In 2023 the Russian fitness market is expected to see the opening of around 400 new clubs, with the bulk being compact gyms and boutique studios. This projection comes from a Kommersant article that cites estimates from the National Fitness Society and Nerces for the year. The forecast highlights a dynamic landscape where new entrants meet shifts in demand as operators experiment with formats and locations in urban and regional centers.
Despite the optimistic outlook, market churn is also anticipated. Several dozen participants could exit the market, creating a more balanced supply picture by year-end. In a favorable scenario, the total number of fitness facilities could rise to about 8,600 nationwide, representing roughly a 5 percent increase compared to late 2022. These figures illustrate the cyclical nature of the industry, where expansion is tempered by consolidation and real estate considerations, as reported in the same coverage by Kommersant based on industry sources.
Olga Kiseleva, who leads the Association of Fitness Industry Operators, notes that FitnessData’s calculations underpin these projections. Her team expects 400 to 500 new clubs in 2023, with 340 to 420 of them being small-format halls and studios. The remaining facilities are projected to occupy larger spaces, typically around 500 square meters. This segmentation reflects a broader strategy among operators to diversify offerings—from intimate studios to mid-sized fitness hubs—targeting varied consumer appetites and price points, a trend emphasized by industry observers in the period’s market analysis.
According to AOFI, the current landscape includes approximately 13,500 fitness clubs across Russia. This figure signals a mature market with a wide geographic footprint, where operators range from neighborhood gyms to national chains and specialized studios, all competing for memberships and recurring revenue streams in a price-sensitive environment, as discussed in the market briefings.
Brazilian-born legal expert Maria Spiridonova, formerly associated with the Russian Bar Association, commented on a developing tax incentive for fitness club subscriptions starting in 2023. The statement indicates that taxpayers may qualify for deductions related to fitness spending, with a maximum benefit of 120,000 rubles. The effective deduction is 13 percent of eligible expenses. The specialist explained that this deduction is not isolated; rather, it is bundled with other social deductions such as medical treatment and education, a framing that could influence consumer budgeting and subscription decisions for many households in distinct tax circumstances.