2000 there were an estimated 32 million gym memberships in the United States of America. Over a decade later, that number has almost doubled to over 55 million and continues to grow. The landscape is similar in the United Kingdom, with a growth in the number of young adults focusing on their body image and older adults focusing on their health. In fact, research carried out in 2015 and published in The Guardian, revealed that gym goers in the UK were spending 44% more on their gym memberships than they were in the previous year. All of which highlights the growing popularity of gyms and how those who attend a gym are willing to invest more into their body image and health.

As the demand on gyms has grown, both large chains and independents face a struggle to facilitate the needs of consumers. One of those struggles includes having the financial and physical resources necessary to expand the facilities necessary to allow for more equipment, members and staff.

Since the first gymnasium opened in ancient Persia over 3000 years ago, gyms have been formed within brick and mortar buildings traditionally. On occasion, larger chains, such as Fitness First and Anytime Fitness, have gone as far as to build such builders for the core purpose of being used as a gymnasium. By doing so, they are able to integrate more permanent features such as a running track, basketball court, climbing wall, steam room and sauna. All of which provides members with a wider array of options and therefore allows those gyms to maximise their membership fee.

Building these buildings and acquiring existing buildings requires an extensive financial investment, something which is often out of reach for independent gyms. It can also require them to halt trading at their existing building whilst construction takes place. As a result, many are turning to alternative forms of buildings that allow for quicker and cheaper construction.

Such an alternative is portable cabins, that can be seen accompanying buildings throughout the UK, including educational, medical and commercial premises. Springfield, a leading provider of portable cabins, have witnessed an increase in gyms using these buildings too. This is primarily due to their adaptive nature, which allows for easy expansion and the addition of numerous features, such as shower blocks and studios. Portable cabins are also significantly cheaper than brick and mortar alternatives and can be constructed alongside an existing building without it impacting the ongoing operation of your business. In fact, dependent upon the supplier and form of cabin construction can be completed in a matter of weeks and you can begin operating your business from that building instantly once completed.

Portable cabins are just one alternative being considered by gym owners looking to expand their existing buildings to handle increased consumer demand. Whatever choice you take, recent research shows that this demand is likely to continue and for any gym to capitalise in it, they must offer the appropriate facilities in a growingly competitive market.