Dance-based fitness classes are booming. Hayley Price takes a look at how health clubs and leisure operators are responding to the growing variety of offerings on the market

Nottingham University’s new SYNRGY-based Active Trail is proving a hit with students and staff alike

There’s a new mindset among consumers regarding how they want to consume fitness – and it means the health club sector will need to place greater emphasis on creating unique, engaging experiences, says Kate Cracknell

Mintel’s senior leisure and technology analyst, Paul Davies, looks at the current state of the health and fitness market, and asks how club operators can be more innovative in 2016 and beyond

Work experience is more important than academic qualifications, and secondary spend is a growing focus. Mike Hill of Leisure-net Solutions canvasses the views of some of the UK’s leading health and fitness operators

The coming together of sport and fitness – encapsulated in the new DCMS strategy – marks a huge opportunity for health clubs and leisure centres to play to their strengths and tap into new funding streams, says Kate Cracknell

Stephen Tharrett and Mark Williamson of brand insights firm ClubIntel share a glimpse into the work and resulting outcomes of the recent 2015 International Fitness Industry Trend report - What’s All the Rage

Health clubs are popping up in increasingly diverse locations – so how do you decide if a site is right for you?

Vicki Loomes of trendwatching.com outlines five consumer trends your business should be embracing in 2016

The fitness industry may be growing, but it needs to do even more to achieve future success. David Minton looks at moves in the private and public sector, and the need for all clubs to better embrace the power of social media

There’s a new, more relaxed attitude among consumers in terms of loyalty, says Imke Schuller of The Futures Company

The Group CEO of Holmes Place talks to Kate Cracknell about the launch of its new gym-only Evo concept, the importance of brand identity, and plans to return to the UK

A proliferation of opportunities to be physically active. ukactive’s Steven Ward looks ahead to 2016

Exercise may enhance the plasticity of the adult brain, making it more flexible and open to new ideas and ways of learning, according to new research from the University of Pisa, Italy

Business theorist Nir Eyal – who specialises in the intersection of psychology, technology and business – offers a sneak preview of his keynote presentation at IHRSA 2016

Strictly Come Dancing’s Darcey Bussell tells us all about her new group exercise programme

Former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo has announced that he is working on a new fitness software platform which will seek to integrate existing apps and workouts with a strong “community aspect.”

Stressed-out sports captains, struggling to put out a team on a cold Tuesday evening in Stoke, have been thrown a lifeline – an app which links up available sportspeople with local teams in need of players.

Fitness tracking devices are expected to remain the dominant force in the wearable tech market over the next three years, according to new research, although smartwatches are anticipated to gradually increase their market share.

It’s understood that IMAX, which specialises in creating immersive 3D and 4D cinematic experiences, is looking to move into the US health and fitness industry.

Disney and Creative England have named Liverpool-based tech firm Citrus Suite as the winner of an £80,000 development fund to create an app that inspires families to lead healthier lifestyles.

Fitbug Holdings has secured the services of innovation specialist and former Nokia high flyer Dr Mark Ollila as a non-executive director.

Fitness start-up Dibs Technology has raised US$1m (€920,000, £687,000) in seed funding as the fledgling business bids to expand the reach of its dynamic-pricing technology for fitness classes.

Fitbit, the world’s biggest seller of wearable technology, is being sued in the US over claims that its heart rate monitors are inaccurate and place exercisers at risk.

Having been named the biggest fitness trend of 2016 by the ACSM recently, wearable tech is continuing to dominate proceedings at the annual CES technology show which is now underway in Las Vegas.

We uncover some of the latest group exercise concepts set to make a splash in 2016, including Burlexercise, Block Fit, PiYo Live and Pound

Brand new halls and a hands-on exploration of the future of the sector – FIBO 2016 is a must-attend event

Following the lead of the US and Australia, trampolining parks are springing up all over the UK and Europe. So what’s all the fuss about, and how do these centres sit alongside other fitness operations?

The health and fitness industry has a huge opportunity to bridge the gap between illness and wellness, says Oliver Patrick, the co-founder of international health management business Viavi

The CEO of Jatomi Fitness talks to Kate Cracknell about building a business around the consumer, and the lessons fitness can take from the fast food sector