Overview
- Uses statistical data to provide a framework for cross-national comparison
- Presents an up-to-date portrait of the characteristics of the fitness sector in different European countries and examines the diversity of fitness in Europe
- Includes case studies by researchers from different European countries
Access this book
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Other ways to access
Table of contents (19 chapters)
-
Front Matter
Keywords
About this book
This book explores the rise, size and shape of the European fitness industry by using harmonised data as well as in-depth analyses of national surveys in fifteen European countries. Following an introduction to the socio-historical and conceptual aspects of fitness, the collection presents the scope of fitness as a business and participatory activity. Furthermore, both policy and governance issues as well as community and supply angles are considered.
Drawing on this unique material, the book will appeal to students and scholars of sport business, sport economics, sport management, and social sport sciences, but also to administrators, policymakers and entrepreneurs in the international and national sport and health community.
Reviews
“This comparative survey outlines a convincing and updated scenario of the European fitness system. The research describes effectively the variety and complexity of a social, economic and cultural environment still too little investigated despite its demographic dimensions. In this way it offers an unprecedented overview of European sports and physical-motor practice intended as a new right of citizenship.”
– Nicola Porro, Professor of Sociology, University of Cassino & Southern Lazio, Italy
“Fitness is a major social phenomenon in contemporary societies and a very dynamic one. This book charts the rise and development of fitness contributing greatly to its knowledge and appreciation.”
– Roberta Sassatelli, Professor of Sociology, University of Milan, Italy
“This collectionprovides a comprehensive, comparative account of the historical development and sustained boom of the global fitness and health club industries. The evidence-led chapters examine trends in fitness participation, provision and governance across fifteen European case studies. This is an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners alike, offering critical insights into the past, present and future of physical fitness.”
– Jennifer Smith Maguire, Professor of Cultural Production and Consumption, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Editors and Affiliations
About the editors
Jeroen Scheerder is Professor in Sport Policy and Sport Sociology, and Head of the Policy in Sports and Physical Activity Research Group at KU Leuven, Belgium. He was President of the European Association for Sociology of Sport (EASS), and currently acts as Promotor-coordinator of the Policy Research Centre on Sports on behalf of the Flemish Government.
Hanna Vehmas is Senior Lecturer in Sport Sociology and Sport Management at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Currently, she acts as the Secretary General of the European Association for Sociology of Sport (EASS).
Kobe Helsen is Scientific Researcher within the Policy in Sports and Physical Activity Research Group at KU Leuven, Belgium. His main research interests are in the field of the societal impact of sport events and governance issues in local football clubs and sport federations.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: The Rise and Size of the Fitness Industry in Europe
Book Subtitle: Fit for the Future?
Editors: Jeroen Scheerder, Hanna Vehmas, Kobe Helsen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53348-9
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-53347-2Published: 02 October 2020
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-53350-2Published: 03 October 2021
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-53348-9Published: 01 October 2020
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XLIII, 470
Number of Illustrations: 11 b/w illustrations, 42 illustrations in colour
Topics: Sociology of Sport and Leisure, Sports Economics, Social Policy, Health Policy