METHODOLOGY & DEFINITIONS
OPERATOR VALIDATED UPDATES ,+ Site-level updates received
UK GYMS TRACKED , Continuously monitored
RESEARCH MODEL Continuous Intelligence-led approach
REPORTING PERIOD – Apr – Mar
Research Methodology & Continuous Market Intelligence
The UK Fitness Market Report is built using a continuously maintained market intelligence model combining operator validation, structured site audits, analyst research and AI-supported veri cation processes.
direct participation among smaller operators and increased the depth of veri ed facility-level data.
Alongside the formal audit programme, Leisure DB operates a continuous intelligence and veri cation process throughout the year. This includes ongoing monitoring of openings, closures, refurbishments, pricing changes, operator activity, digital infrastructure, wellness provision and emerging trends such as padel and recovery-focused services. Leisure DB now incorporates AI-supported research work ows to improve the scale, speed and consistency of market monitoring. AI-assisted processes support website monitoring, social media veri cation, pricing validation and detection of operational changes across the sector. All AI-supported outputs remain subject to analyst oversight and human validation before inclusion within the database or nal reporting. This approach combines the ef ciency of AI-supported intelligence gathering with the contextual judgement and veri cation standards of specialist researchers.
The methodology has evolved signi cantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional annual phone auditing toward a more intelligence-led and research-grade approach designed to improve data depth, consistency and overall accuracy across the UK tness market. The core of the 2026 methodology is a structured electronic audit process delivered directly to operators and individual facilities across the market. For multi-site public and private operators, Leisure DB issued structured audit les containing existing site- level data for review, correction and update. Operators were able to validate information across categories including membership, pricing, facilities, operational status, programming and emerging services. Independent and single-site facilities were invited to review and update their information through a secure self-service audit platform using unique site-speci c access links. This process signi cantly improved
The reporting period for this publication covers 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
124
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online