MACMILLAN The Rise and Size of the Fitness Industry in Europe: Fit for the Future?

Review “This comparative survey outlines a convincing and updated scenario of the European fitness system. The research describes effectively the variety and complexity of a social, economic and cultural environment still too little investigated despite its demographic dimensions. In this way it offers an unprecedented overview of European sports and physical-motor practice intended as a new right of citizenship.”  – Nicola Porro, Professor of Sociology, University of Cassino & Southern Lazio, Italy  “Fitness is a major social phenomenon in contemporary societies and a very dynamic one. This book charts the rise and development of fitness contributing greatly to its knowledge and appreciation.” – Roberta Sassatelli, Professor of Sociology, University of Milan, Italy “This collection provides a comprehensive, comparative account of the historical development and sustained boom of the global fitness and health club industries. The evidence-led chapters examine trends in fitness participation, provision and governance across fifteen European case studies. This is an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners alike, offering critical insights into the past, present and future of physical fitness.” – Jennifer Smith Maguire, Professor of Cultural Production and Consumption, Sheffield Hallam University, UK Product Description This book explores the rise, size and shape of the European fitness industry by using harmonised data as well as in-depth analyses of national surveys in fifteen European countries. Following an introduction to the socio-historical and conceptual aspects of fitness, the collection presents the scope of fitness as a business and participatory activity. Furthermore, both policy and governance issues as well as community and supply angles are considered.Drawing on this unique material, the book will appeal to students and scholars of sport business, sport economics, sport management, and social sport sciences, but also to administrators, policymakers and entrepreneurs in the international and national sport and health community. From the Back Cover This book explores the rise, size and shape of the European fitness industry by using harmonised data as well as in-depth analyses of national surveys in fifteen European countries. Following an introduction to the socio-historical and conceptual aspects of fitness, the collection presents the scope of fitness as a business and participatory activity. Furthermore, both policy and governance issues as well as community and supply angles are considered.Drawing on this unique material, the book will appeal to students and scholars of sport business, sport economics, sport management, and social sport sciences, but also to administrators, policymakers and entrepreneurs in the international and national sport and health community. About the Author Jeroen Scheerder is Professor in Sport Policy and Sport Sociology, and Head of the Policy in Sports and Physical Activity Research Group at KU Leuven, Belgium. He was President of the European Association for Sociology of Sport (EASS), and currently acts as Promotor-coordinator of the Policy Research Centre on Sports on behalf of the Flemish Government.Hanna Vehmas is Senior Lecturer in Sport Sociology and Sport Management at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Currently, she acts as the Secretary General of the European Association for Sociology of Sport (EASS).Kobe Helsen is Scientific Researcher within the Policy in Sports and Physical Activity Research Group at KU Leuven, Belgium. His main research interests are in the field of the societal impact of sport events and governance issues in local football clubs and sport federations.