A Socio-Economic Analysis of Attendance Behaviour in Commercial Fitness Clubs

Table of Contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1. Problem Definition
  • 1.2. The Problem's Topicality and Significance
  • 1.3. Structure of the Thesis
• 2. STATE-OF-THE-ART - Empirical Findings
  • 2.1. Utility and Costs of Attendance
    • 2.1.1. Monetary
    • 2.1.2. Social/ Motivation
    • 2.1.3. Motivation
  • 2.2. Extra Utility
  • 2.3. SUMMARY
• 3. THEORY
  • 3.1. PARTI - Analysis of Supply and Demand of Gym Attendance
    • 3.1.1. Analysis of Demand: Why People become Members of Commercial Fitness Clubs
      • 3.1.1.1. Changes in Income and Work Time
      • 3.1.1.2. Changes in Social Values
      • 3.1.1.3. Body Concept
      • 3.1.1.4. SUMMARY
    • 3.1.2. Analysis of Supply of Gym Attendance - Constraints to Attendance in Commercial Fitness Clubs
      • 3.1.2.1. Definition of Commercial Fitness Clubs
      • 3.1.2.2. Characteristics of Commercial Fitness Clubs
    • 3.1.3. Interim Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This dissertation investigates the socio-economic factors that influence attendance behavior in commercial fitness clubs. The main objective is to analyze why some members utilize their membership only minimally, despite the financial investment in the membership. This analysis aims to deepen the understanding of consumer behavior within the fitness industry.

• Consumer behavior in commercial fitness clubs
• Socio-economic factors influencing attendance
• Analysis of supply and demand of gym attendance
• The role of motivation and social values
• The impact of body image on membership utilization

Chapter Summaries

The introductory chapter defines the research problem, outlining the topicality and significance of understanding why some members of commercial fitness clubs utilize their membership sparingly. It also provides a framework for the subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 delves into the existing empirical findings on utility and costs associated with attending fitness clubs, exploring both monetary and non-monetary aspects, such as social motivations and individual goals. Chapter 3 lays out the theoretical framework for analyzing supply and demand of gym attendance, examining factors influencing individual decisions to join fitness clubs, including changes in income and work time, evolving social values, and personal body image. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the characteristics of commercial fitness clubs.

Keywords

This dissertation explores key topics in the field of sport economics and consumer behavior, focusing on the analysis of attendance behavior within the commercial fitness industry. Central keywords include: attendance behavior, commercial fitness clubs, socio-economic factors, consumer behavior, utility and costs, supply and demand, motivation, social values, body image, and membership utilization.