Compelling strategic insight for organisations connected to the global health & fitness industry
Health Club Management discuss Gymtopia
Kate Cracknell, Editor of UK-based Health Club Management devotes her 'Letter from the Editor' to discuss the idea of health clubs becoming more socially orientated. The letter discusses Gymtopia which launches at the end of May 2013. ------------- Social responsibility Why do health clubs – operations that pivot around the idea of doing people good – have to work so hard, and spend ... Read more »
A story telling platform that captures the social impact of global health clubs
Today I am announcing the start of Gymtopia, an important new digital platform that aims to capture the wider social good undertaken by the world’s health clubs. This achieves two things; it shows the social impact projects that are already taking place, and critically, encourages other clubs to do the same. The global health club industry is an influential community Health clubs ... Read more »
Qual é o propósito central da sua academia e o que ela representa?
apresentação pela Ray Algar IHRSA/Fitness Brasil Sao Paulo 2012 Qual é o propósito central da sua academia e o que ela representa? from Ray Algar
Como as academias de baixo custo estão transformando o mercado global de academias
Como as academias de baixo custo estão transformando o mercado global de academias from Ray Algar
UK health and fitness industry – key numbers
This nice infographic appeared in the Times newspaper on June 5th 2012 to coincide with the release of the 2012 State of the UK Fitness Industry, a report published annually by The Leisure Database Company. Dominic Walsh and those other lovely people at The Times granted permission for me to reproduce it here, so enjoy: Click on the image to enlarge:
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.
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
Research on the Russian health and fitness market
Commissioned by a global fitness equipment manufacturer to provide current market information on the Russian fitness market.
Research on Brazilan health and fitness market
Commissioned by a Portuguese health and fitness operator to assess the market potential for developing a low-cost gym business in Brazil.
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)
Managing Director
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
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Short video to introduce Gymtopia
May 20, 2013
Gymtopia, my new project launches at the end of May 2013. This four minute video explains the big idea. You ...
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Health Club Management discuss Gymtopia
May 15, 2013
Kate Cracknell, Editor of UK-based Health Club Management devotes her 'Letter from the Editor' to discuss the idea of health ...
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Ray Algar discusses Gymtopia, his new digital project
April 30, 2013
Adriano Zanni recently contacted me about an article for Fitness Business Magazine Brasil. He wanted to know more about Gymtopia, ...
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2012 UK Low-cost Gym Sector Report – register for the free report now
My new report into the growth of low-cost or ‘budget’ gyms is now available. You can register for a complimentary copy of the report by joining the report group. There is a one-time registration after which you will become a permanent member of the Oxygen Consulting Think Tank.
Help me to build Gymtopia
Gymtopia is a digital story telling platform capturing the social impact projects powered by the global health and fitness industry. I need just two more commercial partners to make this project a reality.
Find out more about this inspiring project and get involved.
