OMG! A budget gym is coming to town. What’s your strategic response?

New London seminar: May 22nd 2012 Low-cost gyms have been operating in the UK since 2006 so they are hardly new. This means the industry has had nearly six years to develop a strategic response, so why is there surprise when they arrive in town, with sometimes terminal consequences for established ‘mid-market’ clubs? Interactive London seminar Step out of your business for a ... Read more »

What is driving the low-cost gym sector, Ray Algar 2012

What is driving the low-cost gym sector? Presentation by Ray Algar 2012

Below is a copy of my low-cost gym presentation to delegates attending the IHRSA Convention in Los Angeles during March 2012. Please do leave a comment on the presentation or general comments on low-cost (budget) gyms.

Presentation of 2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report - Ray Algar

IHRSA European Congress – 2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report

Milan was the host city for the 11th annual IHRSA European Congress. Nearly 500 delegates from 35 countries attended this year's event. Industry federations from across Europe as well as South Africa and New Zealand were also represented at the event. Below is the presentation that I delivered along with Melissa Rodriguez, Research Manager at IHRSA. This is a large file ... Read more »

Presentation – 2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report

During October 2011, I presented findings from my 2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report at two events in London and Manchester. Below is a copy of my presentation. This is a very large file so needs to be viewed online. You will find a copy of the full report in the Think Tank.

History of Body Building

Interesting infographic that tracks the emergence of body building: Source: Visual.ly

Il Nuovo Club magazine – European Health Club Industry Web and Social Media Report – Part 2

This is the second article published by Il Nuovo Club magazine. Click on 'expand' to read the full article.

The Growing Obesity Crisis

This infographic summarises some of the global obesity statistics: Source: Visual.ly

Different Types of Low-cost Gym Propositions

This image is taken from my 2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report and illustrates how the definition of a low-cost or 'budget gym' can range from narrow to broad. Source: Ray Algar 2011

The Truth About Toning Fitness Shoes

Click on the title to view infographic. This infographic explains the difference between the claims made by a fitness shoe manufacturer and the evidence. Source: Visual.ly

2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report, supported by Precor

This report follows on from my 2010 UK Low-cost Gym Sector Report. The report investigates how the low-cost gym sector is growing internationally. The report features a series of out-of-sector interviews as well as several club CEO's who discuss why they have entered the low-cost segment. As with my other reports, a group has been set up in the Oxygen Think ... Read more »

UK Private Health and Fitness Club Timeline

Leisure Report Journal commissioned me to research and produce a visual timeline for the UK private health club industry. This illustrates how the industry has evolved since 1979. Source: Ray Algar

Advising Unilever Ventures

Reviewing the business plan for MiLife, an innovative web-based weight management and vitality system on behalf of Unilever Ventures.

Insight for adidas

Engaged by adidas to provide research and insight into the health club industry and exercise trends. This involved joining a new project team led by Gil Steyaert, the UK Managing Director. The work was provided over a six-month period, involving several workshops, presentations and bespoke research.

Supporting energie fitness in acquring eight clubs

Undertaking due diligence research to support the acquisition of eight separate businesses on behalf of Energie Fitness Clubs.

Fitness Industry Association (FIA) and the Department of Health

The FIA was involved in the Department of Health consultation `Choosing Health`. Ray Algar was commissioned to identify, research, and write up case studies that support the present diverse work of FIA members. Commissioned by: Executive Director, Executive Chair Terms of Engagement Work related to the following themes: National initiatives that encourage the English population to become more active. Evidence of an innovative public/private partnership ... Read more »

The Oshi Leisure House Project

Researching and writing the entry for The Oshi House™, a fascinating floating living pod designed for the global tourism industry in the prestigious Oxford International Business Plan Competition. From a large international entry, the Oshi House™ was chosen as one of the six finalists.

Using technology to stay fit and healthy

Commissioned by the Economist publication, 'Intelligent Life', to research and write an article on how new technology is helping people to improve their health and well-being. Browse over to 'Insights' to read the article.

The world of Collaborative Consumption

Commissioned by Leisure Report to research and write an article on how 'collaborative consumption' is making global retailers re-think how they communicate with consumers. It was during research for this article, that Ray Algar coined the term 'Collaborative Consumption'. You can read the full and original article here.

Marketing insight for Precor

Commissioned by Precor to provide an economic overview of Europe, Middle East and Africa to inform their marketing planning.

Welcome to Oxygen Consulting

Welcome to Oxygen Consulting, where the core purpose is to provide compelling strategic business insight for organisations connected to the global health and fitness industry. I create value by blending my experience as both a leisure operator and management consultant.

As you browse this website, I hope you get a sense for my distinctive approach. I am very good at strategic assignments and seeing the ‘big picture’, but also committed to implementation and delivering immediate results. I call this ‘insight with action’, where I take market or customer knowledge and help organisations to translate it into robust management actions.

Using this website

There is a considerable amount of material on this website and so I suggest you take away what you need and then make regular visits as I am constantly adding new articles, conference presentations, infographics and other content. You will also see the Think Tank which allows stimulating discussion around key strategic topics pertinent to the global health and fitness industry. There is a quick one-time free registration after which you can interact with colleagues from around the globe.

I do hope you enjoy using my website and find it informative. Please do leave me your comments and remember that I am available for research and consulting assignments. You can get in touch with me here.

Ray Algar (MBA, MA (Marketing)
Strategic Marketer

Oxygen Projects

Think Tank

Join the Think Tank to discuss strategic topics connected to the global health and fitness industry. It takes one minute to join and membership is free.

2011 Global Low-cost Gym Sector Report now available. Join the report group now to download a free copy of the report and discuss the findings.

Oxygen Quarterly

News & Comment

OMG! A budget gym is coming to town. What’s your strategic response? April 5, 2012
New London seminar: May 22nd 2012 Low-cost gyms have been operating in the UK since 2006 so they are hardly new. ...
BBC Watchdog programme investigates how gym sell memberships April 6, 2012
Today (5th April 2012) the BBC Watchdog programme broadcast its findings into dysfunctional sales practices at Fitness First and LA ...
What is driving the low-cost gym sector? Presentation by Ray Algar 2012 March 20, 2012
Below is a copy of my low-cost gym presentation to delegates attending the IHRSA Convention in Los Angeles during March ...